28/5 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - El Salvador

GE.14-24558



Human Rights Council Twenty-eighth session

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

El Salvador

* The annex to the present report is circulated as received.

Contents

Paragraphs Page

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1-4 3

I Summary of the proceedings of the review process ................................................ 5–102 3

A. Presentation by the State under review ........................................................... 5–32 3

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review ........................ 33-102 6

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations ..................................................................... 103-106 13

Annex

Composition of the delegation ......................................................................................................... 24

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its twentieth session from

27 October to 7 November 2014. The review of El Salvador was held at the 2nd meeting on

27 October 2014. The delegation of El Salvador was headed by Carlos Alfredo Castaneda,

Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. At its 10th meeting, held on 31 October 2014, the

Working Group adopted the report on El Salvador.

2. On 15 January 2014, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of El Salvador: China, Ethiopia and the

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of

the annex to resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of

El Salvador:

(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/20/SLV/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)

(A/HRC/WG.6/20/SLV/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)

(A/HRC/WG.6/20/SLV/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Germany,

Liechtenstein, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to El Salvador through the

troika. Those questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The delegation stated that the preparation of the oral presentation was the result of

consultations between different government institutions, coordinated by the Ministry for

Foreign Affairs.

6. The second review has allowed El Salvador to take stock of progress made in human

rights since its first universal periodic review in 2010. The recommendations received and

the voluntary pledges put forward on that occasion had shaped some objectives established

by the Government, which had contributed to the reconstruction of democracy.

7. The progress identified had not prevented the Government from acknowledging that

El Salvador was a country facing several challenges that needed to be overcome before it

attained the full enjoyment of the rights of its people, in compliance with its human rights

obligations.

8. The Government had a firm commitment to work for the strengthening and

protection of human rights as part of State policy and as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.

The new Administration was inaugurated on 1 June 2014, after the Salvadoran people

expressed its will through a democratic exercise. The new Government was working on the

validation of its five-year development plan, as the main guiding public policy tool. As part

of the validation of the plan, the Government had launched a broad public consultation

process, which included the Salvadoran community abroad.

9. The institutional focus of the Government of President Salvador Sánchez Céren was

the strengthening of the structural achievements of recent years, which had improved the

living conditions of sectors of society that had been excluded and impoverished for

decades.

10. During its first universal periodic review, El Salvador committed to ratifying several

international instruments. In that regard, the delegation noted that in 2011, El Salvador had

ratified the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and

Cultural Rights (OP-ICESCR) and in early 2014, it had also ratified the Second Optional

Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the abolition

of the death penalty (ICCPR-OP2). In addition, the Legislative Assembly was in the

process of considering ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), the Convention relating to the Status of

Stateless Persons and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

11. The Executive had also engaged in inter-agency consultations regarding the possible

ratification of other instruments, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT). In

that context, the Government had submitted for the consideration of the Legislative

Assembly a draft piece of legislation to lift the reservation of El Salvador to the

Convention. In addition, the definition of torture had been amended in 2011 to make the

crime imprescriptible and include all acts of torture, as defined by the Convention.

12. Internal consultations were also under way to consider the possibility of becoming a

party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a

communications procedure; the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO) Convention against Discrimination in Education; International

Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions No. 169, 189, 97 and 143; the Convention on the

Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity;

the Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights to Abolish the Death Penalty

and the Inter-American Convention against All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance.

13. At the domestic level, there had been some developments in the construction of a

legal framework that would extend the recognition of the rights of particularly vulnerable

sections of the population and the Government had established some institutions and

mechanisms to monitor human rights.

14. For instance, in June 2014, the Legislative Assembly had ratified the amendment to

article 63 of the constitution to add a clause recognizing indigenous peoples, for whom, in

that framework, policies which respect and develop their identity, world view, values and

spirituality will be set up.

15. Also, after extensive consultations with organizations of persons with disabilities,

the National Policy on Comprehensive Care for Persons with Disabilities had been adopted

in April 2014 and the Legislative Assembly was debating the possible lifting of the

reservation to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, sign

language had been recognized as an official language.

16. In relation to older people, the Government had carried out a consultation process to

substantially revise the Act on Older People, under a human rights approach. That reform

would soon be introduced in the Legislative Assembly. The delegation added that El

Salvador was a strong supporter of the negotiations for a regional and an international

instrument for the protection of the rights of older people.

17. The fight against poverty and social exclusion were priorities for the Administration.

Since 2009 the Government had established various programmes and measures that were

part of the universal social protection system. In that regard, the Legislative Assembly had

adopted, in April 2014, the Law on Social Protection and Development which established

the right of the whole population to receive a minimum of social public services.

18. In 2010, El Salvador had launched a reform of the national health system, based on

community family health teams, which guaranteed the right to health using a strategy of

providing comprehensive primary health care and which worked directly with families and

communities. The Government had also worked to raise awareness of the importance of

vaccinating children and the whole family.

19. In March 2012, the Legislative Assembly passed a law on medicines, aimed at

ensuring the availability, registration, quality and safety of medicines, promoting fair prices

for medicines and their rational use as well.

20. The delegation also pointed out that El Salvador had already reached the Millennium

Development Goal 5 target related to the reduction in maternal mortality.

21. In relation to people with HIV/AIDS, there was a proposed law for a comprehensive

response to HIV/AIDS which, it is intended, will establish an approach that goes beyond

the consideration of that epidemic as a health problem and contribute to the elimination of

discrimination and stigmatization.

22. On the other hand, El Salvador was committed to protecting the rights of

Salvadorans who had migrated. In that sense the delegation considered as a great

achievement the adoption, in 2011, of the Special Law on the Protection and Development

of Salvadoran Migrants and Their Families. Also, in that context, the Government had

strengthened, as a priority, the consular network since 2009. The delegation informed the

Working Group that, more importantly, in the 2014 elections Salvadorans abroad were able

to vote for the first time.

23. The delegation pointed out that, in June 2014, the migration flow of unaccompanied

children and adolescents toward the United States of America had dramatically increased,

because of false expectations generated by human traffickers, the longing for family

reunification and the lack of opportunities and insecurity in El Salvador. That outflow was

rated internationally as a humanitarian crisis.

