A/HRC/37/9 61. New Zealand highlighted the fact that the national mechanism for the prevention of torture was still not operational. It voiced concern about the prevalence of gender-based violence and the legal status of the death penalty, while commending the country’s efforts to abolish it. 62. Nicaragua acknowledged the progress made since the previous review, particularly the legislative and political efforts Guatemala had made to combat human trafficking and eradicate racism and racial discrimination. 63. Norway commended Guatemala for the progress made by the Public Prosecution Service to increase justice and reduce impunity. It was concerned about the increased levels of poverty, which particularly affected indigenous peoples and needed to be addressed with coherent strategies. 64. Pakistan appreciated the adoption of the Public Policy for Coexistence and Elimination of Racism and Racial Discrimination. It commended Guatemala for its efforts to address human trafficking, notably the adoption of the protocol for inter-agency coordination on protection and assistance for victims of human trafficking. 65. Panama acknowledged the challenges Guatemala faced relating to organized crime. It commended its efforts to strengthen the human rights legal and institutional framework, and welcomed the national agreement to protect labour rights, including the right to form trade unions. 66. Paraguay raised concern about the high rate of femicide and violence against women, and indigenous women’s vulnerability. It welcomed measures to empower vulnerable groups, promote indigenous women’s rights, prevent domestic violence and promote gender equality, including the increase in the legal age of marriage. 67. Peru commended the efforts of Guatemala to implement the recommendations from the previous review. It highlighted the progress made to combat corruption and impunity and to promote indigenous peoples’ right to health, education and culture. 68. The Philippines commended Guatemala for its efforts to advance women’s rights, encourage their participation in society and promote their empowerment through its Policy on Gender Equality and Promotion of Women’s Human Rights. It welcomed the policies that had been introduced to protect migrants’ rights. 69. Portugal commended Guatemala for its efforts to address violence and insecurity, which had resulted in fewer violent deaths during the previous two years. 70. The Republic of Korea commended the Government for its active role in increasing access to public education and its focus on providing public health services. It welcomed the progress made in judicial reform. 71. Serbia commended Guatemala for its efforts to empower women, particularly rural and indigenous women. It welcomed the adoption of the Policy on Gender Equality and Promotion of Women’s Human Rights, which was in line with international standards. 72. Sierra Leone commended Guatemala for its National Development Plan, its prison reform policy, its efforts to tackle malnutrition through the National Strategy to Prevent Chronic Malnutrition and its Zero Hunger Pact Initiative. Sierra Leone requested information on action concerning Guatemalans of African descent. 73. Singapore welcomed the reactivation of the National Coordinating Body for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Violence against Women. It acknowledged the efforts of Guatemala to improve public health, education, housing and employment programmes and commended its “My Golden Years” programme for the elderly. 74. Slovakia regretted that the death penalty was still legal in Guatemala. It welcomed the road map for the prevention and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, but noted that child labour cases were still being reported despite targeted inspections. 75. Slovenia encouraged Guatemala to implement measures to prevent violence against women and girls and to bring the perpetrators to justice through the allocation of sufficient 7