HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ADOPTS OUTCOMES OF UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW PROCESS ON ARGENTINA, GABON, GHANA AND GUATEMALA

The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review process on the reports on Argentina, Gabon, Ghana and Guatemala.

Alberto Dumont, the Permanent Representative of Argentina to the United Nations Office at Geneva, reaffirmed Argentina’s commitment to the universal system protecting human rights. Twenty-one recommendations had been made and all had been accepted by Argentina. The Government had embarked on domestic measures to comply with the recommendations made during the review and with voluntary commitments.

In the discussion, observers raised issues related to women’s reproductive health, sexual education, rights of indigenous peoples, housing rights and concerns about the powers of security forces. The Government was urged to bring domestic laws in line with United Nations standards regarding housing rights and forced evictions. The Government was also asked to improve medical opportunities for women, especially safe abortions.

Speaking during the discussion were the representatives of the Latin American Committee for the Defence of Women’s Rights, the Permanent Assembly for Human Rights, Comisión Jurídica para el Autodesarollo de los Pueblos Originarios Andinos, the Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, Action Canada for Population and Development, and the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership.

Dieudonné Ndiaye, Chargé d’affaires at the Permanent Mission of Gabon to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that Gabon gave everyone in Gabon protection under the law and respected their human rights. Samuel Nang Nang, the Counsellor responsible for human rights of Gabon, said that the Government had examined the recommendations. Although not fully able to consider all measures to be adopted yet, it had convened experts to examine them.

During the discussion, delegates congratulated Gabon for its open and transparent participation in the review process. They noted that Gabon required more time to fully implement recommendations and that Gabon would require technical assistance and financial aid to assist with further progress.

Speaking during the discussion were the representatives of Algeria, Morocco, China, Egypt, Djibouti, and Nigeria.

Kwabena Baah-Duodu, the Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said Ghana confirmed its acceptance of the 22 recommendations listed in paragraph 68 of the report of the Working Group. He also spoke specifically about capital punishment, recommendations concerning freedom of information and combating discrimination, and on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Delegations during the discussion congratulated Ghana for its commitment to human rights and its openness during the Universal Periodic Review process. They urged Ghana to continue with its reforms, including on child labour. Observers raised concerns that although a moratorium on executions existed, the death penalty was still delivered as a sentence. Other concerns related to the plight of the poor and women’s rights.

Speaking during the discussion were the representatives of Algeria, Luxemburg, Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, Malaysia, Uganda and India. The following non-governmental organizations also took the floor: Amnesty International, Centre on Housing Rights and Convictions, and Foodfirst Information and Action Network.

Carlos Ramiro Martínez Alvarado, Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that Guatemala concurred with the concerns expressed through the recommendations. It had the political will for the promotion and protection of human rights. The challenges in implementing the recommendations were plenty. He outlined a number of actions already begun by the government to pursue the recommendations made by the Working Group.

In the discussions, delegates congratulated Guatemala for accepting all of the recommendations made and committing to the promotion and protection of human rights. Observers raised concerns relating to juvenile justice, housing rights and land and property rights of indigenous people.

Speaking during the discussion were the representatives of India and Slovenia. The following non-governmental organizations also took the floor: Franciscan International and the Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions.

The Council will convene at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 12 June to consider the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review process on the reports on Peru, Benin, Switzerland and the Republic of Korea.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review for Report on Argentina

ALBERTO DUMONT, Permanent Representative of Argentina to the United Nations Office at Geneva, reaffirmed the commitment of Argentina to the universal system protecting human rights. To Argentina, the Human Rights Council and the Special Procedures were one of the main achievements in the field of the promotion and protection of human rights at the universal level. The establishment of the Universal Periodic Review had been one main step in the reform of this system. Throughout the two Universal Periodic Review sessions this year, there had been a constructive dialogue between States to better the human rights situation throughout the world. It was still necessary to continue working towards the universal promotion and protection of human rights. Argentina had been one of the first countries reviewed, 21 recommendations had been made and all had been accepted by Argentina. The current last stage was particularly important, since it allowed civil society to participate in the dialogue. On the follow-up, the Human Rights Council would, in the future, be required to do this work in the most appropriate manner.

Mr. Dumont noted that the Government had embarked on domestic measures to comply with recommendations made during the review and with voluntary commitments. Argentina’s Congress had also approved legislation in order to ratify the Convention and the Optional Protocol on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as well as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to abolish the death penalty. Argentina was also working toward implementing the recommendation towards witness protection in human rights violation trials. They would further keep the Council informed on any additional measures taken.

