UPR 24th Session, Geneva, January 20, 2016
As delivered by Michele Roulbet
The United States warmly welcomes the Paraguayan delegation to the UPR Working Group. We commend Paraguay’s efforts to strengthen the UPR process by implementing a national database system for recommendations, training government officials on the UPR, and engaging with civil society.
Paraguay has made progress toward improving access for persons with disabilities and we encourage further efforts to broaden access to facilities and services.
We remain deeply concerned by corruption in the public and justice sectors. It undermines access to justice for victims of alleged human rights violations or abuses and can lead to impunity. We note there has been no independent investigation of allegations of human rights violations related to the 2012 law enforcement action at Marina Cue.
We also note the worrying persistence of gender-based violence and violence against LGBTI persons. Journalists are also subject to increased threat and violence.
Bearing in mind these concerns, we recommend the Government of Paraguay:
- Enhance public accountability for the judiciary by limiting political interference, increasing transparency in judicial processes, and ensuring all judicial staff hiring is merit-based.
- Establish greater protections for journalists under threat and ensure prompt investigations of threats, harassment, and crimes against journalists.
- Convene an independent commission to investigate all credible allegations of human rights violations related to the 2012 law enforcement action at Marina Cue.
(end statement)