HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ADOPTS OUTCOMES OF UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW ON CAMBODIA, NORWAY AND ALBANIA

The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review on Cambodia, Norway and Albania.

Sun Suon, Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said Cambodia had accepted all recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review, despite reservations or comments it needed to make in some areas. Some of those were already partly being implemented. The anti-corruption law had been adopted by the National Assembly last week. Cambodia had further been pleased with the completion of the second visit of the Council’s Special Rapporteur in January this year, who had taken note with encouragement of progress in some areas, namely the strengthening of the legal framework, the completion of the first case at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, continued efforts to reform the prison system, the adoption of the Penal Code, and an improved regime for public demonstrations. Smooth progress was being made on the process of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, and a number of significant milestones had been reached by the Extraordinary Chambers since the last plenary session. Cambodia had also taken it upon itself, with keen interest, to implement the recommendations that largely addressed the issues relevant to a wider area of socio-economic development.

In the discussion on Cambodia, speakers were pleased to note that Cambodia had accepted all the recommendations and that it had taken positive steps for their implementation. National delegations further valued Cambodia’s continuing cooperation with the relevant United Nations mechanisms and called on the international community to support Cambodia in implementing the recommendations. They also commended the importance Cambodia attached to actions aimed at promoting the rights of children and the rights of women, and they were pleased to note that Cambodia had become party to most core international human rights instruments. However, some speakers drew attention to systematic and gross human rights violations in Cambodia, highlighting in particular frequent and persistent reports of the improper use of legal processes by the executive branch of Government.

Speaking in the general debate on the Universal Periodic Review of Cambodia were representatives of Algeria, Viet Nam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Japan, the Philippines, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the United States and China. The International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, the World Association for School as an Instrument of Peace, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Interfaith International, Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada, the International Commission of Jurists, and Franciscans International also took the floor.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on Cambodia.

Bente Angell-Hansen, Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said Norway’s ambition in the Universal Periodic Review process had been to learn in order to enhance its ability to protect human rights effectively. Norway had received 115 recommendations and had agreed to 44, rejecting 1. On others, it had taken them back to Oslo for further review. Several delegations had raised the issue of discrimination. That remained a strong priority for the Government. Norwegian society was not immune to racism, xenophobia and discrimination. Norway saw that as one of the most important battles of our time. The same related to domestic violence and violence against women and children. Norway recognized that ratifying the Convention on the Rights Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families was important to many delegations. While it had decided not to ratify it, improving labour standards was fundamental, and it was noted that Norway had ratified all human rights instruments on workers rights including those of the International Labour Organization. .

In the discussion on Norway, speakers valued and appreciated the strong Norwegian commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights, as well as its cooperative approach in dealing with those issues. Also noted were the achievements Norway had made in developing a strong foundation of democracy, pluralism, rule of law and human rights. One delegation commended Norway's support to the advancement of the economic, social and cultural rights of the disadvantaged in developing countries through a general development assistance programme. Nevertheless, concerns remained about how Norway would address the high number of domestic violence cases; violence against women and children; sexual abuse; and the increasing racist and xenophobic overtones in political speech and public debate.

Speaking in the general debate on the Universal Periodic Review of Norway were representatives of Algeria, Pakistan, Iran, Nepal, the United States, Hungary and Botswana. The Norwegian Centre for Human Rights, the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, the Institute for Women’s Studies and Research, the International Lesbian and Gay Association – European Region, Save the Children International and Amnesty International also took the floor.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on Norway.

Edith Harxhi, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Albania, said that, although only three months had elapsed since the Council’s last session, the activity of the Government had been filled with intense events in the human rights area – a large part of them in follow up to recommendations from delegations last December. Early this January, Albania announced that it would carry out a population census by 2011, which would include information on ethnic and religious affiliation that would be used to guide policies that ensured a better protection of such identities. At the end of January, the Government had decided to set up the Institute of the Crimes of Communism, to bring to light evidence and to punish crimes that had been committed in the country during the 45 years of communist occupation. In addition, the final version of an anti-discrimination law, which had been the subject of consultations with all interest groups, had been unanimously enacted by Parliament in early February 2010.