24. El Salvador had sought to coordinate efforts to cope with that international

humanitarian crisis with the countries of the northern triangle of Central America. And in

July 2014 the Government had launched an awareness campaign and information about the

risks that unaccompanied children faced when undertaking such a dangerous journey, under

the slogan “Do not put their lives at risk”. The campaign materials were being distributed

and discussed in all schools in the country.

25. The Administration had also signed the Special Declaration on the situation of

Central American unaccompanied migrant boys, girls and adolescents to the United States

and, within the framework of the Organization of American States, El Salvador had

sponsored, along with Guatemala and Honduras, the adoption of a declaration on Central

American unaccompanied migrant children.

26. Public security and peaceful coexistence required the joint efforts of the Government

and the participation of different actors and sectors of society. For that purpose, the

Administration had established, in September 2014, the National Council for Citizen

Security and Coexistence, composed of local governments, the business sector, people with

experience in the field, political parties, the media and the church, in order to promote

dialogue and agreements that would develop into sustainable public policies on the issue.

27. The delegation mentioned that, among the measures to address the security

challenges, El Salvador was a party to the Central American Security Strategy, an

instrument that from a comprehensive perspective guided the coordinated actions on

security adopted by the eight countries in the region.

28. El Salvador had also focused its efforts on fighting crime and corruption and

promoting transparency. Hence, a number of laws had been adopted: Law on Access to

Public Information, Special Law for Intervention Telecommunications, Law against Money

and Asset Laundering, Special Law on the Forfeiture and Administration of Goods of Illicit

Origin or Destination and Government Ethics Law.

29. In addition to that important legislation, the Administration had sponsored the

development of technological tools, such as the portal on transparency and open

government, and the adoption of public policies and mechanisms of social control, such as

accountability of public institutions and citizens’ participation.

30. The fight against trafficking had also been a priority for El Salvador. The National

Council against Trafficking was the body responsible `for the formulation of policies and

the establishment of a political and strategic long-term framework for a comprehensive

approach to trafficking. El Salvador announced with satisfaction that it had already adopted

a Special Law against Trafficking in Persons.

31. Fighting crime was associated with another problem faced by El Salvador: prison

overcrowding. On this issue, the Government had already received a number of

recommendations from the Rapporteur on Persons Deprived of Liberty of the Organization

of American States and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention after their visits in 2010

and 2012 respectively. In addition, the Legislative Assembly was considering a draft law

that would allow the use of alternative technologies to ensure surveillance and attendance

of persons charged in a judicial process.

32. In conclusion, the delegation recalled that El Salvador had been elected to the

Human Rights Council for the first time in its history, which, it added, was an

acknowledgment of the progress and achievements of the country in recent years. El

Salvador was committed to the strengthening of the international system of human rights

and in particular, the full consolidation of the Human Rights Council. El Salvador was

extremely grateful for the trust it had received during the elections to the Human Rights

Council.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

33. During the interactive dialogue, 59 delegations made statements. Recommendations

made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.

34. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted the significant progress made since the

1992 Peace Agreements. It commended the efforts to provide for the poorest families and

for persons with a disability; to combat gender-based violence; and to educate the

population and law -enforcement officers on human rights. It made recommendations.

35. Algeria noted that El Salvador had put in place a constitutional legislative

framework that made human rights one of the main guiding principles of State action. It

welcomed the efforts in promoting the enjoyment of human rights, especially economic,

social and cultural rights, and in providing assistance to victims of the internal armed

conflict. Algeria made recommendations.

36. Angola highlighted the achievements in promoting and protecting the human rights

of women and children and the right to health, and the issuing of a standing invitation to

special procedures mandate holders. It was concerned by the low level of school enrolment

of disabled and indigenous children. Angola made a recommendation.

37. Argentina welcomed the ratification of OP-ICESCR and noted that ICPPED was

under review with a view to ratification. It noted the enactment of domestic legislation on

eliminating discrimination and preventing violence against women. Argentina made

recommendations.

38. Australia congratulated El Salvador on its recent presidential elections and the

introduction of voting for Salvadoran citizens abroad. It also welcomed the moves to

address violence against women. Australia expressed concern at the punitive anti-abortion

laws and at the fact that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) rated El Salvador as

having among the highest incidences of homicide of children. Australia made

recommendations.

39. Bangladesh noted the adoption of the 2011 Act on Equality, Fairness and the

Elimination of Discrimination against Women, and the reform of the Political Parties Act. It

encouraged the measures relating to the family. It emphasized that the treaty bodies had

raised concerns about discrimination against women and socioeconomic disparities,

particularly for migrants. Bangladesh made recommendations.

40. The Plurinational State of Bolivia commended the constitutional changes to

recognize indigenous peoples and the policies to develop their cultural identity. It

encouraged further strengthening of human rights institutions, standards and public

policies. It made recommendations.

41. Brazil noted the ratification of international human rights instruments and the

adoption of a national child protection policy. Noting ongoing challenges, it commended

the progress made in protecting women’s rights, including providing assistance to victims

of violence, and providing reproductive and sexual advice. Further measures should be

taken to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons. Brazil

made recommendations.

42. Canada welcomed the steps taken by El Salvador to address violence against

women. It also welcomed efforts to improve the implementation of national programmes

aimed at fostering children’s rights. However, it stressed the importance of taking measures

to improve the protection of children against violence. Canada made recommendations.

43. Chile recognized efforts to strengthen human rights within a complex context. It

noted the child protection law and the Political Parties Act, which would promote the

political participation of women. Cultural models discriminating against women should be

eliminated, promoting access to judicial protection and combating impunity. Chile made

recommendations.

44. Colombia noted efforts to implement recommendations of the first universal

periodic review. It noted the transparency of the country in collaborating with human rights

mechanisms. Colombia made recommendations.

45. Costa Rica commended human rights improvements, particularly in women’s rights

and the health sector. It expressed concern regarding violence, particularly against women

and children, as a cause of migration and the collapse of the prison system. Efforts to

improve children’s living conditions should be strengthened. It made recommendations.

