HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ADOPTS OUTCOMES OF UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW OF NORWAY, ALBANIA AND THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

The Human Rights Council this morning adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Norway, Albania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Steffen Kongstad, Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that the Universal Periodic Review had contributed to strengthened cooperation between the Government and civil society on human rights. Norway accepted 150 of the recommendations received, including the recommendation to establish a new independent national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles.

In the discussion, delegations noted the unwavering commitment of Norway to promote and protect human rights on the international scene and said that the report reflected Norway’s willingness to consider ways to further promote and protect human rights nationally. Norway should step up efforts to eliminate discrimination on all grounds, including discrimination against persons with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and Roma.

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

Speaking in the discussion were Iran, Romania, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Angola, Botswana, Bulgaria and Côte d’Ivoire.

The following non-governmental organizations also spoke: European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Federation, World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry, International Humanist and Ethical Union, Save the Children International, Action Canada for Population and Development, Action Canada for Population and Development and Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik.

Filloreta Kodra, Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that of 165 recommendations received, Albania accepted 161 and noted one. Albania had determined tangible objectives on education, healthcare, gender equality, social treatment and inclusion, fight against corruption and economic development, and would continue to strengthen human rights in its policy framework. The Legal Code was amended to provide for domestic and sexual violence and for more severe punishments for blood feud crimes.

Ombudsman of Albania said that despite improvements, strengthening of the rule of law was still a challenge, as was the harmonization of national laws with international norms and standards and the support for human rights institutions. Additional measures were needed to strengthen the fight against violence against women, improve conditions in prisons, and address corruption which remained a widespread phenomenon.

During the discussion, speakers welcomed the constructive engagement of Albania and the acceptance of the recommendations to strengthen the work and resources of the national human rights institution and continue the fight against violence against women and children. Speakers welcomed the recent amendments to the legal code to address internal human trafficking and blood feuds, the adoption of the national strategy on gender equality and the measures to address unfairness in the justice system, discrimination of minorities, and corruption and money laundering.

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

Participating in the discussion were Algeria, Angola, Bulgaria, China, Council of Europe, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, Romania, Sierra Leone, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Venezuela and Viet Nam.

Also taking the floor were non-governmental organizations: European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Federation, Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII, Save the Children International, Amnesty International and Verein Südwind Entwicklungspolitik.

Wivine Mumba Matipa, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said that out of the 200 recommendations submitted to it, the Democratic Republic of Congo had accepted 121. Today, a plan for the implementation of recommendations was being prepared, in collaboration with civil society. With regards to sexual and gender-based violence, a plan of action for the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo had been adopted to address this issue. Progress continued regarding children in armed conflicts, and today there was a major increase in the number of children that had been taken out of armed groups.

In the discussion, speakers welcomed the constructive spirit shown by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, despite the crisis situation in the country. The security challenges were realized; however, this could never justify the 40,000 rape cases. If words were followed with deeds, the judicial reform would be sped up. Attention was also drawn to the most vulnerable children. The international community was urged to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its human rights efforts.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The following delegations participated in the discussion: Angola, Botswana, Chad, China, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, United States and Mali.

Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice, World Evangelical Alliance, International Lesbian and Gay Association, International Catholic Child Bureau, Franciscans International, Amnesty International, Action Canada for Population and Development, United Nations Watch, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, and Norwegian Refugee Council also spoke.

The Human Rights Council is holding a full day of meetings today. During its midday meeting, the Council will hold a panel discussion on the role of prevention in the promotion and protection of human rights, followed by the consideration of the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Côte d’Ivoire, Portugal and Bhutan.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Norway

STEFFEN KONGSTAD, Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that Norway strongly supported the Universal Periodic Review process. Throughout the process it had had transparent cooperation with civil society. The Universal Periodic Review had contributed to strengthen cooperation between the Government and civil society on human rights. Recommendations were received including on the establishment of a new national human rights institution. Norway welcomed all of the recommendations made during the review and it had accepted 150 recommendations. Norway had also explained why it was not able to accept certain recommendations. Civil society had an important role in making the Universal Periodic Review process credible.

