A/HRC/15/14 made in building schools, hospitals and health centres. Chile echoed the concerns expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women regarding domestic violence. Chile made recommendations. 43. Slovenia welcomed Guyana’s efforts aimed at poverty reduction and access to health care, including HIV testing and treatment. Slovenia also noted with satisfaction the resulting increase in life expectancy and the reduction in the infant, under-five and maternal mortality rates. Slovenia also welcomed the Government’s efforts to further protect the rights of the child, requesting additional information about the draft legislation under preparation concerning that issue. Slovenia made recommendations. 44. Nicaragua highlighted Guyana’s ongoing process of reviewing its national policies and its legal framework in order to strengthen democracy and its law and to guarantee the full enjoyment of all human rights. Nicaragua highlighted citizens’ participation and exercise in democracy as one of the principal guarantees for the achievement of an egalitarian society in Guyana. Nicaragua commended the various programmes implemented to make progress towards development, to eradicate poverty and to consolidate its model of participatory democracy. Nicaragua made recommendations. 45. Spain highlighted the existence in Guyana of a de facto moratorium on the death penalty since 1997. Spain made recommendations. 46. France welcomed legislative measures and specific mechanisms for the processing of complaints by victims of police abuse, but remained concerned at reported excessive use of force by the police. France inquired about how Guyana intended to stop that practice and ensure that complaints would lead to impartial investigations and prosecutions of alleged offenders whenever relevant. France noted that courts were continuing to pronounce death sentences, although no executions had taken place since 1997. France made recommendations. 47. Pakistan noted policies aimed at the well-being of Guyanese peoples in all spheres, particularly food, housing, water, social security, health, education and culture. Pakistan also noted Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy, which offered a sustainable development model while contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions globally. Pakistan appreciated consultation with national stakeholders on all Government policies, an important feature of governance in the country aimed at maintaining visibility, accessibility, transparency and accountability. Pakistan asked about the status, competence and composition of the five human rights commissions established under the revised Constitution. Pakistan agreed with the principle that the exercise of each freedom comes with certain responsibilities, noting that the Guyanese Constitution provided for certain limitations on freedom of expression. Pakistan made recommendations. 48. Bolivia (Plurinational State of) appreciated the participatory and inclusive model of governance currently promoted by the Government. It highlighted the positive measures adopted to eliminate hunger and promote food security while bearing in mind a sustainable environment. It noted the considerable efforts made to eradicate poverty, which had reduced maternal mortality and increased life expectancy. Bolivia inquired about Guyana’s experience relating to cultural, ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity. Bolivia encouraged Guyana to recognize all rights of indigenous peoples, notably by amending the Amerindian Act of 2006 to include the right to land. Bolivia made recommendations. 49. Canada noted with appreciation Guyana’s efforts to reduce youth unemployment, such as the Single Parent Assistance Programme. However, it noted with concern reports of the excessive use of force by security forces and the recent documented torture of 15-yearold Twyon Thomas by police officers. Canada also expressed concerned about alleged murders and extrajudicial killings allegedly committed by members of the armed forces and the “Phantom Squad”. Canada made recommendations. 9