HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ADOPTS OUTCOMES OF THE UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW OF TURKMENISTAN, BURKINA FASO AND CAPE VERDE

The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Turkmenistan, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde.

Esen Aydogayev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said Turkmenistan attached great importance and supported the work of the Human Rights Council in the promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights. During the review, Turkmenistan had received a total of 183 recommendations, of which 85 were accepted and of which 90 had been taken for further consultations with relevant national institutions and stakeholders. After careful deliberations and consultations, the Government had decided to fully accept 166 recommendations and partially accept one recommendation out of the 183. The majority of the accepted recommendations were in line with Turkmenistan’s human rights agenda but of the 16 recommendations that did not enjoy support, some were not supported due to lack of evidence and some because they were in contradiction with its legal and cultural foundations.

In the discussion on Turkmenistan, delegates welcomed the fact that the country had taken up the majority of the recommendations made to it, including those dealing with reforms of the judiciary, women’s rights, rights of persons with disabilities and the establishment of a national human rights institution. Speakers urged Turkmenistan to continue with its new outlook with respect to cooperation with the international community as exemplified by the Universal Periodic Review. Non-governmental organizations cautiously welcomed Turkmenistan’s engagement but warned that genuine reform on the ground was hard to gauge since external human rights organizations found access to the country difficult.

Speaking in the discussion were Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Afghanistan, Algeria, Belarus, China, Cuba, Djibouti, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco and Nigeria.

The following non-governmental organizations also spoke: Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, International Fellowship of Reconciliation, Recontre Africaine pour la défence des droit de l’homme and Südwind Entwicklungspolitik.

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

Julie Prudence Somda/Nigna, Minister for Human Rights and Civil Promotion of Burkina Faso, said that during the Universal Periodic Review dialogue, most recommendations had been accepted, and those that were not were due to the social and economic realities of Burkina Faso. Eighteen recommendations were left pending with definitive answers to be given during the current Council session. The country could not support the recommendation to abolish the death penalty. The Government was currently studying the opportunity to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communication procedure. The Government could not support this recommendation at the moment, given the constraints that would be faced in the implementation of this instrument. Many challenges remained because of poverty and socio-cultural burdens and additional efforts were needed in key sectors, such as education and health services.

In the discussion on Burkina Faso, speakers welcomed the extensive efforts of Burkina Faso to engage with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and noted with appreciation that a large number of recommendations had been accepted. It was urged to continue to build on the considerable progress it had made in the field of human rights, particularly with respect to anti-corruption measures, protection of the rights of the child, and in addressing female genital mutilation.

Speaking in the discussion were Maldives, Morocco, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sudan, Togo, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Djibouti and Equatorial Guinea.

The following non-governmental organizations also spoke: International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, Franciscans International, Save the Children International and Recontre Africaine pour la défence des droits de l’homme.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Burkina Faso.

José Luis Monteiro, Permanent Representative of Cape Verde to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that the exchanges during the important occasion of the Universal Periodic Review had demonstrated that Cape Verde had gone a long way toward the promotion and protection of human rights. Cape Verde was pleased to say it had accepted all of the recommendations made to it. However implementation was a challenge since the Government of Cape Verde had to find efficiencies within ministries. Implementation required technical assistance which Cape Verde would seek. A standing invitation from Cape Verde to the special procedures was in place. The Universal Periodic Review report deserved full support from the Human Rights Council, and Cape Verde repeated that all its recommendations had been accepted and would be taken up.

In the discussion, Cape Verde was broadly congratulated in its efforts to engage with the Universal Periodic Review and for the fact that all of the recommendations made to it had been accepted. Cape Verde was praised as a good example of the success of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. However, as Cape Verde had itself acknowledged, the challenge that remained was implementing a human rights programme in a resource-constrained environment. With expressions of goodwill toward its application of human rights reform, Cape Verde was urged to continue to eliminate gender-based discrimination and establish a better media environment.

