HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ADOPTS OUTCOMES OF UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW ON SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS, SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE AND NAMIBIA

The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review on Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe and Namibia.

Delano Bart, Permanent Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations in New York, said that the Universal Periodic Review had offered opportunities for thorough reflection and examination of the human rights situation on the ground. The Government could not commit in the short term to signing and ratifying new treaties without undertaking an assessment of the resources essential to fulfilling its obligations under these treaties. Notwithstanding that Saint Kitts and Nevis was not yet a party to all of the instruments, it continued to adopt best practices and remained committed to the ideals of the conventions. The Government would continue to support the work and the Office of the Ombudsman and would seek to strengthen entities that sought to enhance the promotion of the rights of women and children and to ensure that the relevant laws were implemented, particularly for children in need of protection.

In the discussion on Saint Kitts and Nevis, speakers recognized the active participation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the Universal Periodic Review process and the progress this country had made in terms of education, health, work, and in regard to questions concerning people with disabilities, elderly and gender. It was due to the lack of resources, not a lack of political will, that the country had only ratified a small number of international instruments and it was hoped that technical assistance would enable the country to ratify core human rights treaties. Some speakers said it was regrettable that none of the recommendations related to the abolition of the death penalty enjoyed the support of the Government.

Speaking in the discussion on Saint Kitts and Nevis were Cuba, Algeria, Venezuela, South Africa and Morocco. Amnesty International and COC Netherlands Peace also took the floor.

Carlos Gustavo dos Anjos, Ambassador of Sao Tome and Principe to Belgium, stated that out of 72 recommendations, Sao Tome and Principe took note of the recommendation regarding the ratification of the treaty on the International Criminal Court and all other recommendations were accepted. Many of the recommendations were already being implemented, but the discussion on the progress in implementation would have to be held on another occasion as the country was undergoing a pre-electoral period, which had delayed implementation of some recommendations. Sao Tome and Principe welcomed the recommendation to create a human rights commission, in accordance with the Paris Principles and had already undertaken some actions to reform the judicial system.

In the discussion on Sao Tome and Principe, speakers commended the delegation of Sao Tome and Principe for openly acknowledging the human rights challenges that still faced the country, and added that the Human Rights Council and the international community must take into consideration constraints confronting this country, such as global economic and financial crises, poverty and other challenges typical for Small Island Developing States. Speakers recognised the progress made in the areas of combating poverty, the rights of women and children, and the signing and ratification of certain core human rights instruments and treaties.

The following delegations spoke in the discussion on Sao Tome and Principe: Cuba, Timor Leste, Algeria, Morocco and Nigeria. Recontre Africaine pour la Défense des Droits de l’Homme also took the floor.

Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, Minister of Justice of Namibia, said that Namibia had received 120 recommendations, of which it had accepted 90, rejected 3 and made reservation to 27. The responses to the reservations could be found in the report addendum to the outcome document to be adopted. Namibia noted that since the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review Report of the Working Group in February of 2011, it had continued to safeguard the rights of its people, and had made progress in access to sanitary facilities in rural areas. Namibia was also preparing for the upcoming visit of the UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur on the right to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, Catarina du Albuquerque. Namibia noted that this was the first visit by a Special Rapporteur to Namibia and the Government looked forward to working closely with her.

In the discussion on Namibia, speakers noted the tangible achievements of Namibia in national reconciliation, access to health and education and the rights of women and children, which demonstrated its will to break with its colonial past. Outstanding results had been seen in the sectors of health, education and food security. Namibia, despite its challenges related to resources and capacity, had displayed its commitment to the improvement of human rights and speakers encouraged the international community to provide resources and capacity building for this process.

Speaking in the discussion on Namibia were Cuba, Algeria, South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Also speaking was Recontre Africaine pour la Défense des Droits de l’Homme.

