75.The National Labour Training System (SINAFOCAL) provides training in entrepreneurship skills and trades. There is a course on business planning for vulnerable female heads of household. Currently 63 per cent of mothers are engaged in a productive activity. In 2016, with the slogan “Women at the wheel, safety first”, training was given to professional drivers and airline pilots. Entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, Committees of Micro-Entrepreneur Producers and young people from education centres were trained in entrepreneurship and business planning.

76.With the slogan “Innovative women overcoming barriers”, recognition was given to women working in non-traditional sectors who are performing creatively and effectively, overcoming cultural, economic and social barriers, as motor mechanics, concrete workers, arbitrators, municipal traffic police and football players.

77.The event “In charge for a day” enables young women to act as Deputy Ministers and Ministers.

78.The Ministry for Women’s Affairs, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, with support from the German Agency for International Development and the programme for combating violence against women in Latin America (ComVoMujer), confer on firms that have made efforts and taken action to combat violence and discrimination against women a label certifying that they are safe and free of violence and discrimination against women.

79.The campaign HeForShe has issued a guide for the formulation and implementation of a plan for equality in business.

80.As regards labour inspection, following a selective competition in 2015 new inspectors trained by ILO experts monitored compliance with national and international labour regulations, including Convention No. 100, which is implemented throughout the country by 17 Regional Labour Inspectorates. Resolution No. 37 of 17 January 2017 created the Directorate for Indigenous Peoples, reporting to the Deputy Minister of Labour in the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and based in Chaco Central.

81. Unpaid domestic child labour (criadazgo) is the focus of the National Commission for the Prevention and Eradication of Child Labour and the Protection of Working Adolescents (CONAETI), coordinated by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security. Parliament is studying the draft bill criminalizing criadazgo and establishing penalties for all the worst forms of child labour.

82.Following the adoption of Act No. 5407/15 on the rights of workers in domestic service, consideration has been given to the Committee’s recommendation concerning increased attention to unpaid domestic child labour. The Act raises the minimum age for domestic work to 18 and there are also regulations setting out the rights of children.

83.A campaign against child labour has been conducted in connection with the ILO motto for 2016: “No more child labour”.

84.With ILO support, the National Commission for the Prevention and Eradication of Child Labour and the Protection of Working Adolescents posted an announcement on social networks in Latin America concerning child labour. The Commission is working with the Paraguayan Sugar and Alcohol Centre to prevent the worst forms of child labour.

85.It is standard practice to disseminate news on child labour, including impact measurement indicators, subject to respect for privacy and the fact that it is prohibited to show pictures of children and adolescents whose rights have been violated.

86.Weekly messages are posted on social networks by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security about some of the 26 worst forms of child labour that are prohibited for children under 18.

87.There is a form and special procedure for investigation of child labour cases reported to the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Unit in the Public Prosecution Service.

88.Training and workshops are conducted in several departments, with the motto “No to child labour — No to unpaid domestic child labour — Respect my rights”.

89.The 2016-2019 National Strategy for the Elimination of Child Labour is in the process of being drafted and training is being given to focal points throughout the country who are authorized to investigate complaints.

90.A consultation workshop was held to finalize the text supplementing Decree No. 4951/2005 on dangerous child labour pursuant to ILO Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour.

91.The study was completed on the relationship between criadazgo and internal trafficking as social phenomena and from the legal standpoint. The goal was to define its legal status, based on the social situation in which the unpaid child is placed, in order to determine whether it amounts to human trafficking since it is specifically internal in nature.

Question 16

92.Act No. 4313/11 on budget allocations to the programmes for reproductive health and birth kit distribution of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare covers supplies of medicines, birth kits and contraceptives. These are distributed to 18 health regions throughout the territory of Paraguay, based on reported consumption in all health services at various levels: family health units including regional and specialized hospitals, as well as distribution by women in rural and indigenous areas.

