JOINT STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT The EU Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance ('GSP+') assessment of Paraguay covering the period 2016 - 2017 Accompanying the document Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council Report on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences during the period 2016 - 2017
Date: 2018-01-19
Institutions: Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, European Commission
Subjects: EU market, Paraguay, common commercial policy, environmental protection, generalised preferences, governance, human rights, international convention, sustainable development, tariff preference

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  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNION FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY Brussels, 19.1.2018  SWD(2018) 30 final  JOINT STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT  The EU Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance ('GSP+') assessment of Paraguay covering the period 2016 - 2017 Accompanying the document Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council Report on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences during the period 2016 - 2017 {COM(2018) 36 final} - {SWD(2018) 23 final} - {SWD(2018) 24 final} - {SWD(2018) 25 final} - {SWD(2018) 26 final} - {SWD(2018) 27 final} - {SWD(2018) 28 final} - {SWD(2018) 29 final} - {SWD(2018) 31 final} - {SWD(2018) 32 final}  
 
 
Paraguay GSP+ Assessment  

1.  Country Overview 

Paraguay  has  been  a  working  democracy  since  1992.  It  has  made  efforts  to  reduce  poverty 
and  inequality,  notably  in  addressing  the  country's  large  disparities  in  wealth  distribution  – 
affecting  particularly  rural  areas  and  indigenous  communities.  Nevertheless,  despite 
Paraguay's average growth in the last 3 years being among the highest in the region, this has 
not been sufficiently reflected in the country's fight against poverty, though there have been 
improvements. 

On  human  rights,  Paraguay's  achievements  need  to  be  acknowledged.  The  Paraguayan 
monitoring system (SIMORE), which allows assessing and monitoring the implementation of 
recommendations made by human rights mechanisms, is not only being applied in Paraguay 
but  also  being  exported  to  other  countries  and  becoming  a  reference  for  survey  and 
monitoring  purposes.  Examples  of  positive  progress  are:  Paraguay's  membership  of  the  UN 
Human  Rights  Council  for  the  period  2015-17,  the  adoption  of  the  Law  on  Free  Citizen 
Access  to  Public  Information  and  Transparency,  the  National  Action  Plan  for  the  Rights  of 
Persons  with  Disabilities  and  its  implementation,  the  adoption  of  legislation  to  protect 
women's  rights  and  to  combat  violence  against  women,  and  sustained  steps  to  combat 
trafficking  in  human  beings.  Furthermore,  Paraguay  has  announced  its  candidature  for 
membership to the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2020-2023. 

Political  ethics  and  the  institutional  capacity  of  all  Paraguayan  State  powers  (and  their 
representatives) need to be enhanced, in particular that of the judiciary. Persisting institutional 
weaknesses  adversely  affect  democracy,  human  rights  and  enforcement  of  rule  of  law,  and 
erode the citizens' confidence in the system.  

Paraguay,  having  been  classified  by  the  World  Bank  as  upper-middle  income  country  for 
three consecutive years, is scheduled to leave the GSP+ arrangement on 1 January 2019. 

2. Compliance with GSP+ Obligations 

2.1.  UN Human Rights Conventions (Conventions 1-7) 

Status of ratification and reporting 

Paraguay  has  maintained  the  ratification  of  the  seven  GSP+  related  UN  human  rights 
conventions with no reservations.  

Paraguay complies with all its reporting obligations to monitoring bodies, with the exception 
of the Convention on Civil and Political Rights (latest report was due in March 2017). 

Status of implementation of the conventions 

International  Convention  on  the  Elimination  of  All  Forms  of  Racial 
Discrimination (CERD) 

In  2016,  the  Committee  on  the  Elimination  of  Racial  Discrimination  issued  Concluding 
Observations in response to the 4th to 6th periodic reports submitted by Paraguay. The positive 

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aspects highlighted by the Committee included the adoption of an Act on Indigenous Peoples 
Health  promulgated  in  September  2015,  which  established  the  National  Directorate  for 
Indigenous  Peoples  Health,  the  National  Council  for  Indigenous  Peoples  Health,  and  the 
National Council for Indigenous Peoples Education in July 2016. It also created a system in 
2014 for monitoring the implementation of international recommendations issued by human 
rights bodies.  

Some  issues  of  concern  outlined  by  the  Committee  included  the  existing  discrimination 
against  indigenous  peoples.  The  Committee  also  indicated  that  no  steps  have  been  taken  to 
ensure  proper  representation  of  indigenous  peoples  in  the  National  Institute  of  Indigenous 
Affairs  or  to  strengthen  that  body's  institutional  autonomy.  The  Committee  noted  with 
concern  that  further  measures  for  promoting  participation  by  indigenous  peoples  in  public 
decision-making  processes  remain  necessary.  As  a  response,  Paraguay  has  carried  out  a 
number  of  measures  to  tackle  discrimination  of  indigenous  communities,  and  in  particular 
indigenous  women.  The  Paraguayan  authorities  are  well  aware  that  these  communities 
continue to suffer from acute socioeconomic disparities, discrimination, and limited access to 
land  and  natural  resources.  In  order  to  tackle  the  discrimination  of  indigenous  women,  the 
Ministry of Women and the Paraguayan Institute for Indigenous People (INDI) concluded a 
cooperation agreement and are in the process of implementing it.  

During  2016,  the  judiciary  promoted  initiatives  such  as  a  programme  to  ensure  access  to 
justice  for  all  citizens,  without  any  distinction  of  age,  ethnic  origin,  race,  social  condition, 
identity,  origin,  nationality  and  physical  condition  –  for  example,  by  sensitising  the  main 
actors of the justice system and developing the necessary protocols. In this context, the Action 
Protocol for Intercultural Justice has been prepared. It includes a number of dispositions for 
the handling of judicial processes involving indigenous peoples. 

In  order  to  reduce  the  socioeconomic  disparities  affecting  indigenous  populations,  the 
Paraguayan  authorities  are  implementing  the  care  protocol  for  indigenous  communities 
adopted  in  2015,  which  foresees  consultation  and  inclusion  of  these  communities  in 
programmes and projects. Indigenous communities benefit from the Government initiatives to 
correct socio-economic disparities and support the less favoured sectors of the population (the 
Tekoporá  y  Sembrando  Oportunidades  Programmes).  The  authorities  continue  with  their 
workshops and other actions in the field of education as well as activities aiming at informing 
indigenous communities of their electoral rights and obligations.  

To  implement  the  judgements  of  the  Inter-American  Court  of  Human  Rights  (IACHR)  on 
restitution of ancestral lands to originating peoples, Paraguay has legislation in place for the 
return of traditional land to the Sawhoyamaxa community. The IACHR undertook a visit to 
Paraguay  in  October  2017  to  review  these  judgments.  Restitution  of  land  to  other 
communities, such as the Yakye Axa and  Xakmok Kasek is on-going but concrete progress 
has been limited since the 2016 GSP Report1. 

