HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ADOPTS OUTCOME OF UNIVERSAL PERIDOCIC REVIEW ON REPORTS ON BAHRAIN AND ECUADOR
The Human Rights Council this morning adopted the outcome of the Universal Perioidic Review process on the reports of Bahrain and Ecuador and started consideration of the outcome on the report of Tunisia.
Nizar Albaharna, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, said that Bahrain was eagerly waiting to receive the adopted Universal Periodic Review outcome. Bahrain would publicize and promote dissemination of the outcome in Bahrain and would harmonize it with their “Action Plan to Implement Bahrain’s Pledges, Voluntary Commitments and Universal Periodic Review Outcomes”. Highlighting some aspects of their nationally adopted plan of action, he said that it was the product of a transparent and participatory national process which had sought to involve all national stakeholders. Every aspect of the Action Plan from design to implementation to monitoring, evolution and reporting would be guided by human rights values and principles, including participation and inclusion of non-governmental organizations, transparency, accountability and commitment to results.
In the discussion on the report on Bahrain, delegations congratulated Bahrain for having been the first considered country under the Universal Periodic Review process. Bahrain was invited to inform the Human Rights Council about future developments on a voluntary basis and as appropriate at any level of progress and or challenges encountered even before its next review in four years.
Speaking in the discussion on the report of Bahrain were the delegations of Algeria, Slovenia, Tunisia, Qatar on behalf of the Arab Group, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia.
Also speaking on Bahrain were the representatives of Bahrain Women Association, Front Line and the Cairo Institute for Human Rights.
Speaking in general comments were Switzerland and Algeria.
Emilio Izquierdo, Under-Secretary of Multilateral Relations at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, said that Ecuador attached importance to the Universal Periodic Review process and welcomed all recommendations and would continue with follow up activities. In the last two months, many State institutions had worked vigorously on the voluntary commitments. Further, they were committed to ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the Convention on Forced Disappearances and would harmonize domestic law with international standards, including passage of an anti-discrimination law as well as work towards recognizing commitments of collective rights of aboriginal people and African people in Ecuador. Ecuador was also planning to work at improving women’s rights, including the promotion of democratic governance with equal participation.
In the discussion on the report on Ecuador, delegations welcomed the valuable role played by Ecuador in the protection and promotion of human rights worldwide. This positive role had also been evident through the Universal Periodic Review process and their forthcoming attitude in accepting the recommendations made during the review and the detailed list of voluntary commitments were all noteworthy steps. Ecuador’s dedication was welcomed.
Speaking in the discussion on the report of Ecuador were Pakistan, Italy and Brazil.
Also speaking were representatives of the Latin American Committee for the Defence of Women’s Rights, Juridical Commision for the Autodevelopment of First Andean People, Action Canada for Population and Development and the Center for Women’s Global Leadership.
Bechir Tekkari, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Tunisia, said that the President of Tunisia had stated in a recent interview that Tunisia wanted to take full benefit of the Human Rights Council’s recommendations. The Universal Periodic Review had given a new impetus to the country and they had started taking measures with regard to the recommendations of the review process. Among measures taken, an invitation had been sent to the Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter terrorism. A law had also been recently adopted to bring the national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles. They had also adopted laws relating to acceding to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
In the discussion on the report on Tunisia, delegations noted the various steps Tunisia had already taken which showed the commitment of Tunisia to adopt the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review. The greater interest of cooperation with non-governmental organizations, especially with Human Rights Watch, which could now make prison visits, was also welcomed. Concern was expressed for the freedom of press and human rights defenders in Tunisia and it was hoped that the authorities would make efforts towards these concerns.
Speaking in the discussion on the report of Tunisia were Algeria, Morocco, Qatar on behalf of the Arab Group, Belgium, Indonesia, Pakistan, Angola, Bahrain and Cuba. The rest of the speakers on the outcome on Tunisia will speak this afternoon.
There was a discussion during the meeting on whether speakers should be allowed to raise any issues during their statements or whether they should only speak about the outcome for each country report. The President of the Council, Ambassador Doru Romulus Costea of Romania, said he believed that the statements being made so far fell within the rules of the Universal Periodic Review. The dialogue should be constructive for the State under review as well as for all the participants.