Iran hoped that the recommendations would be fully and effectively implemented by the Government of Norway. It was concerned about certain issues, including lack of statistics on solitary confinement, domestic violence and discrimination against minorities. Romania congratulated Norway on the successful completion of the second Universal Periodic Review cycle. Norway’s unwavering commitment to promoting human rights on the international scene was also noted. Sierra Leone said the report reflected Norway’s willingness to consider ways to further promote and protect human rights nationally. It noted that Norway had not accepted a recommendation on the ratification of the third Optional Protocol of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Sudan said Norway accepted some of the recommendations by Sudan and commended its positive contributions to the Universal Periodic Review. Togo said Norway accepted the recommendation to raise the problem of racial profiling in public spheres and wished it all success in implementing the recommendations made. Venezuela requested Norway to step up efforts to eliminate discrimination of Roma and migrants, hoping to continue cooperation to improve the human rights situation in Norway. Viet Nam welcomed the recommendations accepted by Norway to establish and implement strategies to combat discrimination against ethnic minorities and migrants, particularly women and children. Algeria noted with satisfaction the many recommendations accepted and the efforts to combat all forms of discrimination, including Islamophobia. Angola congratulated Norway for its dedication to human rights and its close cooperation with human rights mechanisms, and particularly achievements in reaching the equality of women and men. Botswana noted with appreciation the information presented by Norway, particularly measures to promote equality and non-discrimination, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to human rights.

Bulgaria appreciated Norway’s introduction of four new anti-discrimination acts in January 2014 and the decision to establish a new independent national human rights institution in compliance with the Paris Principles. Côte d’Ivoire was aware that Norway would do everything in its power to implement the recommendations it had accepted and encouraged it to continue its good level of cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Federation regretted that there were no signals from the Government of Norway that it would continue with the National Action Plan on improving the situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons despite challenges they faced in the society. World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry said that disability-based discrimination was an ongoing problem and stressed that new measures were needed to combat it.

International Humanist and Ethical Union said there were a couple of issues, with reference to the right to freedom of religion or belief and the rights of the child, which it was sorry to see excluded from the review and recommendations and thus wished to raise them here. Save the Children International regretted Norway’s rejection of recommendations to sign and ratify the third Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It was concerned that Norway had not made its position clear with regards to recommendations to protect children from violence and sexual abuse. Action Canada for Population and Development urged the Government of Norway to complete regular national surveys on rape and other forms of sexual violence, to enhance knowledge and develop effective policies, education and campaigns on this problem. Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik was disappointed that Norway had again rejected recommendations to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, and expressed concern about forced deportations of asylum seekers.

STEFFEN KONGSTAD, Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in concluding remarks said that Norway looked forward to following up on the many useful recommendations received. All were thanked for their participation in the review. Norway emphasized that the promotion and protection of human rights was a priority for the Government. Although much had been achieved, challenges were still being faced and Norway strove to make improvements.

The Vice President said Norway had accepted 150 recommendations and noted 53. The Council adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Norway.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Albania

FILLORETA KODRA, Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that out of 165 recommendations made, Albania had accepted or partially accepted 142 recommendations and noted 1 recommendation. The rule of law and respect for and protection of human rights was important for the Government of Albania, determining tangible objectives on education, healthcare, gender equality, social treatment and inclusion, fight against corruption and economic development. Albania would continue to work and strengthen human rights in its policy framework.

Albania had amended its penal code with regard to the international conventions to which it was a party, providing inter alia for domestic violence and sexual violence. There was a new article in its Criminal Code regarding blood feud crimes providing for more severe punishments. Important reforms had been carried out in prisons, including of prison police and led to improving the rights of detainees. Albania had extended a standing invitation to all Special Procedures and had already been visited by two human rights Special Rapporteurs, with whom it pledged to continue working. It was preparing the submission of its initial report under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Albania had set up a working group to evaluate and make proposals on the Kampala Amendments to the Rome Statute. Measures had been implemented to improve the situation of Roma through increased funding. Amendments to improve the judiciary and fight against corruption were foreseen. There were measures for non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity for the period 2012-2014. Albania would continue to strengthen cooperation with different stakeholders.

