MORNING - Human Rights Council Adopts Outcomes of Universal Periodic Review of Hungary, Suriname, Samoa and Greece
The Human Rights Council this morning adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Hungary, Suriname, Samoa and Greece.
At the beginning of the meeting, Federico Villegas, President of the Council, recalled that the Council had agreed at the organizational meeting held on 14 February 2022, that in line with General Assembly resolution 396 (V) and pending a decision by the General Assembly on the representation of Myanmar, the Council would postpone once more the consideration of the report of the Universal Periodic Review of Myanmar to its fiftieth session.
Speaking on the Universal Periodic Review of Hungary were Nigeria, Philippines, Russian Federation, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Algeria, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Cambodia and China.
Civil society representatives speaking on Hungary were Lawyers for Lawyers, Minority Rights Group, International Lesbian and Gay Association, World Jewish Congress, International Humanist and Ethical Union, Hungary Helsinki Committee, Advocates for Human Rights, International Commission of Jurists, Action Canada for Population and Development, Civicus-World Alliance for Citizen Participation, and Meezaan Center for Human Rights.
Speaking on the Universal Periodic Review Outcome of Suriname were Maldives, Nepal, UN Women, United Nations Population Fund, Venezuela, Bahamas, Brazil, China, Cuba, India, Indonesia and Jamaica.
The following civil societies organizations also took the floor on the Universal Periodic Review Outcome of Suriname: Federatie van Nederlandse Verenigingen tot Integratie Van Homoseksualiteit - COC Nederland , Center for Global Nonkilling, Action Canada for Population and Development, and United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation.
Speaking on the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Samoa were China, Cuba, Fiji, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Nepal, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Venezuela.
The following civil society organizations also took the floor on the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Samoa: Samoa Ombudsman, Pacific Community (SPC), United Nations Women, United Nations Population Fund, International Plan Parenthood on behalf of the Samoa Family Health Association, Action Canada for Population and Development on behalf of the Kaleidoscope Human Rights Foundation and the Sexual Rights Initiative, Amnesty International, the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education, Centre for Global Nonkilling, World Association for the School as an Instrument of Peace, and United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation.
Speaking on the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Greece were Nepal, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Nations Children's Fund, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Albania, Algeria, Armenia and Botswana.
The following civil society organizations also took the floor on the Universal Periodic Review Outcome of Greece: SOS Kinderdorf International, World Evangelical Alliance, Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, Defence for Children International, International Fellowship of Reconciliation, Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII (APG23), World Jewish Congress, Centre for Global Non-Killing, Greek Council for Refugees, and International Humanist and Ethical Union.
The webcast of the Human Rights Council meetings can be found here. All meeting summaries can be found here. Documents and reports related to the Human Rights Council’s forty-ninth regular session can be found here.
The Council will resume its work at 12:30 p.m. to consider the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Papua New Guinea, Tajikistan and Tanzania.
Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Hungary
Presentation by Hungary
PÉTER SZIJJÁRTÓ, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, said Hungary had been led for 12 years by a Christian Democratic patriotic Government that based its policies on Christian values, providing the guarantee that in Hungary human rights were fulfilled to the maximum extent. The war in Ukraine constituted a security threat to Hungary, and from this aspect it was the obligation of the Government to guarantee to its own citizens the fulfilment of the most fundamental right: that they would be able to live in peace, security and safety in their own country. In order to enforce this right, the Government had to fulfil three obligations: to guarantee the security and safety of the people; guarantee that Hungary would not become involved; and that it was not the Hungarian people who would have to pay the price of the war. The Hungarian Government would not support any decision that would endanger the safe and secure energy supply to the country. Millions of Ukrainians were fleeing from the war, and Hungary would receive every single refugee that crossed its border, providing food, shelter and accommodation.
On illegal migrants, the issue was complex, and multiple recommendations had been received on that topic. Hungary refused to let illegal migrants in, as they came from thousands of kilometres away, traveling through many safe and secure countries, and had no right to enter the country, as Hungary was not the first country they came to, and they showed no respect for Hungarian culture, society or laws, unlike the Ukrainian refugees. Other proposals had been received with regard to children and families: in Hungary, a family was comprised of children with parents, where the parents were a man and a woman. A referendum would be held on the protection of children and families - it was the exclusive right of parents to raise and educate their children with regard to sexual orientation. Most recommendations on migrants and gender identity had been rejected as they went against the fundamental laws of Hungary.