93.National mobilization for the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality, with the slogan “Zero preventable deaths”, has resulted in adoption of the Code Red strategy for the identification and management of obstetric emergencies focused on the three main causes of maternal mortality (haemorrhage, toxaemia, sepsis). Staff receive training in team work for obstetrical interventions based on current scientific evidence. Resolution No. 367/15 of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare established the Neonatal Alliance of Paraguay, which will be part of the Latin American and Caribbean Neonatal Alliance. The goal is to promote joint activities to publicize and implement activities crucial for neonatal health with the active participation of government institutions, cooperation agencies, scientific associations, universities and institutions concerned with neonatal health. The programme of safe childbirth with family support is decreasing maternal and neonatal mortality. The Ombudsman’s Office is monitoring the delivery of birth kits and contraceptives to all hospitals by the various care centres. The Tekoporã programme of the Secretariat for Social Action deals with various topics: right to an identity, health, education, food security, healthy environment, family coexistence, civics, financial education, insertion, participation and community development. It uses the Family Guide, under the close supervision of the district and departmental coordinators, who work locally with families.

94.In 2016, 37,696 families were trained under project Kunu’u (Protecting mothers and babies): kits for the care and comfort of newborns were distributed as part of the national campaign “Zero preventable deaths”; 251 mothers and newborns participating in the Tekoporã programme received kits for the “model of comprehensive interventions for youth”, covering 2,700 persons in the communities involved; 1,681 adolescents were enrolled on a timely basis; 76 per cent were promoted to the next grade level; 61 schools and colleges were linked; and 2,598 adolescents learned about sexual and reproductive health, addiction prevention and life skills.

Question 17

95.The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare has taken action to improve data with the goal of reducing reasons for maternal death, studying the causes and focusing on those directly responsible for maternal deaths such as haemorrhage, toxaemia, abortion and sepsis, which are considered to be the main causes of preventable maternal deaths.

96.Action has been stepped up in two essential areas: monitoring of maternal mortality, among other areas, with focused research; and reclassification of maternal mortality so as to improve data for decision-making, generate strategies and allow more accurate and effective action to prevent maternal deaths on the basis of the data obtained.

97.The principal goal of the Code Red strategy is to improve the decision-making skills of professionals and to increase the use of corticosteroids, by recording medical actions for each case and especially for cases of obstetric emergencies that might cause a preventable maternal death, such as haemorrhage, toxaemia, abortion and sepsis. The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare is extending to nine departments the use of the geographical data for obstetric and neonatal care and the protocol for implementation of the guidelines on the provision of comprehensive post-abortion services. Overall in 2015, in accordance with the Guide for the integrated and comprehensive network of health services and taking into account universal access to health services, 1,404 family health units, district and regional hospitals, maternal and child hospitals and specialized hospitals, depending on their level of organization, have trained staff to record, refer, diagnose and treat cases, including abortion in any of its forms, based on a policy of comprehensive care. In view of the schedule for implementation of the 2014-2018 Plan of Sexual and Reproductive Health, the monitoring and evaluation of actions is under way. According to the country-wide data base, the ten years preceding 2015 saw a 55 per cent reduction in maternal deaths for this reason, as a result of the prevention strategies. Family planning was improved as a result of Act No. 4313, ensuring the availability without charge of family planning and childbirth facilities and medication, and of the ongoing improvement in care.

Question 18

See the reply to question 14 on the regional strategic plan, programmes and guides.

98.It is currently impossible to discuss abortion in view of article 4 of the Constitution, which protects the right to life above all else. Teenage pregnancy is considered as a national issue and efforts are being made to improve the quality of comprehensive care for adolescents throughout the Integrated and Comprehensive Network of Health Services based on existing standards, with the aim of achieving more equitable access to services and eliminating discriminatory barriers. Under the 2016-2021 National Plan for Adolescent Health and the 2014-2018 National Plan for Sexual and Reproductive Health, adolescent health is a cross-cutting issue. The most important aspects are:

(a) Strategies to identify and provide timely care to pregnant girls, focusing on those who are from marginalized population groups or who are most vulnerable, including disabled and adolescent girls;

(b)Timely access to health services through user-friendly facilities which are being gradually expanded throughout the country (21 facilities) and which provide dental care and psychological and nutritional advice as well as gynaecological care.