The Council will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday 9 June for a full day meeting. In the morning meeting, it will consider the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Niger, Mozambique, Estonia and Paraguay. In the midday meeting, the Council will take up follow-up to the Special Session on the human rights situation in Libya.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Saint Kitts and Nevis

DELANO BART, Permanent Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations in New York, said that the Universal Periodic Review had offered opportunities for thorough reflection and examination of the human rights situation on the ground. The Government was mindful of the tight rope it had to walk while trying to balance the rights of individuals against the pressing imperatives of the State. While some of the recommendations had brought to the fore highlighted challenges the Government was already aware of, others had highlighted additional ideas for advancing the promotion and protection of human rights for all. Concerning the recommendations related to the ratification of human rights instruments, Saint Kitts and Nevis said it could not commit in the short term to signing and ratifying new treaties without undertaking an assessment of the resources essential to fulfilling its obligations under these treaties. The work on this aspect of the human rights framework had already commenced and notwithstanding that Saint Kitts and Nevis was not yet a party to all of the instruments, it continued to adopt best practices and remained committed to the ideals of the conventions.

A national human rights institution would make a significant contribution to improving the coordination on human rights policies between the Government and other stakeholders. In the meantime, the Government would continue to support the work and the Office of the Ombudsman as it continued to provide an avenue for citizens to air their grievances. While Saint Kitts and Nevis understood and respected the work of Special Procedures, it could not issue a standing invitation at this time, but was willing to address all concerns on a case by case basis. The Federation would seek to strengthen entities that sought to enhance the promotion of the rights of women and children and to ensure that the relevant laws were implemented, particularly for children in need of protection. Domestic legislation criminalised acts of rape and sexual abuse, while the Counselling Department in the Ministry of Health provided support and counselling for victims of crime. The Constitution prohibited discrimination against any person on the grounds of race, tribe, origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex and any person whose rights were violated could seek redress before the Court. The Government regarded seriously its commitment to protect all members of the society from discrimination regardless of sexual orientation.

YUMIRKA FERNANDEZ PALACIOS (Cuba) welcomed the delegation from Saint Kitts and Nevis as well as the information the delegation provided in its addendum to the report. Cuba recognized the active participation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the Universal Periodic Review process. Saint Kitts and Nevis had engaged in an open and frank dialogue and recognized the challenges it faced. Progress had been made in terms of education, health, work, and in regard to questions concerning people with disabilities, elderly and gender. Cuba’s recommendations concerned plans for socio-economic development and the protection of the human rights of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, women and children. Cuba expressed its support for Saint Kitts and Nevis in the implementation of the recommendations.

SIM MELLOUH (Algeria) welcomed the delegation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and its clarifications and replies to the Universal Periodic Review. During the dialogue, the Algerian delegation made two recommendations. One recommendation, accepted immediately, asked the Government to clarify needs for technical and financial assistance for improving the conditions of detention. The second recommendation encouraged Saint Kitts and Nevis to envisage adhering to international human rights instruments, giving priority to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and, if necessary, to envisage technical assistance to that end. This was not accepted by Saint Kitts and Nevis. Algeria believed that it was due to lack of resources, not a lack of political will, that Saint Kitts and Nevis had only ratified a small number of international instruments. Algeria reiterated its appreciation for the effort Saint Kitts and Nevis had put into describing its problems and wished Saint Kitts and Nevis success in implementing the recommendations.

EDGARDO TORO CARRENO (Venezuela) said that in the preparation of the national report suggestions were made by all sections of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Venezuela welcomed the readiness of the country to comply with its human rights obligations and with the Universal Periodic Review process. The acceptance of the great number of recommendations was a demonstration of this commitment. Venezuela encouraged the Government to continue to further their well-grounded education policy, particularly in the neediest sectors, with technical assistance and unconditional international cooperation.

SEDWYN ANTHONY (South Africa) said that Saint Kitts and Nevis managed to enlighten the international community through the Universal Periodic Review process of progress and challenges in the field of human rights in this country. South Africa hoped that the international community would provide all necessary assistance to the Government to overcome those challenges. South Africa commended the Government on their continued efforts to the promotion and protection of human rights and their constructive participation in the Universal Periodic Review process.