46. Côte d’Ivoire noted the efforts carried out by El Salvador in implementing the

recommendations of the first cycle of the universal periodic review. It was especially

pleased with the measures taken to combat discrimination against vulnerable persons and to

ensure equality in different areas. Côte d’Ivoire made recommendations.

47. Cuba noted progress in promoting and protecting human rights. It commended the

steps taken to combat discrimination and improve judicial administration and public

security, thereby combating crime and corruption. It noted progress in the area of health.

Cuba made recommendations.

48. The Czech Republic expressed its appreciation for the details on human rights in

El Salvador. It also welcomed steps towards eventual ratification of OP-CAT. It made

recommendations.

49. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea noted achievements in the protection

and promotion of human rights and encouraged further progress in that regard. It took note

of the election of El Salvador to the Human Rights Council. It made recommendations.

50. Ecuador recognized the ratification of OP-ICESCR and the government programme

2014–2019, which would ensure that human rights were used to guide the Government. It

acknowledged public policies on equality, food and nutritional security, health,

environment and education. Ecuador made recommendations.

51. Egypt commended the positive promotion of human rights and the accession of El

Salvador to international conventions, and the consultations with national agencies and civil

society on the possible ratification of other instruments. It requested additional information

on the experience of integrating street children into Salvadoran society. Egypt made

recommendations.

52. Estonia commended the ratification of ICCPR-OP2 and the standing invitation to

special procedures, and encouraged compliance with the requests of the treaty bodies.

Recognizing commitments to free speech, Estonia encouraged further protection for media

workers. It invited steps to prevent violence against women and LGBTI persons and made a

call for the abortion legislation to be amended. Estonia made recommendations.

53. The United States of America noted that insecurity, lack of economic opportunity

and weak governance caused significant population displacement. It recognized the

progress in combating impunity, but noted low conviction rates and corruption. A lack of

respect for the separation of powers and prison conditions were causes for concern. It made

recommendations.

54. Germany welcomed the progress on child labour and encouraged the adoption of a

national plan on that regard. Although the national reconciliation process had advanced, the

human rights situation remained a concern, as reflected in the high rate of child homicide

and the inhumane prison conditions. Germany made recommendations.

55. Ghana applauded the bill to tackle discrimination against persons living with HIV

and to recognize that the issue was linked to the country’s development. It reiterated

concerns raised by the Committee on the Rights of the Child regarding violence against

children, child labour and the possible recruitment of children into gangs. Ghana made

recommendations.

56. Greece recognized the investment in policies and social programmes. It emphasized

that challenges prevailed, especially regarding education. Greece expressed concern

regarding the not yet achieved demilitarization of public security institutions, especially the

police force. It requested information on the ratification of the Rome Statute of the

International Criminal Court. Greece made recommendations.

57. Guatemala welcomed the election of El Salvador to the Human Rights Council; the

ratification of OP-ICESCR; and the constitutional reform to recognize indigenous peoples.

It valued the adoption of legislation on migrants’ rights, gender equality and voting rights

for Salvadorans abroad. It noted the lack of a specific definition of discrimination.

58. The Holy See commended efforts to promote and protect human rights and noted the

determination to protect migrants’ rights and aid their integration, which was particularly

important for women and unaccompanied minors. The initiative to secure proper birth

registration was a positive defence of human life. It made recommendations.

59. Iceland expressed concern at the prohibition and criminalization of abortion, even in

life-threatening cases or cases of rape. The prevalence of gender-based violence was also a

cause for concern and El Salvador was encouraged to ensure the effective implementation

of legislation to protect women. Iceland made recommendations.

60. Indonesia welcomed the measures taken to promote human rights, including the

adoption of legislation aimed at protecting women from violence and discrimination, and

the adoption of the Special Law on the Protection and Development of Salvadoran Migrants

and Their Families. Indonesia made recommendations.

61. Ireland commended legislation to combat gender-based violence, but noted a lack of

resources for its implementation. It noted high levels of gender-based violence, including

on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Impunity for human rights violations

remained a concern. Ireland made recommendations.

62. Italy congratulated El Salvador on the achievement of the Millennium Development

Goal on maternal mortality ahead of schedule. It appreciated the measures taken by the

authorities to improve the enjoyment of the rights of the child, in particular the setting of

the minimum age for marriage at 18. Italy made recommendations.

63. Kuwait welcomed achievements in the fields of employment, social security and

living standards. It commended the steps taken to assist new ventures by coordinating

activities between the Ministry of Economy and the National Commission on

Microenterprises and Small Businesses. Kuwait made recommendations.

64. Lebanon welcomed measures to promote and protect political, social and economic

rights, notably amendments to article 63 of the constitution, which recognized indigenous

peoples, and the establishment of the National Council on Trafficking in Persons. The

efforts taken with regard to OP-CAT were welcomed. Lebanon made a recommendation.

65. Luxembourg noted its partnership with El Salvador. It welcomed the ratification of

ICCPR-OP2 and encouraging results in combating maternal mortality. Gender-based

violence remained a cause for concern, since the measures introduced had scarcely reduced

it. The criminalization of abortion remained another area of concern. Luxembourg made

recommendations.

66. Malaysia welcomed legislative measures on gender-based violence, child protection

and social development, and the achievements in health care, public safety and the rights of

children with disabilities. Legal instruments to combat crime and corruption and the

development of the universal social protection system were also noted. Malaysia made

recommendations.

67. Paraguay welcomed ratification of international instruments, including ICCPR-OP2,

and commended the definition of femicide, measures to protect victims of violence,

promote gender equality and eradicate discrimination against women. It applauded the

constitutional reform for the recognition of indigenous peoples. It encouraged El Salvador

to continue developing its intercultural health policy. Paraguay made recommendations.

68. Montenegro recognized the improved human rights framework, the standing

invitation to special procedures and ratification of OP-ICESCR. The reservation to ICCPR-

OP2 permitting capital punishment under military law was a concern. It asked what

measures had been developed to prevent the torture and ill-treatment of children and protect

them from violence. Montenegro made recommendations.