The Council will meet again this afternoon at 3 p.m. when it will conclude the consideration of the outcome of Tunisia. It will then consider the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review process for the reports of Morocco, Finland and Indonesia.
Reports of Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review
The Council has before it the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review on Bahrain (A/HRC/8/19), which can be found on Human Rights Council's web site at: http://lib.ohchr.org/HRBodies/UPR/Documents/Session1/BH/A_HRC_8_19_Bahrain_E.pdf.
The Council has before it the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review on Ecuador (A/HRC/8/20), which can be found on Human Rights Council's web site at: http://lib.ohchr.org/HRBodies/UPR/Documents/Session1/EC/A_HRC_8_20_Ecuador_E.pdf.
The Council has before it the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review on Tunisia (A/HRC/8/21), which can be found on Human Rights Council's web site at: http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G08/136/23/PDF/G0813623.pdf?OpenElement.
Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review for Report of Bahrain
NIZAR ALBAHARNA, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, thanked the Council members for their support that had resulted in the successful re-election of Bahrain to the Council. This was an honour and a privilege but also an important responsibility. The past three months had been especially eventful for the Kingdom of Bahrain. After submitting their Universal Periodic Review report in February, they had been the first-ever country to be reviewed by the Council in April. Eagerly waiting to receive the adopted Universal Periodic Review, he said that Bahrain would publicize and promote dissemination of the Council’s outcome in Bahrain and would harmonize it with their “Action Plan to Implement Bahrain’s Pledges, Voluntary Commitments and Universal Periodic Review Outcomes”. The Government would further encourage national stakeholders, civil society and media to also study the report carefully and to promote awareness and advocacy of the report.
Mr. Albaharna commended the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Bahrain was truly appreciative of the contribution of the troika and the Universal Periodic Review Working Group. Highlighting some aspects of their nationally adopted plan of action, he said that it was the product of a transparent and participatory national process which had sought to involve all national stakeholders. It also included the voluntary commitments contained in the Bahrain Universal Periodic Review report submitted to the Human Rights Council as well as responses to the suggestions and issues raised in the Bahrain Universal Periodic Review Interactive Dialogue. Every aspect of the Action Plan from design to implementation to monitoring, evolution and reporting would be guided by human rights values and principles, including participation and inclusion of non-governmental organizations, transparency, accountability and commitment to results. A regional and comparative meeting called “Strengthening participatory Universal Periodic Review processes: learning from the Universal Periodic Reviews undertaken thus far” was also planned.
IDRISS JAZAIRY (Algeria) said it was Algeria’s pleasure to welcome the delegation of Bahrain and congratulate them for their presentation. The delegation of Bahrain said Bahrain possessed a strong political will for enforcing institutions that promote and protect human rights. The adoption of the Universal Periodic Review process was without a doubt a key move in that effect, as well as the establishment of a national action plan with the help of civil society. Bahrain’s commitment to the pledges also made this clear. The streamlining of gender in workforce and the training courses in collaboration with the United Nations agencies, for law enforcements, police officers and relevant government agencies also reflected these efforts.
ANDREJ LOGAR (Slovenia), speaking in its national capacity, said Slovenia was a member of the troika for the Bahrain report and congratulated it for being the first country to undergo the Universal Periodic Review. Bahrain had accepted all of Slovenia’s recommendations. Slovenia was looking forward to hearing more about the follow up on those and other recommendations. It invited Bahrain to inform the Human Rights Council about development on a voluntary basis and as appropriate at any level of progress and or challenges encountered even before its next review in four years. Slovenia noted that women migrant workers did not figure among the recommendations/conclusions of the Working Group report and regretted this absence.
SAMIR LABIDI (Tunisia) thanked the delegation of Bahrain for their explanations and the accomplishments in the country. It was clear that the Universal Periodic Review had been carried out in a participatory way. The fact that a website had been put up in Bahrain on this subject showed transparency. Bahrain’s interest in the report’s recommendations was welcomed.
