U.S. Statement at the UPR of Peru
14th Session
November 1, 2012
Note: An abbreviated version of this text may have been delivered at the Universal Periodic Review due to time constraints.
The United States warmly welcomes H.E Dr. Henry Jose Avila Herrera and the Peruvian delegation to the UPR Working Group.
We commend Peru for demonstrating commitment to the UPR process by accepting and implementing critical recommendations made in the first round. We are encouraged by the adoption of the law on Prior Consultation of Indigenous Peoples and efforts to improve human rights conditions, including the establishment of the Vice-Minister-level Office for Human Rights.
We remain concerned about violence against women and girls, including rape, spousal abuse, and sexual, physical, and mental abuse. Insensitivity on the part of law enforcement and judicial authorities toward female victims contributes to a societal attitude of permissiveness toward violence. Peru’s inclusion of femicide in the criminal code is an important step forward.
We applaud Peru for approving the National Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in October 2011. However, conviction rates are still very low, particularly for forced labor crimes, and dedicated shelters and specialized services for trafficking victims are needed. Additionally, we are concerned about rates of child labor in violation of international standards, which are particularly high among indigenous children. We are also concerned that anti-union discrimination continues.
Bearing in mind these concerns, the United States makes the following recommendations:
- Sensitize law enforcement and judicial authorities toward gender-based violence and increase protection and support services, including prescribing protective measures, for female victims of violence.
- Improve coordination on TIP investigations, increase funding for TIP victim services, implement programs to combat the worst forms of child labor and forced labor, and effectively enforce national labor laws, including laws related to freedom of association.
- Ensure timely prosecutions of human rights cases before the National Criminal Court and that all alleged violations of human rights, including labor rights, are investigated and prosecuted by the civilian justice system.