AFTERNOON - Human Rights Council Adopts Universal Periodic Review Outcomes of Liechtenstein and Serbia
Council Holds General Debate on the Universal Periodic Review
The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Liechtenstein and Serbia. The Council then held the general debate on agenda item six on the Universal Periodic Review.
Concerning Liechtenstein, the President of the Council said that out of the 184 recommendations received, 132 enjoyed the support of Liechtenstein, and 52 were noted.
Speaking in the discussion on the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Liechtenstein were Nepal, Peru, Russian Federation, Senegal, Tunisia, Sierra Leone, Ukraine, Tanzania, Venezuela, Burkina Faso, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Libya and Maldives.
Also speaking were Maat for Peace, Development and Human Rights Association.
With regard to Serbia, the President said out of the 256 recommendations received, 229 enjoyed the support of Serbia, and 20 were noted. Additional clarification was provided on another seven recommendations, indicating which parts of the recommendations were supported and which parts were noted.
Speaking on Serbia were the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, United Nations Population Fund, Tanzania, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, China, Croatia, Hungary and Kazakhstan.
Also speaking were International Lesbian and Gay Association, Human Rights House Foundation, FIAN International e.V., Association Ma'onah for Human Rights and Immigration, Meezaan Center for Human Rights, and International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
The Council then held the general debate on agenda item six on the Universal Periodic Review.
In the general debate, some speakers said the Universal Periodic Review was the chief mechanism for reviewing issues of human rights at the national level in all countries, whilst respecting the principles and values of human rights without polarisation and politicisation, and upholding the sovereignty of nations, eliminating selectivity, double standards, and finger-pointing. The principles of universality, impartiality and equal treatment needed to be preserved in order to maintain the process of the Universal Periodic Review. It would be immensely useful to strengthen the mechanism as a means to enhance capacity building and technical cooperation with States.
The COVID-19 pandemic and regional conflicts in some countries had resulted in the reallocation of resources and posed significant challenges to the ability to implement the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review in least developed countries and small island developing States, some speakers said. The Universal Periodic Review had emerged as the most successful mechanism of the Council, achieving the objectives that it had set out to, leading to the improvement of the human rights situation on the ground, sharing of best practices, and enhanced cooperation for the protection and promotion of human rights. Speakers also appealed for adequate resources to be allocated to the United Nations Trust Fund and the Universal Periodic Review Voluntary Fund to allow them to support States throughout the process.
Speaking in the general debate were Côte d'Ivoire on behalf of the African Group, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Bangladesh on behalf of a group of countries, India on behalf of a group of countries, Spain on behalf of the European Union, Azerbaijan on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, Malaysia on behalf of a group of countries, Malawi, Malaysia, China, Georgia, Bangladesh, Cuba, Algeria, Senegal, Gambia, Bolivia, United States, Maldives, Iraq, Bahrain, Libya, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Venezuela, Philippines, Iran and Uganda.
Also speaking were UPR Info, United for Human Rights, Centre for Global Nonkilling, Maat for Peace, Development and Human Rights Association, Institut International pour les Droits et le Développement, Colombian Commission of Jurists, Villages Unis (United Villages), Citoyens en action pour la démocratie et le développement, International Support For Human Rights, Asociacion Cubana de las Naciones Unidas (Cuban United Nations Association), Comité International pour le Respect et l'Application de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l'Homme et des Peuples, Africa Culture Internationale, International Council Supporting Fair Trial and Human Rights, Alsalam Foundation, United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation, ASSOCIATION CULTURELLE DES TAMOULS EN FRANCE, Action Sri Lanka, and Association caritative étudiante pour la jeunesse.
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 fifty-fourth regular session can be found here.
The Council will next meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 4 October, when it will hold the general debate under item seven on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories.
Consideration of Universal Periodic Review Outcome of Liechtenstein
Reports
The Council has before it the reports of the Working Group of the Universal Periodic Review of Liechtenstein (A/HRC/54/17), and its addendum (A/HRC/54/17/Add.1);
Presentation
Liechtenstein said the Universal Periodic Review was truly one of the most important tools of the international community to expand the promotion and protection of human rights globally. Liechtenstein received 184 recommendations and decided to accept 132 of them. It was clear that recommendations by the Human Rights Council had already had a considerable impact on national policy and human rights protection.
