HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ADOPTS UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW OUTCOMES OF FRANCE, TONGA, ROMANIA, AND MALI

The Human Rights Council during its midday meeting adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of France, Tonga, Romania, and Mali.

Vojislav Šuc, President of the Human Rights Council, in opening remarks, said that the current cycle of the Universal Periodic Review provided the opportunity to take stock of developments that had occurred during the previous reviews, in particular with regard to implementation and follow-up processes. He underlined the important role that non-governmental organizations played in the Universal Periodic Review process, and called on States to prevent any act of intimidation or reprisal against individuals and groups who cooperated or had cooperated with the United Nations and its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights.

François Croquette, Ambassador for Human Rights, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, noted that France was determined to strengthen its fight against racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia and intolerance. Asylum was an undeniable right guaranteed by the Constitution and France was taking steps to reduce the duration of the asylum process, to strengthen the office for refugees, and to align its procedures with European practices.

The National Consultative Commission of Human Rights of France voiced concern about the deterioration of fundamental freedoms in the context of terrorist attacks. France should review its anti-terrorist measures vis-à-vis human rights standards. The Commission was also alarmed about the harshening of migration policies and the harassment of migrants’ human rights defenders.

In the ensuing discussion, speakers commended the efforts and measures taken by France to further promote and protect human rights, especially when it came to defending women’s rights, promoting gender equality, and combatting gender-based violence. At the same time, they called for independent oversight of its anti-terrorism measures, and review of discriminatory provisions against minorities in the anti-terrorism legislation. They also called for an end to France’s transfer of weapons to countries involved in the conflict in Yemen.

Speaking were Egypt, Haiti, Honduras, Iran, Iraq, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Madagascar, Pakistan, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Sri Lanka, and Sudan.

Also taking the floor were the following non-governmental organizations: Commission nationale consultative des droits de l’homme de la France; World Evangelical Alliance; Open Society Institute; Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILF); Caritas Internationalis International Confederation of Catholic Charities; Amnesty International; International Federation for Human Rights Leagues; Associazione Comunita Papa Giovanni XXIII; CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation; Africa Culture International and Human Rights Watch (in a joint statement with International Service for Human Rights)..

The President said that out of 297 recommendations received, 238 were supported by France, and 25 were noted. Additional clarification was provided on another 34 recommendations with indication on which parts were supported and which parts were noted.

The Council then adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of France.

Elsie Fukofuka, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tonga, said that of the 110 recommendations received, Tonga had immediately accepted 52, but had delayed the consideration of 58 recommendations due to a severe category-four tropical cyclone, Gita, which had hit the country immediately after its Universal Periodic Review in January. The establishment of a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles remained a challenge given the limited human and financial resources. She reiterated Tonga’s position that it would retain the death penalty as the ultimate criminal sanction for the crimes of murder and treason.

In the discussion, speakers welcomed Tonga’s intention to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and its progress in ensuring gender balance and awareness in schools, and the significant drop in child marriage. They encouraged Tonga to further strengthen economic and social rights of the most vulnerable populations in the country. At the same time, they stressed that the death penalty must be abolished and efforts to fight discrimination of women must be stepped up.

Speaking were the United Kingdom, Venezuela, Angola, China, and Honduras.

The Vice President informed that that out of 110 recommendations proposed, Tonga had accepted 52 and noted 58. The Council then adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Tonga.

Adrian Cosmin Vierita, Permanent Representative of Romania to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that of the 203 received recommendations, Romania had accepted 163, noted 37 and partially noted three recommendations. Explaining the position of Romania on some of the noted recommendations, he said that existing legislation on the enforcement of sentences and detention measures provided for sufficient safeguards to ensure the respect of human dignity and prevent torture. Romania had developed an active system for the protection of minority rights. Every person belonging to a national minority had the right to be educated in the mother tongue, and use it in dealings with the public authorities and the judiciary.