In the discussion on Albania, speakers said the cooperation of Albania with the Universal Periodic Review process was proof that Albania had a will and determination to continue to fulfil standards in the field of human rights and enhance their complete implementation in daily life. Speakers welcomed Albania's support for a great many of the recommendations, in particular the recommendation to promote the enforcement of the Law on Gender Equality and Domestic Violence, and urged prompt implementation of those recommendations. However, it was important to ensure that Government agencies, civil society, business and the general public were aware of their rights and obligations under the law. Also, Albania should increase protection for orphans and other young people leaving care by ensuring that they had access to adequate housing.

Speaking in the general debate on the Universal Periodic Review of Albania were representatives of Algeria, the United States, Senegal, Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Morocco. The International Lesbian and Gay Association – European Region and Amnesty International also took the floor.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on Albania.

The next meeting of the Council will be on Thursday, 17 March at 10 a.m., when it is scheduled to consider the Universal Periodic Review outcomes on the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire and Portugal.


Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review on Cambodia

SUN SUON, Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said Cambodia was pleased to have had a fruitful discussion at the Universal Periodic Review process of the Working Group. Following the consideration of the report, Cambodia had brought the outcome, including the recommendations, to the attention of the Government, and had looked at the issues and the shortcomings, in order to ensure a smooth process of implementation in a practical way. Cambodia had accepted all recommendations, despite reservations or comments it needed to make in some areas. First of all, most of the recommendations were essential to the context of the efforts for promoting human rights in Cambodia. The recommendations addressed a wide range of issues and areas, some of which were partly being implemented. In other areas, the recommendations affirmed the continuing policy and actions for the Government to accelerate the process of implementation through its relevant national plan and agenda in the years ahead. The Government had shown its political will; therefore it had accepted the recommendations with a good willingness to redouble efforts and commitments towards the Universal Periodic Review for the sake of the improvement of human rights for its people.

Turning to specific recommendations, Mr. Suon said that Cambodia would consider its accession to the various recommended international treaties. The anti-corruption law had been adopted by the National Assembly last week. Cambodia had been pleased with the completion of the second visit of the Special Rapporteur of the Human Rights Council to Cambodia in January this year, who had taken note with encouragement of progress in some areas, namely the strengthening of the legal framework, the completion of the first case at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, continued efforts to reform the prison system, the adoption of the Penal Code, and an improved regime for public demonstrations. Smooth progress was being made on the process of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, and a number of significant milestones had been reached by the Extraordinary Chambers since the last Plenary Session. Cambodia had also taken it upon itself, with keen interest, to implement the recommendations that largely addressed the issues relevant to a wider area of socio-economic development. Cambodia remained committed to the basic rights such as fundamental freedoms that were guaranteed by the Constitution. The task ahead of implementation of the recommendations was challenging, but Cambodia highly appreciated the opportunity to engage in the constructive dialogue through its first review under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.

IDRISS JAZAIRY (Algeria) thanked the Cambodian delegation for the additional information it had provided on measures taken since the submission of the Universal Periodic Review report in 2009. Algeria very much valued Cambodia’s continuing willing cooperation with the relevant United Nations mechanisms and commended the importance it attached to actions aimed at promoting the rights of children and the rights of women. Algeria also called on the international community to support Cambodia in implementing the recommendations it had received.

VU DUNG (Viet Nam) commended Cambodia for having a successful review. Viet Nam highly appreciated that Cambodia had accepted the two recommendations Viet Nam had submitted, as well as the steps it had so far taken to implement them. It applauded Cambodia’s efforts to combat corruption as well as its active and ongoing cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms. Cambodia had acted in a responsible manner so far and Viet Nam encouraged Cambodia to continue doing so, wishing it the very best in its efforts to promote and protect the human rights of its people.

ANIZAN SITI HAJAR ADNIN (Malaysia) thanked the Cambodian delegation for its latest update on the promotion and protection of human rights since December 2009. Malaysia was pleased to note that Cambodia had accepted a large number of recommendations, which it had also taken positive steps towards implementing. Efforts to promote gender equality, economic growth and the alleviation of poverty were particularly noteworthy. Hopefully Cambodia would fully implement the recommendations of the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review.

SIHASAK PHUANGKETKEOW (Thailand) thanked Cambodia for providing additional information on human rights. It admired the courage of the Cambodian people and the remarkable progress they had achieved in moving the country forward. Thailand was pleased to note that in recent years Cambodia had become party to most core international human rights instruments. It commended the country’s efforts in tackling poverty. During the interactive session late last year, Thailand had appreciated Cambodia’s openness in addressing its challenges. Thailand reiterated the need for continued efforts to bolster the rule of law and good governance and to promote human rights education and training at all levels.