69. Morocco welcomed the ratification of OP-ICESCR and ICCPR-OP2, the recognition

of indigenous peoples, national efforts on trafficking in persons, the protection of the rights

of members of civil society organizations, the National Commission on the search for

children who disappeared during the internal armed conflict and the strengthened

institutional framework, particularly regarding women’s rights.

70. The Netherlands welcomed the standing invitation to special procedures and the act

to promote women’s rights. While expressing hope that the project of the Central American

Integration System on gender-based violence would make improvements, it noted

continuing discrimination against women and expressed concern regarding the situation of

human rights defenders. The Netherlands made recommendations.

71. Nicaragua noted government initiatives to meet social needs, including health,

education and judicial administration, and to combat gender-based violence and human

trafficking. While challenges remained, it hoped that membership of the Human Rights

Council would provide an opportunity for El Salvador to share best practices and meet its

obligations. Nicaragua made recommendations.

72. Norway congratulated El Salvador on its accession to ICCPR-OP2 and welcomed its

apology and reparatory measures for the events at the massacre of El Mozote. It expressed

concern regarding impunity for violence against women and children and the total ban on

abortion. Norway made recommendations.

73. Spain noted ratification of ICCPR-OP2. It expressed concern regarding gender

inequality and discrimination against women and children. It welcomed the adoption of the

law against gender-based violence, which defined femicide, and the child protection law. It

commended the initiatives to improve the situation of LGBTI persons. Spain made

recommendations.

74. Peru commended the establishment of the National Council on Trafficking in

Persons and the related national policy and political and strategic framework; adoption of

the Act on Social Development and Protection; and the implementation of the vote for

Salvadorans living abroad. Peru made recommendations.

75. The Philippines welcomed the alignment of domestic legislation with international

human rights laws, noting the value of international cooperation for human rights education

in improving human rights mechanisms. It commended the efforts to improve

socioeconomic rights and the anti-trafficking measures, and requested details on their

effectiveness, particularly concerning trafficking in children. It made recommendations.

76. Poland welcomed the introduction of the legislation referring to the protection of

children and adolescents, while raising concerns about the proper implementation of the

current legislation, namely the Child and Adolescent Protection Act of 2009. It noted that,

despite efforts made in combating child labour, progress was still needed. Poland made

recommendations.

77. Portugal welcomed the standing invitation to special procedures, the ratification of

ICCPR-OP2 and OP-ICESCR and the A status of the national human rights institution. It

expressed concern about the gender imbalance in education and requested information on

measures taken. It welcomed steps to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal

Court. Portugal made recommendations.

78. The Republic of Korea acknowledged the progress made by El Salvador, in

particular regarding the standing invitation to special procedures, its National Commission

on the search for children who disappeared during the internal armed conflict and the

successful implementation of the Women’s City Programme. It made recommendations.

79. The Russian Federation noted the progress in human rights protection, the

improvement in legislation, and extended social guarantees. It welcomed efforts to combat

gender-based and domestic violence, legislation to provide public access to the databases of

the executive branch and efforts to protect the rights of Salvadoran migrants, particularly

unaccompanied minors in the United States. It made recommendations.

80. Singapore welcomed the amendments to the Criminal Code to enhance protection of

women and children from domestic violence. It noted positively the creation of the Special

Technical Commission to oversee the implementation of the relevant laws and policies.

Singapore praised the 2011 ministerial decision that listed the hazardous activities not to be

carried out by children and adolescents. It made recommendations.

81. Slovenia inquired about the concrete results from the implementation of the

comprehensive policy to combat violence against women. It requested information on the

adoption of measures to eliminate discrimination against disabled persons, particularly with

regard to medical procedures, where the informed consent of persons with disabilities is

needed. Slovenia made recommendations.

82. Mexico welcomed efforts to sign and ratify international instruments, particularly

consideration of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and the steps taken

to withdraw the reservation to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or

Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), allowing adherence to OP-CAT. It welcomed

the standing invitation to special procedures and the progress made in indigenous peoples’

rights. Mexico made recommendations.

83. Sri Lanka noted initiatives to combat social exclusion and recognize health rights. It

commended the promotion of children’s rights and strategies to prevent violence against

young people. It recognized the efforts regarding women’s rights and noted measures to

prevent gender-based violence in schools. Sri Lanka made recommendations.

84. The State of Palestine welcomed the establishment of a national legal framework to

promote gender equality, eliminate gender-based discrimination and combat violence

against women but expressed concern regarding the continuing discriminatory stereotypes

of women’s roles. It commended measures to protect children’s rights. It made

recommendations.

85. Sweden noted the view of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its

causes and consequences, that the ban on abortion posed risks to women and girls. It

observed that the constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court had failed to rule on the

constitutionality of the national reconciliation law. Sweden made recommendations.

86. Thailand commended efforts to ratify international human rights instruments and

commitments to women’s and children’s rights, noting that those groups continued to be

targets of violence. It noted the positive role of education in preventing young people from

joining criminal groups and offered assistance with health coverage matters. Thailand made

recommendations.

87. Trinidad and Tobago recognized the challenges facing El Salvador in implementing

its human rights programmes and meeting its obligations. It commended the constitutional

reform measures regarding the rights of indigenous persons and the legislation to combat

violence and discrimination against women and children. It made recommendations.

88. Turkey welcomed the act to protect women’s rights, introduction of a centralized

birth registration system and the national health system reform. It expressed concerns

regarding violence against women and the alleged torture and murder of children. It

encouraged efforts to combat poverty, including through its universal social protection

system. Turkey made recommendations.

89. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland applauded ratification of

ICCPR-OP2 and requested that the reservation thereto be withdrawn. It welcomed progress

on health and children’s and women’s rights, and encouraged consistent implementation of

national and international legislation. It suggested improving the treatment of women who

had had abortions or miscarriages and ensuring the protection of records of human rights

abuses. It made recommendations.

90. France congratulated El Salvador on its election to the Human Rights Council. It

asked what new measures would be taken to combat violence against women, which

remained a serious problem, and asked whether El Salvador would consider reviewing the

criminalization of abortion, which it encouraged. France made recommendations.