MOHAMED ACHGALOU (Morocco) commended the delegation of Saint Kitts and Nevis for its constructive participation in the Universal Periodic Review process, shown in its exhaustive presentation and the positive comments on recommendations. Morocco commended the delegation for accepting many of the recommendations. The challenges facing a Small Island State were numerous and could not be overcome by the State itself. These efforts could only achieve objectives with the support of donor countries and international partners. Morocco encouraged Saint Kitts and Nevis to take advantage of the Universal Periodic Review which was, before all, an opportunity to exchange best practices and benefit from consultations on constitutional, judicial and legislative reforms.

MARIANNE LILLIEBJERG, of Amnesty International, hoped that technical assistance would enable Saint Kitts and Nevis to ratify core human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It was noted that Saint Kitts and Nevis had accepted a recommendation to review and investigate the administration of the legal rights of death row prisoners. However, Amnesty International regretted that none of the recommendations related to the abolition of the death penalty enjoyed the support of the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Amnesty International urged Saint Kitts and Nevis to accept recommendations decriminalizing sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex and to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

KENITA PLACIDE, of Federatie Van Netherlandse Verenigingen Tot Integratie Van Homoseksualiteit - Coc Nederland, was pleased that St. Kitts and Nevis had taken measures to combat discrimination on all grounds, including on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. However concern was expressed regarding the fact that St. Kitts and Nevis had not accepted recommendations to decriminalize same sex sexual activity between consenting adults and repeal all laws that discriminated against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. It was further stressed that the rights of any minority could not be held hostage by the tyranny of the majority. COC Netherlands and the Caribbean Forum for Liberation of Genders and Sexualities reminded the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis that social and cultural change came with public awareness and education.

DELANO BART, Permanent Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations in New York, said that the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis acknowledged that there remained a significant amount of work to be done to achieve full international human rights standards and hoped that the recommendations, even if challenging, would lead to a constructive process of advancing towards the full realisation of human rights in the Federation. Saint Kitts and Nevis was aware that it could not go the distance alone and required international support and technical assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to establish and sustain certain mechanisms required to fulfil some of the recommendations. The Government once again called upon the international community to work together and other developing countries in this regard. Robust involvement of civil society in the follow-up to the Universal Periodic Review should provide a springboard for the crafting of a vibrant democracy and to this end the Government committed to regular engagement with its populace and civil society to comply with its international obligations. Saint Kitts and Nevis thanked all who were involved in the Universal Periodic Review and looked forward to working with all stakeholders during the implementation and the follow-up phase and to its second Universal Periodic Review.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Sao Tome and Principe

CARLOS GUSTAVO DOS ANJOS, Ambassador of Sao Tome and Principe to Belgium, stated he was pleased to submit the report which constituted the assessment of the commitments entered into in February as a result of the Universal Periodic Review process. The troika was made up of Norway, Nigeria and China. Sao Tome and Principe was fortunate to work with this team, which assured submissions were in line with expectations. In total, 72 recommendations were made, which were merged into 22 recommendations. Sao Tome and Principe would spare no effort in implementing the recommendations made.

Sao Tome and Principe took note of the recommendation regarding the ratification of the treaty on the International Criminal Court. All other recommendations were accepted. Many of the recommendations were already being implemented. Discussion on progress in implementation, however, needed to be discussed on another occasion. Sao Tome and Principe took note of the recommendations to implement a transparent policy in managing public affairs and was committed to social and economic policies that would reduce poverty. Sao Tome and Principe was committed to maintaining a fair, peaceful and democratic society. Regarding the ratification of conventions already signed, the Government would re-state its commitment to do its utmost to ratify conventions in a reasonable time frame. However, Sao Tome and Principe was undergoing a pre-electoral period, which had delayed ratification. After elections, the necessary conditions would be in place to ratify conventions and to fully comply with the recommendations accepted.