Algeria welcomed the constructive engagement of Albania and the acceptance of the recommendations to strengthen the work and resources of the national human rights institution and continue the fight against violence against women and children. Angola welcomed the adoption of the national policy on human rights which would assist the country in the implementation of the recommendations it had accepted, including improving access to health services, the promotion of equality between women and men and the fight against domestic violence. Bulgaria congratulated Albania for its strong commitment to the Universal Periodic Review process and welcomed the recent amendments to the legal code to address internal human trafficking as well as the adoption of the national strategy on gender equality. China hoped that the Government would continue the implementation of policies on gender equality, the fight against domestic violence and improvement of children’s rights, and welcomed the improvements in the legal framework to fight blood feuds. Council of Europe welcomed the measures undertaken by Albania to implement the recommendations issued by various monitoring bodies, including on unfairness in the justice system, improvement in the status of prisoners, discrimination of minorities, corruption and money laundering.

Kuwait thanked Albania for the clarification on efforts made. Tribute was paid to Albania’s continuous efforts to enhance cooperation with the human rights mechanisms and for the many awareness-raising campaigns it had been carrying out. Morocco congratulated Albania on its full-hearted cooperation in the context of the Universal Periodic Review. Alban§1ia’s acceptance of the three recommendations it had put forward, without reservations, was a gesture that Morocco appreciated. Nigeria commended Albania’s continued constructive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process. It was impressed that almost all of the recommendations received had been accepted by Albania. Romania said that it had noted Albania’s responses to the recommendations it had put forward. Regarding the rejection of one of these, Romania hoped that Albania would implement the resolution CM/ResCMN(2014)1 of the Committee of the Council of Europe. Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia noted Albania’s acceptance of most the recommendations. It trusted that the Government would stay seized and employ all efforts in the implementation of the recommendation related to the new law on administrative and territorial division. Sierra Leone encouraged Albania to consider allocating additional resources to ensure sustainability of the office of the Ombudsman and further strengthen the work being done in that office. Albania’s work done was commended, and it was wished success in implementation.

Venezuela thanked Albania for its participation in the Universal Periodic Review, noting that implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was important. Venezuela recommended the adoption of Albania's report. Viet Nam welcomed Albania's report and the accepted recommendations and the decision to increase funding and address the needs and challenges of the vulnerable, such as women, children and migrants. European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Federation said Albania had improved legislation on gender and sexual identity and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual rights; however, that should only be the beginning of further measures to enhance implementation and the Government should set new measures for full access to employment and housing inter alia. Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII welcomed measures taken by Albania to change the situation of blood feuds, which had to be accompanied by other social and educational measures, including different society stakeholders, and encouraged it to improve non-violent reconciliation measures.

Save the Children International welcomed Albania's acceptance of many recommendations and measures taken, saying there were still challenges such as improving quality education standards through sufficient funding and enhancing its inclusiveness, as well as strengthening resources for child protection mechanisms. Amnesty International commended acceptance of many recommendations and welcomed Albania's commitment to incorporate the Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances to its domestic legislation. It noted that there were still issues related to the integration and discrimination of Egyptian and Roma minorities, particularly with regard to access to housing and education. Verein Südwind Entwicklungspolitik welcomed that Albania had rejected no recommendations, with only one noted, as well as its decision to accept a number of asylum seekers who were in danger in a third country, however, it expressed concern about the health situation of some of them.

Ombudsman of Albania said that despite improvements, strengthening of the rule of law was still a challenge in Albania, as was the harmonization of national laws with international norms and standards and the support for human rights institutions. The legislation in force provided pro forma equality for the Roma minority. Still unsolved remained the issue of persons persecuted by the communist regime, and additional measures were needed to strengthen the fight against violence against women, improve conditions in prisons, and address corruption which remained a widespread phenomenon.