In the discussion, speakers noted that Romania had accepted a majority of recommendations. Romania had cooperated constructively throughout the Universal Periodic Review process. Speakers urged the Government to establish measures to combat trafficking in persons and protect minority groups. Romania was undertaking efforts to combat discrimination and domestic violence. Romania must continue working proactively to improve the well-being of all its citizens.

Speaking were Venezuela, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Chad, China, Egypt, Iraq, Republic of Moldova, Honduras, and Albania.

Also taking the floor were the non-governmental organizations Centrul de Resurse Juridice ; European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Federation ILGA-EUROPE (in a joint statement with International Lesbian and Gay Association) and Association of World Citizens.

The Vice President informed that out of 203 recommendations proposed, Romania had accepted 163, noted 37 and partially noted another 3.

The Council then adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Romania.

Kadidia Sangaré Coulibaly, Minister for Human Rights of Mali, informed the Council about the security crisis, stemming from terrorist activities that were annihilating some efforts to protect basic rights. Mali had accepted 175 recommendations and noted 19 and was particularly pleased that the adoption of recommendations was characterized by a participatory approach which brought together ministries and national human rights entities. The Ministry for Human Rights organized meetings to take stock of all recommendations. A National Security Council had been established and a demobilization programme was underway.

In the discussion, speakers welcomed the fact that Mali had accepted a large number of recommendations in spite of the security crisis. The decision of Mali to establish the Ministry of Human Rights and to incorporate provisions on human rights in the Constitution was praised. The international community and bilateral partners had to strengthen their support for and technical assistance to Mali.

Speaking were Chad, China, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Honduras, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Senegal, South Africa, and Sudan.

Also taking the floor were the non-governmental organizations: Amnesty International; International Service for Human Rights ; Human Rights Watch; Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l'homme; International Catholic Child Bureau; Association of World Citizens; International Organization for the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD); United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation and Fondation d'Auteuil.

The Vice President informed that out of 194 recommendations proposed, Mali had accepted 175 and noted 19.

The Council then adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Mali.

The Council will next consider the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Botswana, Bahamas and Burundi.

Opening Statement by the President of the Council

VOJISLAV ŠUC, President of the Human Rights Council, highlighted that the Universal Periodic Review process continued to take place in a context of high-level participation by the States under review. It was crucial that the third cycle continued to celebrate the same level of participation by all States and other stakeholders. The President recalled that the current cycle provided the opportunity to take stock of developments that had occurred during the previous reviews, in particular with regard to implementation and follow-up processes. He also underlined the important role that non-governmental organizations played in the Universal Periodic Review process. Their participation in the deliberations of the Council within the framework of the Universal Periodic Review segment provided additional clarification of issues under discussion. In that respect, the President referred to the Council resolution 16/21, through which the Council strongly rejected any act of intimidation or reprisal against individuals and groups who cooperated or had cooperated with the United Nations and its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. The President urged States to prevent and ensure adequate protection against such acts.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of France

FRANÇOIS CROQUETTE, Ambassador for Human Rights, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, said that France had carefully considered all the 297 recommendations it had received during its Universal Periodic Review and had accepted 233 or 80 per cent, partly accepted 34, and had noted 25 recommendations. France was determined to strengthen its fight against racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia and intolerance and that was why it had accepted 60 of approximately 70 recommendations it had received on this topic. The Third National Action Plan for the fight against racism and anti-Semitism 2018-2020 included measures to combat hate speech online, including through the moderation of platforms. France had accepted the recommendations concerning ethnic profiling by the police because such acts were contrary to the republican principle of equality. In terms of equality between women and men, France had in place measures in the areas of education, victims support, and the strengthening of its protective arsenal, which were included in the five-year strategy on the fight against sexual and sexist violence in which all the Ministries were involved. Furthermore, this year, France would strengthen its legislation in this regard, while the fight for pay equality remained at the heart of public policy and action.