DIAN TRIANSYAH DJANI (Indonesia) commended the efforts made by the Cambodian Government in strengthening democratic institutions, good governance, and the rule of law over the past years. The anti-corruption law recently adopted by the National Assembly was a very significant step forward in Cambodia's fight against corruption. As a country also striving for reform and the eradication of corruption, Indonesia lent its full support to the Cambodian Government in that task. Indonesia also appreciated Cambodia's efforts to promote the status of women. Combating domestic violence and trafficking in women and children should continue to be an important priority for the Government. Wider socio-economic development, such as poverty reduction and better access to education and health care needed to be addressed, and the Government should enhance and strengthen the work of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Intergovernmental Human Rights Commission to effectively protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms of the peoples of ASEAN.

YONG CHANTHALANGSY (Lao People’s Democratic Republic) commended Cambodia for its acceptance of all the recommendations put forward by delegations during the Universal Periodic Review on Cambodia, despite reservation on some recommendations which were not realistic to put into implementation in a practical way. After the Universal Periodic Review process, the Government had taken all necessary measures to address pending issues on human rights as recommended by Member States. Cambodia had overcome tremendous obstacles of all kinds and successfully implemented significant progress and achievements in reviving the nation following the genocide.

KENICHI SUGANUMA (Japan) welcomed that the Government of Cambodia would positively address all recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review process. Japan was encouraged by Cambodia’s sincere efforts for the promotion and protection of human rights and towards democratization, as well as the progress made so far. As the leading sponsor of the resolution on technical assistance to Cambodia, Japan hoped for continued efforts of Cambodia and called on the international community for continued assistance to Cambodia.

EVAN P. GARCIA (Philippines) commended Cambodia for its commitment in advancing the socio-economic development of its people by voluntary undertaking to implement the Council’s recommendations in addressing issues of poverty reduction, gender equality, education, health, and children’s rights, as well as for making those the Government’s top priority issues in strategic policies and plans of action. Cambodia’s engagement with the international community on human rights was a clear manifestation of the importance Cambodia attached to the work of the Council.

DINESH BHATTARAI (Nepal) commended Cambodia’s increased engagement with the international community in general and the United Nations human rights mechanisms in particular. It commended the Government for positive changes in political and socio-economic matters, which had allowed it to overcome a tragic past. Nepal appreciated Cambodia’s commitments to democratic principles and to the protection and promotion of all human rights. It was in that context that Nepal supported the adoption of the report.

SUMEDHA EKANAYAKE (Sri Lanka) appreciated Cambodia’s detailed responses to recommendations in the report of the Working Group. While building a strong democracy, Sri Lanka appreciated Cambodia’s efforts for the eradication of poverty, as explained during the Universal Periodic Review process. Sri Lanka was pleased that the current report had taken note of those achievements. It believed that the recommendations would facilitate Cambodia in making further improvements as necessary. Through participation in the Universal Periodic Review process, Cambodia had demonstrated its commitment for constructive engagement with the international community towards further promoting and protecting human rights.

JOHN MARIZ (United States) appreciated Cambodia's effort to establish the Extraordinary Chambers, and welcomed the Government's establishment of a national torture prevention mechanism. The United States further supported Cambodia's cooperation with the United Nations to establish a programme to enforce anti-trafficking laws and stop sexual abuse, but had concerns regarding the well-being of children, in particular with respect to the worst forms of child labour. The situation of endangered minors should be improved, and the right to freedom of association for workers respected. The United States supported the recommendation for Cambodia to re-examine the modalities for lifting parliamentarian immunity to ensure that that practice did not contravene the principles of pluralism and respect for freedom of expression, and encouraged Cambodia to fully include women in the political process through implementation of electoral regulations.

HU MIAO (China) said the report showed that Cambodia highly valued the work of the Universal Periodic Review. Over the past few years, the Government had given priority to economic and social development and progress, and had achieved progress in protecting economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development, while establishing many mechanisms to protect and promote human rights. The Cambodian Government had accepted virtually all the recommendations, and had said it would endeavour to implement all of them. The international community should continue to provide Cambodia with financial and technical aid.