99.The quality of care is constantly being improved and attention is paid to the safety, quality and user-friendliness of comprehensive care for adolescents, to the guides and standards applicable to care at both obstetrical and gynaecological facilities and to groups suffering the most discrimination, including disabled persons. The emphasis is on counselling and guidance, provision of “friendly” information to adolescents and their families on comprehensive health, healthy life styles and risk reduction, including sexual and reproductive health. Reflecting the higher interest of the child, the guide to the rights of children and adolescents in health facilities gives specific examples of interventions by health professionals, including those for adolescents with disabilities.

100.Staff undergo training and awareness-raising on how to provide quality guidance and care on family planning and contraception based on scientific evidence. They adopt a multicultural approach, respecting freedom of choice and using personalized strategies, for example for adolescents and persons with disabilities.

Question 19

101.The National Secretariat for the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities is coordinating implementation of the 2015-2030 Plan of Action with different government institutions, various levels of government, civil society, the private sector, the legislature and the judiciary. Indicators have been adopted for the rights of persons with disabilities, focusing on accessibility, health and data compilation to monitor progress and impact on the exercise of rights.

102.As specified in its rules, the Tekoporã programme gives priority to families experiencing poverty and extreme poverty. There has been legislative progress: Act No. 2479/04, amended by Act No. 3585/08, makes it compulsory for at least five per cent of workers in the public sector to be persons with disabilities. However, women face discrimination regarding access to employment, where preference is given to men. Women with a hearing disability are not limited as regards access to work. Women with disabilities have difficulty accessing information because of the lack of technical and technological accommodations to assist them. Job training is generally provided by the National Career Advancement Service and the National Job Training Service, with a focus on rights, gender mainstreaming and accessibility in the case of various types of disability, depending on labour market demand. An inter-agency technical board is being created for the effective inclusion in the civil service of persons with disabilities and improvement of their living conditions. The National Secretariat for the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities (SENADIS) and the SARAKI Foundation are holding the second annual job fair, which provides an excellent opportunity for networking between people and organizations in order to identify new talent. There is also a module for the inclusion of persons with severe disabilities, allowing the social protection provided by the State to specialize in care for persons with severe disabilities in a situation of poverty. The Ombudsman’s Office provides support to women with disabilities through the various State agencies, promoting inclusion in various programmes providing financial benefits.

103. The existing barriers are: low visibility and failure to mainstream the topic of women and disability in public policies, infrequency of complaints from women with disabilities who are subjected to violence, and cultural aspects. Prejudice and discrimination are obstacles to the full exercise of disability rights. Over-protectiveness and/or isolation are more serious for women and affect their education and their social and working life. Women’s traditional role of motherhood is viewed differently for women with disabilities, who often are unwilling to have children because of the misconception that women with disabilities are unable to perform tasks such as bringing up and educating children. The phenomenon of invisibility of women with disabilities causes many of them to view their disability as something negative, affecting their opportunities for relationships and their social standing. In many cases, the isolation experienced by disabled girls, adolescents and women prevents them from becoming integrated in society and playing a proactive role.

Question 20

104.The overall goal of Act No. 5446/15 on public policies for rural women is to promote and guarantee the economic, social, political and cultural rights of rural women. The agencies concerned have formed the Inter-agency Commission for Law Enforcement, in which decision-making leaders and experts are represented.

105.Since 2015, the Act has been publicized at consultation meetings and mass events attended by rural women, departmental and local authorities, extension workers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and other public institutions, as well as journalists and the public. These activities involved 700 women heads of committees of rural women, 2,500 participants in public presentations, distribution of 3,000 copies of the Act and participation of 28 agencies in its dissemination and enforcement. In addition, implementation of the methodological strategy for gender mainstreaming in programmes of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is being encouraged.

106.In 2016, 1,060 rural women from 29 districts in four departments were taught to know their rights and are exercising them by interacting with the relevant agencies. In 2017, the Act continues to be publicized inside the country. There are also profitable projects, revolving funds and lines of credit with State financial institutions and partnerships with departmental and local governments for the implementation of public policies for rural women.