91. Uruguay welcomed the ratification of ICCPR-OP2 and the legislative progress made

on human rights, including against discrimination based on gender or sexuality, and poverty

reduction. Efforts to combat children’s rights should be strengthened. It commended the

steps taken to eradicate gender-based violence and protect victims, including by defining

femicide. Uruguay made recommendations.

92. Sierra Leone commended the ratification in 2014 of ICCPR-OP2. Noting the efforts

undertaken to promote the rights of the child, Sierra Leone encouraged further measures

and programmes to limit the worst forms of child labour and reduce the incidence of

children joining street gangs. It made recommendations.

93. The delegation of El Salvador stated that in 2009, the Legislative Assembly had

adopted the Law on the Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents. It had also

created a new system to protect children and adolescents, led by the National Council for

Childhood and Adolescence, which also included a specialized justice chamber to protect

children. There were however remaining challenges to protecting children better, to the

extent that such a specialized system would be progressively implemented and the

population made use of it.

94. While it was important to continue making improvements, progress had been

achieved in the education sector. Early childhood was a government priority. As school

attendance was linked to food and children social conditions, programmes ensuring food,

clothing and school supplies had been implemented.

95. Protection boards ensured access to justice for children and adolescents as they

could bring complaints on violations of their human rights directly to them.

96. Corporal punishment was expressly prohibited in the above-mentioned law (arts. 38

and 89).

97. There were ongoing policies and strategies on sexual and reproductive health in

coordination with the Ministries of Education and Health.

98. Children and adolescents had actively participated in the development of policies

affecting them and they were currently involved in developing a five-year plan.

99. El Salvador was committed to the rights of LGBTI people. Executive Decree 56

prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Several measures

had been implemented to ensure access to work without discrimination, education on non-

discrimination, and the safety of LGBTI people.

100. Executive Decree 204 established the National Council of reparation for victims of

human rights violations within the armed conflict context. Progress was being made on

reparations in the fields of health, education and historical memory.

101. The strategy entitled Ciudad Mujer ensured the full access of women to knowledge

and the exercise of their rights, especially those related to a life free from violence and non-

discrimination.

102. In concluding, the delegation acknowledged the second cycle of the universal

periodic review as an opportunity to share achievements on human rights. The

recommendations received would contribute to the protection and promotion of human

rights in the country and would be considered at the moment of defining its priorities.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations**

103. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below

have been examined by El Salvador and enjoy the support of El Salvador:

103.1 Continue the process of ratification of international instruments,

especially in the area of human rights (Côte d’Ivoire);

103.2 Facilitate the completion of existing initiatives to ratify the

international instruments listed in paragraph 7 of its national report (Peru);

103.3 Step up efforts leading to the ratification of the International

Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance; the

Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court; the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture; and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on

the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Ghana);

103.4 Ensure the protection of the Office of Human Rights Advocate from

any interference or external pressure (Portugal);

103.5 Submit its report that has been overdue since 2013 to the Committee

against Torture (Ghana);

103.6 Take additional steps to combat crime, especially that committed by

young people and carry out strategies to protect them (Russian Federation);

103.7 Reduce citizen insecurity in a sustainable, long-term perspective,

addressing the root causes of violence and combating impunity while respecting

human rights (Sweden);

103.8 Take measures to further improve enforcement of existing laws

criminalizing rape and domestic violence, including by thoroughly investigating

and prosecuting all acts of violence against women, and providing targeted

training and capacity-building to law enforcement officials (Canada);

103.9 Adopt measures guaranteeing the protection of women, who are

victims of discrimination and violence on the grounds of their sexual

orientation or gender condition (Argentina);

103.10 Ensure that all cases of gender-based violence are properly

investigated, the perpetrators are brought to justice and that its victims have

better access to justice, health and social services and State support (Czech

Republic);

** Conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.

103.11 Continue and promote the policy of women protection and

empowerment through, inter alia, applying harsher punishments to

perpetrators of the crime of femicide (Egypt);

103.12 End the prevailing climate of impunity regarding violence against

women, by ensuring that such cases are investigated thoroughly, that those

responsible are brought to justice and that survivors have access to justice,

effective remedies and appropriate support services (Spain);

103.13 Adopt a national action plan on the Security Council resolution on

women, peace and security (Portugal);

103.14 Adopt a national plan to protect women against violence (Russian

Federation);

103.15 Continue its efforts to take more concrete measures to ensure the

protection of women against all forms of discrimination and violence (State of

Palestine);

103.16 Put in place more concrete measures to combat violence against

women and children (Thailand);

103.17 Continue efforts to improve the situation of women and combat

violence against women (France);

103.18 Improve the detention conditions of minor offenders, including better

protection against institutional violence, and promote access to education and

rehabilitation programmes to ensure future reintegration in society and full

respect of their rights (Canada);

103.19 Continue its efforts to prevent children from being subjected to

torture and ill-treatment in all circumstances (State of Palestine);

103.20 Genuinely articulate the Child and Adolescent Protection Act (2009),

providing it with the necessary human and financial resources for its effective

implementation at all levels of government (Spain);

103.21 Establish effective measures to implement the Law on the

Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents so as to eradicate the

violence suffered by children, girls and adolescents (Costa Rica);

103.22 Establish indicators to assess and follow up the effective

implementation of the national policy on the protection of children and

adolescents (2013–2023), adopt education policies to prevent dropouts at all

levels and reintegrate deported children (Mexico);

103.23 Put further effort and attention into the prevention of violence

against children, expressly prohibit corporal punishment by law in all settings,

eliminate the worst forms of child labour and prevent children from living in

the street (Estonia);

103.24 Develop a comprehensive policy to prevent violence against children,

including all necessary measures to prevent children from being subject to

torture and ill-treatment, to living and working in the streets and being

subjects to threats and forced recruitment by gangs. (Germany);

103.25 Intensify efforts to eliminate, to a large extent, all possible forms of

violence against children and institute comprehensive policies that guarantee

the rights of children, including children with disabilities, irrespective of gender

(Ghana);

103.26 Further develop and implement comprehensive policies to prevent

violence against children (Turkey);

