A/HRC/17/18 B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 26. During the interactive dialogue, 44 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in chapter II of the present report. 27. A number of delegations thanked the Government of Paraguay for its comprehensive national report, its inclusive preparation, its presentation and the high level of its delegation. Delegations also welcomed the positive steps taken by the country to consolidate democracy and the rule of law. Many States noted the importance of the 2008 presidential elections and recognized the commitment of the administration to the promotion and protection of human rights. 28. Brazil acknowledged the fact that the election of a democratic Government in Paraguay had renewed expectations in the area of human rights. It highlighted the Human Rights Network of the Executive, the Human Rights Plan, the HIV/AIDS National Programme and the cash transfer programme “Tekoporã”. Brazil noted that it was working in partnership with Paraguay on a process of regularization of the Brazilian community, recovering the dignity of up to 8,000 people. Brazil was concerned about the high poverty levels, gender violence, pay gap between men and women, use of torture in prisons, child labour and domestic workers’ vulnerability. Brazil made recommendations. 29. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela acknowledged the commitment of Paraguay to human rights. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted its challenges on domestic violence and highlighted several gender programmes such as the Third National Plan of Action on Equal Opportunities among Men and Women, the Gender Unity of the Electoral Justice Court favouring the inclusion into the electoral lists of 20 per cent of women, and the public awareness campaigns. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela made recommendations. 30. Guatemala congratulated Paraguay on its standing invitations to special procedures. Guatemala noted the plans, programmes and campaigns aimed at strengthening the protection and promotion of human rights, particularly women and children rights, the elderly, health, education, housing, work, migrants and human trafficking. Guatemala encouraged Paraguay to implement the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child; to protect children against trafficking and sale; and to set up its national plan to prevent children and adolescent’s sexual exploitation. Guatemala was concerned about the rights of indigenous people and requested information about the measures adopted to support indigenous people. 31. Algeria encouraged Paraguay to go forward in the implementation of the reinforcement plan for the structure of the National Human Rights Network, making appropriate institutional resources available. Algeria also encouraged Paraguay to speed up the works to finalize the national public security policy, where human rights are an essential component, as well as its plan for the reform of the penitentiary system. Algeria made recommendations. 32. The Republic of Moldova acknowledged the visible commitment of Paraguay with human rights, which it could also be seen through the adoption of the main international human rights instruments and its cooperation with international mechanisms. The Republic of Moldova made recommendations. 33. India noted that Paraguay had made significant progress in establishing democratic institutions. India highlighted the establishment of the Truth and Justice Commission and the adoption of a Constitution establishing a pluralistic form of Government. India also welcomed the establishment of the Human Rights Network of the Executive Branch. India stated that meaningful efforts had been made to foster gender equality. However, India 6

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