Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their latest assessment of the human rights situation in Paraguay.

In Paraguay, basic human rights as well as political and civic liberties such as the freedom of expression and assembly are normally respected. Free and fair elections are being held. The law and constitution provides for freedom of speech and press, and the government respect these rights. Individuals have criticised the government publicly and privately, generally without reprisal or impediment. We are pleased that Paraguay has been elected as member of the UN Council of Human Rights for the period 2015-2017 and are working closely with them.

However, despite good progress on a range of human rights issues, we would welcome improvements in a number of areas, including on: access to a fair trial; investigation of crimes; impunity; and a law against all forms of discrimination. We continue to raise a range of human rights issues with the Paraguayan government on a regular basis.