Many recommendations were received on strengthening children’s rights in Liechtenstein, and the country attached the highest importance to the protection and promotion of children's rights, both nationally and internationally. A multitude of recommendations received related to the equality of women and men in different areas of society, particularly in politics and the economy. In this regard, Liechtenstein was continuously implementing measures to promote the compatibility of family and career and to combat role stereotypes. Liechtenstein was also deeply committed to conduct an active policy on gender equality and to end violence against women; it had thus accepted all relevant recommendations.
Intolerance and discrimination were on the rise around the world. To revert this trend, the Universal Periodic Review served as an important tool. Equally important were the implementation of commitments enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Liechtenstein fully supported the general aim of human rights action plans; it had established a variety of strategies and policies to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms and already ensured a coherent networking approach for national actors.
As far as the ratification of international human rights instruments was concerned, Liechtenstein had not changed its position since the last Universal Periodic Review cycle regarding the ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families as recommended by several countries. Liechtenstein’s commitment to the Human Rights Council and the Universal Periodic Review remained entire, and it fully supported the Council’s aim of promoting universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Universal Periodic Review was an important part of this task, and Liechtenstein looked forward to continuing the dialogue with the Council.
Discussion
Some speakers welcomed Liechtenstein's progress in implementing its commitments to the protection and promotion of human rights. It was noted with appreciation that Liechtenstein accepted two recommendations relating to efforts to combat human trafficking and the application of the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. This demonstrated the Government's continued commitment to the protection and promotion of women's rights and gender equality. It was pleasing to note that Liechtenstein had accepted recommendations pertaining to the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities; the fight to eradicate torture; as well as the fight against gender stereotypes, especially in the educational and labour spheres. Speakers positively noted the efforts undertaken by Liechtenstein towards closing the gender wage gap and adopting legislative amendments to strengthen the existing legal framework.
Some speakers expressed concerns about serious manifestations of discrimination in Liechtenstein on racial, ethnic and religious grounds. The ongoing violations in Liechtenstein were concerning, including hate speech against minority groups, the trafficking of women and girls, and infringement on the right of freedom of expression and opinion. The country had failed to effectively protect the rights of children, people with disabilities, migrants and other vulnerable groups. It was hoped that Liechtenstein would effectively guarantee the rights of vulnerable groups to housing, education and healthcare.
A number of speakers acknowledged the constructive engagement of the delegation of Liechtenstein during its fourth Universal Periodic Review and wished Liechtenstein success in implementing the accepted recommendations. In view of Liechtenstein's continued commitment to human rights, as reflected in its numerous accepted recommendations, speakers supported the adoption of Liechtenstein's Universal Periodic Review outcome report by consensus.
The President of the Council said out of the 184 recommendations received, 132 enjoyed the support of Liechtenstein, and 52 were noted.
Concluding Remarks
Liechtenstein said for the State, the Universal Periodic Review had proven to be a powerful tool which stimulated debate on human rights issues and most of the recommendations of past reviews had been integrated into existing political processes or had provided impetus for new processes. He wished to reaffirm again Liechtenstein’s full commitment to the Human Rights Council and the Universal Periodic Review. Both were crucial tools for protecting and strengthening human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review process of Liechtenstein.
Consideration of the Universal Periodic Review Outcome of Serbia
Reports
The Council has before it the reports of the Working Group of the Universal Periodic Review of Serbia (A/HRC/54/18), and its addendum (A/HRC/54/18/Add.1).
Presentation
Serbia said the State had fully accepted 90 per cent of the recommendations. In respect of the recommendations that had been noted, the Government's assessment was that either they could not be implemented in the form as stated or they required changes to the legal framework, which could not be presently guaranteed. Serbia stood ready and willing to continue to improve standards in the domain of human rights and implement recommendations. On 6 September 2023, the National Assembly adopted the Law on Ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. In this way, Serbia had completed the system of international protection in the field of economic, social and cultural rights.
On 28 September 2023, the Government formed the Council for Development and Cooperation with civil society. To promote the values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Council launched a campaign under the motto "75 days for 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights". In the coming days, the Government, together with ministries, civil society organizations, independent bodies, international organizations and the academic community, would organise a series of events and meetings, where the recommendations from the fourth Universal Periodic Review cycle and the Optional Protocol would be promoted. Serbia remained devoted and committed to the Universal Periodic Review process and cooperation with the Human Rights Council.
It should be noted that Serbia was not able to monitor the implementation of international treaties on human rights in one part of its territory - the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija - given that the governance of the Province was fully entrusted to the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. It was important that the Human Rights Council gain insight into the situation in the field of respect for human rights in this province, where Serbian people and other non-Albanian communities were faced with numerous problems and challenges regarding respect for human and minority rights.