France had, of course, accepted recommendations concerning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and had put in place a plan to address hate and discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, which provided financial support to local and national associations working in the domain. Several recommendations on the rights of persons with disabilities had been accepted, and France would adopt measures to support their education and employment. Reiterating the commitment to fight against terrorism, Mr. Croquette said that more than 20 such recommendations had been accepted, and informed the Council that France had strengthened its legal tools to deal, in a sustainable manner, with the threat of terrorism. It had additionally accepted the recommendations to guarantee the respect of human rights by security forces, and also to improve the conditions in places of deprivation of liberty, said the Ambassador, adding that since 2013, France had been actively changing its sentencing policy and encouraging the use of alternative measures to detention.

During its Universal Periodic Review, France had received 16 recommendations concerning the situation of migrants and refugees, which it had accepted. In fact, asylum was an undeniable right guaranteed by the Constitution, and, driven by the will to protect persons fleeing violence and prosecution, France was taking steps to reduce the duration of the process, strengthen the office for refugees, and align its procedures with European practices. Turning to those recommendations that France could not accept, Mr. Croquette explained that it could not ratify the International Convention of the Rights of Migrant Workers given the lack of distinction between migrant workers in regular and in irregular situations, nor could it agree to ratify the Kampala Amendments to the Statute of the International Criminal Court concerning crimes of aggression, the definition of which remained too imprecise. Furthermore, France could not accept recommendations that would jeopardise the principle of secularity, and would not reconsider the laws concerning clothing and religious symbols in educational institutions, all the while according full priority to the exercise of the right to freedom of religion or belief.

National Consultative Commission of Human Rights of France welcomed the adoption of the first national action plan on businesses and human rights. In a difficult context marked by numerous terrorist attacks, the Commission noted the deterioration of fundamental freedoms. France should review its anti-terrorist measures vis-à-vis human rights standards. The Commission was alarmed about the harshening of migration policies and the harassment of defenders of the human rights of migrants. It was also concerned about the measures which ran counter to the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities. Finally, it encouraged France to embrace a human rights-based approach in its policies.

Egypt took note of France’s efforts to promote human rights and to implement the recommendation of the Universal Periodic Review, such as fighting xenophobia, racism, and poverty. It called on France to ensure the respect of fundamental rights when implementing anti-terrorism measures, and to ensure the rights of migrant workers.

Haiti welcomed the decision of France to accept its recommendations regarding increasing official development aid, achieving real equality of overseas territories, and guaranteeing freedom of expression on the Internet.

Honduras asked France to consider ratifying the International Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, to increase efforts to fight trafficking in persons, and to adopt measures to guarantee quality education to foreign children.

Iran remained concerned about a number of human rights violations in France, especially with respect to Roma’s poor access to education, housing, drinking water and sanitation, the living conditions of detainees in prisons, judicial treatment of racist offences, claims of French complicity in genocide, and continued trafficking in persons, particularly women and children.

Iraq thanked France for the acceptance of most of the recommendations under the Universal Periodic Review, and wished France further progress in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic commended the efforts and measures taken by France to further promote and protect human rights, especially when it came to defending women’s rights, promoting gender equality, and combatting gender-based violence.

Libya welcomed all the efforts of France to promote and protect human rights, and recommended that the Council adopt France’s Universal Periodic Review outcome.

Madagascar noted with satisfaction that France had accepted a large number of recommendations, especially addressing prison overcrowding and discrimination in the sphere of education. It called on France to step up efforts to effectively protect human rights.

Pakistan commended France for having accepted the majority of the recommendations, in particular efforts to combat discrimination in the sphere of education. It called on the Council to accept France’s Universal Periodic Review outcome with consensus.

Philippines congratulated France for accepting 80 per cent of the recommendations and commended France for setting an example among developed countries in its pioneering efforts in passing a legislation in 2017 to ensure accountability for human rights violations committed abroad by French transnational corporations.