Sao Tome and Principe welcomed the recommendation to create a human rights commission, in accordance with the Paris Principles. Sao Tome and Principe, together with the Human Rights Center, the Centre for Democracy in Cameroon and the United Nations Development Programme, was planning to have a training seminar to provide elements to serve as a catalyst for implementing recommendations. Some actions had already been taken to reform the judicial system. Sao Tome and Principe was working jointly with the United Nations Development Programme to implement recommendations regarding the adoption of reforms to ensure an impartial and independent judiciary. Regarding the recommendation to extend an invitation for a visit by a Special Procedures mandate-holder, a visit was scheduled in the second half of September 2011. Sao Tome and Principe had accepted most recommendations. Many recommendations had already been implemented, while others would be ushered in, in an effort to promote and protect human rights. Sao Tome and Principe reiterated its commitment to comply with recommendations and appealed for material and moral support from all States present.

YUMIRKA FERNANDEZ PALACIOS (Cuba) thanked Sao Tome and Principe for the additional information that was provided in relation to the recommendations made to it in the Universal Periodic Review. The Government of Sao Tome and Principe attached great importance to the promotion and protection of human rights, bearing in mind that there had been huge problems created by the global economic crisis and general macroeconomic stability. Cuba acknowledged the problems with the teaching system and noted projects to increase investment in education. However it was noted that Sao Tome and Principe had achieved a constant drop in child and adolescent mortality. Improvements in the school attendance rate were also recognized. Cuba noted the country’s acceptance of its recommendations regarding the implementation of socio-economic development plans.

MARCOS DOS REIS DA COSTA (Timor-Leste) noted that during the Universal Periodic Review process, the delegation of Sao Tome and Principe openly acknowledged the human rights challenges that still faced the country, and expressly called upon the international community for assistance in addressing those challenges. Timor-Leste urged the international community to render the support needed for Sao Tome and Principe to further improve human rights conditions in the country. The Government of Sao Tome and Principe was encouraged to strengthen its cooperation with the international community and the United Nations human rights bodies in the implementation of the Universal Periodic Review recommendations that it had accepted.

SIM MELLOUH (Algeria) said that Algeria listened with great attention to the update on the recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review and commended Sao Tome and Principe for taking a constructive approach to the process in which the country had shown great openness. Progress had been made in the areas of combating poverty, the rights of women and children, and the signing and ratification of certain core human rights instruments and treaties. Algeria reiterated its support to Sao Tome and Principe and wished its Government every success in their efforts to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights.

MOHAMED ACHGALOU (Morocco) said that the participation of Sao Tome and Principe in the Universal Periodic Review demonstrated its genuine commitment to advancing the promotion and protection of human rights in the country. Constraints confronting the country must be taken into consideration by the Human Rights Council and in this context the international community must bear in mind that the human rights situation in the country could only be apprehended by the obligations of the State and the fact that poverty seriously constrained the promotion and protection of human rights. Morocco encouraged Sao Tome and Principe to continue its efforts in a number of sectors and hoped that recommendations received under the Universal Periodic Review would serve to reinforce this process.

BEATRICE IKEKU-THOMAS (Nigeria) extended its appreciation to the delegation of Sao Tome and Principe and took note of the statement just made. Nigeria commended Sao Tome and Principe for its constructive engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process, which was an indication of its readiness to continue to engage with United Nations human rights mechanisms. Nigeria congratulated Sao Tome and Principe for the additional information provided and was encouraged to note that it had accepted most of the recommendations. Nigeria wished Sao Tome and Principe the best in its efforts to strengthen specific policies and programmes for the welfare of its people.

BIRO DIAWARA, of Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l'homme, stated that Sao Tome and Principe was one of the poorest countries of the world, a Small Island State with few resources to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights. Despite efforts to increase literacy and promote access to education, Sao Tome and Principe remained confronted with a major challenge in this sector. Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme was concerned about the exploitation of children in cocoa plantations, discrimination against women, and discrimination and stigmatization of people with HIV/AIDS. Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme advised Sa Tome and Principe to reform its legal framework to incorporate laws against non-discrimination in all forms, to extend an invitation to Special Procedures mandate-holders and to ratify international human rights instruments. Sao Tome and Principe required assistance from the international community in order to reinforce national capacity and implement the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review.

