A/HRC/8/37* Page 6 Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) with the Ombudsman’s actions on behalf of indigenous peoples. Algeria asked Peru to indicate its role in improving the situation of indigenous peoples and recommended that Peru continue to improve the situation of indigenous peoples. 16. The Philippines expressed its hope for more concerted efforts and political will and unity to give effect to the recommendations of the TRC. The Philippines noted the establishment of the Ombudsman’s Office specializing in children’s affairs, an action plan for children and adolescents, a national mental health and culture of peace strategy and the consistent advocacy for the rights of indigenous peoples. It also noted that death sentences had not been issued recent years and urged Peru to continue this trend. Elaboration was requested on additional measures aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination, violence against women and trafficking in human persons. The Philippines encouraged Peru to continue paying attention to the promotion of human rights of vulnerable groups. 17. The Republic of Korea noted the Office of the Ombudsman’s “A” status accreditation in 1999 and 2007, and recommended that Peru continue to cooperate with the activities of the Ombudsman and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It noted Peru’s delay in reporting to CERD, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) and the Human Rights Committee, and enquired if there are any particular difficulties preventing the compilation of information for the reports. 18. Canada stated that implementing recommendations of the TRC would strengthen human rights and combat impunity. Canada recommended that efforts be intensified to act upon the recommendations of the report. Canada noted reports of complaints of torture by police, military and prison officials and reports of reprisals against those reporting these cases. While recognizing the investigations of these cases and progress being made in repealing amnesty laws and bringing proceedings against officials for the acts of torture, Canada noted that the Committee against Torture expressed concern in 2006 regarding the length of the proceedings and the jurisdiction of the military criminal courts not in compliance with international obligations. Canada recommended that Peru adequately investigate all reports of acts of torture and ill-treatment, and of torture and forced disappearance perpetrated by State agents, ensuring that the military criminal justice system does not carry out these investigations. It also recommended ensuring that efforts are made to protect those reporting from reprisals, as well as the implementation of recommendations of the Committee against Torture. Further to the recommendation by the Committee against Torture, Canada recommended that Peru continue to take measures to address the issue of prison crowding and conditions, including providing prisoners with access to medical staff and court-appointed counsel. 19. Colombia enquired about the composition and extent of the functions of the National Human Rights Council. Columbia requested details, developments and the results of Peru’s census of rural populations affected by violence entitled The Route to Peace. Regarding the fight against discrimination and inequality, Columbia enquired about the involvement of civil society in the National Human Rights Plan. 20. Chile noted the creation of the Executive Secretariat of the National Human Rights Council, the Ombudsman’s Office and the Constitutional Tribunal. It particularly noted the efforts of the Ministry for Women and Social Development regarding gender and women’s issues and encouraged Peru to continue to implement its policies, plans and services to protect the advancement of women and to protect them against violence. Chile also noted the National Plan of Action to Eradicate Forced Labour, suggesting that this issue continue to be given priority and requested information on additional measures being taken towards its elimination. Chile also called