Rwanda welcomed the acceptance by France of the eight recommendations concerning the genocide committed against the Tutsi, and noted with concern that three recommendations had been only accepted in part. Rwanda hoped that France would continue to take credible measures to address shortcomings regarding its response to the genocide and ensure truth, justice and accountability.

Senegal was pleased by the acceptance by France of recommendations concerning the situation of refugees and migrants, as well as those concerning the fight against racism, sexism, intolerance and all forms of discrimination.

Sri Lanka encouraged France to continue to combat racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism, and said that the adoption of legislation to combat online speech was a significant development in this regard.

Sudan reiterated that the Universal Periodic Review was an effective way to ensure progress and strengthen human rights in various countries, and recalled that xenophobia, intolerance and racism towards migrants was growing and was a disgrace to societies. France should fight all forms of discrimination, fight trafficking in persons, and withdraw a ban on wearing religious clothing in public.

World Evangelical Alliance called upon France to strengthen the inter-ministerial delegation for the fight against racism and anti-Semitism, and also include in its mandate the fight against hate based on opinions and religion in general. A broader campaign was needed to protect people from hate and discrimination on the basis of their religions, beliefs, or opinions.

Open Society Institute, in a joint statement, noted that the fight against terrorism should be overseen by the National Consultative Commission of Human Rights of France, adding that parliamentary control was not sufficient. There were discriminatory provisions against minorities in the anti-terrorism law. The Muslim community was particularly targeted and there was a mix up between terrorism and Islam.

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILF) called on France to look at all transfers of weapons to foreign countries, especially those involved in the Saudi-led coalition raids on Yemen. The majority of civilian victims in Yemen had been caused by the airstrikes from the coalition. All sales of military equipment should be analysed on a case by case basis to determine their impact on human rights. The organization called on France to immediately stop the delivery of military equipment to Saudi Arabia.

Caritas Internationalis International Confederation of Catholic Charities stated that it was urgent to establish a national mechanism in France for the identification of and assistance to victims of trafficking, and the crime of solidarity with migrants should be withdrawn from the statute books. Migrants should not be arrested or detained and should be accorded all rights and welcomed in dignity.

Amnesty International regretted that France had refused to ratify the Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, and that the crime of solidarity with migrants had not been repealed. It was concerned about internal security following the measures adopted in November 2017. The organization warned of France’s transfer of weapons to countries involved in the conflict in Yemen.

International Federation for Human Rights Leagues was concerned about the implementation of the law introducing new mechanisms to combat terrorism, as well as draft legislation on asylum seekers and migrants as it lacked in depth thinking on how to sustainably improve their conditions. The legislation on combatting online hate speech must be urgently implemented, including rapid setting up of an observatory.

Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII drew attention to huge inequalities in income, employment and education outcomes of persons with disabilities in France, and outlined the urgency of adopting measures to accelerate inclusive education of children with disabilities throughout the country. France must urgently take all measures to affirm equal dignity of all persons with disabilities at all levels of life in the country.

CIVICUS-World Alliance for Citizen Participation was concerned about the new anti-terrorism legal regime which had expanded the powers of the State to arrest, detain and conduct surveillance, without adequate judicial oversight. Another issue of concern was related to the disproportionate use of force against protesters, as well as a series of recently adopted measures which threatened the exercise of the right to freedom of expression, including through the use of legal proceedings to compel the media to reveal their sources.

Africa Culture International congratulated France on progress made to maintain the legal infrastructure of the country. In particular, reforms related to increasing engagement with the United Nations and the Human Rights Council were commendable. France was urged to prioritize development, protection of women and migrants, and to combat racism against asylum seekers.

Human Rights Watch in a joint statement with International Service for Human Rights welcomed the acceptance of recommendations related to ending ethnic profiling in law enforcement. Young men from visible minorities were much more likely to be stopped by police than other segments of society. Acceptance of recommendations on migrants and asylum seekers was also a welcome development. France must mandate an independent body to monitor its counter-terror policy.