JULIE GROMELLON, of International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, drew attention to systematic and gross human rights violations in Cambodia. Several delegations had made only vague comments instead of recommending specific actions. Nevertheless, the International Federation shared a number of the concerns that had been raised, for example, that human rights defenders continued to face harassment as well as concerns about political interference in the judiciary that led to a culture of impunity. The International Federation urged Cambodia to take concrete measures to implement the recommendations of its Universal Periodic Review.

KHMER M'CHAS SROK, of World Association for the School as an Instrument of Peace, strongly supported the Universal Periodic Review and the 91 recommendations for Cambodia. The World Association urged the Government of Cambodia to accept and adhere to all those recommendations by working in cooperation with the United Nations and the international community. Also, it demanded the full enactment of the Khmer peoples’ rights and freedom, as granted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

ANGKANA KRABUANSAENG, of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, urged the Government of Cambodia to make efforts to publicize and disseminate the Universal Periodic Review report and to take steps to engage with civil society in follow up to its first Universal Periodic Review. During the Universal Periodic Review Working Group Cambodia had stated that freedom of expression was enshrined in the Constitution, while asserting that the Government would not tolerate social disorder. The Asian Forum could not understand how human rights defenders could be perceived as a threat to social order. Concerns of the international community on the gravity of land grabbing end eviction were unequivocal. The Asian Forum urged instituting a moratorium on evictions until various safeguards could be ensured.

MAGGIE MURPHY, of Interfaith International, welcomed efforts by Cambodia to present its reports to different treaty bodies. It urged Cambodia to ensure that international standards for asylum procedures were adhered to. The forceful repatriation of Khmer Krom from Cambodia to Viet Nam was an urgent concern, which needed immediate attention since they faced arbitrary arrest, detention and torture upon return. Without identification papers the Khmer Krom were in legal limbo, denied the right to vote and unable to own land or to occupy property.

ISABELA PIACENTINI, of Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada, was concerned with the lack of independent courts and by reports of political interference and corruption in Cambodian courts. Also of concern were reports that advocates representing villagers in land-rights cases had been targeted with threats, harassment and defamation charges. Cambodia should carry out legal and judicial reforms to address the ongoing problem of impunity by guaranteeing the independence and impartiality of judges, prosecutors and court personnel in keeping with international standards. Cambodia should ensure full protection to human rights defenders and lawyers working on land rights. Reforms should include enacting provisions that guaranteed the independence of lawyers and the Bar Association, and ensuring that lawyers were not subject to inappropriate influence or corruption in the exercise of professional duties.

LUKAS MACHON, of International Commission of Jurists, said the Government of Cambodia should take prompt measures to fulfil all recommendations. Frequent and persistent reports of the improper use of legal processes by the executive branch of Government, in order to arbitrarily restrict freedom of expression and to intimidate political opponents, journalists, human rights defenders and lawyers, was of grave concern. Lawyers and human rights defenders faced threats, harassment and intimidation, and the International Commission of Jurists was also concerned about persistent reports of corruption and improper political interference at the Extraordinary Chambers. Cambodia should ensure that international standards on the independence and impartiality of judges, lawyers and prosecutors were respected, and the Government should respect and protect the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association of political opponents, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders, and ensure their safety.

ELIN MARTINEZ, of Franciscans International, welcomed the call by Member States for Cambodia to protect the rights of vulnerable people, which included the right of children with disabilities to the same educational opportunities as others in society. Franciscans International recommended that Cambodia give priority to children with disabilities, as they were less likely to attend school than their non-disabled peers. Extra initiatives were needed to bridge that gap; one such initiative would be for the Government to develop incentives that encouraged teachers to be properly trained to work with children with disabilities.

