A/HRC/37/9 87. Argentina welcomed the ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled. 88. Armenia appreciated the voluntary submission by Guatemala of midterm reports and the adoption of the Public Policy for Coexistence and Elimination of Racism and Racial Discrimination, as well as the steps taken to reduce malnutrition, especially in rural areas, and to establish protection mechanisms for vulnerable groups. 89. Australia welcomed the progress Guatemala had made to ensure gender equality and improve the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. It was concerned by reports of a lack of independence of the judiciary, that women and transgender and transsexual persons faced violence, and that human rights activists faced threats and were heavily penalized. 90. Azerbaijan commended Guatemala for its commitment to the universal periodic review process, the progress achieved since the previous cycle and its constructive cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. 91. Bahrain noted with satisfaction the implementation of the Zero Hunger Pact Initiative, but voiced concern at the spread of violence against women, racism and discrimination, particularly against indigenous and Afro-descendant women. It called on Guatemala to swiftly resolve that issue. 92. Belgium acknowledged that Guatemala was taking positive steps to implement the recommendations it had accepted during its second review. However, further progress could be achieved to prevent and address violence against women and in the fight against impunity. 93. The Plurinational State of Bolivia welcomed the Inter-agency Forum and the national consultations that had been held with civil society organizations. It expressed concern about the lack of consultation with indigenous peoples, and the obstacles for them to access their rights. 94. Burkina Faso congratulated Guatemala for the progress it had made since the last review. However, several challenges remained, particularly in the areas of security, justice, violence against women and the rights of children and indigenous peoples. 95. Canada urged Guatemala to fulfil its commitment to reduce chronic malnutrition by 10 per cent, including through the development of a comprehensive policy to address food insecurity. It welcomed the Constitutional Court ruling that the death penalty was unconstitutional. 96. Chile expressed concern about the fact that indigenous peoples continued to be victims of racial discrimination, inequality and exclusion and that, as long as inequalities between men and women persisted, indigenous women would experience double discrimination. 97. Costa Rica stated that, despite the measures that had been taken, chronic malnutrition among children, particularly in rural areas, continued to be widespread. It also expressed concern about discrimination against indigenous peoples. 98. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the adoption of legislative and institutional reforms with a view to protecting and promoting human rights in the country. It encouraged Guatemala to continue its efforts in the field of human rights. 99. Denmark stated that protecting the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls was of paramount importance. It noted that Guatemala had established a national mechanism for the prevention of torture, which was, however, not yet operational. 100. Ecuador welcomed efforts to implement the recommendations from the second review cycle, particularly the adoption of the Institutional Strategic Plan 2017–2021, aimed at ensuring the coordination of public policies and national legislation in order to consolidate the development and strengthening of national institutions. 9