A/HRC/16/10 58. The delegation expressed appreciation for the recognition voiced by some delegations with regard to the efforts of Honduras to become a party to the core international human rights instruments. Honduras had also been harmonizing its domestic legal framework with international human rights norms and standards. It recognized, however, that there was still much to be done, and the State Secretariat of Justice and Human Rights would have this responsibility. The delegation reported that the National Congress was considering the possibility of abolishing the legislation on states of emergency, as it was incompatible with the Constitution. Article 209 of the Criminal Code, which regulated the crime of torture, was also being reviewed with a view to its harmonization with international human rights standards. Other draft projects currently being studied by the National Congress included the draft law on the judiciary, the Council of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Act. Honduras was also promoting the incorporation of new legal institutions into the domestic legal framework, including the incorporation into the new Criminal Code of crimes recognized under international humanitarian law. 59. The delegation further reported on specific measures taken for the implementation of precautionary measures, as noted earlier. Among these measures was an emergency telephone line to contact the police, as well as additional patrolling by police and police escorts. Honduras again referred to the security situation that was affecting the entire region, owing mainly to its geographic location. 60. Since 28 June 2009, the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Human Rights had dealt with six cases of proven abuse against the media by police and military authorities. Other cases were being investigated. The State was planning a strategy to protect journalists, social communicators and human rights defenders with a view to protecting their lives and physical integrity, as well as ensuring the effective investigation of such offences. Honduras had asked for assistance from other countries to support the investigative functions. 61. The delegation noted that the State condemned any act of violence against women. The Office of the Special Prosecutor for Women was carrying out actions to address the problem of domestic violence. Through the State Secretariat of Public Health, assistance was being provided to victims of sexual violence and also to aggressors, through special programmes involving 18 family counsellors at the national level. The Women’s Institute, through municipal offices, monitored the implementation of the sanctions imposed on perpetrators of domestic violence. The Inter-institutional Commission for the Follow-up and Implementation of the Domestic Violence Law was also trying to solve the problem of violence against women. Honduras had established five shelters at the national level, with the support of international cooperation. However, the protection system needed to be further strengthened. 62. Regarding the promotion and protection of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, Honduras reported that it had provided legal recognition to groups defending the rights of such persons. The Public Prosecutor’s Office had also initiated judicial actions against State agents who had committed abuse of power, discrimination and murder attempts against members of those communities. 63. With regard to indigenous groups and Afro-Honduran peoples, legislative measures had been taken to recognize their ancestral rights, and institutions had been created to regulate land tenure. The Office of the Special Prosecutor for Ethnic Groups and Cultural Heritage was currently investigating a series of allegations involving the crime of usurpation and other offences committed against indigenous communities. It was expected that the new State Secretariat to address issues regarding ethnic groups would effectively ensure the monitoring of the relevant provisions contained in the Constitution and the law. 10