SUN SUON, Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in concluding remarks, said the adoption of the first Universal Periodic Review process for Cambodia had been very beneficial for the country. It gave the Government the opportunity to further assess and reflect on its achievements and shortcomings in the promotion and protection of human rights. The Universal Periodic Review was indeed an innovative and promising mechanism for the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. As a society, Cambodia had proved that different views did not hinder it from advancing the cause of human rights in the country; Cambodia had learned to share the values of tolerance and freedom in its society with all the attributes of its own uniqueness and characteristics in order to overcome the challenges ahead. The Government reaffirmed its commitment to striving to strengthen the rule of law and the promotion of good governance, integrity and accountability, as reflected in relevant laws, policies and plans of action of the Government. All of those efforts were crucial for Cambodia to attain further success and achievements.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on Cambodia.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review on Norway

BENTE ANGELL-HANSEN, Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said the Universal Periodic Review had provided a unique opportunity to review the human rights situation in Norway. Norway’s ambition in that process had been to learn in order to enhance its ability to protect human rights effectively. It believed that the Universal Periodic Review process would have a real impact on the awareness of human rights in society. The role of civil society improved the process. Norway looked forward to hearing what Member States and others had to say in that regard. Norway had received 115 recommendations, including on the human rights of migrants, racism and discrimination and human rights education. It had agreed to 44 recommendations and had rejected 1. On others, it had taken them back to Oslo for further review. Norway’s aim was to give transparent and clear answers to all of them. Several delegations had raised the issue of discrimination. That remained a strong priority for the Government. Norwegian society was not immune to racism, xenophobia and discrimination. Norway saw that as one of the most important battles of our time. The same related to domestic violence and violence against women and children. Those were not a private matter. The authorities should deal with those issues.

Norway recognized that ratifying the Convention on the Rights Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families was important to many delegations. Still, it had decided not to ratify it. Nonetheless, improving labour standards was fundamental. Norway had ratified all human rights instruments on workers rights including those of the International Labour Organization. Regarding signing the Optional Protocol on the Covenant on Civil, Political and Social Rights, Norway was not yet in a position to give a clear answer. In the Universal Periodic Review follow-up it looked forward to dialogue on all issues that it could not agree to at this stage. In the Universal Periodic Review exercise, Norway had built a close partnership with civil society and with representatives of national minorities. It would establish a systematic and coordinated process with all relevant stakeholders.

IDRISS JAZAIRY (Algeria) appreciated the sponsorship and active support provided by Norway to the Algiers retreat on the review of the Council’s working and operational methods that had taken place last February. That contribution was yet another expression of the commitment of Norway to the success of the review process and to the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council. Algeria was satisfied with Norway's support to the advancement of the economic, social and cultural rights of the disadvantaged in developing countries through a general development assistance programme. Recommendations made by Algeria with regard to refugees and asylum-seekers and assistance to least developed countries affected by the financial and economic crisis had been partly accepted. Algeria also welcomed that the Millennium Development Goals formed an important basis for Norway's development policy and that increased food security was a key element of Norway's support for mitigating climate change.

MUHAMMAD SAEED SARWAR (Pakistan) said Pakistan attached great importance to the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and believed that it enabled States to improve their human rights record consistent with their national priorities and international obligations. Pakistan thanked the Norwegian delegation for its frank and elaborate presentation, including their detailed comments on the pending recommendations. As a Troika member for Norway, Pakistan could attest with confidence to the positivism with which Norway approached the peer review mechanism, and the openness with which it had accepted most of the recommendations. Pakistan valued and appreciated the strong Norwegian commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights, as well as their cooperative approach in dealing with those issues. It also recognized Norway’s contributions in helping build consensus within the Council on controversial and difficult subjects, and encouraged it to continue with its constructive engagement on all human rights issues.

MESBAH ANSARI (Iran) appreciated Norway’s positive reaction to and acceptance of the recommendations made by Iran. Iran wished to be updated on the mechanisms for implementation of recommendations to ensure that foreign students were not being arbitrarily deprived of the right to education in universities of their choice. Also, could Norway provide further information on the effective implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples? Iran also remained concerned about how Norway would address the high number of domestic violence cases; violence against women and children; sexual abuse; the increasing racist and xenophobic overtones in political speech and public debate; and generalizations and stereotypes concerning persons of Muslim background. It also wished to be updated on activities Norway had undertaken to strengthen the capacity of the criminal police to deal with crimes related to child pornography on the Internet, and to take all necessary measures to decrease the high number of rape cases.

DINESH BHATTARAI (Nepal) noted with appreciation the achievements Norway had made in developing a strong foundation of democracy, pluralism, rule of law and human rights. Nepal congratulated Norway on its top ranking in the United Nations Human Development Index, and appreciated Norway’s commitment to fighting global poverty, in particular its expressed policy of allocating a minimum of 1 per cent of its gross domestic product for development assistance. Nepal also commended the way Norway had been working in international forums to develop a pragmatic approach to several pressing issues of our time, and it congratulated Norway for its remarkable achievements on various fronts, wishing it more success ahead.