Despite  the  steps  undertaken,  more  determined  efforts  are  necessary  to  properly  address 
shortcomings  as  regards  the  legal  protection  for  indigenous  peoples'  rights  over  their  lands 

1https://eeas.europa.eu/sites/eeas/files/european_commission._2016._report_on_the_generalised_scheme_of_preferences_dur
ing_the_period_2014-2015.pdf  

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and  resources,  as  well  as  widespread  poverty  and  socio-economic  exclusion  of  this 
population. 

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR) 

Paraguay  has  implemented  measures  to  facilitate  voting  by  people  with  disabilities,  such  as 
registration  campaigns,  the  possibility  to  vote  at  home  for  citizens  with  a  severe  disability, 
training  of  election  civil  servants  to  register  and  assist  disabled  voters,  and  dedicated 
conferences and seminars. It is actively preparing improved implementation in the context of 
the 2018 General Elections. A care protocol for access to justice of people with psychosocial 
disabilities has been adopted and the authorities have organised capacity building to facilitate 
proper implementation. 

The Government has continued to work towards the identification of victims of the 1954-1989 
dictatorship. However, the pace of investigations and possible compensations has overall been 
slow  and  the  proceedings  rather  erratic.  There  are  justified  concerns  that  relevant  judicial 
investigations – involving many cases of disappearances, torture, extrajudicial executions and 
illegal detentions – have not received adequate attention. While freedom of press and opinion 
is generally respected in the country – as there is neither evident censorship nor action by the 
authorities  against  journalists  –  investigative  journalists  run  certain  risks  when  working  on 
sensitive  issues  such  as  drugs  trafficking,  'narco-politics',  money  laundering  or  corruption 
cases involving powerful/influential individuals. In this context, Paraguay has adhered to the 
UN  Action  Plan  on  the  Security  of  Journalists  and  has  announced  its  intention  to  work 
towards a mechanism to enhance journalists' security in the country.  

The Human Rights Council recommended that Paraguay combats impunity for all violations 
against human rights defenders, investigates allegations of abusive practices by security and 
law enforcement forces and prosecutes those found responsible. 

Further  steps  have  been  taken  to  combat  trafficking  in  human  beings,  notably  through 
prevention campaigns on sexual exploitation of children and adolescents and the adoption of a 
National Plan to prevent trafficking in human beings.  

Despite  the  sustained  efforts  carried  out  by  the  authorities  since  the  2016  GSP  Report,  the 
issues  identified  in  the  framework  of  CCPR  remain  valid  and  require  continued  further 
attention,  notably  the  trafficking  of  women  and  children,  especially  for  purposes  of  sexual 
exploitation or child labour, poor prosecution of such crimes and impunity of perpetrators, the 
high  proportion  of  inmates  in  pre-trial  detention,  as  well  as  overcrowding  and  deplorable 
living conditions in prisons, the difficulties of detainees in having access to legal assistance 
and the overall functioning of justice, and the insufficient investigation and prosecution of the 
assaults and killings of campesinos and indigenous defenders/leaders that occurred in the past.  

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) 

In 2015, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights called on Paraguay to take 
measures  to  involve  indigenous  peoples  in  any  decision  making  related  to  their  economic, 
social and cultural rights, to adopt measures to avoid forced evictions of indigenous peoples, 
to increase investments in social policies through a more efficient fiscal system, to undertake 
efforts to fight corruption, to ensure independence of judicial civil servants, to promote non-
discrimination  through  the  adoption  of  a  law  on  this  issue,  and  to  promote  gender  equality. 

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Other  recommendations  were  made  on,  inter  alia,  minimum  wage,  trade  unions,  forced 
labour,  social  security,  child  labour,  and  the  right  to  food.  While  Paraguay  has  taken  some 
steps to address these issues, determined action over the medium term remains necessary to 
achieve  the  expected  results.  One  positive  aspect  has  been  the  appointment  of  a  new 
Ombudsman. This opens a window of hope regarding the performance of the institution. The 
Ombudsman  Office  and  the  last  Ombudsman  were  criticised  during  years  by  local  and 
international observers because of their lack of efficiency. 

However,  the  concerns  identified  in  2015  regarding  the  implementation  of  CESCR  still 
require continued attention, in particular as regards the establishment of a legal mechanism to 
ensure that prior, free and informed consent is obtained from indigenous people in relation to 
decisions, which may affect the exercise of their economic, social, and cultural rights. Many 
indigenous persons lack legal recognition for their land, and there is a high number of forced 
evictions.  According  to  the  2008  census,  80%  of  agricultural  land  is  held  by  1.6%  of 
landowners. The Constitution stipulates that indigenous people, representing 1.7% of the total 
population, are entitled to the ownership of their ancestral land. Yet, it is estimated that only 
half of the indigenous communities own their land. 

In addition, the capacity of public institutions should be increased to ensure compliance with 
laws  and  public  policies  for  the  promotion  and  protection  of  economic,  social  and  cultural 
rights.  Furthermore,  anti-corruption  measures  should  be  strengthened,  as  corruption 
undermines  the  proper  implementation  of  economic  and  social  rights.  Further  efforts  to 
combat discrimination of members of indigenous peoples, disabled persons, LGBTQ persons 
by, inter alia, providing an adequate legal framework, are needed. Poverty, which especially 
affects indigenous people and people living in rural areas, also needs to be further addressed. 

Convention  on  the  Elimination  of  All  Forms  of  Discrimination  Against 
Women (CEDAW) 

In  December  2016,  Paraguay  adopted  the  law  on  Comprehensive  Protection  of  Women 
Against all Forms of Violence. It established feminicide as a specific criminal offense, with 
penalties  ranging  from  10  to  30  years.  It  also  includes  guidelines  for  the  comprehensive 
protection of the victim and her family.  

A law on democratic parity was submitted to Parliament in March 2016 to achieve parity in 
elective offices, as well as in agencies of the public sector and in the political parties. At the 
time of writing, the law was expected to be adopted in the course of 2017 and implemented 
for the 2018 general elections. 

The  main  implementation  shortcomings  with  regard  to  CEDAW  remain  the  persistence  of 
unpaid domestic labour of young girls (child labour),  the vulnerable situation  of indigenous 
women, in particular with regard to access to adequate food and safe drinking water, the low 
participation  of  women  in  decision-making  bodies  and  public  life,  wage  gaps  between  men 
and  women  and  a  high  illiteracy  rate  among  women,  especially  in  rural  areas.  Preventive 
action  against  domestic  violence  should  be  stepped  up,  as  domestic  and  gender-related 
violence  remains  an  issue.  Sexual  education  of  young  girls  needs  to  be  enhanced.  Another 
shortcoming is that abortion remains criminalised in all circumstances (including in cases of 
abuse,  rape  or  serious  danger  for  mother/child).  Furthermore,  a  general  anti-discrimination 
law has not yet been passed. 

