A/HRC/29/16 the pending debates on the follow-up to the UPR recommendations, given the prorogation of the Parliament. 54. Nicaragua highlighted the commitment of the Government of Guyana to combat discrimination against minority groups, indigenous peoples, women and children, and welcomed the increased participation of women in public administration and the reforms to the laws on domestic violence. 55. Norway raised concerns regarding the high level of impunity for violence against women and children and the use of excessive force by the Guyana Police and Defence Forces. It took note of the country’s commitment to promote indigenous peoples’ rights and the establishment of the Indigenous Peoples Commission to address discrimination faced by Amerindian children. 56. Panama urged Guyana to offer a standing invitation to the special procedures mandate holders, particularly to the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, a recommendation that Guyana had accepted in the context of its previous examination. 57. Paraguay welcomed the approval of the law on sexual offences, while expressing concern about the levels of physical and sexual violence against women and girls. It expressed concern that Guyana maintained the death penalty for several criminal offences, and encouraged it to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. 58. The Philippines lauded the ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, as well as CRPD and two Optional Protocols to CRC. It noted the remarkable progress in ensuring access to universal primary education, gender equality, women’s empowerment and the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act and Sexual Offences Act. 59. Portugal welcomed the ratification of CRPD. It raised concerns about the inclusion of the death penalty in the legislation of Guyana. 60. Romania noted the efforts made to improve the human rights situation in the country and acknowledged the concrete measure and results. It encouraged Guyana to pursue its work on improving the protection and promotion of human rights. 61. The Russian Federation noted with satisfaction steps taken to implement a number of international agreements, including those to combat human trafficking for sexual and labour exploitation. It expressed its appreciation for efforts to carry out legislative and judicial reforms to improve the system of administration of justice. 62. Singapore welcomed the efforts of Guyana to invest in the health sector and noted that it was implementing the Maternal, Perinatal Strategy and Integrated Child Health Strategy 2011–2015. It also commended the achievements of the National Housing Programme. 63. Slovenia welcomed the implementation of two of its first-cycle recommendations. It continued to call for a complete abolition of the death penalty, and expressed regret that consensual homosexual relations continued to be criminalized. It reiterated its past recommendations, namely, Nos. 70.29, 70.39 and 70.49. 64. South Africa welcomed progress in the development of a national food and nutrition security strategy, the development of the draft sexual and reproductive health policy and the implementation of the country’s poverty reduction programmes. It encouraged Guyana to continue all efforts towards promotion, protection and fulfilment of all human rights. 9