Speaking in the discussion were Cuba, Gabon, Maldives, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, the Philippines, Togo, Viet Nam, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana and China.

The following non-governmental organizations also spoke: Recontre Africaine pour la défence des droits de l’homme, International Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Commission to Study the Organization of Peace.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Cape Verde.

The Human Rights Council will meet on Thursday, 19 September at 9 a.m. for the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Tuvalu, Colombia and Uzbekistan. At noon, the Council will continue its general debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Turkmenistan

ESEN AYDOGAYEV, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office at Geneva, reiterated the Government’s sincere appreciation to all the delegations that were engaged in the constructive dialogue during the sixteenth session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Turkmenistan, and expressed special gratitude to the members of the Troika. Turkmenistan attached great importance and supported the work of the Human Rights Council in the promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights. During the review, Turkmenistan had received a total of 183 recommendations, of which 85 were accepted and of which 90 had been taken for further consultations with relevant national institutions and stakeholders. After careful deliberations and consultations, the Government decided to fully accept 166 recommendations and partially accept one recommendation out of the 183. The majority of accepted recommendations were in line with its human rights agenda and related to the ratification of international treaties, the implementation of the international human rights instruments that had been ratified by Turkmenistan, the promotion and increased awareness on human rights issues, training judiciary and law enforcement bodies on human rights issues, prevention of torture, gender equality, protection of women, children and minorities and the fight against human trafficking, among others. It was assured that the Government would endeavour to implement the recommendations which it had accepted with a view to the overall promotion and protection of human rights in Turkmenistan.

Regarding the 16 recommendations that did not enjoy support, some of these were not supported due to lack of evidence cited in the recommendations and some because they were in contradiction with Turkmenistan’s legal and cultural foundations. The recommendations related to the signature and ratification of various Conventions, including the ratification of the Rome Statute, would require careful consideration and analysis of the various branches of the Government and the legislature before action could be taken on them. Turkmenistan would consider the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and Punishment, of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention Against Discrimination in Education. It had accepted recommendations on the invitation of Special Rapporteurs and recommendations calling for furthering protection and promotion of the rights of women, among others. Turkmenistan reiterated that the creation of favourable conditions for the realization of the rights and freedoms of every citizen was a priority and that it would, in cooperation with United Nations human rights bodies and relevant stakeholders, ensure the implementation of recommendations received within the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review process.

Uzbekistan expressed its appreciation for the information provided and commended the constructive participation of Turkmenistan in the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. Uzbekistan commended Turkmenistan for its efforts in the protection of human rights. The Government’s commitment to human rights would contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights throughout the country.

Venezuela was pleased by the responses offered by Turkmenistan. There was proof of the positive work accomplished by Turkmenistan in the economic and social sectors. Venezuela commended the efforts made by the Government to fulfill its human rights obligations and to achieve the goals set in this area.

Viet Nam said that Turkmenistan had been maintaining a good momentum in the promotion and protection of human rights, while seriously implementing all accepted recommendations, including two from Viet Nam. Turkmenistan had demonstrated a constructive, open and responsible participation during its Universal Periodic Review.

Afghanistan said it was a close friend and neighbour of Turkmenistan and welcomed the adoption of its Universal Periodic Review report. Turkmenistan had been positively engaged in the process and was to be commended for accepting the majority of the recommendations made to it.

Algeria said the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of Turkmenistan was a success and showed the country’s openness to the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. Algeria was pleased that its recommendation on the role of women and the establishment of a national human rights institution had been taken up.

Belarus commended the Government of Turkmenistan for its promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Belarus welcomed the fact that Turkmenistan was signing up to other human rights treaties as well as taking up the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review.

China commended Turkmenistan for participating in the Universal Periodic Review in a constructive manner and for its commitment to the effective implementation of recommendations made. China wished Turkmenistan new achievements in its human rights cause, and supported the adoption of the outcome report of Turkmenistan’s Universal Periodic Review.

