A/HRC/29/16 78. Australia welcomed the ratification of CRPD and the accession to the Optional Protocol to CRC on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. It remained concerned that Guyana had not yet implemented its national policy on domestic violence, and noted with concern that Guyana had rejected recommendations to establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty. 79. Botswana commended Guyana for the progress made towards achieving universal primary education and eliminating gender disparity at school. It encouraged Guyana to enhance cooperation with OHCHR to address challenges that it continued to face. 80. Brazil welcomed the fact that the vacant position of Ombudsman had been filled, and underscored the importance of providing the Ombudsman with appropriate funding and staff for the fulfilment of his mandate. 81. Canada asked Guyana to provide information on the measures taken to address challenges to freedom of expression and to prevent and investigate instances of intimidation or violence against the media. 82. Chile acknowledged the efforts Guyana had made to comprehensively strengthen the human rights sector, in particular with regard to respect for civil and political rights. It noted with appreciation that the ratified international instruments had already been transposed into domestic law. 83. China noted that Guyana supported measures to facilitate the reintegration of and free vocational training for trafficked persons. It called upon the international community to increase financial and technical assistance for Guyana. 84. Colombia praised the commitment demonstrated by Guyana in its efforts to implement the recommendations made during the first UPR cycle. It also appreciated the country’s transparent collaboration with the human rights mechanisms. 85. Costa Rica highlighted the ratification of CRPD and Optional Protocols to CRC. It expressed its appreciation for the country’s efforts and achievements in the areas of gender equality and access of women to public elections and positions of power. Costa Rica stressed the negative impact of the use of the death penalty and torture. 86. Cuba noted that Guyana demonstrated its commitment to protecting and promoting human rights. It highlighted the progress made in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women in general, and acknowledged the actions taken to recognize the rights of all Afro-descendants. 87. Denmark expressed hope that concrete steps were under way to honour the commitment made by Guyana to accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and added that the Convention against Torture Initiative stood ready to explore avenues to assist Guyana in advancing that issue. 88. Ecuador commended Guyana for the efforts it had made to implement the recommendations from the first cycle, in particular the ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the Optional Protocol to CRC on the involvement of children in armed conflict and the Optional Protocol to CRC on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. 89. While acknowledging the progress made in the recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights, Estonia expressed disappointment that decisions on mining on lands used by indigenous people could still be taken without the consent of those people. 11