FILLORETA KODRA, Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations Office at Geneva, assured the Council that the implementation of recommendations was a way forward for Albania, and reiterated the commitment to strengthen the international human rights structures, including the Human Rights Council, and to enhance the cooperation with the United Nations and relevant regional organizations on the issues of the promotion and protection of human rights. Albania was also committed to continue improving gender equality and the rights of children and the elderly in the country.

The Vice President said that out 165 recommendations received, 161 enjoyed the support of Albania, additional clarification was provided on three, while one recommendation was noted.

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

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

WIVINE MUMBA MATIPA, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said that out of the 200 recommendations submitted to it, the Democratic Republic of the Congo had accepted 121. The recommendation to investigate crimes under international law perpetrated by official agents was already being implemented. Persons guilty of crimes could not be subjected to the death penalty because of a moratorium in place for more than 10 years. After its first review under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, improvements and measures had been adopted for the effective implementation of recommendations. The Government had clustered all recommendations accepted by topic areas. These recommendations were then further categorized in accordance with ministries responsible for the subject. Today, a plan for the implementation of recommendations was being prepared, in collaboration with civil society.

With regards to sexual and gender-based violence, a plan of action for the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo had been adopted to address this issue. Despite the lack of statistics, this phenomenon had clearly declined. Increasing preventive measures had been undertaken to combat impunity for sexual violence by armed forces. The action plan to combat sexual violence had been welcomed by United Nations entities. Progress continued regarding children in armed conflicts, and today there was a major increase in the number of children that had been taken out of armed groups. The National Human Rights Commission was unfortunately not functioning yet. It had been impossible to choose a leader for this body, but the Government would fully respect its independence and mandate. Clearing up the backlog of reports to the treaty bodies had also been a priority for the Government. The Democratic Republic of the Congo had recently sent its periodic report to the Human Rights Committee. No circumstance would divert the Democratic Republic of the Congo from protecting human rights and implementing recommendations made during the Universal Periodic Review.

Angola welcomed the constructive spirit shown by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, despite the crisis situation in the country. It was wished all success in implementing accepted recommendations. Botswana commended the Democratic Republic of the Congo for measures undertaken to restore peace and stability, which were crucial for the promotion and protection of human rights. It was applauded for the concrete measures adopted for addressing sexual-based violence. Republic of Congo commended the cooperation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with human rights mechanisms and welcomed progress made since the last review. The Republic of Congo was pleased to see the commitment undertaken to pursue efforts to eradicate all forms of discrimination and violence, and recommended the adoption of the report.

Chad noted with satisfaction that the Democratic Republic of the Congo had made noteworthy efforts to promote and protect human rights and thanked it for accepting the recommendation Chad had made. The Council was requested to adopt the report. Côte d’Ivoire thanked the Democratic Republic of the Congo for its acceptance of the recommendations it had put forward during the review. The Democratic Republic of the Congo was wished success in implementing the recommendations. Côte d’Ivoire called upon the Council to proceed to adopt the outcome report. China welcomed the comprehensive and positive feedback made, as well as the acceptance of China’s recommendations to steadily preserve peace and stability, provide a solid basis for the promotion and protection of human rights, and to implement measures to better protect the rights of women and children.

Cuba welcomed the efforts by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to implement recommendations despite the situation there. Cuba welcomed the increase of resources allocated by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to reduce poverty and improve access to education and health. Djibouti encouraged the Democratic Republic of the Congo to pursue its efforts to promote and protect human rights, and called on the Council to adopt this report. Egypt commended the constructive approach on the part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the fact that it accepted many recommendations. It welcomed that the Democratic Republic of the Congo had accepted recommendations made by Egypt, namely the recommendations to adopt a social security code, to combat human trafficking and maternal mortality, and to ensure access to education for all children.