Cuba said that during the Review, the spirit in the Working Group had been quite positive. Cuba commended Turkmenistan for having accepted the overwhelming majority of the recommendations made, including recommendations made by Cuba. It supported the adoption of the outcome report of Turkmenistan’s Universal Periodic Review.

Djibouti said the Government of Turkmenistan had undertaken an intensive legislative harmonization process and had acceded to a number of international instruments. Djibouti appreciated the global perspective of Turkmenistan on the improvement of human rights, shown by the plethora of initiatives on various fundamental rights.

Iran praised the active participation of Turkmenistan in the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, which had demonstrated its commitment to the promotion and protection of the human rights of its people. The detailed information on the progress of the implementation of the recommendations of the first cycle of Universal Periodic Review was considerable.

Malaysia appreciated the commitment, transparency and forthcoming engagement by Turkmenistan in the Universal Periodic Review process. Malaysia was pleased with the updates and responses provided by the delegation of Turkmenistan during its review and commended Turkmenistan for their implementation of various programmes in the areas of economic, social and cultural rights.

Maldives appreciated Turkmenistan’s significant progress in fulfilling its commitments to implement Universal Periodic Review recommendations. The country had taken some noteworthy measures regarding the protection of the rights of women and children and combating trafficking of women and children in line with its international obligations.

Morocco commended Turkmenistan for its positive and constructive participation in the Universal Periodic Review process. Morocco took note with satisfaction of the updates provided to the Council and called on Turkmenistan to continue its activities to raise awareness of its population on human rights issues.

Nigeria thanked Turkmenistan for its active participation in the Universal Periodic Review process and urged it to maintain this level of collaboration and strengthen it. Nigeria noted with satisfaction that Turkmenistan had adopted its recommendation that legislation be consistent with international law and obligations.

Human Rights Watch said it hoped that real improvements in Turkmenistan, one of the most repressive countries in the world, would occur as a result of the Universal Periodic Review. The practice of political imprisonment continued and Turkmenistan simply ignored the problem and prevented human rights defenders from working freely the country.

Amnesty International said there had been little genuine attempt to uphold the rights of journalists and non-governmental organizations. Turkmenistan’s undertaking to investigate allegations of torture was welcomed. Amnesty International was disappointed to have been barred from entering Turkmenistan several times.

International Fellowship of Reconciliation said it looked forward to hearing of concrete moves to bring in appropriate alternatives to military service for conscientious objectors. A good first move would be to release the nine conscientious objectors currently imprisoned for refusal to perform obligatory military service and who had indicated their willingness for a civilian alternative if made available.

Recontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l’homme commended Turkmenistan for accepting the majority of the recommendations made and appreciated the adoption of measures for the criminalization of trafficking in persons. The authorities were urged to create favourable conditions for inclusive dialogue to better protect ethnic and religious minorities.

Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik regretted that the English version of the addendum to the Working Group’s report was not available. It urged Turkmenistan to offer human rights education to border guards in order to prevent unfortunate incidents such as last year’s murder of a young Iranian Turkmen while fishing in the Caspian Sea.

ESEN AYDOGDYEV, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations Office at Geneva, thanked all speakers for their comments, which would have a positive impact on the human rights situation in the country. Turkmenistan was working on the creation of an appropriate environment for economic and social development and national legislation was constantly being improved to ensure that it was in line with international standards.

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

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Burkina Faso

JULIE PRUDENCE SOMDA/NIGNA, Minister for Human Rights and Civil Promotion of Burkina Faso, thanked all States for their contribution to the interactive dialogue during the session of the Working Group of the Universal Periodic Review. During the dialogue, most recommendations received were accepted. Some recommendations had not been accepted because they were not adapted to the social and economic realities of Burkina Faso. The Government had started a campaign to implement the recommendations and inform the population about the process. The various recommendations had been distributed to all relevant ministries for their mainstreaming in their activities. Eighteen recommendations were left pending with definitive answers to be given during the current Council session. With respect to the abolition of the death penalty, the country could not support this recommendation. The Government had organized consultations in the hope of a favourable outcome in the future, with the help of civil society organizations. The Government was currently studying the opportunity to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communication procedure. The Government could not support this recommendation at the moment, given the constraints that would be faced in the implementation of this instrument.