Discussion
Speakers commended the Government of Hungary for its continued cooperation with human rights instruments and mechanisms. They applauded the promotion and protection of the rights of persons living with disabilities and the progress achieved in that regard. In addition, measures adopted by Hungary to combat human trafficking and ensure the protection of the rights of victims were commended. Speakers appreciated Hungary’s acceptance of the recommendations relating to the mainstreaming of human rights education, intensifying public awareness campaigns against domestic violence, and an inclusive multi-stakeholder approach in addressing trafficking in persons. In particular, they recognised the new National Strategy for 2020-2023 and action plan on trafficking in persons centred on its prevention activities, protection of victims, prosecution, and partnership. They also welcome the national criminal law in line with the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. The new safeguards introduced to protect children following the recommendations made during the Universal Periodic Review process and by the Committee on the Rights of the Child were further welcomed.
Other speakers regretted that recommendations, such as for instance, to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combatting Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and to ensure independent media and media-regulating bodies for an enabling media environment free from undue influence, interference or intimidation, had not been accepted. At a time when gender-based violence had increased significantly worldwide in the context of the pandemic, they stressed the importance of the ratification and implementation of the Istanbul Convention, as the first legally binding international treaty to prevent and combat violence against women and girls. Speakers did not share the reasons given for not ratifying this Convention. The harassment of lawyers was regretted. Concerns over judicial independence were expressed. Calls were made for Hungary to respect freedom of association. Hate speech against the Roma community was still widespread and calls were made for the authorities to use the full force of the law to prevent it. The Government was urged to hold a critical review of the State response to the COVID pandemic to ensure that the Roma population was not discriminated against. The lack of the promotion and protection of the human rights of the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, queer, asexual and agender, intersex and other community was deplored.
The President of the Council informed that out of 267 recommendations received, 131 enjoyed the support of Hungary, while 136 had been noted.
Concluding Remarks
PÉTER SZTÁRAY, State Secretary for Security Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, thanked all speakers who had made cooperative remarks on the Universal Periodic Review, but some non-governmental organizations had not made their suggestions based on fact, but on a politically motivated basis. Some recommendations had not been accepted, and there were several reasons for this: one, that they contradicted basic law, making it impossible to implement them; second, that they had already been implemented; third, that they were politically motivated and not based on fact. Hungary had submitted written extended answers on all of these.
Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Suriname
Presentation by Suriname
KENNETH AMOKSI, Minister of Justice and Police of Suriname, clarified the position of the Government of Suriname with regard to the recommendations related to increasing efforts towards ratification of the main international human rights instruments, which had been either noted or partly noted and provided updates in this regard. Suriname had acceded to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and had ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Moreover, following the abolition of the death penalty in the Penal Code in 2015 and in the Military Penal Code last year, further steps were currently being taken towards ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The ratification of other conventions and protocols required further national consultation, as well as amendments of legislation and policies to comply with the obligations contained in these instruments. In this regard, the Minister recalled Suriname’s support of the recommendation to request technical support from the Office of the High Commissioner to advance in the ratification of the main international human rights instruments.
At the same time, and despite various challenges, Suriname remained committed to ensuring the incorporation of the obligations deriving from ratified human rights instruments into the national legislative system and in national policies. In this context, the cooperation with various national stakeholders and international partners, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, would be continued and further strengthened. The Government of Suriname acknowledged that the promotion and protection of human rights was inextricably linked with the achievement of sustainable development. Therefore, its long-term sustainable development strategy included measures to ensure that a human rights based approach was taken.
Discussion
In the discussion on Suriname, speakers commended the Government for accepting most of the recommendations, including on operationalising the National Human Rights Institute and formulating policies to eliminate child poverty. Suriname had acceded to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and was making efforts to limit trafficking in persons. The efforts to promote gender equality were appreciated. Suriname’s efforts to combat harmful practices, including raising the minimum age of marriage, were commended. The broad education system in the country, with free compulsory education up to age 12, was applauded, as was the health system, which provided economic assistance to families and vulnerable groups. In the context of the climate crisis, Suriname should seek technical assistance and capacity building support in working towards the full implementation of the accepted recommendations.
The rise in gender-based violence was, however, of concern, and the Government should take decisive action to strengthen the capacity of the judicial system to allow women to access justice, and promote women’s participation and leadership in all relevant processes and Government structures. Suriname had made some progress towards a gender-just and violence-free society, but the progress was too slow and too little: major barriers were the existing legal and policy frameworks that infringed on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender plus persons and their right to a family life. Surname should invest in its youths in order to ensure it achieved its developmental goals. It should also invest in reducing the maternal mortality rate and provide wider access to reproductive health services, as well as introduce wider policies to fight discrimination against women and girls.
The President of the Council informed that out of 147 recommendations received, 124 enjoyed the support of Suriname, and 22 were noted. Additional clarification was provided on 1 recommendation, indicating which part of the recommendation was supported and which part was noted.
