A/HRC/14/7 7. A new and inclusive State Constitution, recognizing and guaranteeing all human rights, with an emphasis on economic, social, cultural and environmental rights under the principles of solidarity, equality and fairness, has been adopted. It recognizes traditional forms of organization and justice of indigenous peoples. The introduction of specific legislation to comply with the Constitution was delayed by opposition forces in the previous Legislature, but is now being implemented by the new Plurinational Legislative Assembly. 8. New opportunities have arisen for political participation by the various sectors of society. Women now constitute half of the Ministerial Cabinet and are well represented in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. In addition, Afro-descendent leaders and representatives of persons with disabilities have been elected for the first time through the popular vote. 9. The Legislature has already begun to work on the tasks mandated by the people. It is currently reviewing draft legislation aimed at, inter alia, combating corruption and embezzlement and preventing and eliminating all forms of racism and discrimination. 10. In response to demands from civil society and calls for justice made by the victims of the October 2003 repression and their families, Bolivia has begun trial proceedings against former President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada and his collaborators for the commission of crimes against humanity. After decades of neglect, work has begun to exhume the remains of victims of enforced disappearances committed during the past military dictatorship, and to return the remains of those persons to their families. 11. In compliance with observations made by international human rights mechanisms regarding the existence of Guaraní peoples living under contemporary forms of slavery, 150 Guaraní families have been released from bondage. Identity papers have been granted to more than 2,600 Weenhayek, Taipete and Guaraní peoples, and Guaraní families have received compensation payments and lands to ensure their livelihoods. 12. Efforts to build an inclusive State have been accompanied by acts of racist violence against indigenous peoples and human rights defenders, particularly those advocating for indigenous people’s rights, committed by radical groups opposed to the Government, as verified and reported by intergovernmental and non-governmental bodies. The most extreme form of violence occurred at the so-called Pando massacre in September 2008, of which the Human Rights Council has been duly informed. Bolivia reaffirmed its commitment to all victims of violent and racist attacks, indicating that it will ensure that those responsible are punished according to the law. 13. Reference was also made to serious shortcomings in the judicial system and complaints in that regard. Reforms to the justice system to guarantee its independence have been introduced, including within the Constitution. The new Ministry of Institutional Transparency and the Fight against Corruption has also introduced measures to guarantee transparency in public administration and to ensure that acts of corruption are punished. 14. Bolivia stated that it had signed the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and that it would soon be signing the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Bolivia noted that it is also part of the main Inter-American human rights treaties and has established a national human rights institution, the Defensoría del Pueblo, in compliance with the Paris Principles and accredited with “A” status. 15. Bolivia has a strong and vibrant civil society, with which it works hand in hand to promote and protect human rights. Together with civil society, a National Human Rights Action Plan has been developed, with a National Human Rights Council to oversee its implementation. 4