A/HRC/21/4 55. Ecuador noted that as a result of a referendum, a restructuring programme of the judiciary was under way. Ecuador noted that there was absolute independence of the judiciary. 56. Regarding comments made by Belgium, Canada and Costa Rica on the freedom of expression and the press, the delegation wished to clarify that in Ecuador there was currently not a single journalist detained. Public official media and private agencies were not stigmatized verbally or physically, nor had any equipment been confiscated. Ecuador was indeed trying to develop the work of journalists, guaranteeing the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression. 57. On the law on contempt, Ecuador noted that the current Criminal Code dated back to 1938. For that reason, it had presented to the Assembly a new integral code. The code not only included new crimes, in accordance with the current needs of Ecuadorian society, but also established more efficient processes. With regard to the law on contempt in the new Criminal Code, Ecuador indicated that it had eliminated that law in the new legislation that was being promulgated. 58. On the issue of children of refugees, Ecuador noted that it was a pioneer and a model in terms of refugee status. Refugees did not live in Ecuador in tents or camps, and were fully integrated in the economy and the society. The country provided significant resources for the refugee population and was grateful for the assistance of the international community to UNHCR. Ecuador had been publicly recognized by UNHCR for its support and assistance to the refugee population. 59. With regard to the visit by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression, Ecuador reiterated that it had a standing and open invitation to all international and regional special procedures mechanisms to visit the country. Ecuador had already agreed with the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression to visit Ecuador this year. 60. Ecuador further thanked delegations for comments made on the sovereign participation of Ecuador in the work of the Human Rights Council. 61. France welcomed the ratification by Ecuador of core international human rights instruments and its standing invitation to the special procedure mechanisms. France expressed concerns regarding freedom of expression and the persistence of child labour and violence against children in Ecuador. France made recommendations. 62. Germany was pleased to note that the Ecuadorian Constitution recognized the rights of indigenous peoples. However, it noted that no mechanism had been adopted yet to ensure their right to be consulted. Germany also referred to issues relating to freedom of expression. Germany made recommendations. 63. Guatemala recognized steps made to reduce poverty, unemployment and malnutrition. Guatemala praised Ecuador for its programmes for persons with disabilities, including an assistance programme on which it had a bilateral cooperation agreement with Ecuador. Guatemala thanked Ecuador for sharing good practices in this area. Guatemala further asked how the principle of universal citizenship was defined. 64. The Holy See noted the measures taken by Ecuador to protect the environment and indigenous and Afro-descendants’ rights; and to combat poverty and illiteracy. It encouraged Ecuador to continue its efforts to prevent violent groups from establishing themselves in its territory. The Holy See made recommendations. 65. Honduras noted the programmes to protect the rights of migrants and the initiatives to eliminate child labour and ill-treatment. It asked what practical measures Ecuador had 8