ALEJANDRA SARDA, of Latin American Committee for the Defence of Women's Rights (CLADEM), in a joint statement with Action Canada for Population and Development; Fundación para Estudio e Investigación de la Mujer; Federation for Women and Family Planning; and International Women's Rights Action Watch - Asia Pacific, said that they wanted to emphasize their appreciation for the meeting the Argentinean delegation held during the Universal Periodic Review process with non-governmental organizations. It provided an opportunity for them to discuss and express concerns regarding the country. The voice of the non-governmental organizations was necessary for defending human rights. Paragraph 16 and 21 of the Working Group report focused on sexual education. The Latin American Committee commended the Government of Argentina for their voluntary commitment to combat discrimination and the importance given to education.

BRENDA VUKOVIC, of Permanent Assembly for Human Rights, welcomed the recommendations in the outcome on Argentina. Many of the challenges Argentina faced in human rights were not examined in this Universal Periodic Review rprocess. The prison staff was now a special force with increased powers. The security forces and police were beyond citizen reform. The Internal Affairs Division was not an independent unit of the police. Torture was allowed. The Permanent Assembly was concerned that the security services were transferred to the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights.

TOMAS ALARCON, of the Juridical Commission for the Autodevelopment of First Andean People, said that the Universal Periodic Review’s recommendations and conclusions stated that Argentina should provide adequate protection to indigenous people. This recommendation should be taken into account for the resolution of conflicts affecting indigenous people and linked to activities of the mining industries. Exploitation of mines, without the agreement of local indigenous people, was affecting their culture. Social impact studies with regard to extracting industries should be conducted.

APRIL GU, of the Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, welcomed the attention given to indigenous persons, women, children and other members of vulnerable groups in the Universal Periodic Review. In particular, they also welcomed the recommendations concerning indigenous rights to land. In Argentina, the Government’s approach to economic, social and cultural rights as indicated during the Review process had considerably lacked sufficient focus. There was no reference in the State Report to the realisation of particular standards as they were defined in the international human rights law, most notably the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which specifically guaranteed to all an adequate standard of living and the continuous improvement of living conditions. The Centre urged the Argentine authorities to transpose into the domestic legal order United Nations standards concerning housing rights and protection against forced evictions. The State should protect tenure and establish administrative and judicial regularization procedures which were efficient and non-discriminatory. The public authority must offer multiple legal mechanisms focused on urban slum regularization.

DOROTA TRYPENS, of Action Canada for Population and Development, regretted that the issue of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights was raised as a question but did not translate into any recommendation. Implementation of the National Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health was very unequal across the country due to the lack of political will. Unsafe abortion was the leading cause of maternal mortality and it was also a problem of social justice because it affected poor women in a disproportionate way. Given the Argentinean Government’s proven commitment to human rights, she had no doubt that it would act promptly to act on this matter.

KIM VANCE, of the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, said that in spite of some legislative advances, the Argentinean State still lacked a clear agenda for women’s rights. In order to adequately implement recommendations related to discrimination and violence against women, some issues should be addressed. In the area of violence against women, the main problem was the lack of sex-disaggregated official data and records. Gender violence was also directly related to women’s increased vulnerability to HIV infection. The Government had further failed to implement the recommendation of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women Committee to incorporate domestic work into the national accounts.

ALBERTO DUMONT, Permanent Representative of Argentina to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in his concluding remarks, thanked all actors who made the new mechanism possible and brought it to life. Argentina also thanked the Council Secretariat and those who elected the countries under review as well as the troikas. It appreciated the efforts made by the Troika States Cuba, Cameroon and Ukraine, which had allowed for a constructive dialogue. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights provided an important contribution on vital logistical inputs and support. Argentina encouraged a consolidation of reports, which included contributions of key actors. This would serve to strengthen the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and be a helpful tool to be used in the future. All statements made had been noted and would be considered. The Government affirmed its support for the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and would continue to work in a constructive and cooperative way in furthering the work on human rights.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review for Report on Gabon

DIEUDONNE NDIAYE, Charge d’affaires at the Permanent Mission of Gabon to the United Nations Office at Geneva, before giving the floor to the Counsellor responsible for human rights, said that Gabon gave everyone in Gabon protection under the law and respected their human rights. Gabon was guided by peace, tolerance, justice and respect.