The President said that out of 297 recommendations received, 238 were supported by France, and 25 were noted. Additional clarification was provided on another 34 recommendations with indication on which parts were supported and which parts were noted.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of France.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Tonga

ELSIE FUKOFUKA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tonga, said that of the 110 recommendations received, Tonga had immediately accepted 52, and said that the consideration of the 58 deferred recommendations had been delayed by a severe category 4 tropical cyclone, Gita, the strongest in its history, which had hit the country immediately after its Universal Periodic Review in January. The tropical cyclone Gita had destroyed almost 2,000 homes, damaged 85 per cent of schools, and caused the evacuation of over 4,500 people. The devastation caused meant that the immediate priority and resources in Tonga had been directed towards the recovery and rebuilding, and it also presented a challenge in addressing the recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review process, said Ms. Fukofuka, reiterating the commitment to continue to further consider the 58 recommendations which related to international treaties, a national human rights institution, sexual equality and discrimination, capital punishment, and legislative reforms.

In terms of recommendations received concerning the ratification of international treaties, Ms. Fukofuka said that many of the underlying human rights principles enshrined in human rights treaties already formed the basis of many Tongan laws, and informed the Council that in June 2017, Tonga had set up an inter-ministerial committee to examine the ratification of the Convention against Torture, and review the relevant legislation. A Tripartite Consultation Committee had been set up and tasked with taking measures towards the ratification of two International Labour Organization Conventions in 2018, including Convention N°182. The establishment of a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles remained a challenge given the limited human and financial resources, said Ms. Fukofuka, and noted that the Ombudsman’s Office operated within the standards of the Paris Principles and provided an impartial and effective complaints resolution mechanism.

Tonga reiterated its position that it would continue to retain the death penalty as the ultimate criminal sanction for the crimes of murder and treason. The courts had already set out a policy that the death penalty would only be used in the context of murder, “in the rarest of rare cases”. In terms of legal reforms, Tonga would continue to work to ensure that human rights were featured in its legal framework, said Ms. Fukofuka, and, noting the adoption of the Family Protection Act in 2013, informed the Council that it had appointed a coordinator to focus on the successful implementation of the Act, while the “Families Free of Violence” programme further focused on responses to violence in supporting the implementation of the law.

United Kingdom welcomed Tonga’s continued engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process and its intention to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The United Kingdom also welcomed Tonga’s progress in ensuring gender balance and awareness in schools and the significant drop in child marriage following the Let Girls be Girls campaign.

Venezuela said Tonga had sincerely cooperated during the Universal Periodic Review process. Venezuela welcomed commitments by the Tongan Government to enhance women’s participation in public life. Venezuela congratulated the Government and encouraged it to further strengthen the economic and social rights of the most vulnerable populations in the country.

Angola commended Tonga for efforts to promote and protect human rights and cooperate with international human rights mechanisms. Tonga was encouraged to show the same commitment to the implementation of the recommendations of this cycle as it had to those of the past cycle.

China thanked Tonga for accepting its recommendations and hoped efforts would be pursued to increase employment opportunities and to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations. China was in favour of the Human Rights Council adopting the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Tonga.

Honduras was pleased to see Tonga’s support of Honduras’ recommendations on legislation to fight discrimination against women. Tonga must review measures to ratify core human rights conventions. The death penalty must be abolished and efforts to fight discrimination against women must be stepped up.

The Vice-President said that of 110 recommendations proposed, 52 were supported, and 58 were noted.

ELSIE FUKOFUKA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tonga, in concluding remarks, noted that Tonga remained fully committed to supporting the work of the Human Rights Council, and that it saw the Universal Periodic Review as a valuable opportunity to review and reflect on its human rights obligations. Ms. Fukofuka acknowledged the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, which had enabled Tonga’s participation in the thirty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council, and the presentation of Tonga’s formal response to the recommendations received during its third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. Tonga continued to be constrained by limited financial and human resources. Accordingly, Tonga continued to look to its partners in the international community for their continuing support in addressing its capacity constraints through technical assistance and training.