Discussion
Some speakers noted with satisfaction that Serbia had accepted the vast majority of recommendations, including on fine-tuning national legislation on protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. Kosovo remained an issue of concern. Some speakers expressed appreciation for the measures taken by Serbia in the promotion of labour rights, the status of workers, and prevention and suppression of labour exploitation and human trafficking. Serbia was encouraged to take further measures to strengthen the legal framework for the protection of rights of migrant workers in line with international standards. The adoption of the law on gender equality and the strategy on countering violence against women 2020-2025 were also appreciated.
Serbia was applauded for significant efforts in ratifying the Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, pending ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, amendments to the Family Law, and promoting measures that aimed to safeguard sexual and reproductive health and rights, and promote healthy and active ageing. The work of the Government towards the achievement of the commitments made in Nairobi on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development, despite the challenges brought about by COVID-19 pandemic, was noted. The Government should continue its efforts to strengthen demographic resilience, especially during this time of demographic change, so as to ensure that no one was left behind.
Some speakers noted Serbia’s acceptance of the recommendations on intensifying efforts to abolish child marriage through the amendment of the Family Law, instituting measures to strengthen the protection of all victims of gender-based violence, and stepping up efforts towards the empowerment of all women, including through access to paid employment and economic activity. Concern remained for the removal of rights to vote, access health care and education for ethnic Albanians, through removal of their registration as citizens. Serbia was invited to continue addressing issues relating to combat and punishment of trafficking in persons. The Government was congratulated for the results achieved in their Universal Periodic Review and their willingness to achieve their goals.
The President of the Council said out of the 256 recommendations received, 229 enjoyed the support of Serbia, and 20 were noted. Additional clarification was provided on another seven recommendations, indicating which parts of the recommendations were supported and which parts were noted.
Concluding Remarks
Serbia said it had accepted nearly all of the recommendations given by Member States. This showed the Government’s commitment to improving human rights in the country. Serbia was aware of all the problems and challenges, including those raised by non-governmental organizations. The country was working towards improving the position of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons; ensuring a better situation for the media; and overcoming hate speech. Serbia would continue to work to overcome these challenges.
The Council adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Serbia.
General Debate on Agenda Item Six on the Universal Periodic Review
Some speakers said the Universal Periodic Review was the chief mechanism for reviewing issues of human rights at the national level in all countries, whilst respecting the principles and values of human rights without polarisation and politicisation, and upholding the sovereignty of nations, eliminating selectivity, double standards, and finger-pointing. The principles of universality, impartiality and equal treatment needed to be preserved in order to maintain the process of the Universal Periodic Review. It would be immensely useful to strengthen the mechanism as a means to enhance capacity building and technical cooperation with States, a speaker said.
The Universal Periodic Review mechanism was, a speaker said, a vital and unique process for reviewing Member States’ implementation of their international obligations to protect and promote human rights. It also provided an opportunity for Member States to showcase their achievements, best practices, and challenges in promoting human rights in this regard. Member States should participate in the Universal Periodic Review sessions, and implement the recommendations as appropriate.
The COVID-19 pandemic and regional conflicts in some countries had resulted in the reallocation of resources and posed significant challenges to the ability to implement the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review in least developed countries and small island developing States, some speakers said. This situation was compounded by human capacity constraints, and the lack of resources in national institutions. Continued robust and active cooperation between United Nations agencies, developed countries, international financial institutions, least developed countries and small island developing States could play a crucial role to address the common challenges as well as augment the Universal Periodic Review process.
The Universal Periodic Review had emerged as the most successful mechanism of the Council, achieving the objectives that it had set out to, leading to improvement of the human rights situation on the ground, sharing of best practices, and enhanced cooperation for the protection and promotion of human rights. The best practices of the mechanism enjoyed universal support, with active participation of all involved stakeholders and the involvement of the State in the outcome. It must continue to be an inter-Governmental process, member-driven and action-orientated. It must also continue to take into account the level of development and specificities of countries. The unprecedented and multiple crises the world had been faced with over previous years had led to setbacks in the global human rights agenda.
Some speakers said adequate resources must be allocated to the United Nations Trust Fund and the Universal Periodic Review Voluntary Fund to allow them to support States throughout the process. The Trust Fund provided immense support in strengthening the national capacity and addressing the limited resources of certain countries regarding the Universal Periodic Review. A speaker thanked all donors to the Funds.
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HRC23.137E