103.27 Promote measures aimed at preventing child labour and violence

against children, in compliance with the ILO conventions and the other

relevant international instruments (Italy);

103.28 Further strengthen the efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child

labour, especially in the rural areas (Poland);

103.29 Continue its efforts to eradicate child labour in cooperation with

UNICEF and relevant international organizations (Singapore);

103.30 Strengthen its policies relating to children labour and the elimination

of the economic exploitation of children (Trinidad and Tobago);

103.31 Prepare and adopt a comprehensive policy to assist and prevent

children from living in the street (Slovenia);

103.32 Secure the cooperation and full involvement of local government

units and civil society partners in the implementation of anti-trafficking laws

and programmes (Philippines);

103.33 Take further steps to address victims’ rights, including taking

forward reparations for victims of internal armed conflict, and to explore

possible cooperation with United Nations special procedures in that regard

(Germany);

103.34 Properly investigate all attacks against human rights defenders and

prosecute their perpetrators (Netherlands);

103.35 Promote equality between men and women in the labour market,

including, inter alia, equal pay for equal work and the support of domestic care

and tasks (Chile);

103.36 Continue its efforts to improve the standard of living of the

population (Cuba);

103.37 Further progress to overcome the causes of extreme poverty, a major

factor in the cases of juvenile delinquency and human trafficking, especially of

the young by a firm implementation of the 2013 national policy on trafficking

in persons. (Holy See);

103.38 Continue its national housing policy to address the housing shortage

(Kuwait);

103.39 Continue actions to improve the realization of the human right to

water, under the framework of General Assembly resolution 64/292 (Bolivia

(Plurinational State of));

103.40 Make continued efforts for the sustainable development of the health

sector so as to ensure provision of high-quality medical services to all citizens

(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea);

103.41 Ensure that all women and girls have access to sexual and

reproductive health services (Spain);

103.42 Assure women of their rights to safe medical and reproductive health

care (Sweden);

103.43 Intensify efforts to better organize existing infrastructure and

facilities relating to education so as to ensure that all children have equal access

to education in both urban and rural areas (Greece);

103.44 Allocate greater budget to improving educational facilities, especially

in the rural areas, and promote school enrolment at all levels (Thailand);

103.45 Step up its measures in promoting and protecting the rights of

children living in rural areas including through ensuring equal access to

education between children living in urban and rural areas (Malaysia);

103.46 Promote literacy, especially in rural areas, and focus these efforts on

women and girls (Estonia);

103.47 Work on increasing the attendance rate of children at all levels of

education, also with the aim of hampering and weakening the capability of

criminal organizations to attract youngsters in the vicious circle of illegal

activities and violence (Italy);

103.48 Strengthen its efforts to address the discrepancies in access to

education between girls and boys, as well as the high drop-out rates from

schools (Portugal);

103.49 Further develop more inclusive school programmes to ensure better

integration of children with disabilities and indigenous children (Angola);

103.50 Further promote education for children, especially in the rural areas

and at secondary level (Sierra Leone);

103.51 Establish an effective policy to guarantee the implementation of non-

discriminatory sex education throughout the education system and at all levels,

in line with current up-to-date scientific information and from a human rights

approach (Colombia);

103.52 Continue strengthening its institutional framework in conformity

with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Venezuela

(Bolivarian Republic of));

103.53 Continue its efforts in providing the necessary care for persons with

disabilities, including children with disabilities (Malaysia);

103.54 Adopt measures to further the enjoyment of economic, social and

cultural rights by indigenous peoples (Italy);

103.55 Make progress with the qualitative census of indigenous peoples from

El Salvador (Colombia);

103.56 Promote the adoption of a new national migration legislation (Sierra

Leone);

103.57 Enhance efforts to ensure the safety and rights of migrants

(Bangladesh);

103.58 Adopt official procedures to establish the best interests of the child in

all processes, in particular in those referring to immigration and refugees,

using as a guideline, inter alia, general comment No. 14 of the Committee on

the Rights of the Child (Chile);

103.59 Support the ongoing process of protection of children and adolescents

by raising awareness of the ramifications of illegal migration, and provide for

the adequate care and facilities necessary for their repatriation and

reintegration into society (Egypt);

103.60 Implement a national programme to support minors, to reduce the

flows of migration (Russian Federation);

103.61 Cooperate at the regional level to find a solution to the very serious

problem of the growing number of unaccompanied minors from El Salvador

that immigrate to other countries of the region (France).

104. The following enjoy the support of El Salvador, which considers that they are

already implemented or in the process of implementation:

104.1 Continue and improve the efforts to implement the Convention

against Torture (Indonesia);

104.2 Continue the introduction of advanced programmes for ensuring

fundamental rights, especially for vulnerable groups (Democratic People’s

Republic of Korea);

104.3 Continue its efforts to involve relevant stakeholders, including civil

society, as a partner of the Government in promoting and protecting human

rights (Indonesia);

104.4 Develop a comprehensive policy in order to remove obstacles to the

effective implementation of existing laws protecting women and children

(Norway);

104.5 Enforce existing legislation on women’s, children’s and adolescents’

rights (Sierra Leone);

104.6 Continue and strengthen actions put in place to improve the rights of

children and women, and the right to health for all its population (Cuba);

104.7 Continue implementation of the national policy for a comprehensive

protection of children and adolescents for the period 2013–2023 (Algeria);

104.8 Allocate adequate resources for programmes ensuring the full

enjoyment of the rights of children and adolescents (Australia);

104.9 Take all necessary steps towards the full implementation of the

national system of integral protection of children and adolescents, including

through appropriate funding, as provided for in the national policy for the

promotion of the integral protection of children and adolescents (Brazil);

104.10 Promote greater participation and empowerment of young people in

decision-making processes that contribute to the development of the country

(Nicaragua);

104.11 Continue its efforts to eliminate discrimination against women

(Bangladesh);

104.12 Take measures to ensure equal treatment of women in social and

professional areas (Netherlands);

104.13 Intensify its ongoing actions to eliminate discrimination against

women at all levels in the society (Sri Lanka);