4 

 
Convention  against  Torture  and  Other  Cruel,  Inhuman  or  Degrading 
Treatment or Punishment (CAT) 

Paraguay's  National  Mechanism  of  Prevention  of  Torture  (NMPT)  continues  to  be  a  key 
element  in  the  country's  efforts  to  prevent  torture  and  other  cruel,  inhuman  or  degrading 
treatment or punishment. The mechanism has continued to disseminate best practices and to 
alert the national authorities to cases of abuse and mistreatment. 

The implementation of the legislation regulating the duties and powers of enforcement bodies 
remains a challenge for the justice system. 

The authorities and civil society organisations have promoted successful initiatives to help the 
well-being and future reintegration of incarcerated women. 

Key  implementation  concerns  relate  to  the  widespread  use  of  pre-trial  detention,  poor 
conditions  in  prisons,  abuses  of  detainees  under  police  custody,  and  limited  prosecution  of 
officers committing abuse and/or torture.  

Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) 

The Paraguayan authorities are implementing various programmes to promote and protect the 
rights  of  children  and  adolescents,  in  particular the  Abrazo  programme,  aiming  to  eliminate 
the worst forms of child labour and the Painac programme, aiming to decrease the number of 
street children.  

The  national  strategy  on  the  Eradication  of  Child  Labour  and  Protection  of  Adolescent 
Workers targets criadazgo (children working as domestic servants) and qualifies it as one of 
the  worst  forms  of  child  labour.  The  National  Plan  for  the  Prevention  and  Eradication  of 
Sexual  Exploitation  of  Children  and  Adolescents  is  under  implementation.  At  legislative 
level, a draft law on the criadazgo and hazardous work for children has been prepared and is 
under parliamentary scrutiny. Efforts are being undertaken to reinforce child-related statistics 
(with  regards  to  abuse  and  labour).  Intervention  protocols  regarding  children's  rights  and 
sexual  and  reproductive  rights  have  been  issued  in  May  2016.  A  guide  on  the  inter-
institutional  intervention  of  workers  below  18  has  been  published.  Dialogue  has  been 
established  with  the  indigenous  communities  to  prevent  child  labour  and  to  encourage 
schooling and education of these children. 

However,  further  steps  are  needed.  Statistical  data  on  issues  such  as  birth  certificates,  child 
abuse and child labour need to be improved. Issues such as the discrimination of children of 
indigenous  communities,  the  persistence  of  criadazgo,  the  still  high  number  of  working 
children  among  indigenous  communities  and  high  rates  of  child  pregnancy  are  matters  that 
deserve further attention. 

Future actions and priorities 

Following its membership of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in 2015-2017, Paraguay 
wishes to assume responsibility for a new term (2020-2023) in the HRC framework.  

Various  initiatives  to  combat  discrimination  of  indigenous  peoples  are  part  of  Paraguay's 
future actions. The implementation of the Action Protocol for Intercultural Justice including 

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dispositions for the handling of judicial processes involving indigenous peoples is underway. 
Workshops to inform indigenous communities of their electoral rights and obligations will be 
continued. The restitution of land to indigenous communities, such as to the Yakye Axa and 
Xakmok Kasek communities is on-going, though progress so far has been slow. Also part of 
Paraguay's  future  actions  is  the  implementation  of  the  cooperation  agreement  between  the 
Ministry of Women and the Paraguayan Institute for Indigenous People (INDI), which aims to 
tackle the discrimination of indigenous women.  

In  view  of  the  2018  general  elections,  Paraguay  is  actively  implementing  measures  to 
facilitate  voting  by  people  with  disabilities.  A  law  on  parity  democracy  is  expected  to  be 
implemented for the 2018 general elections. 

The Paraguayan authorities will continue implementing various programmes to promote and 
protect the rights of children and adolescents. In addition, Paraguay will further implement the 
National  Plan  for  the  prevention  and  eradication  of  sexual  exploitation  of  children  and 
adolescents. Legislative initiatives are also underway, in particular the draft law on criadazgo 
and dangerous works by children. Efforts are being undertaken to reinforce statistics on child 
abuse and child labour.  

Paraguay  has  also  announced  its  intention  to  work  towards  a  mechanism  to  enhance 
journalists' security in the country. 

Conclusions 

Paraguay has made further progress in effectively implementing human rights commitments 

in  2016-2017,  taking  into  account  its  overall  socioeconomic  situation  and  institutional 

resources. In particular, Paraguay has made efforts to fight discrimination and promote and 

protect the rights of children, adolescents and persons with disabilities. Awareness of human 

rights  obligations  has  increased,  partly  as  a  result  of  the  membership  of  the  UN  Human 

Rights  Council  in  2015-2017.  At  the  end  of  2016,  Paraguay  adopted  the  law  on 

Comprehensive Protection of Women Against all Forms of Violence. 

Sustained  action  for  effective  and  systematic  implementation  of  human  rights  commitments 

remains nonetheless necessary. Further attention is needed, in particular with regard to the 

rights  of  indigenous  peoples,  violence  and  discrimination  against  women,  child  labour, 

discrimination against LGBT persons as well as the overall functioning of the justice system, 

including  conditions  in  prisons  and  pre-trial  detention.  More  determined  efforts  remain 

necessary regarding Paraguay's fight against widespread poverty and inequality. 

Efforts to increase transparency and fight corruption are expected to have a positive impact 

on the protection of human rights, provided that they are sustained and carried out with the 

necessary determination. 

The issue of access to land and land ownership should be properly addressed. 

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2.2.  ILO Labour Rights Conventions (Conventions 8-15) 

Status of ratification and reporting 

Over  the  reporting  period,  Paraguay  has  maintained  the  ratification  of  the  eight  ILO 
fundamental  conventions  relevant  to  GSP+  and  has  complied  with  all  its  reporting 
obligations. However, Paraguay has not always provided the detailed information required by 
the ILO supervisory system and the GSP+ monitoring process.  

In  an  on-going  project  funded  by  the  EU,  Paraguay  is  being  assisted  by  the  ILO  in  the 
effective  implementation  of  the  ILO  standards  and  in  its  compliance  with  its  reporting 
obligations. This project is foreseen to run until August 2018. 

