A/HRC/48/9 22. Bulgaria expressed appreciation for efforts to promote the rights of women and girls, address gender-based violence and strengthen the protection of the rights of the child and the rights of persons with disabilities. It encouraged Paraguay to ensure the effective implementation and monitoring of the National Human Rights Plan, including through the allocation of human, technical and financial resources. 23. Canada congratulated Paraguay on the development of the updated SIMORE Plus system, an open government platform for the monitoring of the implementation of international human rights recommendations linked to the Sustainable Development Goals. 24. Chile commended the efforts of Paraguay to strengthen institutions through the creation of the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development and the ratification of the Paris Agreement. Chile recognized the will of Paraguay to provide technical cooperation through SIMORE Plus. 25. China noted with concern the high levels of poverty, especially among rural populations and indigenous peoples; education and health systems that were underdeveloped and reflected social inequalities; women and girls subjected to discrimination and violence; and organized crime and trafficking in persons. 26. Colombia recognized the country’s strong commitment to human rights, and requested it to continue promoting SIMORE Plus. Colombia suggested that Paraguay advance in the implementation of the National Action Plan for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and commended Paraguay for action taken against domestic violence in the context of COVID-19. 27. Costa Rica recognized the important progress achieved in the use and implementation of SIMORE Plus, and praised the Government for action taken to make improvements in the areas of human rights and the environment, and for the protection of persons with disabilities. 28. Côte d’Ivoire congratulated Paraguay on the progress achieved in the area of human rights, especially regarding the ratification of the main human rights instruments. 29. Cuba acknowledged the efforts made by Paraguay in addressing identified human rights challenges, in particular efforts regarding poverty eradication and guaranteeing essential rights, such as the rights to food, health, education and adequate housing. 30. Czechia noted with appreciation that Paraguay had implemented several recommendations since the previous review, including in the areas of international criminal law and the rights of the child. 31. Denmark commended Paraguay for legislative action taken in 2019 on indigenous peoples’ rights, while expressing concern about the implementation of indigenous peoples’ rights, including the right to political participation and land rights, and about reports of increased levels of sexual and gender-based violence. 32. The Dominican Republic congratulated Paraguay for progress made in the implementation, and the monitoring of implementation, of accepted recommendations, and for its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through SIMORE Plus, and highlighted the positive impact of the country’s technical cooperation programme. 33. Ecuador recognized the progress made by Paraguay since the previous universal periodic review cycle, in particular regarding the SIMORE Plus system for implementing commitments and recommendations regarding human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. 34. Fiji commended Paraguay for the action taken concerning climate change, including its ratification of the Paris Agreement and implementation of relevant domestic legislation and national action plans. 35. Finland expressed great appreciation for the engagement of Paraguay in the universal periodic review process. 36. France encouraged the Government to step up its efforts to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. 4