104.14 Take specific measures to protect women from being victims of

discrimination and violence, including the promotion of women’s rights

through education and the media, further training of public officials, reduction

in gender inequalities and empowerment of women (Turkey);

104.15 Continue its efforts to eradicate acts of racism and other forms of

discrimination (Bolivia (Plurinational State of));

104.16 Take measures to prevent and punish torture in accordance with the

recommendations of the Committee against Torture (Mexico);

104.17 Join efforts for the appropriate development of the comprehensive

police education system, approved in May 2013, aimed at the effective

promotion and protection of human rights as a mainstream subject (Ecuador);

104.18 Accord a high priority to the implementation of legislation addressing

violence against women (Australia);

104.19. Take all necessary steps to ensure the effective implementation of

legislation seeking to combat violence against women and girls, and take

specific measures to protect those who are victims of violence based on their

sexual orientation and gender identity (Ireland);

104.20 Take all necessary measures to guarantee the full and effective

implementation of laws on the protection of women and girls so as to

strengthen the rights of victims, but also to fight against the impunity of

perpetrators of violence against them (Luxembourg);

104.21 Deploy all necessary efforts to ensure the full implementation of the

Comprehensive Special Law for a Life Free of Violence for Women, adopted in

November 2010 (Uruguay);

104.22 Continue working against violence against women in line with its

national legal framework for equality (Bolivia (Plurinational State of));

104.23 Continue actions to safeguard the physical and mental integrity of

women, in accordance with the continuing awareness-raising campaign on the

legal framework for substantial equality initiated in 2012 (Ecuador);

104.24 Continue to implement legal and administrative measures to protect

women and girls from domestic and sexual violence (Singapore);

104.25 Strengthen the implementation of the Law for Integral Protection of

Children and Adolescents (Germany);

104.26 Consider conducting a campaign to promote awareness of the Child

and Adolescent Protection Act of 2009 and of the mechanisms for access to

justice for children and adolescents (Poland);

104.27 Speed up the process of establishing a special law on trafficking in

persons (Philippines);

104.28 Take the necessary steps to ensure the adoption of new legislation to

counteract human trafficking (Trinidad and Tobago);

104.29 Continue making efforts to prevent and sanction trafficking in

persons (Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of));

104.30 Fully implement the recommendations on human rights defenders it

accepted during the previous UPR, including investigating fully and effectively

violations committed against human rights defenders and journalists and

bringing to justice those responsible (Norway);

104.31 Continue promoting measures against extreme poverty and in favour

of social inclusion (Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of));

104.32 Continue its efforts to fight poverty and social exclusion (Algeria);

104.33 Continue its poverty reduction measures through the universal social

protection system (Kuwait);

104.34 Sustain and promote the Government’s socioeconomic developmental

policies by means of, inter alia, devoting more attention to any possible

discrepancy between urban and rural areas in this regard (Egypt);

104.35 Continue strengthening its education programmes and continue

promoting the sound social policies that ensure the provision of health, food

and social protection goods and services for the benefit of its people (Venezuela

(Bolivarian Republic of));

104.36 Establish mechanisms for consultation with indigenous peoples to

adopt policies and legislation that promote their rights (Mexico).

105. The following recommendations will be examined by El Salvador which will

provide responses in due time, but no later than the twenty-eighth session of the

Human Rights Council in March 2015:

105.1 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance; the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture; the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All

Forms of Discrimination against Women; and the UNESCO Convention on the

Elimination of Discrimination in Education (Portugal);

105.2 Continue to consider signing and ratifying the Optional Protocol to

the Convention against Torture; acceding to the Convention for the Protection

of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance; and signing the Rome Statute of

the International Criminal Court and to implement it by national law

(Uruguay);

105.3 Ratify other important human rights instruments such as the

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

(CEDAW) and CAT facultative protocols (Greece);

105.4 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court as well

as the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of

Discrimination against Women (Poland);

105.5 Continue its efforts aimed at ratifying the Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Argentina);

105.6 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Italy);

105.7 Positively consider ratifying the Rome Statute of the International

Criminal Court (Trinidad and Tobago);

105.8 Continue its efforts to accede to the Rome Statute establishing the

International Criminal Court (Costa Rica);

105.9 Continue its process of accession to the Rome Statute of the

International Criminal Court and take all necessary measures to incorporate it

into its national legislation (Luxembourg);

105.10 Complete internal legal procedures in order to ratify the Rome

Statute of the International Criminal Court (Montenegro);

105.11 Finalize the process of ratification of the Rome Statute of the

International Criminal Court (Portugal);

105.12 Accede to and fully align its national legislation with the Rome

Statute of the International Criminal Court and accede to the Agreement on

Privileges and Immunities of the Court (Estonia);

105.13 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Paraguay);

105.14 Ratify the Optional Protocol to CEDAW (Sweden);

105.15 Ratify the Optional Protocol to CEDAW, which was signed in 2001

(Sierra Leone);

105.16 Ratify the Optional Protocol to CEDAW to provide greater

protection to women (Costa Rica);

105.17 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Republic of

Korea);

105.18 Finalize the procedure of adoption of the Optional Protocol to

CEDAW (Turkey);

105.19 Speed up the process of ratification of OP-CAT and establish an

effective national preventive mechanism for preventing torture (Czech

Republic);

105.20 Ratify the Optional Protocol to CAT (Lebanon);

105.21 Ratify ILO Convention 169 (Paraguay);

105.22 Withdraw the reservation to the Second Protocol to ICCPR and

abolish the death penalty for all crimes (Montenegro);

105.23 Remove all reservations to the Second Protocol to ICCPR aimed at

abolishing the death penalty (France);

105.24 Maintain the separation of powers so that all branches of government

respect the constitutional authority of each other branch (United States of

America);

105.25 Maintain the current legislation, which respects the human person at

all stages of his or her life (the Holy See);

105.26 Strengthen measures aimed at protecting vulnerable persons and

ensure that they have full access to natural resources (Côte d’Ivoire);

105.27 Further strengthen institutional and legislative measures to address

inequality and disparities affecting persons belonging to vulnerable groups

particularly in rural areas, in terms of access to education, health and

employment (Sri Lanka);