JOHN MARIZ (United States) appreciated Norway’s commitment to promoting human rights. In particular, the United States appreciated the commitment to consider ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Norway’s efforts to combat racism, and restorative programmes for juveniles. The United States congratulated Norway on the successful completion of the first round of the Universal Periodic Review process.

BALAZS RATKAI (Hungary) said the facts attested that Norway attached great importance to the fight against all forms of discrimination. Hungary joined others that had highlighted its commitment to international development cooperation. Norway played a pioneering role in the promotion and protection of human rights in programmes regarding social inclusion. Furthermore, it was in the frontline of efforts to ensure the protection of rights of those individuals. Norway’s transparency and openness could serve as a model to other countries in participating in the Universal Periodic Review process.

Mr. O. RHEE HETANANG (Botswana) said Norway had demonstrated its constructive approach during the Working Group session meeting. Botswana had carefully read the replies presented by the Government to the recommendations made during the review, and welcomed that Norway had adopted the majority of the recommendations made by Member States. Botswana also commended the decision to convert some of the recommendations into voluntary commitments. Norway's leadership in the field of human rights was laudable, particularly predicated on their demonstrable commitment and belief in the primacy of the United Nations as a global arena for promoting respect for and promotion of human rights. One of the areas where Norway continued to inspire was in the fight against racism, where it had a constructive approach, as it did to its work and participation in the work of the Human Rights Council.

KATHARINA ROSE, of the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights, commended the Government for its inclusive, self-critical and constructive approach to the review, with the various ministries involved emphasizing human rights as a matter of national importance. However, the Government had not responded to demands for a new national plan of action for human rights, and consequently policy was unclear, weakening the Government's accountability when it came to its human rights commitments. The Government's fragmented approach to the use of religious garments exemplified the challenges of policy coordination. Norway should commit to formulating and implementing a plan of action on human rights and establish a high-level inter-ministerial coordinating mechanism for its follow-up in consultation with the Norwegian Centre – Norway’s national human rights institution – and civil society.

MARYAM SAFARI, of the Charitable Institute for Protecting Social Victims, said the Government had estimated that each year between 8,000 and 16,000 women fell victim to rape in Norway. The lack of comprehensive statistics on the number of rapes or for measures taken for victims showed a lack of prioritization for dealing with issues of gender based violence against women in Norway. The Charitable Institute for Protecting Social Victims therefore recommended that the Government facilitate women’s access to the justice system; that emergency centres be set up for abused women in police stations; and that special training courses for the police, judges and others dealing with abused women be held.

MAHMOUDREZA GOLSHANPAZHOOH, of the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence and Iranian Research Center, asked the Norwegian Government to maintain a strong focus on the issue of domestic violence and to implement systematic measures to protect victims of such violence. Also, they urged Norway to strengthen its preventive measures in the area of rape and domestic violence; to develop effective policies and targeted prevention campaigns; and to provide education and deliver awareness-raising activities to young people. There were also alarming signs regarding the methods with which the Government of Norway dealt with minority issues, especially regarding Muslims.

FARZANEH MOSTOFIFAR, of the Institute for Women’s Studies and Research, said the Islamic world today was faced with a huge volume of attacks against its culture and religious beliefs. Islamophobia inhibited the development of a just society. It implied that Muslims did not have the same rights as other citizens. It also increased the likelihood of serious social disorder, with high costs for the economy and the justice system. The daily increasing spread of Islamophobia was of deep concern. By linking terror and bomb attacks to Muslims, some mass media outlets in Norway were taking steps towards the destruction of global peace and stability.

JOHN FISHER, of European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Federation (ILGA-EUROPE), appreciated Norway’s attention to violence against women; to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights; and its affirmation that there could be no hierarchy of rights. In that regard, Norway was commended for its efforts in the Durban process, and efforts at the international level to bridge numerous gaps. Would Norway be willing to accept recommendations by stakeholders to meet the needs of transgender people, in terms of recognizing their identity without the need for bodily changes?