SAMUEL NANG NANG (Gabon) said that the Government of Gabon had examined the recommendations. Although not fully able to consider all measures to be adopted yet, it had convened experts to examine them. On the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Gabon ratified it in 2000. All Optional Protocols had been submitted to Parliament for consideration and should be adopted soon. The Convention on Enforced Disappearances was signed in 2007. This Convention was before Parliament for its consideration of ratification. Other Optional Protocols and Conventions were being considered for fast-tracking of ratification. There was a draft law abolishing the death penalty with Parliament that should be adopted very soon. The new law on sexual violence took into account sexual crimes against children. A law on minors, which was drafted with the help of UNICEF, was before parliament. Currently children were detained in special places for this purpose. New facilities were being concerned. The Government wanted to be in conformity with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

An observatory on the rights of women was created and a number of other related actions had been taken. Women had the same rights as men. The Ministry for the Advancement of Women was recently created. The press was often called the barometer of democracy. The Government had undertaken measures to make the press free and independent in Gabon. A press code was being drafted, defining a code of rights and responsibilities for journalists. The law in Gabon guaranteed freedom of the press. Gabon was a young and multi-ethnic State. It was in a fragile balance. The Government must ensure that the media did not disrupt that balance. To better take account of the pigmy population, which was a minority in Gabon, the Government was taking a number of actions. More needed to be done. The Government had undertaken an action plan for this purpose. Legislation allowed for the rights of trade unions. No trade unionists were currently detained for their opinions. There was a committee created and tasked with drafting reports in response to the treaty bodies. This act showed the commitment that the Government of Gabon had to human rights. On the request of a visit to the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, he was asked to resubmit his request through the Mission in Geneva.

IDRISS JAZAIRY (Algeria) congratulated Gabon for its collaboration and commitment, despite the challenges the country was meeting. Gabon’s desire to meet its commitments was noted. The decisions to endeavour to increase school attendance and equal access to school for girls and boys were welcomed with satisfaction. It reflected the efforts undertaken by the country in the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights. Gabon needed financial and technical assistance in order to meet its treaty obligations and the international community was called upon to provide such a help. This raised the non-resolved issue of the follow-up given by the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights with regard to the Council’s recommendations concerning technical assistance.

MOHAMMED LOULICHKI (Morocco) congratulated the Permanent Representative of Gabon for his exhaustive presentation and welcomed him to Geneva and wished him success in his duties. One could not imagine a better entry into one’s responsibility. The Government of Gabon was making strides, and the President of Gabon was constructing a rule of law in this regard. Tangible proof was the institution building, activities to increase awareness, a plan to combat violence against children, and the change in policies for women; one third of ministers in the cabinet were women. Further, human rights treaties had also been translated and there had been training courses for the authorities and police, which further showed the countries commitment. Morocco hoped the appeals of the Government of Gabon would be heard by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which should help strengthen their capacity.

ZHU YANWEI (China) thanked the delegation from Gabon and noted that the Government of Gabon had actively prepared for the Universal Periodic Review. During the review the delegation identified the various actions the Government had taken. The delegation of Gabon also highlighted the many challenges. With all of these actions, Gabon had demonstrated its commitment to human rights. The Government and the people of Gabon were urged to continue with this progress.

OMAR SHALABY (Egypt) congratulated Gabon for its constructive approach to the Universal Periodic Review. Egypt appreciated the efforts undertaken by the Government of Gabon for the promotion and protection of human rights. Gabon required further time to implement the Working Group’s recommendations; a more thorough analysis should be undertaken at a later stage. Egypt was convinced that the relevant authorities in Gabon would spare no efforts to implement the recommendations.

AHMED MOHAMED ABRO (Djibouti) noted the progress achieved for the promotion and protection of human rights in Gabon and supported the future activities of the Government in the implementation of the recommendations. Djibouti recalled the quality of the national report and the excellent presentation given by Gabon during the dialogue with the Working Group of the Universal Periodic Review. The delegation of Gabon displayed a spirit of openness, frankness and seriousness to the questions raised during the dialogue. Djibouti remained convinced that the same spirit illustrated during the review would prevail during the implementation stage.

OSITADINMA ANAEDU (Nigeria) commended Gabon for the extensive and inclusive preparation of the report. Nigeria noted the recommendations that Gabon had agreed to implement fully. It also noted the work that Gabon had already begun to improve human rights in the country.

SAMUEL NANG NANG (Gabon) thanked all delegations for their remarks and the Universal Periodic Review Troika members for their recommendations. Gabon had always offered its good services in resolving the many conflicts affecting the continent. They had also played an important role in the creation of the African Human Rights Commission.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review for Report on Ghana