Status of implementation of the conventions 

Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining (Conventions 87 and 98) 

There  has  been  limited  progress  in  the  area  of  freedom  of  association  and  collective 
bargaining.  As  in  previous  years,  the  ILO  Committee  of  Experts  on  the  Application  of 
Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) has repeated its request to Paraguay to address 
the incompatibility of national legislation with ILO Convention 87. The main concerns relate 
to  the  excessive  requirement  of  the  number  of  workers  needed  to  establish  a  branch  trade 
union, the prohibition to join more than one trade union, the excessive conditions applied on 
membership  in  trade  union  executive  boards,  and  the  requirement  that  a  strike  is  directly 
linked to the occupational interests of workers. The CEACR also repeated its request to repeal 
certain sections of the Code of Labour Procedure in order to respect the referral of collective 
disputes to compulsory arbitration. 

Furthermore, Paraguay continues to be under scrutiny as a country case by the Committee on 
Freedom of Association. In this regard, Paraguay has demonstrated willingness to cooperate 
by sending two reports to the ILO responding to the allegations from local trade unions. These 
allegations referred to deficiencies in sanctions procedures of the labour inspectorate related 
to  corruption  practices,  barriers  to  the  creation  of  trade  unions,  obstacles  to  collective 
bargaining  and  anti-union  discrimination.  The  issues  raised  in  the  case  remain  however 
unsolved and will require further efforts from the Government to engage in discussions with 
social partners to address them. 

As  regards  the  implementation  of  ILO  Convention  98,  Paraguay  was  also  requested  to  take 
the necessary legislative steps to establish adequate protection against anti-union acts and to 
prevent discrimination against workers, civil servants and public employees because of their 
affiliation  to  trade  unions.  Measures  should  include  penalties  against  violations  of  the 
provisions set out in ILO Convention 98. In April 2017, Paraguay requested ILO support to 
address, at least partly, the above mentioned challenges, in particular through the amendment 
of the relevant sections of the Labour Code. 

Abolition of Forced Labour (Conventions 29 and 105) 

Over  the  years  the  CEACR  has  repeatedly  pointed  to  the  situation  of  the  many  indigenous 
workers  in  agricultural  ranches  in  the  Paraguayan  Chaco,  who  continue  to  be  exposed  to 
bondage labour. Labour exploitation of indigenous workers in several regions of the country 
persists  and  is  particularly  concentrated  in  the  agricultural  sector.  In  particular,  in  a  2017 

7 

 
individual  case,  the  CEACR  invited  Paraguay  to  allocate  sufficient  material  and  human 
resources  to  the  Ministry  of  Labour  offices  in  the  Chaco  region  for  receiving  workers' 
complaints and reports on forced labour. Paraguay was also requested to ensure that judicial 
proceedings are launched against persons exacting forced labour in the form of debt bondage, 
and to continue strengthening the capacity of labour inspectors. Finally,  the CEACR invited 
Paraguay to ensure that the national criminal law contains sufficiently specific provisions to 
enable  the  competent  authorities  to  initiate  criminal  proceedings  against  the  perpetrators  of 
these  practices.  To  address  this  issue,  Paraguay  has  taken  a  number  of  measures  including 
awareness-raising activities, trainings of magistrates and labour inspectors, vocational training 
for young workers in the Chaco communities, the creation within the Labour Inspectorate of a 
technical unit for the prevention and eradication of forced labour, and the establishment of the 
Directorate for Indigenous Labour within the Ministry. However, these measures will need to 
be stepped up in order to curb the problem in the country. 

The 2016-2020 National Strategy for the Prevention of Forced Labour was adopted with the 
participation  of  workers'  and  employers'  organisations  and  in  consultation  with  indigenous 
peoples. Furthermore, Paraguay has requested ILO support for the implementation of some of 
the actions requested by the CEACR, namely workshops to raise awareness on forced labour, 
proper strategic planning of activities for forced labour prevention, and the production of an 
Intervention  Guide  for  forced  labour  cases.  In  2016,  the  CEACR  pointed  out  that  Paraguay 
should  intensify  efforts  to  effectively  implement  the  strategy,  particularly  in  regions  with 
weak State presence and where forced labour indicators have been identified. This could be 
achieved by adopting regional action plans. Paraguay was also asked to indicate the priority 
actions of the strategy. 

Minimum Age for Work and Worst Forms of Child Labour (Conventions 138 
and 182) 

The  CEACR  regularly  encourages  the  Government  to  intensify  its  efforts  to  improve  the 
situation  regarding  child  labour  in  the  country.  More  specifically,  it  asks  Paraguay  to,  inter 
alia,  address  capacities  of  the  labour  inspection  and  law  enforcement  bodies,  ensure  proper 
implementation  of  the  Labour  Code,  address  worst  forms  of  child  labour  by  prosecuting 
perpetrators, combat the criadazgo system and protect street and indigenous children. 

National Plans for the Prevention and Eradication of Child Labour and for the Prevention and 
Eradication of Sexual Exploitation of Children are in place and being implemented.  

Improvements  registered  in  recent  years  concern  child  labour.  In  2010,  the  percentage  of 
working children between 10 and 14 was 14.4% (23.3% in rural areas, 6.6% in urban areas). 
However, figures in 2016 showed a significant reduction, bringing the percentage of working 
children between 10 and 14 to 8.1% (11.3% in rural areas, 5.3% in urban areas). Almost half 
of the children work in agriculture, stockbreeding, hunting and fishing. The vast majority of 
children  and  young  persons  who  are  engaged  in  child  labour  perform  hazardous  work 
(approximately  90.3 %  of  the  5-13  age  group  and  91.1 %  of  the  14-17  age  group).  The 
CEACR noted the Government's efforts to increase the school attendance rate and to reduce 
school  drop-outs,  and  encouraged  the  Government  to  intensify  its  efforts  in  this  respect  to 
ensure  that  at  least  all  children  under  14  years  of  age  have  access  to  basic  compulsory 
education. 

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At the regulatory level, Paraguay has taken a number of steps: a draft law against the worst 
forms of child labour (including criadazgo) is currently under parliamentary scrutiny, as well 
as a draft law to take into account ILO provisions regarding night work by minors. A Protocol 
of Intervention as regards criadazgo cases has been published with ILO support. Workshops 
against  child  labour  and  criadazgo  are  being  organised  in  order  to  familiarise  society,  the 
judiciary and other administrations about the phenomenon and to help preventing it. 

Despite  improvements  and  initiatives,  the  large number  of  children  and  young  persons  who 
are  engaged  in  an  economic  activity  below  the  minimum  age  for  admission  to  employment 
and/or in hazardous work remains a matter of concern. Paraguay needs to continue its efforts 
in this regard. Paraguay should provide statistics on the real nature and extent of child labour 
in  the  country  and  should  make  the  findings  of  the  survey  on  child  labour  in  rural  areas 
public.  Further  efforts  are  needed  to  protect  street  children.  Investigations  and  effective 
prosecution of trafficking in children remain priority measures. There is still an urgent need to 
strengthen the capacities of law enforcement bodies, particularly the police, the justice system 
and customs officials,  in order to  improve their capacity to identify cases of trafficking  and 
sexual exploitation of children. 