CARLO GUSTAVO DOS ANJOS, Ambassador of Sao Tome and Principe to Belgium, said that Sao Tome and Principle thanked the delegations for their understanding and that the Government would take into account the considerations presented. The Government was keenly interested in doing all it could to ensure its full compliance with the commitments it had entered to during the Universal Periodic Review. Sao Tome and Principe did not wish to shirk or neglect problems and difficulties the country was facing internally, which were mainly due to the global economic and financial crisis. Sao Tome and Principle was a Small Island Developing State which was completely dependent on the global economy. The Government tried to combat poverty and was committed to defending the human rights of people. The Government would be completing presidential elections this June and it hoped to be soon able to give more satisfactory answers to the Human Rights Council, covering all the recommendations that had been made.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on Sao Tome and Principe.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Namibia

PENDUKENI IIVULA-ITHANA, Minister of Justice of Namibia, said that it was of paramount importance that the Council functioned efficiently and effectively in addressing human rights situations around the world, with credibility, fairness and justice for all. Ms. Ilvulla-Ithana noted that she was joined by Ms. Gladice Pickering, a member of the inter-ministerial committee on human rights and humanitarian law, and members of the Permanent Mission of Namibia in Geneva. During the Universal Periodic Review, Namibia had received 120 recommendations during the interactive dialogue session. Namibia had accepted 90 of these recommendations and rejected 3; reservations were made with regard to 27 recommendations pending further consultations and approval by the Namibian Cabinet of Ministers. The Cabinet had granted approval to reply to the reservations and those responses could be found in the report addendum to the outcome document to be adopted.

Namibia noted that since the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review Report of the Working Group in February of 2011, it had continued to safeguard the rights of its people. The percentage of the rural population with sanitary facilities had increased to 36 per cent and the Government was working hard to increase this percentage rapidly. Plans were also underway for the upcoming visit of the UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur on the right to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, Catarina du Albuquerque. Namibia noted that this was the first visit by a Special Rapporteur to Namibia and that the Government looked forward to working closely with Ms. Albuquerque. The Government of Namibia requested that the Secretariat rectify the figure of 180,000 job opportunities as was reflected in its latest report submitted in May 2011. Namibia also requested a correction on the adopted Report by the Working Group on the number of San people living in Namibia. It was noted that the figure should have been about 30,000 rather than the 60,000 quoted in the report.

YUMIRKA FERNANDEZ PALACIOS (Cuba) welcomed the delegation from Namibia and the spirit shown in the review process and in making additional information available. The people of Namibia had suffered from colonization and apartheid and the pillaging of their natural resources. The Government’s policy since its recent independence had been positive for human rights. Food security was also an issue, due to Namibia’s arid climate. Namibia contributed a major portion of its spending to health and education. Outstanding results had been seen in these sectors. Cuba congratulated Namibia for accepting many of the recommendations, including those recommended by Cuba. Cuba restated its support for Namibia in achieving the Millennium Development Goals and fulfilling human rights.

MOHAMED SALIM SAMAR (Algeria) welcomed the delegation from Namibia and thanked it for the additional information on the human rights situation in that country. The quality of replies reflected the will of Namibia to fulfill human rights and engage in the Universal Periodic Review process. Algeria noted the tangible achievements of Namibia in national reconciliation, access to health and education and the rights of women and children, which demonstrated its will to break with its colonial past. Algeria appreciated the acceptance of the recommendations it provided. Because the Human Rights Council was the only international mechanism to address the rights of migrant workers, Algeria had submitted a recommendation in that regard, but recognized the right of Namibia to reject that recommendation. Algeria recommended the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review of Namibia.

LUVUYO NDIMENI (South Africa) commended Namibia for their constructive approach to the Universal Periodic Review process as demonstrated by its full and frank participation in the Working Group session earlier this year. South Africa commended Namibia for accepting recommendations related to improvement of the protection of women and children. South Africa remained confident that the Government of Namibia would maintain its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and would continue constructive and positive steps to improve the human rights situation in the country. Namibia, despite its challenges related to resources and capacity, had displayed its commitment to the improvement of human rights and South Africa wished Namibia well for the implementation and follow-up of the accepted recommendations. In closing, South Africa encouraged the international community to provide resources and capacity building for this process.