Concluding Remarks
KENNETH AMOKSI, Minister of Justice and Police of Suriname, said that the pledges and commitments made by Suriname during this Universal Periodic Review cycle reflected the importance that the Government of Suriname attached to the promotion and protection of all human rights. The Government of Suriname was strongly committed to implementing the recommendations that had been supported during this cycle and would work towards addressing remaining challenges. He reiterated that the cooperation with various national stakeholders and international partners, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, would be continued and further strengthened. Suriname reiterated its full commitment to the promotion and protection of all human rights, and the promotion of democracy, good governance and strengthening of the rule of law, as a fundamental framework for economic prosperity, sustained peace and international cooperation.
Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Samoa
Presentation by Samoa
PESETA NOUMI SIMI, Chief Executive, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Samoa, said out of the 145 recommendations, Samoa had accepted 112 and noted the rest. All recommendations, whether supported or noted, were part of the implementation plans which were now underway. Under the cluster of international obligations, Samoa had accepted 25 of the 30 recommendations received. Recent efforts under this area included ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and accession to the Convention against Torture. Samoa had already abolished the death penalty and remained committed in its efforts to ratifying all core human rights treaties and its protocols in due course. Samoa had accepted all recommendations under the national human rights framework cluster. Under the equality and non-discrimination cluster, Samoa had accepted the recommendation to combat discrimination and violence against women and children and noted the 15 recommendations regarding legislation on sexual orientation, gender identity, and same sex relations. Most of the recommendations under the cluster of development, the environment, business, and human rights had been accepted.
In the area of the administration of justice, Samoa had accepted recommendations to ensure the independence of the judiciary and to continue efforts in strengthening its human rights training and programmes for law enforcement officers and noted recommendations concerning the minimum age of criminal responsibility. Samoa had accepted all five recommendations under the cluster of an adequate standard of living. Under the cluster of the rights of women, Samoa had accepted 30 recommendations and noted the recommendation to establish a community legal aid centre for women. Of the 12 recommendations under the cluster of the rights of the child, Samoa had accepted eight recommendations that included to increase measures in combatting violence and sexual exploitation of children. Lastly, under the cluster of the rights of persons with disabilities, Samoa had accepted five of the six recommendations, these looked to improve accessibility as well as to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
SAPOLU KATALAINA, Office of the Ombudsman of Samoa, welcomed the State’s support for recommendations to develop health services and better protect people’s rights to health. The biggest health challenge for Samoa remained the high levels of premature deaths, illnesses and increasing disabilities from non-communicable diseases. Samoa had recorded its first 31 cases of COVID-19 infections in the last month. It was incumbent on the State to strengthen its COVID-19 responses. State support to further the rights of children in Samoa was commended.
Discussion
Speakers thanked Samoa for its constructive engagement since the start of its review process and for the additional information provided today. They commended Samoa on its acceptance of a large number of recommendations, including the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; the enforcement measures to increase awareness on gender-based violence, especially against women and children, and penalise infractions adequately; and the establishment of a comprehensive policy of disaster risk reduction to protect people from extreme events caused by climate change and seek international assistance to implement a 100 per cent renewable energy goal by 2025. They further welcomed the fact that Samoa had become a party to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Speakers were also extremely pleased to note that Samoa had accepted the recommendation to continue its efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities and their access to public places. They noted the National Policy for Persons with Disability 2021-2031 and its ongoing implementation. Speakers acknowledged the impact of COVID-19 and the climate crisis on Samoa, and commended Samoa for its efforts to mitigate the effects of these challenges by protecting the well-being of its most vulnerable communities. Speakers acknowledged the challenges that the Government faced as a small island developing State and appreciated its efforts to prioritise issues related to population and development.
Other speakers regretted that Samoa did not have any laws or policies which prohibited discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in areas of public life, such as education, health care or access to goods and services or even media representation. They urged Samoa to accept recommendations received on decriminalising consensual same sex sexual acts between men. They further urged Samoa to take urgent action to meet its obligations under international human rights law by amending article 15 of the Constitution to include sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status as prohibited grounds of discrimination; by decriminalising consensual same sex sexual conduct; by repealing sections 67, 68 and 71 of the Crimes Act; and by implementing anti-discrimination laws that protected all persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status in all areas of public life. Speakers also recommended that the Government increased the legislative quota for women within the Legislative Assembly from 10 per cent to 30 percent with a goal to increase women’s participation up to parity standards.
The President of the Council informed that out of 145 recommendations received, 112 enjoyed the support of Hungary, while 33 had been noted.
