A/HRC/10/82 Page 8 21. Norway welcomed the high number of human rights treaties ratified by the State. It remained concerned about the situation of human rights defenders, citing also the concerns of the High Commissioner for Human Rights about their vulnerability, and that of trade unionists, journalists and public officials who are stigmatized and often targeted or threatened for their work. Norway recommended that (a) the Government, at the highest level, forcefully denounce attacks against human rights defenders and that State authorities give human rights defenders legitimacy and recognition through supportive statements; and (b) crimes and violations against human rights defenders be effectively investigated and prosecuted, and that those responsible be punished. 22. Argentina acknowledged the State’s efforts in human rights, globally and regionally, highlighting policies to fight paramilitary groups, and welcoming programmes for children recruited by illegal armed groups. It valued the open invitation to special procedures and the increasingly extensive inclusion of civil society in the design and implementation of national policies on human rights. It recognized the establishment of the Observatory for Gender Issues. It applauded that the recently adopted Justice and Peace Law includes principles on the right to truth, justice, preservation of historical memory and collective reparation of victims. Argentina recommended that Colombia (a) consider the possibility of implementing free primary education; (b) consider the possibility of ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance; and (c) accept the jurisdiction of the related Committee. 23. Mexico applauded Colombia for its constitutional and institutional framework on human rights, the relevant international instruments ratified and the transparency with which it identified its human rights challenges and the measures to deal with them. It noted from the reports that the Ombudsman, the State Procurator, the Constitutional Tribunal and the Supreme Court have been key players in human rights, and hoped that the country continues to strengthen these institutions and their independence. It also acknowledged the work of human rights defenders, judges, professors, journalists and unions as vital elements for the functioning of the rule of law. It said it trusts Colombia will not spare any effort to protect and guarantee the rights of victims of forced displacement, particularly women and children. It acknowledged the agreement reached by the Government and civil society on the need for prompt, objective and impartial justice, protecting the rights of victims, those prosecuted and society, to ensure that justice, truth and reparations are met in cases of homicide, massacre, kidnapping, torture and forced disappearances. Mexico recommended that Colombia (a) continue consolidating its policy of total attention to victims and family members of human rights violations, in keeping with international standards; (b) consider withdrawing the declaration regarding article 124 of the Rome Statute; (c) consider the ratification of the Convention for the Protection of all Persons against Enforced Disappearance and (d) the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture; (e) also put into effect the declaration of article 22 of that Convention; and (f) consider the visits by the special rapporteurs on human rights defenders, extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, independence of judges and lawyers, and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Turkey noted that, in spite of its security challenges, Colombia had made steady progress 24. over the years in governance, rule of law and peace. It appreciated the open-door policy pursued in cooperation with international and regional mechanisms, and (a) encouraged the Government to continue its close cooperation with OHCHR. Turkey welcomed the establishment of the victim and witness protection programme under the Justice and Peace Law and (b) encouraged the Government to continue to strengthen this programme and allocate sufficient resources. Turkey recommended that Colombia (c) intensify its efforts to address the issue of impunity. It