105.28 Consider drawing up and implementing a national human rights

programme that addresses comprehensively issues such as public safety and

violence, taking into account all social actors (Nicaragua);

105.29 Promote the drawing up and adoption of a national human rights

plan (Peru);

105.30 Examine the possibility of creating a monitoring system of

international recommendations to facilitate the systematization and follow-up

of the recommendations from human rights bodies and special procedures

(Paraguay);

105.31 Establish mechanisms of evaluation and follow-up of the

implementation of human rights public policies and programmes, in particular

those referred to the fight against discrimination in all its forms and on any

grounds, taking into account the recommendations from the UPR and other

human rights mechanisms (Colombia);

105.32 Draft, in consultation with civil society, and adopt a law on gender

identity for transgender persons in which their right to identity is recognized

among other civil and political rights (Spain);

105.33 Bring its legislation into conformity with its commitment to equality

and non-discrimination, by prohibiting discrimination based on sexual

orientation (Canada);

105.34 Take concrete measures to strengthen its policies of promotion and

protection of LGBT people, through public policies which combat hate crimes

against those individuals (Brazil);

105.35 Continue the effective implementation of preventive programmes to

guarantee the full enjoyment of rights and the protection of LGBTI people

against acts of violence and discrimination affecting them (Chile);

105.36 Guarantee the right of all people to live and develop in accordance

with their self-perceived gender identity (Colombia);

105.37 Keep striving to eradicate unchecked criminality, corruption and

gang activity, which produce devastating human rights violations, especially

those acts of violence and murder, by focusing on education, proper

employment and transparency in law enforcement (Holy See);

105.38 Strengthen measures to confront the origins of violence and crime in

its combat against organized crime and adopt a restorative justice approach for

young people (Norway);

105.39 Undertake extensive action in order to demilitarize the police force

and to grant responsibility for public security to the appropriate institutions

(Greece);

105.40 End the involvement of military personnel in civilian security work,

and train police officers to carry out their responsibility to protect the

population efficiently and with integrity (Norway);

105.41 Make increased efforts to protect children from economic

exploitation, inter alia through the introduction of legislation establishing the

minimum age for admission to employment and ensuring decent working

conditions (Czech Republic);

105.42 Reinforce the judicial system and law enforcement authority with a

view to eliminating widespread and organized violent crimes which seriously

threaten public safety, especially the safe school environment (Republic of

Korea);

105.43 Improve the transparency and efficiency of its judicial system;

ensuring a fair, open and prompt process for all sectors of society (United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

105.44 Improve pretrial processing times and increase resources for penal

reform (United States of America);

105.45 Combat impunity by increasing the capacity of investigators and

prosecutors and reducing corruption in the public sector and judiciary (United

States of America);

105.46 Take increased measures to prevent and combat impunity for human

rights violations through investigation of all threats, harassment, intimidation,

violence and enforced disappearances, in particular those concerning children

and human rights defenders, and ensure that all perpetrators are held

accountable for their actions (Ireland);

105.47 Consider amending the General Amnesty Act of 1993 which remains

an obstacle to the punishment of serious human rights perpetrators (Republic

of Korea);

105.48 Take concrete and substantial steps in matters of transitional justice

in order to address grave human rights violations committed during the

internal armed conflict 1979–1992 (Sweden);

105.49 Make the necessary constitutional and legislative amendments in

order to decriminalize and remove the ban on abortion (Australia);

105.50 Repeal laws criminalizing abortion and eliminate all punitive

measures (Iceland);

105.51 Revise its legislation related to abortion regarding victims of rape,

especially victims that are minors and when the health of the woman is

seriously at risk (Luxembourg);

105.52 Amend its legislation on abortion (Norway);

105.53 Adopt legislation on abortion that is in line with its international

human rights obligations, taking into account indicators such as medical risks,

rape, incest and ensure improved access to appropriate methods of

contraception (Germany);

105.54 Decriminalize abortion when the pregnancy endangers the mother’s

life or health, and when it is the result of rape (Spain);

105.55 Initiate an open public debate on sexual and reproductive health and

rights and decriminalize life-saving abortion and abortion in cases of

pregnancies resulting from rape or incest (Czech Republic);

105.56 Decriminalize abortion and ensure that safe and legal abortion

services are available for those women and girls whose pregnancy is a result of

rape or whose lives or health are put at risk (Slovenia);

105.57 Consider reviewing its legislation on abortion in order to take into

account situations where pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or when the

pregnant woman’s life is in danger (Sweden);

105.58 Ensure the availability of safe abortions, at a minimum, in cases

where the life or health of the pregnant woman or girl is at risk, and in cases

where the pregnancy is the result of rape (Iceland);

105.59 Immediately and unconditionally release all women and girls who

have been imprisoned for undergoing abortions or for having miscarriages

(Iceland);

105.60 Free all women and girls incarcerated for having undergone an

abortion, or for having endured one spontaneously, and also remove their

criminal records for these motives (Spain);

105.61 Ensure that all women, especially the young, have access to

contraception and anonymous, non-discriminatory and confidential sexual and

reproductive health services (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern

Ireland);

105.62 Ensure access to comprehensive sex education and to sexual and

reproductive health services, including contraception (Iceland).

106. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect

the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not

be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.

Annex

[English only]

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of El Salvador was headed by Mr. Carlos Alfredo Castaneda, Vice-

Minister for Foreign Affairs and composed of the following members:

• Mr. Joaquín Alexander Maza Martelli, Ambassador, Permanent Representative in

Geneva;

• Ms. Tania Camila Rosa, Director General for Human Rights, Ministry for Foreign

Affairs;

• Mr. Jorge Alberto Jiménez, Director General for Integral Social Development,

Ministry for Foreign Affairs;

• Ms. Carmen Elena Castillo, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission in Geneva;

• Ms. Matilde Hernández de Espinoza, Under-Secretary for Social Inclusion;

• Ms. Zaira Navas, Director of the National Council for Children and Adolescents;

• Ms. Gloria Martínez, Director for International Systems of Human Rights

Protection, Ministry for Foreign Affairs.