Burkina Faso had made many achievements since its first Universal Periodic Review, which was a new hope to improve the human rights situation around the world and in particular in developing countries. Despite the efforts of the Government, many challenges remained because of poverty and socio-cultural burdens. Additional efforts were needed in key sectors, such as education and health services.

Maldives welcomed the extensive efforts of Burkina Faso and noted with appreciation that a large number of recommendations made by delegations had been accepted. Burkina Faso’s myriad activities to strengthen institutions and harmonize domestic legislation, and the implementation of policies to address specific human rights issues, were also noted.

Morocco commended Burkina Faso for its commitment to human rights. This commitment was further bolstered by Burkina Faso’s acceptance of 85 per cent of recommendations that had been made. Morocco welcomed the implementation of the Strategy for Accelerated Growth and Sustainable Development and commended Burkina Faso’s efforts to incorporate human rights into education.

Nigeria noted with admiration the voluntary pledge of Burkina Faso to submit an interim report on progress made in the implementation of the recommendations to the Council in 2015, which was seen as a sign of its determination to promote and protect the human rights of its citizens. Burkina Faso was urged to continue to build on the considerable progress it had made in the field of human rights.

Philippines took note of Burkina Faso’s efforts to improve its institutional framework and applauded its support for recommendations calling for the ratification of several international human rights conventions and for continuing to implement anti-corruption measures and policies to improve the delivery of social services. The Philippines appreciated Burkina Faso’s ready acceptance of its recommendations.

Sudan thanked Burkina Faso for the positive reaction to the recommendations made and welcomed its commitment. The number of recommendations accepted showed the determination of Burkina Faso to continue to work for human rights and to uphold its commitments in the framework of the Universal Periodic Review, which was an excellent opportunity to evaluate progress made.

Togo welcomed Burkina Faso’s commitment to the Universal Periodic Review process and its support for universal values of human rights. Togo commended the decision to present a report of progress achieved on the implementation of previous recommendations and invited the international community to continue to provide support.

United Arab Emirates commended the efforts made by Burkina Faso to promote and protect all human rights. The United Arab Emirates expressed its appreciation with regard to the efforts made by the country to promote equality and the rule of law.

Venezuela stressed the efforts made by the Government of Burkina Faso to improve the school attendance rates. Venezuela expressed its appreciation for the readiness of the Government to implement the recommendations accepted during its review.

Viet Nam noted that Burkina Faso placed the enjoyment of all rights by its population at the centre of all of its policies. Viet Nam commended Burkina Faso for all the achievements it had made, including with regard to the rate of girls attending school.

Algeria said Burkina Faso was sparing no effort to promote and protect human rights. Efforts made in terms of human rights were tangible in several areas, such as the creation of the Ministry of Human Rights and Civic Affairs. Algeria appealed to the international community for technical assistance and capacity building for Burkina Faso.

Benin encouraged the authorities of Burkina Faso to pursue the current path to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights and the international community should assist Burkina Faso in this. Benin recommended the adoption of the outcome report of the Universal Periodic Review of Burkina Faso.

Botswana appreciated the comprehensive information provided in the introductory statement by Burkina Faso, for the positive feedback, and its efforts to address female genital mutilation in the country. Botswana welcomed Burkina Faso’s acceptance of many recommendations in relation to the eradication of female genital mutilation.

Djibouti welcomed the delegation of Burkina Faso and recognised the progress achieved, in particular in the creation of jobs for young people and judicial reform. Djibouti encouraged Burkina Faso to continue to work for the protection of human rights and wished it all success.

Equatorial Guinea said that Burkina Faso had reaffirmed its commitment to implementing recommendations and strengthening its normative frameworks, as well as taking a number of initiatives, for example, in the fields of education and reducing gender inequalities. Equatorial Guinea commended Burkina Faso for its cooperation with the Council and the special procedures.

