UK Statement at Paraguay's Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thank you Mr Vice President
We welcome Paraguay's engagement with the UPR process and its acceptance of a majority of the recommendations from the previous cycle. We also recognise Paraguay's efforts to strengthen national coordination mechanisms to monitor implementation and encourage continued transparency in reporting.
But challenges persist in ensuring effective protection of civic space, equal protection from discrimination, and access to essential services for vulnerable groups. Addressing these challenges will consolidate progress and deliver tangible improvements in human rights on the ground.
We recommend that Paraguay:
Reviews and amends legislation and administrative practices to ensure that journalists, human rights defenders and civil society actors can operate free from intimidation or undue restriction, and publishes annual data on investigations and outcomes related to alleged harassment or threats.
Adopts and implements comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation to ensure equal protection and effective remedies for all and publishes regular data on enforcement and remedies provided.
Sets and implements time‑bound targets to reduce disparities affecting Indigenous and rural communities in access to health and essential services, with progress reported through publicly available national monitoring mechanisms.
Thank you.