The Council then adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Tonga.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Romania

ADRIAN COSMIN VIERITA, Permanent Representative of Romania to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that of the 203 received recommendations, Romania had accepted 163, noted 37 and partially noted three recommendations. Explaining the position of Romania on some of the noted recommendations, the Ambassador said that the existing legislation on the enforcement of sentences and detention measures provided for sufficient safeguards to ensure the respect of human dignity, prevent torture and inhuman treatment, and punish such offences. With regards to the recommendations concerning the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, Romania had developed, with an active participation of its 20 national minorities, a system for the protection of their rights to ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious identity, and had taken steps to ensure the protection of the 20 minority languages spoken in its territory. Every person belonging to a national minority had the right to be educated in their mother tongue, and to use it in their dealings with the public authorities and the judiciary.

The Ambassador explained that the law provided for and guaranteed equal rights and unhindered access to services for all Romanian citizens and prohibited all forms of discrimination, including on ethnic grounds, while proactive measures and targeted programmes were being undertaken to ensure equal and non-discriminatory access to quality education, housing, health and employment for all citizens, with an emphasis on the Roma community. Romania would continue to implement the strategy for the inclusion of Romanian citizens belonging to Roma minority 2015-2020. Mr. Vierita noted that the process of developing a new national strategy in the field of gender equality 2018-2021 was ongoing, while just last week, Parliament had adopted two major draft laws in the field of preventing and combatting domestic violence, to advance the implementation of the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention. Furthermore, there were two draft laws pending concerning legal partnership, including for same-sex couples.

Concerning recommendations relating to the prohibition of incitement to hatred, including for all political figures, the Ambassador said that the law in place was applicable to everyone and that, additionally, Romania had adopted in 2017 the codes of conduct for the members of the Government and the Parliament. The strategy for the judiciary 2015-2020 aimed at making the judiciary more efficient, accessible and at ensuring a better quality of the justice act.

Venezuela said Romania’s open cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism was a clear display of its willingness to promote and protect human rights. Venezuela noted efforts to combat discrimination and domestic violence. Romania was commended for accepting the vast majority of recommendations that it had received.

Afghanistan said that while it welcomed Romania’s support of one of its recommendations, it regretted that its recommendation on the protection of minority cultures did not enjoy the support of the Government. Afghanistan urged Romania to consider that recommendation and to support the Universal Periodic Review.

Azerbaijan noted with appreciation that Romania had accepted a majority of recommendations, including those made by Azerbaijan. Of note were Government efforts to increase the quality and efficiency of public and private institutions.

Chad noted with satisfaction that most recommendations were accepted and called for the adoption of the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Romania.

China noted Romania’s constructive cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review process and welcomed the acceptance of its recommendation. Romania must work to continue improving the living standards of its people and take efforts to combat human trafficking.

Egypt took note of Romania’s constant efforts to promote and protect human rights, and urged it to take measures to combat trafficking in persons and protect the family as a vital part of the society.

Iraq thanked Romania for its engagement with the Working Group during its Universal Periodic Review and recommended that the Council adopt its outcome.

Republic of Moldova highly appreciated the measures that Romania had taken to implement the Universal Periodic Review recommendations, and especially those that the Republic of Moldova had made relating to the functioning of the Ombudsman for Children, and the adoption of the law against domestic violence.

Honduras welcomed the acceptance of its recommendations concerning the ratification of some human rights treaties, and the review of anti-discrimination legislation to include the prohibited grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. Honduras encouraged Romania to reconsider its position concerning the ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, and to adopt gendered laws and policies to fight discrimination against Roma in law and in practice.

Albania commended Romania for the adoption of measures to improve the inclusion of Roma and welcomed the acceptance of the recommendation made by Albania to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the recommendation on children’s rights, and on the rights of the Roma community.