Elimination of Discrimination (Conventions 100 and 111) 

Many of the issues raised by the CEACR remain unresolved. Pay differentials remain one of 
the  most  persistent  forms  of  inequality  between  women  and  men  and  are  a  consequence  of 
occupational  segregation.  Proactive  measures  are  needed  to  raise  awareness,  evaluate,  and 
promote  and  enforce  the  application  of  the  principle  of  equal  remuneration  for  men  and 
women  for  work  of  equal  value  and  to  improve  the  access of  women  to  a  broader  range  of 
employment opportunities at all levels and in all sectors. 

However, in some areas the Government has demonstrated efforts towards improvement. For 
example, Paraguay underlines the actions taken by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and 
Social Security, in the field of gender equality such as: free legal advice for women; training 
sessions  conducted in  coordination with  the National  Vocational  Promotion Service and the 
National System of Education and Training Labour; awareness campaigns to promote equal 
work  opportunities  and  treatment  for  men  and  women;  and  protection  of  the  right  to  breast 
feed. In relation to actions against discrimination, Paraguay has approved a National Plan for 
the Rights of People with Disabilities (2015-2030). Authorities and civil society organisations 
have jointly launched a number of initiatives in 2016 and 2017 aiming at promoting effective 
opportunities for disabled people. Moreover, a department has been established in 2017 at the 
Ministry of Labour to address labour issues of indigenous peoples. 

The CEACR has also been referring repeatedly to the need for Paraguay to adopt provisions 
on  sexual  harassment  at  work,  as  the  existing  legal  provisions  are  insufficient.  Addressing 
sexual  harassment  only  through  criminal  proceedings  is  inadequate,  as  behaviour  that 
constitutes sexual harassment in employment and occupation is not fully taken into account. 

Future actions and priorities 

Paraguay does not have a general strategy to ensure an effective implementation of the ILO 
fundamental conventions, but is developing a series of measures and tools to do so. Among 
them are the National Plan for Prevention and Eradication of Child Labour and Protection of 
Adolescents' Work, the National Plan for Prevention and Eradication of Sexual Exploitation 

9 

 
of Children and Adolescents, the Strategy for the Prevention of Forced Labour; the National 
Policy to Prevent and Combat Trafficking in Human Beings. These measures are expected to 
contribute  to  improved  implementation  and  concrete  progress.  The  2016-2020  National 
Strategy  for  the  Prevention  of  Forced  Labour  was  adopted  and  implementation  should  be 
followed-up. 

Conclusions 

There  has  been  some  progress  in  the  implementation  of  the  ILO  fundamental  conventions. 

However,  the  administrative  structures  are  still  weak  and  awareness  among  the  population 

and  social  and  economic  actors  on  labour  rights  is  limited.  Moreover,  Paraguay  does  not 

engage sufficiently with social partners. Sustained efforts in the long term will be necessary to 

achieve concrete and generalised results as regards the effective implementation of the ILO 

fundamental conventions. 

Shortcomings  have  been  identified  in  terms  of  legislative  alignment  and  enforcement,  in 

particular  in  the  areas  of  discrimination  in  employment,  minimum  age  for  work  and  worst 

forms  of  child  labour.  Recommendations  made  by  the  CEACR  on  these  issues  are 

progressively  being  taken  into  account,  in  particular  with  regard  to  actual  implementation 

and results. 

The  elimination  of  child  labour,  the  combat  against  trafficking  in  human  beings  and  equal 

labour conditions for men and women are issues that require further attention. 

2.3.  UN Conventions on Environmental Protection and Climate 

Change (Conventions 16-23) 

Status of ratification and reporting 

Paraguay  has  maintained  the  ratification  of  all  conventions  relevant  to  the  GSP+  on 
environmental protection and climate change. 

Paraguay  has  not  met  all  of  its  reporting  obligations  under  the  conventions.  Information 
provided regarding the implementation of the conventions has been limited so far.  

10 

 
Status of implementation of the conventions 

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and 
Fauna (CITES) 

In relation to the CITES Convention, a significant step forward since the 2016 GSP Report is 
that Paraguay has achieved category 1 status.2 Paraguay strengthened its legislation according 
to CITES recommendations, including the penalisation and confiscation provisions and now 
meets all requirements for the implementation of the convention.  

Nonetheless, Paraguay's resources to respond to the reporting demands remain very limited. It 
continues  to  underline  that,  under  the  present  circumstances,  the  control  and  supervision  of 
CITES  implementation  on  the  ground  is  its  first  priority.  Consequently,  it  submitted  the 
annual reports for 2014 in 2015, but the biennial report for 2013-2014 is still due. 

Basel Convention 

Paraguay is not yet fully compliant with the reporting requirements of the Basel Convention. 
It  argues  that  this  is  due  to  limited  human  resources,  but  assures  that  reporting  will  be 
gradually  fulfilled.  The  latest  report  submitted  was  from  2015.  On  implementation,  little 
information was available. 

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 

Over the years, both the economic structure (livestock and agriculture) and the energy matrix 
have  had  a  considerable  impact  on  the  country's  forests  (high  deforestation  rate).  Wetlands, 
which  cover  between  15%  and  20%  of  the  country's  surface,  remain  areas  particularly 
vulnerable  to  exploitation.  After  drainage,  they  become  adequate  areas  for  economic 
activities. This has significantly harmed the country's biological diversity. National budgetary 
allocations for the management of protected wilderness areas have declined. Biodiversity loss 
is thus still a fact and concrete measures to implement the convention remain necessary. 

In 2016, Paraguay submitted the 5th national report as well as a revised National Biodiversity 
Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). 

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants 

Paraguay submitted the 3rd national report in 2016. Paraguay has  started a  process to  revise 
and update its National Plan for the implementation of the Stockholm Convention. At the time 
of  writing,  this  update  was  expected  to  be  completed  by  the  end  of  2017.  However,  no 
information  has  been  provided  so  far  on  measures  taken  to  effectively  implement  the 
regulation. 

2 Category 1: legislation that is believed generally to meet all requirements for effective implementation of CITES. Source: 
https://cites.org/eng/legislation/National_Legislation_Project 

11 

 
                                                 
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety 

Paraguay  ratified  the  Cartagena  Protocol  on  Biosafety  in  2004.  It  submitted  its  2nd  national 
report due in 2011. The 3rd National Report, providing data on the current situation regarding 
the implementation of the Protocol, was submitted in December 2016. 

Conventions on Climate Change 

Paraguay is party to all climate change-related conventions, and has no salient shortcomings. 