ABDULLA FALAH ABDULLA AL-DOSARI (Qatar), speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, welcomed the presentation by Bahrain. This illustrated the efforts of Bahrain to move forward on human rights to benefit the people of the country. The Government laid the foundation of the rule of law and guaranteed human rights. The developments achieved in the area of human rights were reflected in the re-election of Bahrain by the Council in May. The efforts which had been made by the country had been with respect for its Arab and Islamic identity, representing the plan of action in Vienna. The voluntary way and the establishment of the Universal Periodic Review and cooperation with civil society further reflected that commitment. The efforts to promote rights of women and freedom of expression and press were praise worthy efforts. The authorities at the national level had adopted a national plan of action in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme and other United Nations agencies. The Arab Group took the opportunity to call on all Member States to undertake all efforts to protect human rights.
GUSTI AGUNG WESAKA PUJA (Indonesia) thanked the delegation of Bahrain for their statement. Indonesia was encouraged by the efforts of Bahrain. Bahrain was committed to ensure full and positive integration and implementation of human rights norms in the country. Indonesia observed Bahrain’s human rights commitment and its achievements thereof were part of an ongoing process. It encouraged Bahrain to continue to apply human rights based approach in their policies. Indonesia commended Bahrain’s immediate response to some recommendations made by the Working Group such as holding a popular conference on the integration of gender concepts and making amendments to the law regulating press and publishing in relation to recommendations on gender and freedom of journalists. Indonesia hoped that Bahrain’s ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the new National Action Plan would further enable the country to achieve their targets.
MARGHOOB SALEEM BUTT (Pakistan) said that Pakistan firmly believed that the Universal Periodic Review was an appropriate mechanism. It enabled States to improve their human rights record. The gender specific steps taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the increased cooperation with United Nations agencies as well as its historic decision to amend the laws relating to freedom of opinion and expression were welcomed.
HUSSAM QUDAH (Jordan) thanked the Minister from Bahrain for being present and making his presentation to the Council. It clearly showed the interest Bahrain attached to the Universal Periodic Review. The efforts were worthwhile and their interactive approach to dialogue in the process showed the commitment and the efforts made in grappling with the difficult process. Bahrain had been involved in interactive and increased cooperation with the international community. Bahrain showed a clear commitment to improving and promoting human rights in the country. The legislation that Bahrain applied in the country guaranteed the rights of women, equality of men and women and also included legislation to include women in the process of legislation. Women could participate actively in political life, including the right to vote. Jordan hoped that Bahrain would continue on its path and continue to reaffirm its commitment to the recommendations outlined in the process.
ABDULMONEM ANNAN (Syria) expressed its joy at seeing the Minister from Bahrain at the meeting and congratulated Bahrain for its election to the Human Rights Council. This reflected the country’s credibility for human rights at the international level. Bahrain was the first country to present its report, which was courageous. It accepted the recommendations of other countries made during the interactive dialogue, and demonstrated openness. Bahrain had set the bar very high for cooperating with the Universal Periodic Review. Other countries should follow Bahrain’s model.
ABDULWAHAB ABDULSALAM ATTAR (Saudi Arabia) said that Saudi Arabia highly appreciated the work undertaken by Bahrain and the effectiveness and speedy reactions in implementing the recommendations. In the past they had already expressed that the efforts were an example to be followed in the process of the Universal Periodic Review. Once again, the speed in achieving progress in the implementations of the recommendations was welcomed. Also, the Action Plan was distinguished by its transparency; it was also an example to be followed.
WAJEEHA AL BAHARNA, of Bahrain Women Association, said that Bahraini women who were married to non-Bahraini men were denied the right to extend their citizenship to their children. This discrimination denied the children the right to basic health care, education, and a number of other rights granted as a right to be a human being. The number of children who had no nationality was increasing, which was increasing the pain and distress of women all over the country. The absence of a family law was another concern; it was the main struggle for women in the country. The Government could do more to work with religious figures, Government officials and non-governmental organizations to help improve the process.
ADBUD HADI AL KHAWAJA, of Front Line, the International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, in a joint statement with Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, also speaking on behalf of the International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, drew attention to the fact that the Government of Bahrain was still banning various human rights groups. The Government had not responded positively to recommendations made by various United Nations agencies about maintaining good relations with civil society. There were victims who had suffered excessive force used by State actors. One activist had lost his life through use of excessive force by security forces at a protest concerning the use of torture. A Special Rapporteur should be appointed to investigate actions of the Government of Bahrain.