Centrul de Resurse Juridice wondered why Romania bothered with the Universal Periodic Review process at all, taking into account its views on recommendations received. Romania had the highest rates of teen pregnancies in the European Union, 12.3 per cent compared to the 4 per cent European Union average. Recommendations rejected related to Roma inclusion, and enrolment in early childhood education for Roma. In Romania, social exclusion was such that no recommendations could be rejected.

European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Federation ILGA-EUROPE in a joint statement with International Lesbian and Gay Association, welcomed the 15 recommendations made on sexual orientation and gender identity issues and commended Romania for accepting 13 recommendations but regretted that the Government partially noted 2 recommendations related to same-sex civil partnerships and marriage. Romania was the last State in Europe that decriminalised same-sex relationships.

Association of World Citizens said that the Romanian justice system had been under constant attack, including weakening of the body of laws, particularly in the area of corruption. Laws were passed through parliament in a non-transparent procedure. The new Penal Code affected victims of rape and arbitrary administration, and was making it much harder to bring perpetrators to justice.

The Vice-President said that of 203 recommendations proposed, 163 were accepted, 37 were noted and 3 were partially noted.

ADRIAN COSMIN VIERITA, Permanent Representative of Romania to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that the Government had taken note of comments and observations made. The concerns expressed would be given full consideration in the follow-up process. The Government would continue to make every effort to implement the highest standard in the human rights field in compliance with international and European Standards. Romania was firmly determined to make best use of the Universal Periodic Review in order to further strengthen the national human rights system.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Romania.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Mali

KADIDA SANGARÉ COULIBALY, Minister for Human Rights of Mali, said Mali faced security and rights concerns as a result of terrorist activities that were annihilating some efforts to protect basic rights. Mali had accepted 175 recommendations and noted 19, and was particularly pleased that the adoption of recommendations was characterized by a participatory approach. Dialogue had brought together various ministries and national human rights entities. The Ministry for Human Rights had organized meetings to take stock of all recommendations that saw the participation of a wide range of stakeholders.
Mali had accepted recommendations it believed could be implemented before the next Universal Periodic Review cycle and those that were already being addressed by the Government. On peace and security matters, implementation of the peace and reconciliation process was underway. A National Security Council had been established and a demobilization programme was underway. The Government had taken measures to investigate abuses committed by members of security forces and an international commission of inquiry was investigating war crimes. The constitution prohibited discrimination and legislation was being drafted to address gender-based violence and enhance the protection of children. A ministerial decree prohibited female genital mutilation.

Mali had taken note of recommendations regarding standing invitations to mandate holders and Special Procedures. On the abolition of the death penalty, Mali was an abolitionist country and had observed a moratorium on the death penalty for several decades. The State did not use militias and national security was ensured by an army that did not recruit child soldiers. Any attempt to raise the minimum age for marriage would encounter strong social resistance.

Chad was pleased to note that Mali had shown a constructive spirit during the process. Bilateral and international partners were called on to assist Mali with the implementation of the recommendations. The adoption of the report was recommended.

China commended the constructive spirit of Mali, thanked it for accepting recommendations, and expressed hope that Mali would continue to promote sustainable development. Mali’s commitment towards promoting peace and reconciliation was welcomed.

Republic of Congo welcomed the delegation and thanked it for the update. Mali was congratulated for having accepted the majority of the recommendations. Every success was wished to Mali in its implementation of recommendations and the Council was called on to adopt the outcome.

Côte d'Ivoire thanked the delegation for the additional information provided during the session. The implementation of recommendations would improve the human rights and the rule of law situation in Mali. The Council was urged to adopt the outcome.

Egypt paid tribute to Mali for having established the Ministry of Human Rights and for provisions of the Constitution about human rights. Mali was encouraged to cooperate with the Council and international assistance had to be provided to help it.

Ethiopia commended Mali for accepting recommendations and welcomed the establishment of the Ministry of Human Rights. The international community had to strengthen support to Mali for capacity building in human rights field.

