A/HRC/48/9 by human rights defenders and journalists, and called on Paraguay to establish a national protection mechanism. 79. Spain acknowledged a number of developments made and noted specific areas for further improvement, including reducing unwanted pregnancies among minors, providing quality water and sanitation services for all, and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and human rights defenders. 80. The State of Palestine commended the efforts made by Paraguay since the previous universal periodic review cycle, including measures to combat discrimination and the introduction of literacy and vocational programmes for indigenous communities. 81. The Sudan welcomed the delegation of Paraguay and thanked it for presenting its national report. 82. Switzerland noted with satisfaction the criminalization of femicide, but remained concerned by the level of violence against women and girls. It expressed concern about the conditions of detention and the continued attacks and reprisals against human rights defenders, despite the improved recognition of such defenders. 83. Thailand encouraged Paraguay to advance in the effective implementation of the National Plan on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Persons. While acknowledging efforts, Thailand also remained concerned about domestic and gender-based violence, which had increased during the pandemic. 84. Timor-Leste applauded Paraguay for introducing non-formal literacy and vocational programmes for indigenous communities, and for adopting the national adolescent health plan covering the period 2016–2021. 85. Trinidad and Tobago noted efforts made to address challenges in combating poverty and improving access to food, health care, education and housing, which focused on the most vulnerable groups. It also acknowledged that Paraguay was considering making the declaration provided for in article 14 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. 86. Ukraine noted with appreciation the implementation of its recommendations regarding gender violence and trafficking in women, but highlighted that further efforts were needed. It expressed particular concern about a reported increase in domestic violence during the pandemic and the alarming number of femicides. 87. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed the adoption of Act No. 5777/16, aimed at eradicating all forms of violence against women and ensuring that women had access to health, education and justice. It encouraged Paraguay to protect human rights defenders. 88. The United States of America commended the progress made by Paraguay on disability rights and civil society engagement. It expressed concerns about systemic corruption, impunity and limitations on judicial independence. 89. Uruguay recognized the efforts made by Paraguay, including those relating to the performance of the SIMORE Plus system. 90. Uzbekistan commended Paraguay for the number of institutions, organizations and agencies working in the area of human rights, and noted the appointment of the Ombudsman and the Deputy Ombudsman. 91. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expressed concern about the sustained and systematic direct and indirect violations of human rights in Paraguay, and about discrimination perpetrated against indigenous peoples, peasants, domestic workers, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, despite measures adopted to implement recommendations accepted during the universal periodic review. 92. Argentina welcomed the delegation and thanked Paraguay for its collaboration with the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. 93. Australia welcomed the country’s efforts to improve its human rights framework, including through the Act on the Comprehensive Protection of Women from All Forms of 8