A/HRC/10/29 this regard. It commended the establishment of a follow-up procedure by the Government, suggesting that it give mid-term updates to the Council. 638. Spain commended Colombia’s special interest in the universal periodic review, its acceptance of more than 60 recommendations, its individual replies to questions put during the review process, its high-level commitment and particularly for the many important voluntary commitments. Spain expressed concern about threats to human rights defenders, particularly against the Colombian Commission of Jurists, and commended the Government for the voluntary commitments made relative to paragraph 91 of the Working Group report. 639. The United States of America welcomed Colombia’s constructive dialogue with non-governmental organizations. It joined the Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders in strongly supporting civil society efforts to use the universal periodic review as a tool for advocacy and accountability. It appreciated Colombia’s voluntary commitment to improve protection for the rights of reporters, trade unionists and human rights defenders, adding that prosecution of crimes against them and establishment of a rule of law environment for their operation would strengthen security and peace in Colombia. It acknowledged the challenges that Colombia faced, particularly violence by illegally armed groups. It called on Colombia to continue confronting violence and abuses in conformity with its human rights and international humanitarian obligations. Welcoming efforts to battle impunity and seek remedies for victims, it encouraged the Government’s commitment to transparent investigations and due process for all accused perpetrators. It recommended that Colombia work to prevent and fully prosecute extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances and forced displacements, and supported efforts to strengthen the national plan for the search for missing persons. 640. Switzerland thanked the Government for its commitment and noted how important it was that the Colombian parliament adopt a law on victims complying with international standards to provide guaranteed access to justice and adequate reparations for all victims, including victims of actions by State representatives. While recognizing the efforts made to combat murder of civilians by members of law enforcement authorities, it supported OHCHR recommendations for greater operational control and for effective, impartial investigations to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. It called for a full investigation of the murder of Edwin Legarda, husband of the indigenous representative Aida Quilque, who had, a few days prior to the murder, participated in the review of Colombia in Geneva. 641. Belgium stated that Colombia had participated constructively in its universal periodic review and hoped the implementation of recommendations accepted by the Government would help improve the human rights situation. It welcomed the decision to accept visits from various special rapporteurs and the commitment to continue cooperating with OHCHR, including in the implementation of recommendations. It acknowledged the steps taken to put an end to human rights violations, but noted that considerable challenges remained. It encouraged the Government to guarantee, in the framework of ongoing legislative proposals, access to justice and the right to reparations in a non-discriminatory manner in conformity with international norms. 642. France welcomed Colombia’s acceptance of the recommendation to ratify the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, encouraging further efforts to enable it to enter into force soon. It regretted that Colombia did not intend to recognize the jurisdiction of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, since this key innovative element would have an important preventive effect. It asked Colombia to reconsider and accept its jurisdiction. It also noted that the fight against impunity should be prioritized and invited Colombia to reconsider its refusal to accept the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court for war crimes. It urged the Government to reconsider its refusal to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. GE.09-17451 191