A/HRC/8/37* Page 10 34. The Russian Federation noted that in 2007 the Working Group on mercenaries had recommended to Peru to investigate the death of Peruvian nationals employed in private security companies abroad, and asked whether Peru had undertaken any steps in that regard. It also asked which percentage of the indigenous population did not have identity documents, and how their social rights were ensured. 35. The United Kingdom recognized the progress made in the field of human rights, highlighting the implementation of the recommendations of the TRC, and the bringing to trial of those associated with violence in Peru between 1980 and 2000 (including former President Fujimori). The United Kingdom encouraged Peru to further advance the still outstanding recommendations made by the TRC, particularly those relating to vulnerable groups and institutional reform. The United Kingdom expressed concern regarding initiatives to extend the death penalty’s scope in Peru and recommended that Peru abolish the death penalty. Noting with concern the Supreme Decree (issued 27 April 2008) ending the participation of civil society as observers in Peru’s National Human Rights Council, the United Kingdom stated that civil society plays a crucial role in promoting human rights and ensuring that governmental institutions are held accountable. The United Kingdom recommended that civil society be fully involved in the work to follow up on the review. Welcoming Peru’s ratification of the Optional Protocol to CAT, the United Kingdom noted the Committee against Torture’s concern about over-population, overcrowding, and the lack of medical personnel and court-appointed counsel in prisons. Because these conditions affect the human rights of those detained without trial and erodes public confidence in the judicial system, the United Kingdom asked Peru what steps have been taken to tackle this problem. 36. China noted, inter alia, the establishment of the independent justice system as well as Peru’s national plan for human rights and measures adopted in favour of the rights of indigenous people, vulnerable groups and people affected by HIV. It noted efforts to eliminate discrimination against women, including the establishment of the Ministry for Women and Social Development, and requested further information on the functions of this ministry and on its achievements and challenges. 37. Mexico noted the progress made regarding the participation of women in political life, the legal status of indigenous communities, the review of cases and the imprisonment of people judged by the military tribunals in the period of 1980-2000, and the reestablishment of the competency of the Inter-American Court for Human Rights. Mexico noted the National Plan for the Integrated Reform of the Administration of Justice the implementation of which is not complete and requested information on the main elements of the plan and its expected impact on combating impunity. As regards the elimination of torture, Mexico recommended to Peru to cooperate more closely with the Committee against Torture, particularly by setting up a national complaint registration and investigation system, and to establish a national mechanism for the prevention of torture as determined by the Optional Protocol to CAT. It also recommended the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons against Enforced Disappearance and to undertake legislative reform to criminalize trafficking in persons, in line with the Palermo Protocol. 38. Uruguay noted efforts made to combat impunity, mentioning the recent judicial proceedings against former President Fujimori. Uruguay noted the path of reform undertaken by Peru to strengthen institutions and the establishment of the rule of law initiated by the final report of the TRC. Uruguay expressed concern regarding the situation in the penitentiary system and detention centres and stated that Peru should maximize its efforts to improve the conditions of detention, especially with regard to the prevailing conditions in the Challapalca prison where detainees live under extreme climatic conditions.