ROBERTA CECCHETTI, of Save the Children International, noting with interest the response of the Government of Norway on the final outcome document of the Universal Periodic Review and the scope of the recommendations enjoying Norway’s support, and bearing in mind the very recent concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child on Norway, said that Save the Children expected the highest commitment from the Government on a range of issues of critical importance regarding current violations of the rights of the child in Norway. Those included violations relating to trafficking, asylum-seeking children, violence against women and children, and juvenile justice.

MARIANNE LILLIEBJERG, of Amnesty International, was pleased to note that the issue of gender equality and violence against women had featured prominently in the review of Norway, and welcomed Norway's support of recommendations to undertake training programmes for law enforcement and the judiciary to prevent gender-based violence, to strengthen preventative measures in the areas of rape and domestic violence, and to strengthen efforts to combat the latter as well as violence against women. Several States had brought up the issue of pre-trial and preventive detention, and Amnesty was pleased that Norway had already indicated its support for recommendations to ensure that pre-trial detention was dealt with in conformity with international standards and that all detainees and prisoners had access to appropriate care. Norway's support of recommendations to respect the rights of refugees and to guarantee proper analysis of each petition on a case-by-case basis was also welcomed.

BENTE ANGELL-HANSEN, Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in concluding remarks, warmly thanked all representatives of Government and civil society who had spoken. Many important issues had been raised, the bulk of which had already been addressed by Norway. The issues raised had to be combated effectively by means of continuous and systematic efforts and therefore the Government had put in place concrete action plans on equality and discrimination, living standards for Roma people, domestic violence, integration and social inclusion of the immigrant population, and on social dumping. The Government of Norway was fully committed to continuing discussion on all those issues in the follow-up to the Universal Periodic Review, as part of the Government’s holistic approach to human rights where the treaty bodies played a crucial role.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on Norway.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review on Albania

EDITH HARXHI, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Albania, said that, although only three months had elapsed since the last session, the activity of the Government had been filled with intense events in the human rights area – a large part of them in follow up to recommendations from delegations last December. Early this January, Albania announced that it would carry out a population census by 2011. That would include information on ethnic and religious affiliation. National affiliation questions would refer to Article 32 of the European Convention on the Protection of Minorities. The Government held that such affiliations complied with international obligations it had taken and also helped it understand the reality in relevant aspects. Only by recognizing the realities, both in terms of religious, ethnic and national affiliation, would the Government be guided to launch policies that ensured a better protection of such identities. Then, at the end of January, the Government had decided to set up the Institute of the Crimes of Communism, to bring to light evidence and to punish crimes that had been committed in the country during the 45 years of communist occupation. While a great deal had been done in the past 20 years to integrate politically persecuted persons from communism into political, social and economic life, the thorough investigation and punishment of crimes perpetuated by the former regime was a “must”.

Ms. Harxhi noted that, during the review in December 2009, some delegations had highlighted the absence of a complete legal framework to protect all vulnerable categories against discrimination in Albania. Today, the Government had met that commitment. The final version of an anti-discrimination law, which had been the subject of consultations with all interest groups, had been unanimously enacted by Parliament in early February 2010. That legal framework addressed a range of equality issues. It would not only fill a gap, but also create a climate where each individual would feel like a part of society. Turning to other actions, she noted that, in December 2009, Albania had extended an open invitation for all Special Procedures to visit the country; a draft law had been passed in the framework of child rights; and awareness on that issue of domestic violence had been increasing. The Government had also completed the construction of the first national shelter for victims of domestic abuse. Regarding the recommendation on the establishment of a national human rights institution according to the Paris Principle, there was no need, as Albania already had an Ombudsman. Nonetheless, she assured the Council that Albania would continue to look into a number of the recommendations in the coming months and years.

IDRISS JAZAIRY (Algeria) welcomed the efforts made by Albania to protect and promote human rights, as well as those to ensure the gradual establishment of the legal and institutional mechanisms needed to ensure their implementation. It was impressive that 85 recommendations had been adopted, including all of those put forward by Algeria. Algeria was even more pleased when it saw that more than half of those recommendations were already being implemented, all of which attested to Albania's commitment to human rights standards. Algeria was further impressed at efforts to consolidate and strengthen measures to combat people-smuggling and trafficking in persons, and encouraged all countries to collaborate with Albania in that regard.