ADBUD HADI AL KHAWAJA, of Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, said that the Institute applauded Bahrain for its cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review and the pledges it had made during the process. During the Universal Periodic Review of Bahrain, an insufficient amount of consideration had been given to political and civil rights; in this regard it was underlined that the people of Bahrain were unable to change their Government peacefully. The King of Bahrain ruled the country with the assistance of his uncle and twelve other members of his family were ministers. The Royal Court controlled state revenues and public lands.
NIZAR ALBAHARNA, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, in concluding response, said that with respect to both representatives of countries and statements made by non-governmental organizations, the process of the Universal Periodic Review was transparent. The full participation of civil society, through meetings, websites, the press and hotlines was encouraged and provided for in the establishment of the Universal Periodic Review process. Bahrain had published a draft of the report for everyone to comment on. Directly and indirectly comments had been received and had been included in the national Action Plan. The Action Plan was presented to non-governmental organizations, civil society and Government officials for comments. Proceedings following the Universal Periodic Review would be brought back to Bahrain for debate and commentary. Further debates had taken place live on the Universal Periodic Review with human rights organizations and other relevant stakeholders. In implementing the Action Plan, Bahrain invited non-governmental organizations, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and representatives of the United Nations to help in the process. A lot of allegations would be and had been made, but Bahrain was trying to approach the human rights situation in the country by taking concrete measures and steps.
Bahrain was proud to announce that they had already started working on implementing the recommendations they received last April on the Universal Periodic Review. Steps had already been taken to enhance rights of foreigners and women; which was commented earlier on by the delegation of Slovenia. A national conference was taking place under the patronage of the H.M. King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa King of the Kingdom of Bahrain on understanding the concept of gender. On the 4 May 2008, the Government made an important amendment on its press law, abolishing the punishment of imprisonment of journalists and abolishing the censorship on publications. They had invited a representative from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to observe the first workshop conducted by the Universal Periodic Review working team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on applying a human rights based approach on 29 May 2008. This would be the first step the Universal Periodic Review working group would take on their plan to conduct further workshops with the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme in Bahrain and experts from the High Commissioner.
Bahrain took the issue of human rights seriously and the national will was found in the county’s resources, and Bahrain must invest in these resources, including women too. Bahrain needed the support of all stakeholders to learn about how to further promote and protect human rights in the country. Bahrain was not perfect and therefore encouraged the cooperation and assistance of the Council and other relevant bodies. Civil society had to participate and not just pass judgement. They had been invited to participate in the action plan and as such, he said, they were responsible to the Council to follow-up in this regard. The recommendations were accepted. Further, Bahrain appreciated the spirit of cooperation and the respect for dialogue that had been illustrated within every step of the Universal Periodic Review process.
WAJEEHA AL BAHARNA, Bahrain Women Association, said that with regard to the issue of Bahraini women being allowed to pass their citizenship to their children, a law was being prepared to guarantee this right and the Government had no objections. There were social restraints, and as such the Government had established a campaign targeted at society to adopt this and had been doing so for a year now. Society could not be changed overnight. They affirmed cooperation concerning women’s rights.
BLAISE GODET (Switzerland), in a general comment before the vote, thanked Bahrain for their openness during the process of the Universal Periodic Review. Switzerland regretted that the text of the resolution did not take into count all the documents used during the Universal Periodic Review process, especially those coming from non-governmental organizations and civil society. In spite its reservations, and being by nature a conciliator, Switzerland did not oppose the consensus that appeared to develop for accepting the resolution.
IDRISS JAZAIRY (Algeria), in a general comment after the adoption of the outcome on Bahrain, commenting on the series of point of order made during the discussion, said that beyond the adoption, there had been a substantial discussion on the meaning of the Universal Periodic Review and its implementation. That discussion had been on a general Universal Periodic Review issue, and not a Bahrain issue. As the President had said, statements should refer to the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review. But the Council should take time to address the issue of what was meant by “outcome”.
Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review for Report of Ecuador
EMILIO IZQUIERDO, Under-Secretary of Multilateral Relations at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, said in introductory remarks that Ecuador as a founding member had contributed to the Human Rights Council. The Universal Periodic Review was an important mechanism for the Human Rights Council. Ecuador was active in creating the Universal Periodic Review and was one of the first counties to participate in it. Ecuador undertook the political commitment to work with all phases of the Universal Periodic Review. Ecuador attached importance to the process, which could be seen in the rich participation it took during the interactive dialogue. Ecuador valued the participation of many countries in the process. Ecuador received with satisfaction the many acknowledgements of those countries and agencies of Ecuador’s dedication to human rights. It acted in a responsible manner dedicated to making progress on human rights. Ecuador welcomed all recommendations and would continue with follow up activities. In the last two months, many State institutions had worked vigorously on the voluntary commitments.
Ecuador had shown enormous dedication in continuing its pursuit of human rights. It was working on many fronts, including that its commitment to ongoing collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Ecuador would present, cosponsor, and support resolutions that condemned the violation of human rights around the world. It would support the adoption of new instruments for the protection of human rights globally. It would work to strengthen the response system in Ecuador. The country would implement the National Plan of Assessment of Human Rights. It was committed to ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention of Torture and the Convention on Force Disappearances. It would harmonize domestic law with international standards, including passage of an anti-discrimination law. Ecuador would review its international obligations and comply with them.
Ecuador would build new penitentiaries. It would develop training for civil servants on human rights. It would adopt measures aimed at preventing and fighting the crime of trafficking in persons. It would work to recognize commitments of collective rights of aboriginal people and African people in Ecuador. It would work for the adoption of recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on rights and freedoms of indigenous people. It would work on adopting voluntary commitments regarding young people. It would make concerted efforts to build networks to eradicate child labour. It would ensure the dissemination of a legal framework regarding young people having human rights. Ecuador would work at improving women’s rights, including the promotion of democratic governance with equal participation. Ecuador would work to ensure a life free of violence with adoption of laws against violence. It would develop laws and policy against sexual exploitation. It would promote a gender vision, with a creation of social policies. It would also work to protect the rights of people with different sexual orientation. It would promote the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Ecuador would adopt the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Government would promote the coordination efforts aimed at helping people with disabilities. It would promote, disseminate, and socialize the rights of people with disabilities, including working to eradicate illiteracy of people with disabilities.
Ecuador would create a human rights unit in national police and a nation system to record violations of human rights. It would work to reduce corruption existing within the national police. It would work to raise awareness of people in the armed forces about human rights. And Ecuador would also work to control corruption within the Armed Forces. With the adoption of the resolution, the final stage in Ecuador’s compliance with the report was reached. Ecuador thanked countries for their generous support. Ecuador was ready to move forward with human rights.
MARGHOOB SALEEM BUTT (Pakistan) said that Pakistan appreciated the most constructive and valuable role played by Ecuador in the deliberations of the Council. This positive role had also been evident through the Universal Periodic Review process. Their forthcoming attitude in accepting the recommendations made during the review and the detailed list of voluntary commitments were all noteworthy steps. Confidence was expressed that this constructive approach in dealing with the human rights mechanisms would enable Ecuador to ensure the promotion and protection of their people’s human rights.
ROBERTO VELLANO (Italy) expressed Italy’s appreciation for the spirit of commitment and sincerity expressed by Ecuador which had reviewed the ten recommendations and committed to them voluntarily and to the outcome. Ecuador was the second country to be reviewed which possessed challenges for the troika in drafting the outcome without any precedent in the faithful application of resolution 5/1 and to provide for maximum cooperation of all parties. Italy very much valued the process of reviewing Ecuador and trusted that the final report would be just as valued in promoting and protecting human rights.
MURILO VIEIRA KOMINSKI (Brazil) said the Universal Periodic Review was of great importance. This was a key moment of the session. Brazil praised Ecuador’s approach to the review. It congratulated Ecuador for the report. It recognized the commitment of Ecuador to improving human rights. Brazil strongly welcomed the country’s dedication shown in various examples. It welcomed Ecuador’s firm commitments.
ALEJANDRA SARDA, of Latin American Committee for the Defence of Women's Rights (CLADEM), in a joint statement with Action Canada for Population and Development; Federation for Women and Family Planning; and International Women's Rights Action Watch, highlighted Ecuador’s positive attitude during the Universal Periodic Review process, including the well noted participation of the national women’s bureau. At this time, new laws being drafted were taking into account women’s rights. The Latin American Committee advised Ecuador to continue further in this direction and to allow women to make free decisions on their reproductive and sexual life as well as to promote the status of women in the Amazon region.
