A/HRC/8/52 page 110 the troika members having to work without a set precedent. While underlining that the 10 recommendations in the Working Group report enjoyed Ecuador’s support, Italy also noted Ecuador’s commitment by presenting, before the adoption of the final report, voluntary pledges and its willingness to provide concrete follow-up. The spirit of cooperation and consensus among all involved parties and the result of having the final acceptance of all recommendations were remarkable. Italy highlighted the value of all recommendations, whether they are accepted or not, and their usefulness for an open and transparent process, even when they represent different positions. Moreover, countries had the opportunity to address specific issues which had not been included in the section containing the conclusions and recommendations of the Working Group report, during the adoption of the report. All countries enjoyed the freedom to decide which recommendations to accept, including those that could be problematic for others. The review of Ecuador will provide the road map for its policies in defending and promoting human rights. 226. Brazil praised Ecuador’s constructive, open and committed approach throughout the process and the national report submitted at the Working Group and the results of its review process. Brazil recognized the commitment demonstrated by Ecuador in the plenary session by highlighting its voluntary commitments in the framework of the review. Brazil strongly welcomed Ecuador’s commitment regarding 48 issues under 15 thematic areas, including the harmonization of national law in relation to international norms, women’s rights, children’s rights, and the collective rights of African-Ecuadorians and indigenous peoples. It also commended Ecuador on its political will to face human rights challenges. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 227. Latin American Committee for the Defence of Women’s Rights (Cladem), in a joint statement with Action Canada for Population and Development, the Federation for Family Planning, and the International Women’s Rights Action Watch, highlighted the very positive attitude of the delegation of Ecuador during the review, its openness and cooperation with civil society, including its participation in the National Direction for Women. With regard to the ongoing adoption of a new constitution and draft laws, Ecuador should take into account women’s rights, in particular recommendations and voluntary commitments on gender and the eradication of violence. It advised to maintain in the Constitution the protection of women, especially women at work, in order to allow them to free and responsible decisions regarding their reproductive and sexual life, and the recognition of non-paid domestic labour. In addition, paternity leave is another step in the right direction to promote gender equality in the family. Finally, it would be important to promote commissions on women and family rights in the Amazon region, which is disadvantaged with respect to the rest of the country. 228. Comisión Jurídica para el Autodesarrollo de los Pueblos Originarios Andinos stated that in Ecuador there are large tracks of virgin lands, both in the Amazon and the Andes regions, and a very rich biodiversity. Both young and adult persons have a special relation with this land, which they have occupied since time immemorial and which allows them to survive, and to revive their own identity in the exercise of their collective rights. Illegal action taken by oil companies and other firms violates the rights of these peoples. The State must reaffirm the constitutional rights of indigenous peoples, as the present situation appears inappropriate to promote the highest level of implementation of their rights and to ensure their participation to civil life. It therefore suggested to include a further recommendation which would reflect Ecuador’s commitment to