Concluding Remarks
PESETA NOUMI SIMI, Chief Executive, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Samoa, confirmed that Samoa had begun the implementation of all the recommendations from the cycle and would continue to monitor the implementation through the website tool. Samoa thanked States and civil society and acknowledged the views which had been expressed. The process for Samoa had just begun and a whole of society approach with a whole of government response could make all the difference.
Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Greece
Presentation by Greece
PANAYOTIS STOURNARAS, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that the Greek authorities and related bodies had considered all recommendations very seriously, and their endeavours had resulted in the addendum to the report of the Working Group. A number of National Action Plans had been already adopted and were being implemented, including, for the protection of the rights of the child, the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, and the protection against racism and intolerance. In addition, Greece had put in place a National Strategy for Gender Equality, as well as a new National Strategy and Action Plan for Roma social inclusion. The first National Action Plan on women, peace and security, in accordance with Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) was also in the process of being adopted. These were all priority policy areas for Greece, along with the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity. Greece was currently implementing and elaborating measures seeking to enhance the protection and support of persons in vulnerable situations, including a new National Action Plan on the protection of children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
Regarding the issue of mixed migratory/refugee flows, Greece fully complied with international law provisions and the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. Greece hosted hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, and provided international protection to those entitled to it. Caring for the most vulnerable, Greece was currently hosting a significant and increasing number of people who had fled the war-torn Ukraine. The instrumentalisation of migration was detrimental to the plight of people in real need of protection as it turned innocent people into tools of pressure and mechanisms for political gains. Greece was committed to continue assisting those in need of protection, hosting and educating unaccompanied and refugee minors, as well as addressing the needs and concerns of local host communities in ways that promoted coexistence and integration.
Besides Greece’s commitments under the Universal Periodic Review process, it fully complied with its obligations under the treaty bodies regime. In this framework, Greece was currently preparing to present its periodic reports under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, as well as under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In addition, it should be reiterated that, since March 2001, Greece had extended a standing invitation to all Special Procedure mandate holders.
Discussion
Speakers congratulated Greece for its commitment and active participation in the Universal Periodic Review process and thanked Greece for implementing the majority of the recommendations. Greece was commended on its progress with human rights legislation, particularly concerning the rights of the child, including victims of sexual abuse and victims of trafficking, through the adoption of the National Action Plan. The adoption of the National Action Plan for persons with disabilities was also commended. Speakers also welcomed Greece’s adoption of plans on the rights of migrant workers. The Government’s actions to combat racism and xenophobia were highlighted, including the National Action Plan against racial discrimination and intolerance and efforts to encourage law enforcement authorities to investigate hate crimes. Speakers welcomed action to help hundreds of thousands of refugees residing in the Greek islands and the country’s work with the Office of the High Commissioner of Refugees. Greece’s efforts to combat domestic violence was also recognised. Speakers welcomed Greece’s acceptance to consider alterative religious classes in schools.
One speaker noted disappointment that Greece had not adopted any of its recommendations, and encouraged Greece to include the Turkish-Muslim minority in issues which had direct impact on their lives. Greece was urged to contain the pandemic in migrant and refugee host centres and eliminate the overcrowding of institutions, to ensure that migrants were treated with dignity and humanity. Recommendations were made which involved a reception system for migrants, and viable alternatives to detention to be promoted. Speakers noted concern about migrants who had crossed the border and had been pushed back, without these crimes being properly investigated. Greece needed to ensure that asylum seekers were granted basic rights, including access to accommodation. It was recommended that the Government strengthen the foster care offered in Greece, through additional incentives and awareness raising. It was recommended that a national institutional framework for quality care in all settings which guaranteed the rights of the children was developed. Speakers urged Greece to consider all recommendations, including ending the criminalisation of human rights work.
The Vice-President of the Council informed that out of 239 recommendations received, 216 enjoy the support of Greece, and 20 were noted. Additional clarification was provided on another three recommendations, indicating which parts of the recommendations were supported and which parts were noted.
Concluding Remarks
PANAYOTIS STOURNARAS, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said Greece was fully committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights; their universality, interdependence and indivisibility remained a cornerstone of its policy. Its commitment to cooperating with the Office of the High Commissioner and all its mechanisms remained firm. The Universal Periodic Review was the best means to strengthen Greece’s human rights framework, and its commitment to this had been made higher by the great number of recommendations that it supported. Greece would continue to abide by international law and all international standards, always keeping its State policy for a thriving Muslim minority in place. The Universal Periodic Review process was an ongoing process. Greece was already working on the implementation of accepted recommendations, and would continue to build on its achievements.
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HRC22.043E