OMAR HILALE (Morocco) said that the presence of Ms. Iivula-Ithana, the Minister of Justice of Namibia, testified to the important role of women in Namibia. The commitment to human rights was a part and parcel of Namibia which made it a model to be followed by other African countries. The progress Namibia had made could be clearly seen in figures and numbers: Namibia could not accept only 3 of the 120 recommendations. Morocco thanked Namibia for accepting in full the recommendations made by Morocco. The Universal Periodic Review was an opportunity for the Human Rights Council to view the progress made in this country and see where the assistance could be addressed to further improve the situation. Morocco restated the appreciation for the work done by the Ombudsmen’s Office in Namibia which had brought all sections of civil society to work together and so had received an A status.

IBRAHIM MUHAMMED YUNUSA (Nigeria) said Nigeria thanked Namibia for engaging in the Universal Periodic Review process and accepting many of the recommendations. Nigeria called upon the Government of Namibia to continue its work in this area and implement the recommendations it had accepted. Nigeria appealed to the international community to continue to support the efforts of Namibia in the consolidation of its programmes and policies aimed at protecting and promoting human rights. Nigeria supported the adoption of the report of the Universal Periodic Review of Namibia.

NTSIME JAFETA (Lesotho) welcomed the delegation of Namibia and thanked Namibia for its openness and frankness in the process, and the additional information provided. There was no doubt that Namibia had promoted and protected human rights, despite the many challenges it faced. Lesotho was pleased to see that many of the recommendations had been accepted. This was a reflection of the country’s commitment to cooperating with the United Nations human rights system. Lesotho called on the international community to provide, urgently, technical and financial assistance to Namibia in support of its efforts to ensure the full implementation of recommendations that had been accepted.

ENOS MAFEMBA (Zimbabwe) said Zimbabwe congratulated the Government of Namibia’s primary and pivotal human rights centred policy. Namibia’s acceptance of most of the recommendations of the Working Group was a pointer to this policy. Its voluntary commitments were also praiseworthy. What Zimbabwe now requested was for the international community to demonstrate good cause for Namibia’s commitment by mobilizing assistance for Namibia in areas they prioritized with respect to the promotion and protection of human rights.

MACDONALD MULONGOTI (Zambia) said Zambia commended Namibia for putting in place the framework to ensure the promotion and protection human rights. Zambia noted that Namibia had accepted the recommendation to sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This was highly commendable and Zambia urged the Government of Namibia to speed up the process of enacting this important piece of legislation. Zambia commended Namibia for its efforts in combating violence against women and children and was particularly pleased to read that Women and Child Protection Units had been established in all regions. Zambia was dissatisfied by Namibia’s explanation for rejecting the recommendations to sign and ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families and urged the Government to reconsider its position.

PIERRE KAREMERA, of Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l'homme, noted that Namibia more than any other country in Africa had experienced a tragic history which had not allowed it to develop achievements in economic, social and cultural rights. The creation of the post of the National Ombudsman for Human Rights showed the commitment undertaken by Namibia to respect, protect and promote human rights. The efforts made by the Government to combat HIV/AIDS were also singled out as praise worthy and the country was encouraged to continue on this course. Recontre Africaine Pour Le Défense de Droit de L’homme noted that in the days of Apartheid Namibians were not authorized to study and this meant that Namibia must now invest significant sums in education, particularly with regard to girls and women.

PENDUKENI IIVULA-ITHANA, Minister of Justice of Namibia, in her closing remarks thanked all the Member States who took the floor. Namibia stressed that the issue of migrant labour was well taken care of in its own legislation, the Labour Act of 1992. The Government further reaffirmed its commitment to build a society based on terms of national reconciliation. Ms. Ilvula-Ithana said that Namibia had committed itself to the promotion of peace and international cooperation by engaging constructively in the processes of the Human Rights Council. The Council must address all situations of human rights abuses without double standards. In reference to the ratification of outstanding core human rights instruments, Namibia requested technical assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to carry out an impact assessment in respect of each instrument. The Government further noted that it was in the process of establishing a national action plan for human rights and also requested technical assistance in this regard.

The decision on the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Namibia was adopted.


For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC11/079E