As for the Montreal Protocol, Paraguay is up to date regarding reporting requirements. It has 
ensured  the  annual  submission  of  statistical  data  on  the  production,  import  and  export  of 
controlled  ozone  depleting  substances  (ODS).  It  has  also  ensured  the  annual  submission  of 
statistical  data  on  the  production,  imports,  exports  and  consumption  (use)  by  sector  of  all 
controlled substances. The latest reports have been submitted in February 2017. However, no 
information has been provided on national action plans. Details on the implementation of the 
Protocol are lacking as well.  

Paraguay  submitted  its  3rd  National  Communication  to  the  UN  Framework  Convention  on 
Climate  Change  (UNFCCC)  in  September  2017  and  its  1st  Biennial  Update  Report  in 
December 2015. The 2015 National Strategy for Reducing Emissions from deforestation and 
forest degradation, as well as the 2015 National Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan, are also 
in  the  phase  of  preparation  and  validation  respectively.  The  priority  sectors  in  the  National 
Adaptation  Strategy  and  Action  Plan  are  water  resources,  forests,  agricultural  and  livestock 
production, land management, energy, infrastructure, health and sanitation, risk management 
and natural disasters and early warning systems.  

On  1  October  2015,  Paraguay  submitted  its  Intended  Nationally  Determined  Contribution 
(INDC)  to  the  UNFCCC  Secretariat.  Paraguay's  INDC  envisages  a  reduction  of  emissions 
equivalent  to  10%  compared  to  business-as-usual  by  2030  and  a  conditional  reduction  of 
20%.  The  INDC  focuses  on  land  use  change,  reduction  of  biomass  as  energy  source  for 
agricultural  production,  improvements  in  transportation,  limitations  placed  on  the  import  of 
used  cars,  and  how  to  take  further  advantage  of  the  fact  that  clean  energy  from  hydro-
electrical sources is plentiful in the country. 

Conclusions 

Deforestation, water pollution, waste disposal and loss of wetlands are key environmental 

challenges that the country is facing.  

Furthermore, Paraguay needs to provide information about how it intends to improve 

reporting and implement its obligations under the conventions on environmental protection. 

This  requires  both  institutional  strengthening  and  a  medium  to  long  term  strategy  for 

addressing  environment  issues,  clearly  detailing  the  steps  towards  the  conventions'  proper 

implementation.  

12 

 
On Climate Change, the National Strategy for Reducing Emissions and Deforestation and the 

National Adaptation Strategy also need to be finalised. Clear steps for the implementation of 

the actions outlined in its INDC should also be enumerated, enacted and implemented.  

2.4.  UN Conventions on Good Governance (Conventions 24-27) 

Status of ratification and reporting 

Paraguay  maintained  ratification  of  the  UN  Single  Convention  on  Narcotics  Drugs,  the  UN 
Convention  on  Psychotropic  Substances  and  the  UN  Convention  against  Illicit  Traffic  in 
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Paraguay complies with the reporting requests 
from  the  monitoring  body  of  the  three  core  UN  conventions  on  fighting  illegal  drugs  (the 
International Narcotic Control Board — INCB). 

Paraguay ratified the UN Convention against Corruption in 2005, and has complied with all 
requests for information. Monitoring is carried out by the UNCAC's Implementation Review 
Group,  which  last  reviewed  Paraguay  in  2014.  The  executive  summary  of  this  review  is 
available  to  the  public  since  September  2014,  but  the  full  country  report,  which  had  been 
expected to be released in early 2016, was not yet available at the time of writing. 

Status of implementation of the conventions 

UN Conventions Fighting Illegal Drugs 

As reported in 2016, Paraguay is South America's main cannabis producer and an important 
transit country for cannabis and cocaine. The main shortcoming identified by the INCB has 
been the need to address the illicit cannabis cultivation as well as cannabis and cocaine cross-
border trafficking. 

The  Paraguayan  National  Anti-Drug  Secretariat  (SENAD)  undertakes  actions  against 
marihuana production and considers the elimination of the trafficking of cocaine paste as one 
of its national priorities. In this regard, joint actions with Brazil in 2017 have led to improved 
results. Paraguay is updating its strategic plan tackling illegal drugs to cover the period 2018-
2022. Understanding and institutional support for demand reduction has increased. Paraguay 
is  now  taking  measures  to  enhance  its  capacities  to  treat  drug  dependence  and  to  make 
rehabilitation centres available. 

The cooperation between the EU and Latin America, including through programmes such as 
COPOLAD, has contributed to the improvement of Paraguay's coherence, balance and impact 
of  policies  on  drugs.  The  exchange  of  best  practices  and  experiences,  increased  bi-regional 
coordination and the promotion of multi-sectorial, comprehensive and coordinated responses 
have been particularly useful. 

International  cooperation  has  also  encouraged  improved  coordination  and  dialogue  between 
the  country's  various  institutions,  and  better  identification  of  the  priorities.  In  this  context, 
Paraguay  is  implementing  its  National  Integrated  Plan  (NIP)  seeking  to  develop  a  cross-
cutting  approach  among  the  various  institutions  responsible  for  organised  crime,  illicit 
trafficking and drug demand reduction and treatment. 

13 

 
Despite Paraguay's sustained efforts, the drug issue remains a serious problem in the country. 
It  has  led  in  recent  months  to  very  violent  events  in  certain  areas  of  the  country  (often 
bordering Brazil) with increased gang fighting. The drug business continues to permeate the 
State  institutions  and  to  contaminate  politics  and  the  economy,  including  political  party 
financing. It may become a serious threat for the stability and the sound social and economic 
development of the country.  

UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) 

Paraguay  has  struggled  to  fight  systemic  corruption  in  all  sectors  of  the  Government.  The 
executive  summary  of  the  latest  UNCAC  Implementation  Review,  publicly  available  since 
September  2014,  identifies  various  shortcomings.  Neither  active  nor  passive  bribery  of 
foreign public officials and officials of public international organisations is criminalised. The 
same was found as regards bribery in the private sector and abuse of functions. UNCAC also 
identified  the  lack  of  independence  and  clear  roles  of  institutions,  the  lack  of  an  anti-
corruption strategy and the need for training and increased cooperation with civil society as 
issues  to  be  addressed.  So  far,  limited  progress  has  been  made  as  regards  these  specific 
recommendations. 

