A/HRC/17/2 691. Cuba acknowledged the efforts and actions of the truth and justice commission, as well as the fact that Paraguay had not approved an amnesty law for crimes committed under the dictatorship. It welcomed the progress made in the fight against poverty and the continued increase in social investment. While recognizing the progress made in guaranteeing free universal public health services and in literacy, Cuba noted the remaining challenges in unemployment, which was higher in the indigenous population. Cuba commended Paraguay for having accepted the recommendations, including, in particular, those made by Cuba. 692. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) noted the constructive engagement of Paraguay with the universal periodic review mechanism; it had provided specific information on issues raised during the dialogue, a fact that reflected the commitment of the Government of Paraguay to the promotion and protection of human rights. It highlighted the efforts made by Paraguay in the area of women’s rights, the promotion of a gender perspective in all public policies, and the efforts to address gender violence, and encouraged Paraguay to continue to strengthen its gender mainstreaming efforts. 693. The Republic of Moldova commended Paraguay for having accepted all recommendations, including those made by the Republic of Moldova, in particular to take additional measures to improve the low participation of women in decision-making bodies and public life, to continue efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and to ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 694. Morocco underlined the impressive progress made by Paraguay since the advent of democracy in 1989. It welcomed the tireless efforts of the State in the areas of human rights, rule of law and transitional justice, as seen in the establishment of new political and institutional bodies guaranteeing the respect, promotion and protection of human rights. Morocco also welcomed the priority given by the Paraguayan Government to combating poverty and social inequalities. It noted with satisfaction that the recommendation on strengthening efforts in fighting poverty had been accepted by Paraguay. 695. El Salvador commended Paraguay for the openness displayed throughout the universal periodic review and with respect to the commitments made. El Salvador welcomed the progress made in the rights of indigenous peoples and the measures taken to improve their socioeconomic status, which reflected the commitment of Paraguay to complete the construction of a multicultural society based on the principles of tolerance and diversity. It noted the efforts made by Paraguay to establish democratic institutions, such as the creation of the truth and justice commission and the approval of a Constitution establishing a form of pluralistic Government. It also welcomed the establishment of the Human Rights Network and encouraged Paraguay to implement the recommendations associated with the review. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 696. The International Volunteerism Organization for Women, Education and Development expressed its concerns regarding the education of indigenous peoples and of those living in rural areas. It welcomed Paraguay’s acceptance of the recommendations on free education and the improvement of the literacy rate in indigenous and rural areas, but remained concerned by the fact that only 41 per cent of adolescents between the ages 15 and 17 years had access to secondary school. It also referred to other issues of concern, such as deficiencies in infrastructures, the lack of teaching material, the inadequate qualifications of teachers, and bilingual education, which were still to be addressed. It therefore recommended that children belonging to the poorest and most vulnerable groups, be integrated into the educational system, and that measures be taken to improve the quality of education. 186 GE.12-13630