During the current review taking place in Geneva, the country of Norway recommended that Paraguay study “the scope of illegal and unsafe abortions taking place and introduce measures to protect the universal right of women to life and health.”
“Paraguay is grateful for the 124 recommendations received during its participation in the Universal Periodic Review. All of the recommendations have been accepted,” Gonzalez said.
In response to the recommendation by Norway, the Paraguayan delegation in Geneva issued a statement on May 31 announcing that a government resolution is currently being drafted to address the issue of “humane health care for patients in situations of abortion.”
However, Paraguay’s Director of Human Rights of the Ministry for Foreign Relations, Ines Martinez, told CNA the government “has made no commitment” regarding the legalization of abortion.
“A legislative measure” does exist, she said, and is currently “in the hands of the Legislative branch. There is no policy (of the State), there is a measure in the sense that there is law like in any other country and it is currently before parliament.”
Norway and other European countries often use these “recommendations” to pressure countries in Latin America and Africa to legalize abortion.
Nicaragua has become an emblematic case in this regard, as the country has fought hard to resist pressure to change its laws, which do not allow abortion under any circumstances. The country has been continuously threatened with cuts in financial aid from European nations.