JOHN MARIZ (United States) was pleased that Albania had welcomed the recommendation on the Media Monitoring Board and further urged Albania to follow up with a robust reform and strengthening of that Board. The United States further welcomed that Albania had signalled its support for additional measures to eliminate the worst forms of child labour, as well as the development of a five-year anti-corruption strategy. The United States had been honoured to serve as the Rapporteur for the Troika on Albania for its Universal Periodic Review.

MAMADOU MBODJ (Senegal) said Albania’s acceptance of the great majority of recommendations in its view constituted a clear indication of Albania’s willingness to improve its human rights situation. Senegal had in particular noted the positive responses given to the recommendations on the strengthening of the institutional and legislative framework, as well as bringing that in line with international obligations. Senegal further underscored the open spirit with which the Albanian authorities had examined the question of trafficking in human beings and that of protecting the rights of women and children.

MILOMIR MIHALJEVIC (Montenegro) commended the responsible attitude of Albania in receiving the recommendations and appreciated the further answers and explanations that had been given today. Montenegro and Albania, as friendly neighbouring countries, entertained fruitful bilateral relations with a particular emphasis on enhancing the protection of minorities living in both counties. The two countries worked together in the field of the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, which was a very significant step towards peace and prosperity in the Balkans. Albania’s excellent report was an evidence of the progress it had made in the protection and promotion of human rights.

AZIZ POLLOZHANI (former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) said the cooperation of Albania with the Universal Periodic Review process was proof that Albania had a will and determination to continue to fulfil standards in the field of human rights and enhance their complete implementation in daily life. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia noted with satisfaction the Albanian authorities’ commitments to upgrade and improve the situation of certain human rights aspects, in particular minority rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, child rights, and to undertake concrete steps to equalize the regional disparities in particular in the fields of education, health services, and the environment.

MOHAMED ACHGALOU (Morocco) thanked the delegation for its exhaustive presentation on the efforts and progress Albania was making in the field of the protection and promotion of human rights. The important number of recommendations accepted by Albania was welcome, as that showed the country's commitment to establishing a modern society determined to meet the challenges of development and the implementation of human rights, in particular the rights of the most vulnerable. Efforts taken to fully implement the rights of the child were noted, as was the particular emphasis put on the protection of the rights of national minorities, in particular the right to preserve and maintain their ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic identity. The determination of the Government to continue its efforts to align national legislation with international human rights norms had been clearly shown in the acceptance of all recommendations made on that theme by Morocco. The lessons learned from the Universal Periodic Review of Albania were a true statement of commitment for the promotion and respect for human rights.

BJORN VAN ROOSENDAAL, of European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Association, commended Albania for accepting the recommendation to include sexual orientation and gender identity specifically in anti-discrimination legislation, and called for effective implementation of that law. That important equality law provided an opportunity for the Government to guarantee the respect of human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and to promote positive public policies related to the respect of sexual orientation and gender identity. It was important to ensure that Government agencies, civil society, business and the general public were aware of their rights and obligations under the law.

MARIANNE LILLIEBJERG, of Amnesty International, welcomed Albania's support for a great many of the recommendations made by States in the Working Group, in particular the recommendation to promote the enforcement of the Law on Gender Equality and Domestic Violence, and urged prompt implementation of those recommendations, as well as the amendment the Criminal Code and make domestic violence a specific offence. Albania's support for the recommendations to implement the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children was welcome. Albania should increase protection for orphans and other young people leaving care by ensuring that they had access to adequate housing. Amnesty regretted, however, Albania's rejection of two recommendations calling for the prohibition of corporal punishment as a disciplinary method.

EDITH HARXHI, Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, in concluding remarks, thanked the representatives of all Governments and institutions who had taken the floor. As for the recommendation on anti-corruption strategy, Albania had already taken measures on combating corruption in 2005. In fact, Albania was one of the countries with the best legislation on anti-corruption; nevertheless, Albania would continue its efforts in that regard at all levels. As for the rights of the child, Albania had similarly already taken real measures in that regard, including a census announced for 2011. On the anti-discrimination law and whether the recommendations were in the process of being implemented, Albania already had plans for a commissioner who would oversee anti-discrimination law, as well as a structure within the Ministry of Labour and Education which would also be put in place for that purpose. The Government would also look into whether Albania’s Criminal Code should be amended with regard to domestic violence.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on Albania.

For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC10/035E