TOMAS ALARCON, of Comisión Jurídica para el Autodesarollo de los Pueblos Originarios Andinos (CAPAJ), said that there were large tractions of virgin land and biodiversity in Ecuador. The lands had a special relationship with the people of the land and recognizing their own identities was important. There were illegal actions by oil companies and other companies in these lands. It was destroying the legacy of the indigenous people. The State of Ecuador must affirm the constitutional rights of the indigenous people. Indigenous people had been able to participate in democratic processes in the past with respect to a better standard of living for the poor. Ecuador should include a constitutional text for the right of the indigenous people to self determination and be previously informed of the rights of these peoples which were included in the convention. Further the Council was invited to attend a celebration on the new vision of the Andes at 1 p.m., just outside the meeting room.
SANDEEP PRASAD, of Action Canada for Population and Development, welcomed the strong commitment of Ecuador to the universality of human rights, including their defence of their obligation to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation. It welcomed the decision made by the Constitutional Assembly to preserve the reference of forbidding discrimination on sexual orientation in the text of the new Constitution that was currently being drafted. It encouraged Ecuador to add “gender identity” to the prohibited grounds of discrimination found in the new Constitution. It also recommended developing and implementing training and sensitization programmes on gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation issues for police personnel and for the education system at all levels. Action Canada also recommended that Ecuador take concrete steps to address the situation of social and economic marginalization faced particularly by travesties, transsexuals but also many lesbians, bisexuals and gay men.
KIM VANCE, of Centre for Women’s Global Leadership, said that women’s reproductive rights had not been adequately highlighted during the Universal Periodic Review on the report of Ecuador. Ecuador was encouraged to affirm the Constitutional principles of non-discrimination and right to exercise informed choice in matters of sexual and reproductive health, in the implementation of national policies in the area. Research had shown that women did not use contraception due to ignorance, pressure from their husbands and religious beliefs.
EMILIO IZQUIERDO, Under-Secretary of Multilateral Relations at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, in concluding remarks, thanked the countries and non-governmental organizations which had spoken. The statements reflected the transparent, clear and decisive way Ecuador submitted itself to the Universal Periodic Review process and the forty-eight commitments introduced. Ecuador had submitted to the process with the view of strengthening the international community’s mechanisms in this area. It was satisfying to see efficient forms of multilateralism mechanisms were available to achieve developments towards Ecuador’s highest goals; that of human development.
Ecuador had affirmed its commitment to bring about reform in the judiciary, especially with the new Constitution. This was one practice which Ecuador believed was worthwhile, and it presented itself as a country that was committed to reform in the creation of public institutions, where civil society had been involved. A careful weighing of experiences and challenges of the Universal Periodic Review should be adopted to help States adopt reports with more lead time to prepare the reports and allow for more dialogue. Everyone should preserve and drive forward the goals of the review process, in a constructive participatory way to achieve a historical change in preserving and promoting human rights around the world.
Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review for Report of Tunisia
BECHIR TEKKARI, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Tunisia, reiterated Tunisia’s great interest and support to the Universal Periodic Review; they were firmly committed to this process. The President had clearly stated this in a recent interview, saying that they wanted to take full benefit of the Human Rights Council’s recommendations. The Universal Periodic Review had given a new impetus in the country and they had started taking measures with regard to the recommendations. Among measures taken with regard to the recommendations, it was noted that an invitation had been sent to the Special Rapporteur on human rights and countering terrorism. A law had also been recently adopted to bring the national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles. Tunisia had also adopted laws relating to acceding to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
Mr. Tekkari noted that Tunisia had furthermore submitted their reports under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination. Visits by the two Special Rapporteurs of the African Human Rights Commission had also taken place. Consultations were also taking place with Human Rights Watch to allow them to make visits to prisons. The international community was today confronted with major threats linked to the rise of racism and the defamation of religions. Combating poverty and the current food crisis was also important as it affected human rights.
