Geneva

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Estonia warmly welcomes the delegation of Argentina toits third UPR.

We welcome efforts by the Government for theprevention and eradication of gender based and domestic violence, especiallythe adoption of the first National Action Plan for Prevention, Protection,Assistance and Eradication of Violence against Women 2017-2019. Furthermore, we note the efforts ofArgentina to reduce maternal mortality and to improve the accessibility ofservices related to sexual and reproductive rights, and encourage theGovernment to continue this progress.

We further welcome the setting up of the IndigenousPeoples’ Advisory and Participatory Council, and the establishment of theNational Health Programme for Indigenous Peoples with the aim of reducing inequalities in the healthstatus of indigenous peoples and reducing morbidity and mortality among theindigenous population. We remain concerned about the acts of retaliation, intimidation andthreats against human rights defenders and members of indigenous peoples, andwe urge Argentina to take all necessary means to protect them.

The poor conditions of the detention centres inArgentina remains a concern and in this context, we urge the Government to takesteps to reduce the overcrowding and guarantee fundamental needs of personsdetained.

Finally, we would like to recommend to the Governmentof Argentina to:

allocateadequate budgetary resources for the effective implementation of NationalAction Plan forPrevention, Protection, Assistance and Eradication of Violence againstWomen and to ensure that sufficient safe shelters for women are available;

ensurethat indigenous peoples are fully involved in the process of legislative oradministrative measures that could affect indigenous peoples, and that projectsaffecting them would be subjected to a process of prior consultation;

establisha national mechanism for the prevention of torture as set out in the OP-CAT.

Estonia wishes the delegation a successful reviewmeeting.

Thank you!