Since  2013,  the  Government  of  President  Cartes  has  been  taking  measures  attempting  to 
improve governance, reduce corruption, increase transparency of public institutions and make 
information more easily accessible to the public. Legislation promoting all these aspects has 
been  enacted  and  implementation  has  started.  Specific  webpages  to  denounce  corruption  in 
State  bodies  and  to  give  easy  access  to  public  information  have  been  created.  Public 
institutions have been compelled to publish a list of their employees and their salaries. Public 
Information Offices have been established in a number of public institutions. A National Plan 
for  the  Prevention  of  Corruption  has  been  prepared.  Procedures  have  been  introduced  to 
ensure  that  the  recruitment  of  civil  servants  and  the  judiciary  is  based  on  merit.  Ministries 
have  been  compelled  to  publish  tenders  for  public  procurement  online  and  the  Ministry  of 
Finance ensures regular reports on the execution of the budget.  

Further steps are necessary to  complete and implement the legislation on  money laundering 
and  asset  recovery.  A  calendar  of  activities  for  the  full  implementation  of  the  UNCAC 
recommendations  remains  under  preparation.  The  draft  organic  law  of  the  national  anti-
corruption secretariat has not yet been adopted.  

Regulations  on  the  protection  of  whistle  blowers,  witnesses  and  victims  have  not  been 
reviewed and no programmes to ensure effective protection measures have been developed. A 
regulatory  practice  striking  a  balance  between  privileges  or  immunities  and  the  ability  to 
investigate effectively needs to be implemented. 

The  lack  of  independence  and  the  poor  definition  of  the  institutions'  roles  remain  an  issue. 
There  is  room  for  improvement  regarding  training  and  cooperation  with  civil  society  in 
relation  to  anticorruption.  No  specific  legislation  on  extradition  and  mutual  legal  assistance 
has been enacted and deadlines to facilitate extradition have not been shortened. 

While  the  number  of  corruption  cases  identified  has  increased  significantly  due  to  the 
transparency  policy  and  the  active  role  played  by  the  media,  investigation  and  prosecution 
have not been effective and many of the culprits manage to avoid justice.  

14 

 
Although  corruption  remains  a  serious  concern  with  important  shortcomings,  it  is  worth 
noting that international indexes on perception of corruption are slowly improving. According 
to the 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index reported by Transparency International, Paraguay is 
now the 123rd least corrupt nation out of 175 countries, improving its record for the first time 
since 2012. 

Conclusions 

Paraguay is South America's main cannabis producer and a transit country for cannabis and 

other drugs (mainly cocaine). As a result, Paraguay faces various challenges in its efforts to 

reduce narcotics trafficking and production. Paraguay has continued implementing measures 

to tackle drug-related concerns in the country (cannabis production, trafficking of cannabis 

and  cocaine,  increasing  drug-consumption,  limitations  as  regards  rehabilitation  of  drug 

users),  but  more  determination,  additional  resources  and  significant 

institutional 

strengthening  are  needed.  The  proper  implementation  of  the  National  Integrated  Plan  to 

tackle illegal drugs has to be ensured.  

The  last  five  years  have  seen  a  rise  of  laws  and  institutions  aimed  at  fighting  corruption. 

These  initiatives  have  been praised internationally. Actions  to increase transparency and to 

uncover corruption cases are indeed encouraging. Public awareness has increased, access to 

information on the use of public money has improved and a significant number of corruption 

activities  are  now  publicly  criticised.  However,  efforts  need  to  be  sustained  over  time  and 

reinforced, 

inter  alia, 

through 

the  progressive 

implementation  of 

the  UNCAC 

recommendations and by actual prosecution of corruption-related crimes. 

3.  Trade and Economy 

3.1.  Trade Picture 

Paraguay's economy grew by about 4% in 2015 and 2016, despite a rather complex regional 
situation and with a drop in the prices of its key exports.  

Paraguay's  macroeconomic  fundamentals  remain  good.  Inflation  is  relatively  low,  as  are 
public  debt  and  deficit  levels.  Official  reserves  are  high.  The  World  Bank  has  classified 
Paraguay as upper-middle income country for three years in a row. Thus Paraguay will leave 
the GSP+ arrangement on 1 January 2019. 

In 2016, the EU was Paraguay's fourth most important trading partner, behind Brazil, China 
and Argentina. Paraguay runs a trade deficit with China and Argentina, but a surplus with the 
EU and Brazil. Brazil (35%) and the EU (14%) are Paraguay's most important export partners. 

15 

 
In 2016, Paraguay's exports to the EU were worth nearly EUR 1.1 billion and its imports from 
the  EU  were  worth  EUR 0.7  billion.  Imports  from  the  EU  include  vehicles  and  machinery, 
while soybeans (and other seeds) continue to dominate Paraguay's exports to the EU.  

Paraguay's  main  imports  from  Mercosur  countries  are  oils,  machinery  and  equipment,  and 
motor  vehicles.  Its  main  export  to  its  neighbours  is  hydro-power.  Paraguay  is  the  world's 
sixth-biggest  meat  exporter,  notably  exporting  meat  to  non-Mercosur  Latin  American 
countries. Additionally, Paraguay earns significant foreign currency revenue, including from 
retail services and tourism. 

3.2.  GSP+ Statistics 

Figure 1 to Figure 3 below describe Paraguay's utilisation of GSP+ in the context of its overall 
imports to the EU. Paraguay is the only Mercosur member that benefits from GSP+ with zero 
tariffs  on  91%  of  products,  offering  potential  scope  for  future  diversification.  GSP+ 
preferences  continue  to  have  little  impact  on  Paraguay's  exports  as  soybeans  and  their 
residues benefit from zero MFN tariffs. Roughly 3.4% of Paraguay's exports to the EU benefit 
from GSP+ currently. Soybean oil is an important potential growth area, in which Paraguay 
can benefit from tariff exemption under GSP+. 

Source for all statistics: Eurostat data as of September 2017. 

Figure 1 

Paraguay - Imports to the EU, 2014-2017 

Figures in thousand EUR 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 (Q1-2) 

Total imports to EU 
GSP+ eligible imports 
GSP+ preferential imports 
GSP+ utilisation rate 

1,098,733 
72,824 
69,349 
95.2% 

1,057,067 
46,567 
42,275 
90.8% 

1,074,715 
41,912 
36,736 
87.7% 

472,908 
24,500 
22,256 
90.8% 

Trend 2014-
2016 

-2.2% 
-42.4% 
-47.0% 
-8.0% 

Figure 2 

Paraguay - Imports to the EU, 2014-2016 

1.200.000

1.000.000

1.098.733 
6.31% 
0.32% 

1.057.067 

4.00% 
0.41% 

1.074.715 
3.42% 
0.48% 

800.000

600.000

400.000

200.000

0

)
R
U
E
d
n
a
s
u
o
h
t
(

U
E
e
h
t
o
t

s
t
r
o
p
m

I

93.37% 

95.59% 

96.10% 

2014

2015

2016

16 

GSP+ preferential imports

GSP+ eligible imports
which do not use GSP+
preferences
Other preferential and
non-preferential imports