107.Policies are being pursued to give rural and indigenous women access on an equal footing to the processes and benefits of sustainable development. In this connection, one of the principal measures adopted for the equality of rural and indigenous women is the formulation of the institutional policy in connection with Act No. 5446/15 on public policies for rural women. This policy is aimed at ensuring gender equality with an intercultural focus so as to strengthen gender mainstreaming at the various institutional levels, based on the current needs of rural women, women engaged in family farming, fair exhibitors and indigenous women, through dialogue with the various sectors involved.

108.In 2016, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock provided technical assistance to 93,923 farming families and indigenous families. This included 47,793 female heads of household and 46,130 male heads of household, with 87,938 farming families in 184 districts in 16 departments and 5,985 families in 263 indigenous communities.

109. The projects and programmes executed under the Sustainable Rural Development Project (PRODERS) assisted 7,211 women and 6,155 men. The Inclusive Paraguay project gave effective assistance to 3,049 women and 4,026 men, demonstrating that there is equitable access to the programme.

110.As regards transfers from financial institutions, family farmers were helped to embrace technology through the component of non-reimbursable support (1,827 women and 2,106 men or a total of 3,933). Funds to be used for investment plans were transferred to 6,098 women and 5,432 men in several departments. Improvements included articulated business plans and micro-cap business plans for vulnerable population groups and indigenous communities (2,921 women and 4,003 men or a total of 6,924). The National Registry of Beneficiaries covers 17 departments (47,981 women and 47,457 men or a total of 95,438). The Secretariat for Social Action has a module for inclusion of indigenous families in the Tekoporã programme. Persons under 18 years of age with dependent children will be included as heads of households. There are 20,351 families from indigenous communities participating in the programme. Thus 16,563 indigenous women are heads of household (81 per cent). There were 37,219 indigenous women in total. The Ministry for Women’s Affairs provides care for women from indigenous communities at its specialized care facilities and in particular at the regional women’s centres and homes for women (shelters).

111.The judiciary has an action protocol for intercultural justice — Indigenous peoples. This is a legal arrangement for access to justice that will help judges and judicial officials to understand and deal with cases from a rights-based viewpoint and from the viewpoint of cultural diversity involving the indigenous peoples of Paraguay. The Ministry for Women’s Affairs and the National Institute of Indigenous Affairs concluded a cooperation agreement to promote empowerment processes. This is an integral part of the technical coordination board of groups of indigenous peoples, providing access to available and accessible public services and training for women leaders.

Question 21

112.When considering refugee applications, the National Refugee Commission (CONARE) takes into account the situation of vulnerability and intersectionality in which some women find themselves. Most women refugees arrive in Paraguay with their families, as is allowed under Act No. 1938/02 on preferential treatment for women and children. The Government is currently studying an internal regulation governing the National Refugee Commission and the legal reform draft is still being considered in plenary meetings of CONARE. Representatives of the executive, the legislature and civil society are participating in the drafting, and technical advice is being given by the regional office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. It is true that there is as yet no comprehensive strategy for avoiding and identifying situations of sexual and gender-based violence. The Government of Paraguay, through CONARE and together with the Public Prosecution Service, the Secretariat for Childhood and Adolescence and other stakeholders, is coordinating actions to provide a rapid and effective response to any cases of abuse that may occur.

113.There are 58 women with refugee status in Paraguay and currently four applications pending. No applications for asylum cite gender issues as the reason for the women’s flight.

Question 22

114.The Code for Childhood and Adolescence provides for summary proceedings in the court for children and adolescents granting judicial authorization to enter into matrimony. If there is disagreement among the minor’s legal representatives or between the representatives and the minor, the court decides whether to grant the authorization.

115.If there is no disagreement among the representatives or with the minor, the authorization is not subject to judicial review and is simply recorded on the marriage certificate by the officiant. This judicial authorization procedure is not relevant or applicable in the case of cohabitation, which is recognized by law, because cohabitation is a factual situation in which the State is not involved.