Twenty-Fourth Session of the Universal Periodic Review, Geneva,18 to 29 January 2016
The UK delivers its statement on the Universal Periodic Review of Paraguay, 20 January 2016.
The UPR takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
Thank you, Mr President.
We thank Paraguay for its presentation and for engaging with the UPR process.
We have two recommendations for Paraguay:
- To pass legislation prohibiting discrimination, including comprehensive prohibitions against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
- To undertake measures to prevent high incidence of early pregnancy, including comprehensive sexuality education in schools and access to services in support of sexual health and reproductive rights.
We welcome the creation of the National Preventive Mechanism through Law 4288 as an independent institution to impartially investigate all credible allegations of torture.
The United Kingdom strongly believes in upholding the principles of equality and non-discrimination. Whilst we welcome efforts by the legislature to address discrimination we urge the adoption and implementation of an anti-discrimination law that adheres to international human rights standards.
We would be grateful for more information on human rights training provided to police and military units, including the Joint Task Force (FTC) operating against criminal groups in the north of the country.
The United Kingdom encourages Paraguay to continue to work to address all forms of violence against children, including rape, and to protect their mental and social well-being.
Thank you, Mr President.