 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 3 

7% 

8% 

10% 

Paraguay -  
Product Diversification of GSP+ Preferential Imports, 2016 

4% 

3% 

4% 

5% 

11% 

Animal or vegetable fats and oils

Raw hides and skins

50% 

Preparations of vegetables, fruit,
nuts or other parts of plants
Articles of leather

Wood

Tobacco

Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus
fruits or melons
Essential oils; perfumery, cosmetic
or toilet preparations
All other sections

17 

 
 
 
 
ANNEX 

Paraguay – Treaty Ratification and Reporting  

Convention 

Status of ratification / 
reservations3 

Compliance with reporting obligations to 
monitoring bodies 

1. Convention on the 
Prevention and Punishment 
of the Crime of Genocide 

2. International Convention 
on the Elimination of All 
Forms of Racial 
Discrimination 

3. International Covenant on 
Civil and Political Rights 

4. International Covenant on 
Economic, Social and 
Cultural Rights 

5. Convention on the 
Elimination of All Forms of 
Discrimination against 
Women 

6. Convention against 
Torture and Other Cruel, 
Inhuman or Degrading 
Treatment or Punishment 

7. Convention on the Rights 
of the Child 

8. Convention concerning 
Forced or Compulsory 
Labour, No. 29 

9. Convention concerning 
Freedom of Association and 
Protection of the Right to 
Organise, No. 87 

10. Convention concerning 
the Application of the 
Principles of the Right to 
Organise and to Bargain 
Collectively, No. 98 

Ratified: 14.06.2005 

No reporting obligations 

No reservations 

Ratified: 18.08.2003 

Compliant with reporting obligations 

No reservations 

Last report submitted on 20.10.2015. 

Ratified: 10.06.1992 

Lack of compliance with reporting obligations 

No reservations 

Last report submitted on 31.12.2010.  

Latest report was due on 30.03.2017. 

Ratified: 10.06.1992 

Compliant with reporting obligations 

No reservations 

Last report submitted on 06.10.2011.  

Next report due on 30.03.2020. 

Ratified: 06.05.1987 

Compliant with reporting obligations 

No reservations 

Last report submitted on 12.11.2015.  

Ratified: 12.03.1990 

Lack of compliance with reporting obligations 

No reservations  

Latest report submitted on 19.01.2016. 

Ratified: 25.09.1990 

Compliant with reporting obligations 

No reservations 

Last report submitted on 20.03.2008.  

Next report due on 01.10.2017.  

Ratification: 1967 

Compliant with reporting obligations  

Latest CEACR comments: Observation 2014; Direct 
Request 2014. 

Ratification: 1962 

Compliant with reporting obligations  

Latest CEACR comments: Observation 2015. 

Ratification: 1966 

Compliant with reporting obligations  

Latest CEACR comments: Observation 2015, Direct 
Request 2015. 

3 Reservations do not apply in the ILO system, so there is no relevance to providing information on reservations under each 
of these conventions. 

18 

 
 
 
                                                 
11. Convention concerning 
Equal Remuneration of Men 
and Women Workers for 
Work of Equal Value, No. 
100 

12. Convention concerning 
the Abolition of Forced 
Labour, No. 105 

13. Convention concerning 
Discrimination in Respect of 
Employment and 
Occupation, No. 111 

14. Convention concerning 
Minimum Age for 
Admission to Employment, 
No. 138 

15. Convention concerning 
Minimum Age for 
Admission to Employment, 
No. 182 

Ratification: 1964 

Compliant with reporting obligations  

Latest CEACR comments: Direct Request 2015. 

Ratification: 1968 

Compliant with reporting obligations  

Latest CEACR comments: Direct Request 2007. 

Ratification: 1967 

Compliant with reporting obligations  

Latest CEACR comments: Direct Request 2015. 

Ratification: 2004  

Compliant with reporting obligations  

Minimum age specified: 14 
years 

Latest CEACR comments: Observation 2016; Direct 
Request 2016. 

Ratification: 2001 

Compliant with reporting obligations  

Latest CEACR comments: Observation 2016; Direct 
Request 2016. 

16. CITES 

Ratification: 15.11.1976 

Lack of compliance with reporting obligations  

No reservations 

Last Annual Report (2016) submitted on 22.06.2017. 

Biennial Report for 2013-14 and 2015-2016 are due. 

17. Montreal Protocol 

Accession: 03.12.1992 

Compliant with reporting obligations 

No reservations 

Most recent data for 2016 was submitted. 

18. Basel Convention 

Ratification: 28.09.1995 

Lack of compliance with reporting obligations 

No reservations 

Annual Reports for 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2013 are 
overdue. 

The Annual Report for 2015 was submitted on 
02.12.2016.  

19. Convention on 
Biological Diversity 

Ratification: 24.02.1994  

Lack of compliance with reporting obligations 

No reservations 

Last report submitted on 16.08.2016 (Fifth National 
Report).  

Revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action 
Plan (NBSAP) submitted on 22.11.2016. 

First (1998), Third (2006), Fourth (2010) National 
Reports are due.  

The Sixth National Report is due on 31.12.2018. 

20. UN Framework 
Convention on Climate 
Change 

Ratification: February 1994 

Compliant with reporting obligations 

No reservations 

First National Communication submitted on 
10.04.2002. 
Second National Communication submitted on 
08.12.2011. 

Third National Communication submitted on 
15.09.2017.  

First Biennial Report was submitted on 30.12.2015. 

21. Cartagena Protocol on 
Biosafety 

Ratification: 10.03.2004 

Lack of compliance with reporting obligations 

No reservations 

Latest report submitted on 14.12.2016 (Third National 

19 

 
 
Report). 

Interim National Report (2005) and First National 
Report (2007) are overdue.  

22. Stockholm Convention 

Ratification: 01.04.2004 

Lack of compliance with reporting obligations 

No reservations 

Latest report submitted on 01.05.2016 (Third National 
Report).  

First Round (2006) National Report (not submitted) 
was due 31.07.2007. 

23. Kyoto Protocol 

Ratification: 27.08.1999 

No reporting obligations 

24. UN Single Convention 
on Narcotic Drugs 

25. UN Convention on 
Psychotropic Substances 

26. UN Convention against 
Illicit Traffic in Narcotic 
Drugs and Psychotropic 
Substances 

27. UN Convention against 
Corruption 

Reviewing is fulfilled by the International Narcotics 
Control Board (INCB). 

No reservations 

Ratification: 03.02.1972 

No reservations 

Ratification: 03.02.1972 

No reservations 

Ratification: 23.08.1990 

No reservations 

Ratification: 01.06.2005 

Reviewing is fulfilled by the UN Office on Drugs 
and Crime (UNODC).  

The Executive Summary of the 2014 review has been 
published. 

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