IDRISS JAZAIRY (Algeria) thanked the Tunisian Minister for his presentation. Tunisia’s presence before the Council reflected the country’s support in improving the area of human rights and its support for promoting and protecting human rights. The participation confirmed Tunisia’s cooperation with the human rights system in general and specifically with the Human Rights Council. The Council should support Tunisia in implementing these recommendations. Further Algeria recommended the adoption of the report by the Council.
MOHAMMED LOULICHKI (Morocco) thanked Tunisia and recognized the importance that Tunisia attached to the Universal Periodic Review exercise. Morocco noted Tunisia’s passage of laws concerning the adhesion of Tunisia to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the lifting of reservations to the Convention of the Rights of the Child. Morocco also noted the submissions by Tunisia of the periodic reports to the committees dealing with the elimination of racial discrimination and the rights of the child. Morocco welcomed a law ensuring that the national human rights institute was in line with the Paris Principles. Morocco cited the struggles developing countries faced in adapting to international measures.
ABDULLA FALAH ABDULLA AL-DOSARI (Qatar), speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, commended Tunisia for the measures taken in order to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country. A long series of measures had been taken which showed the commitment of Tunisia to adopting the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review. The greater interest of cooperation with non-governmental organizations, especially with Human Rights Watch which could now make prison visits, was also welcomed. The Arab Group expressed their appreciation for the measures taken and they would continue to give Tunisia their assistance in the promotion and protection of human rights.
NICOLAS NIHON (Belgium) expressed Belgium’s concern for the freedom of press and human rights
defenders in Tunisia and hoped that authorities made efforts towards these concerns. The recommendations have been made in a general manner. Concern about the civil and political rights, including defamation of citizens, was also problematic in the country. Tunisia would receive the Special Rapporteur of the African Commission for Human Rights next month and Belgium hoped that Tunisia accepted future visits openly.
GUSTI AGUNG WESAKA PUJA (Indonesia) said that Indonesia appreciated the efforts of Tunisia. It believed Tunisia’s efforts underlined the country’s dedication to the Universal Periodic Review process. Indonesia welcomed the invitation by Tunisia of the Special Rapporteur. The initiatives showed the dedication of the Government. Indonesia welcomed the enhanced measures undertaken by the Government of Tunisia.
MARGHOOB SALEEM BUTT (Pakistan) said that the importance Tunisia attached to this review was clear to see. It was noteworthy how many recommendations had already been adopted. The invitation sent to the Special Rapporteur on human rights and countering terrorism and putting the Tunisian national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles were especially welcomed. Tunisia’s engagement in the protection and promotion of human rights were welcomed.
EFIGENIA JORGE (Angola) welcomed the willingness of Tunisia to implement several recommendations proposed in the context of the Universal Periodic Review and its readiness for an open and constructive dialogue regarding the situation of human rights in the country. Angola appreciated the efforts of the Government of Tunisia to enhance in a concrete manner the situation of human rights in the field of civil and political rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights, taking into consideration the positive dialogue of the Universal Periodic Review process. They also welcomed the policies undertaken by Tunisia to promote gender equality, through the adoption of legislative measures to ensure effective implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The measures taken to reinforce judicial guarantees for preventive detentions as well as ones to eliminate the reservations on the Convention on the Rights of the Child were also welcomed. Angola took note with satisfaction of the invitation made by Tunisia to the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism and its readiness to cooperate with the African Commission for Human Rights. These initiatives were fundamental to improving human rights, and constituted an important step to reinforce democracy.
ABDULLA ABDULLATIF ABDULLA (Bahrain) welcomed the positive measures undertaken by Tunisia to the recommendations made within the Universal Periodic Review. The adoption of those measures showed Tunisia’s commitment. Bahrain welcomed the law placing the national human rights body in Tunisia in line with the Paris Principles. Bahrain expressed its appreciation for Tunisia creating the position of a Human Rights Coordinator. It hoped that the Human Rights Council would adopt the resolution on Tunisia.
RESFEL PINO ALVAREZ (Cuba) commended Tunisia for their efforts during the Universal Periodic Review. Tunisia had made important steps towards the promotion and protection of human rights. Progress made towards equality between sexes and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women was also welcomed. The initiatives taken by Tunisia to help families in need were exemplary. A genuine political will had been witnessed by the Government.
For use of the information media; not an official record
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