A/HRC/22/8 50. The Plurinational State of Bolivia highlighted legislative progress to prevent violence against women and the adoption of the Law against Femicide and Other Forms of Violence against Women and the Law against Sexual Violence, Exploitation and Human Trafficking, noting that the progress had enabled Guatemala to reform its Criminal Code. The Plurinational State of Bolivia made recommendations. 51. Brazil noted measures to follow up on recommendations. It also noted the signature of and intention to ratify the OP-CAT, the Presidential Commission against Discrimination and Racism against Indigenous Peoples and the programme to defend indigenous women. Brazil welcomed the Zero Hunger Pact and encouraged Guatemala to ensure policy effectiveness. Brazil made recommendations. 52. Canada noted steps taken by Guatemala to adopt measures to protect human rights defenders and requested an update on efforts to improve their ability, as well as that of justice officials and administrators, and journalists, to safely carry out their activities. It commended the Government’s prioritization of the most critical issues and its ensuing actions. Canada made recommendations. 53. Chile noted progress in ensuring enjoyment of human rights, particularly in the framework of social policies. It welcomed institutional coordination by establishing mechanisms to disseminate human rights. It commended the efforts made on public security with a human rights approach, which was a very complex issue. Chile made recommendations. 54. China appreciated the constructive approach of Guatemala to UPR. It commended the three major national pacts, the adoption of CRPD, support for women victims of violence and social programmes for the poor. China understood the challenges facing the Government and hoped that the international community would provide support. China made recommendations. 55. Costa Rica welcomed the ratification of the Rome Statute, CRPD and OP-CAT. It acknowledged the State’s commitment to the universal human rights protection system, the national mechanism against torture and its cooperation with the National Commission on Impunity. It was concerned over high levels of violence and inequalities facing indigenous peoples. It asked what was the State’s position on the death penalty and accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (ICCPR-OP 2). It made recommendations. 56. Cuba commended significant human rights progress. It highlighted the strengthened institutions, including the Ministry of Social Development. It commended steps to combat gender-based violence; progress in economic, social and cultural rights; prioritizing of the fight against poverty; programmes on rights to food, education and health; and efforts to protect indigenous peoples’ rights, particularly women’s literacy. Cuba made recommendations. 57. The Czech Republic highlighted the issue of human rights defenders and requested information on Government cooperation with civil society to raise awareness of the importance of human rights defenders. It welcomed the adoption of the Law against Femicide. It made recommendations. 58. Ecuador acknowledged the State’s significant human rights progress and implementation of UPR recommendations. It highlighted the adoption of the Rome Statute; CRPD ratification; the adoption of the Law on the National Mechanism to Prevent Torture, the Law against Femicide and the Law against Sexual Violence, Exploitation and Human Trafficking; and the Guatemalan Social Development Policy to alleviate poverty. Ecuador made recommendations. 9