Ethiopia appreciated the constructive engagement of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. Strengthening the law enforcement capacity would improve the human rights situation in the country. Ethiopia called on the United Nations human rights mechanisms to assist the Democratic Republic of the Congo in implementing the recommendations on the basis of the country’s priorities and requests. Gabon welcomed the cooperation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the United Nations human rights mechanisms, and recognized the efforts by that country in favour of human rights, including its efforts for the establishment of a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles. United States welcomed that States had made recommendations that the Democratic Republic of the Congo address impunity for crimes perpetrated by the armed forces and sexual and gender-based violence. The United States was encouraged that the Democratic Republic of the Congo had accepted the recommendation to respect freedom of expression and protect journalists and human rights defenders. Mali welcomed that the Democratic Republic of the Congo was firmly determined to fight discrimination and impunity and reform the judicial system. Mali urged the international community to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its human rights efforts.

World Evangelical Alliance realized the security challenges; however, this could never justify the 40,000 rape cases. If words were followed with deeds, the judicial reform would be sped up. Corruption had received alarmingly little attention during the Universal Periodic Review. International Lesbian and Gay Association said that the lesbian, gay and bisexual population suffered persecution as a minority and the population in general was not well informed. It was hoped that the implementation of recommendations would help ensure improvement. Amnesty International called on the Government to implement recommendations without delay. It welcomed the support of recommendations to address impunity. It was concerned that current legislation provided provisions for the death penalty, which continued to be imposed.

Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice welcomed the acceptance of almost all of the recommendations made on the rights of children, but drew attention to the situation of the most vulnerable amongst them. It was concerned about the increase in the number of street children. International Catholic Child Bureau said that it had contributed to Law 10 of 2009 in establishing a juvenile justice system. There were ombudsmen and foster families in the communities. However efforts had to continue to be made to ensure that there were judges and to support the functioning of child courts. Franciscans International welcomed commitments taken, especially regarding reform of the security services, sexual violence and forced labour for children. It was hoped that the relevant recommendation on forced labour for children would be speedily implemented.

Action Canada for Population and Development in a joint statement commended the Government’s acceptance of recommendations on sexual violence, and hoped that it would allocate the necessary resources to the relevant administrations, and make efforts to address impunity. Criminal laws penalizing abortion had to be eliminated. There was a lack of attention to the situation of lesbian, gays, bisexual and transgender persons during the review. United Nations Watch said that criticisms made during the review addressed sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite calls for change, the United Nations refugee agency noted that there was a rise in the cases of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. United Nations Watch was concerned about violence against journalists and human rights activists, and regretted that the Democratic Republic of the Congo had rejected key recommendations on this issue.

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom said that women’s political participation was essential in peace processes. The Democratic Republic of the Congo had to demonstrate its support to the United Nations Security Council resolution 1325. Moreover, the Democratic Republic of the Congo should refrain from creating new mining activities until there was legislation to limit their impact on human rights. Member States failed to issue recommendations on international arms trade during the review. Norwegian Refugee Council said in a joint statement with Refugees International that it was disappointed that not enough attention had been given to internal displacement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the review. Internally displaced persons were particularly vulnerable to human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Government should ratify and implement the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa.

WIVINE MUMBA MATIBA, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in concluding remarks thanked all for their active role in the review process. The Democratic Republic of the Congo remained true to its international commitments and the ideals of peace and protection of dignity and human rights. Promotion and protection of all human rights constituted an ongoing field of work for the country. To pursue this goal, it required peace as well as the support of the Human Rights Council in order to ensure that efforts needed could be genuinely achieved and consolidated. The Democratic Republic of the Congo believed that it was by working together in an objective fashion that the cause of human rights could be pursued.

The Vice-President said that out of 229 recommendations, the Democratic Republic of the Congo supported 190, and noted 39.

The Council then adopted the outcome report of the Universal Periodic Review of the Democratic Republic of Congo.


For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC14/124E