A/HRC/29/16 35. The delegation reiterated that the Constitution strictly prohibited torture and mistreatment of detainees and inmates, and that the Government had publicly condemned abuse and torture and had repeatedly demanded that any such allegations be expeditiously investigated and action taken. In 2014, several police ranks had been brought before the courts, including for abuse and torture in lock-ups. Additionally, in an effort to strengthen its investigative capacity, the Police Complaints Authority would be establishing its own investigative unit in order to conduct investigations independent of the Guyana Police Force. 36. As a result of major disturbances in July 2012, which resulted in three protestors being shot, a commission of inquiry had been set up. Although the commission had been unable to find that it was the police who had shot the protestors, it recommended that compensation be provided for those who had suffered losses in the violence and that the police protocols with regard to public order and safety be reviewed and amended. The Government and the Guyana Police Force had implemented those recommendations. 37. The delegation reported on efforts to improve conditions in police lock-ups and prisons, highlighting the 2014 strategic plan on the renewal and reconstruction of the Guyana Prison Service and the appointment of a visiting committee for each prison (provided for under the Prison Act) to monitor prison conditions. 38. The delegation expressed conviction that the constitutional rights commissions in Guyana formed a critical component of the protection of human rights. In accordance with legislation, the commissions were to be funded by a direct charge upon the Consolidated Fund, in compliance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (Paris Principles). However, until such time as the umbrella Human Rights Commission was appointed, in compliance with the Constitution, Guyana, regrettably, would not be fully compliant with the Paris Principles. 39. With regard to the special procedures, the delegation reiterated the readiness of Guyana to continue to respond to invitations and to offer full collaboration with mandate holders. 40. Positive achievements had been tempered and sometimes overshadowed by the political situation that had emerged since the November 2011 elections. The ruling party had one seat fewer than the two opposition parties combined, and the tenth Parliament had witnessed the reduction of the annual budgets by the opposition majority, which had a major impact on the implementation of the national development agenda. Following a noconfidence motion in 2014, the President announced elections, which would be held on 11 May 2015. 41. Guyana had made significant efforts to meet most of the commitments it had made in 2010, despite the many challenges associated with small developing States. Such challenges included climate change and the imposition of the “graduation” policy, using the narrow measure of gross domestic product per capita, which would see countries like Guyana losing concessionary financing. Notwithstanding those challenges, Guyana would continue to make efforts to support the role of the United Nations human rights system, including the UPR, within available means and prevailing conditions, even as it strove to continuously improve the lives of its citizens. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 42. During the interactive dialogue, 54 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 7