Honduras expressed its satisfaction at Mali’s support of its recommendations. Mali must work to end humiliating and degrading practices targeted at women.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic noted that Mali had accepted a large number of recommendations. Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomed the economic development framework being adopted by Mali to promote sustainable development. The Universal Periodic Review must be adopted by the Council.

Lesotho commended Mali for its positive engagement throughout the Universal Periodic Review process. Despite a difficult security situation, Mali was undertaking efforts to protect human rights. Mali had established a ministry exclusively responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights. Mali required international support in order to consolidate peace and reconciliation.

Senegal thanked Mali for the relevant information it had provided in its presentation. Senegal commended the inclusive process that characterized Mali’s Universal Periodic Review process and called on the Human Rights Council to adopt the report.

South Africa appreciated Mali’s acceptance of its recommendations on the implementation of the peace and reconciliation process and on women’s rights. Mali was urged to continue focusing on the promotion and protection of human rights as it continued its fight against terrorism and transnational crime.

Sudan congratulated Mali and thanked it for its complete presentation. Mali had shown clear commitment to the Universal Periodic Review process. Sudan was pleased to see Mali had accepted its recommendations related to the human rights commission and sustainable development.

Amnesty International was pleased that Mali had accepted a large number of recommendations in spite of the crisis. Some security forces continued to commit torture and arbitrary detention. The Reconciliation Law had been adopted but fear was expressed that this could lead to impunity. The death penalty had to be abolished

International Service for Human Rights said that Mali was the third African country to adopt the law protecting human rights defenders and the Government was asked to further its work and adopt its implementation decree. The establishment of the Ministry for Human Rights was welcomed.

Human Rights Watch was concerned about serious crimes committed by security forces, noting that since 2017, there had been documented cases of torture by security forces. None of those had resulted in any investigations or prosecutions. Accountability had to be established and security forces had to abide by international law.

Rencontre Africaine pour la Défense des Droits de l'Homme followed closely the effective implementation of recommendations from the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. The central authorities were losing their grip on the security situation. Presidential elections would be held in July and the international community was asked to support this process.

International Catholic Child Bureau appreciated Mali’s commitment to the Universal Periodic Review process. The organization deplored that Mali had noted recommendations on invitations to Special Procedures and use of child soldiers. Mali was called on to improve conditions in detention centres and fight prison overcrowding.

Association of World Citizens said women in Mali wanted their voices to be heard. Women in the country wanted to be educated in peace and to be active members of their society. Women wanted the Government to provide first-aid and primary care training for them to assist their communities.

International Organization for the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD) encouraged continued action in Mali to fight impunity and bring an end to child labour and the use of child soldiers. Mali faced security challenges, especially in the Sahel region. The military court must comply with human rights law. States were urged to provide support and technical assistance for Mali to implement recommendations.

United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation said that despite the presence of security forces in central and northern Mali, human rights violations were increasing. Religious minorities were particularly vulnerable to violations by non-state actors. Executions and disappearances were not rare occurrences and the local economy had been severely affected.

Fondation d’Auteuil, speaking in a joint statement, thanked Mali for accepting recommendations on the social and economic integration of children living on the streets. The organization asserted its desire to continue working with the Government to improve the lives of those children. Cooperation would lead to new approaches to address the issue.

The Vice President then said that of 194 recommendations, Mali had accepted 175 and noted 19.

KADIDA SANGARÉ COULIBALY, Minister for Human Rights of Mali, thanked different delegations, and non-governmental organizations for their pertinent comments and recommendations. The Government remained faithful to its commitment to work together with the international community, and it was ready to cooperate with all United Nations special mandate holders. The recommendations from the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review would be given priority attention and would be examined by different institutions of Mali, which would submit an interim report to the United Nations. Mali called for international cooperation with respect to outstanding issues. The political will to make all human rights fully respected was unwavering and Mali reiterated its belief in the Universal Periodic Review.

The Council then adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Mali.


For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC18/099E