International Federation for Human Rights Leagues welcomed the acceptance of important recommendations, such as the criminalisation of violence against women and the prevention of genital mutilation, and to bring legislation in line with commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The International Federation expressed concerns about the independence of the justice system.

Franciscans International said it was pleased that Burkina Faso had made access to clean water a priority. However the poor management of waste water affected ground water and led to water-borne diseases. Women must play a key role in the application of solutions to this problem.

Save the Children International, speaking on behalf of the Coalition of Burkina Faso on the Rights of the Child, welcomed efforts made by the Government of Burkina Faso to recognise the rights of the child, however obtaining information about this remained difficult.
Recontre Africaine pour la défence des droits de l’homme congratulated Burkina Faso for its engagement with the international community and also its efforts to promote peace in East Africa. However the persistence of female genital mutilation and child trafficking in the nation was a cause for concern.

JULIE PRUDENCE SOMDA/NIGNA, Minister for Human Rights and Civil Promotion of Burkina Faso, in concluding remarks thanked everyone who had encouraged Burkina Faso in its efforts to ensure human rights. Burkina Faso reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating and collaborating with various international committees. It hoped for assistance from all public, private, national or international actors for the implementation of the recommendations that had been made. It was highlighted that in terms of freedom of the press, information about this had already been provided. This year, Burkina Faso had made an effort to respond to different treaty body committees, presenting reports before them, in particular on the rights of migrant workers and their families, the combat against racial discrimination, torture, and on the rights of the child. Regarding violence against women, a law would soon be adopted on violence against women and on female genital mutilation.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Burkina Faso.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Cape Verde

JOSE LUIS MONTIERO, Permanent Representative of Cape Verde to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said Cape Verde was grateful to all its partners in the Universal Periodic Review process and particularly its Troika partners. The exchanges during this important occasion had demonstrated that Cape Verde had gone a long way toward the promotion and protection of human rights. Cape Verde was pleased to say it had accepted all of the recommendations made to it and it was “on the same page” as its partners in the mechanism.

Having said that, implementation was a challenge since the Government of Cape Verde was not supposed to “grow” as a result of reform, efficiencies within ministries had to be found, and this was no easy task. The formalisation of a global plan would stimulate the promotion and protection of human rights in Cape Verde. The Government was in the process of “catching up” with its international obligations and this would take time to show in legislation. The establishment of a national human rights institution was on the legislative agenda. Institutional matters concerning implementation was where Cape Verde was in need of technical assistance from the international community and this would be sought. A standing invitation from Cape Verde to the special procedures was in place. The Universal Periodic Review report deserved full support from the Human Rights Council, and once again Cape Verde asserted that all its recommendations had been accepted and would be acted upon.

Cuba expressed its appreciation for the timely information provided by the delegation to the Council, including on the policies regarding the rights of the child and gender equality. Cuba was pleased that Cape Verde had accepted the overwhelming majority of recommendations it had received.

Gabon encouraged Cape Verde to eliminate gender stereotypes and to implement policies to ensure gender equality. Cape Verde should continue to provide free school education to children, with a special focus on girls.

Maldives noted that Cape Verde would soon extend an open invitation to the special procedures of the Council. Cape Verde should seek the assistance of the Office of the High Commissioner to implement the accepted recommendations.

Morocco welcomed the cooperation shown by Cape Verde in the context of the Universal Periodic Review and its orientation towards human rights and the rule of law. Morocco also welcomed the establishment of a legislative environment that promoted respect for human rights, the elaboration of new statutes for its human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles, and the reform of the education system which allowed a greater number of girls to access education.

Mozambique noted with satisfaction that Cape Verde had shown remarkable improvement in the promotion of human rights since the presentation of its first report in 2008, due to its success in the implementation of the recommendations made. Mozambique welcomed Cape Verde’s ratification of eight out of nine core human rights treaties and its decision to approve all recommendations addressed during the interactive dialogue.

