U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Paraguay

38th session, May 5, 2021

As Delivered by Sean Mariano Garcia

The United States welcomes the Paraguayan delegation to the UPR working group.

We recommend that Paraguay:

1. Implement a transparent and participatory method of selecting the Human Rights Ombudsman to advocate for transparency and independence in judicial processes and to ensure effective investigation into human rights violations and the prosecution of perpetrators.
2. Protect the right to freedom of expression for members of the press by prosecuting assaults against journalists, providing licenses to independent outlets, and supporting unions for journalists.
3. Defend environmental commitments by titling communal lands and strengthening implementation of environmental laws such as the Zero Deforestation Law.

We commend Paraguay’s progress on disability rights and civil society engagement and look forward to further progress. However, we remain concerned about systemic corruption, impunity, and limitations on judicial independence.