Nigeria commended Cape Verde for its cooperation with the Council and noted with delight its work with the Office of the High Commissioner towards the monitoring of its implementation of international obligations. Cape Verde had demonstrated its commitment towards the promotion and protection of the human rights of its citizens.

Philippines said it was cognizant of Cape Verde’s resource constraints which hampered its implementation of its human rights programmes and welcomed that its recommendation that Cape Verde continue cooperative engagement with its regional and international partners to ensure adequate resources for implementing human rights policies had been readily accepted.

Togo congratulated the Government of Cape Verde on its efforts to promote and protect human rights in the country. The standing invitation to special procedures was to be welcomed and Togo was happy its recommendation, along with all others, had been taken up.

Viet Nam understood the difficulties that a poor island nation such as Cape Verde was under when it came to the implementation of human rights programmes but welcomed the progress it had indeed made in areas such as women’s rights. The expression of goodwill that Cape Verde had made in accepting the Universal Periodic Review mechanism was to be commended.

Algeria said that Cape Verde had shown, during its second Universal Periodic Review, openness and cooperation with the Council. The two recommendations made by Algeria, on the strengthening of the national human rights institution and the cooperation with the treaty bodies, had been accepted and they could have a positive impact on the human rights situation in the country.

Angola said that Cape Verde was an example in Africa for its economic development. Many challenges remained and the international community should assist Cape Verde in its endeavour to implement the recommendations.

Benin noted with satisfaction that Cape Verde had initiated several legal reforms and had ratified several international instruments. The international community should assist Cape Verde in the implementation of the various reforms currently underway.

Botswana thanked Cape Verde for the comprehensive information on the recommendations made during the review and expressed appreciation for Cape Verde’s initiatives in ensuring respect for gender equality and the elimination of gender-based violence. The development of the national plan for combating gender-based violence and the inter-agency support network for victims of domestic violence were commendable initiatives.

China commended Cape Verde’s efforts and achievements for the promotion and protection of human rights. China also appreciated the fact that Cape Verde was willing to promote social development and had accepted the recommendations put forward by China. The international community should continue to provide constructive assistance and understand the limitations faced by Cape Verde as a developing country.

Rencontre Africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme congratulated Cape Verde on its participation in the Universal Periodic Review process and looked forward to more constructive and continuous engagement with all other relevant human rights mechanisms. The organization was gravely concerned about the prevalence of violence against women and the widespread discrimination that women continued to experience.

International Fellowship of Reconciliation commended Cape Verde for having included in its 1992 Constitution an article allowing conscientious objectors and those who were unfit for military service to provide civic service. Amidst the challenge of providing comprehensive information to the Universal Periodic Review process, it was essential to hear the voice of domestic civil society.

Commission to Study the Organization of Peace said that while Cape Verde’s judiciary was independent, the capacity and independence of the courts were limited and lengthy pre-trial detention remained a problem. The Commission noted that Cape Verde had collaborated with several international and regional human rights organizations to ensure respect for and to protect human rights.

LUIZ MONTEIRO, Permanent Representative of Cape Verde to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in concluding remarks sincerely thanked all those who had participated in this dialogue, which was encouraging. This would not be a blank cheque for Burkina Faso, who would do its utmost and hoped that it would be successful in implementing recommendations and improving the human rights situation in the country. There had been some criticism which would also be taken on board and studied carefully by the Government, even if sometimes it did not agree entirely, such as regarding allegations of discrimination against women in public life. Burkina Faso did not in fact subscribe to that view. Violence against women did exist in Cape Verde and this was something that had been acknowledged in its national report, where what was currently being done about it was also stated. There were discriminatory stereotypes against women in society, but it could not be said that there was discrimination against women in public life. Regarding conditions in detention centres, Burkina Faso found it difficult to accept that they were considered as alarming as stated by speakers.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the report of the Universal Periodic Review of Cape Verde.


For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC13/112E