KWABENA BAAH-DUODU, Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in opening remarks welcomed the report of the Universal Periodic Review’s Working Group which was discussed on 7 May 2008. The report among others covered the interactive dialogue which took place during the review and the conclusions and recommendations made by delegates. The Government of Ghana confirmed its acceptance of the 22 recommendations listed in paragraph 68 of the reports. In accordance with the undertaking made by the delegation at the Review, the Government had carefully examined the other recommendations listed in paragraph 69 of the report and wished to respond in his report. All punishment in Ghana must be reasonable. Corporal punishment in its classical sense had been abolished. Unreasonable punishment in the home was also sanctioned by existing laws including the Domestic Violence Act, the Children’s Act and the Criminal Code of Ghana. With respect to the recommendation on the adoption of a legal moratorium on the use of the death penalty and ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aimed at the abolition of the death penalty, they wished to refer to their earlier response at the Universal Periodic Review session last month, and reiterated the fact that this was an entrenched provision in the Constitution which required a referendum before it could be amended. In the interim the Government would continue to maintain the de facto moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

Regarding the enactment of the Freedom of Information Bill, Ghana shared the same view of those who made the recommendation for such legislation as it was important and they want to consolidate their democracy. It was with this mind that the Right to Information Bill was being prepared within the framework of ongoing consultations with relevant stakeholders. In connection with the recommendation concerning the implementation of measures to abolish polygamy in Ghana in line with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, they wished to inform the Council that Ghana’s three forms of marriages were: the Ordinance Marriage, Customary Law Marriage and Islamic Marriage. With the exception of Marriage under the Ordinance, all other forms of marriage in existence in Ghana conformed to the customs and traditions of Ghana. With regard to faith-based marriages, Chapter 5 of the Constitution guaranteed freedom of religion. There was therefore a difficulty in abolishing the practice since it would be infringing on the right to practise one’s faith.

The recommendation of combating discrimination against minority groups, immigrants and children with disabilities was found to be a bit curious, and they were therefore not able to accept the recommendation. This was because the sitatuion that the Governemnt was required to fight against did not even exist. The Constitution of Ghana guaranteed the protection of rights of all individuals and groups, resident within its territory and for that matter all acts that tended to deny any such individual or group of people of their inalienable rights could be sanctioned. Ghana continued to host a large number of immigrants, including those who have fled their countries as a result of social unrest, economic depravity or otherwise who over the years have considered Ghana their home. Such people were guaranteed their rights as long as they abide by the rules and regulations that contributed to making the country a safe haven for both its citizens and foreigners. Both the Disability Act and the Children’s Act had been passed to protect the rights of children with disabilities.

IDRISS JAZAIRY (Algeria) was encouraged by the willingness of Ghana to implement their human rights obligations. Algeria reiterated the appeal it made during the Universal Periodic Review Working Group which was to provide help to Ghana to allow it to continue to improve its human rights. Algeria appreciated that Ghana had accepted Algeria’s recommendation about improving women’s rights. It also approved of Ghana’s commitment to improve educational opportunities. Algeria encouraged Ghana to continue its work and for the Human Rights Council to adopt the outcome on this report.

CHRISTINE GOY (Luxembourg) said that the spirit of dialogue and cooperation shown by Ghana was welcomed. The commitments of Ghana taken with regard to the recommendations were also welcomed. Ghana was encouraged to effectively pursue work with regard to the recommendations that had not yet been accepted, especially those regarding the abolition of the death penalty and corporal punishment.

BABACAR CARLOS MBAYE (Senegal) said that the report of the Working Group of the Universal Periodic Review testified that Ghana was fully committed on the path to promote and protect its citizens. Senegal encouraged the friendly and fraternal Ghana to continue with its efforts and possible follow-up with the view to improving the national human rights situation. Senegal expressed its congratulations to Ghana for its re-election to the Council.

OSITADINMA ANAEDU (Nigeria) congratulated Ghana for the presentation. Nigeria commended Ghana for the open, transparent and constructive manner it had engaged with all parties in the process. It welcomed the steps taken thus far by Ghana to fully implement the recommendations found in the review. The various mechanisms put in place over the years by the Government to eradicate poverty and create a conducive environment for youth empowerment were commendable. Nigeria encouraged Ghana to continue with reforms that enhanced human rights and freedoms.

OMAR SHALABY (Egypt) thanked the delegation of Ghana for the exhaustive answers it had provided. This demonstrated Ghana’s true political will in order to create a national environment so that real, radical change could take place in the country, which ensured further the promotion and protection of human rights. Egypt hoped that Ghana would pursue this path and would continue its cooperation with civil society in order to advance human rights and meet the aspiration of the population. Egypt expressed its understanding that Ghana had not been able to accept some recommendations.

NORANI HASHIM (Malaysia) congratulated the Ambassador and the delegation for their presentation and focus on the commitments of the Government. Malaysia commended Ghana for its work on the promotion and protection of human rights in the country. The Government of Ghana had implemented various strategies in the human rights sphere, specifically those regarding education, health, trafficking of persons and violence. The Constitution of Ghana provided free education for every child. Further, Malaysia recognised the efforts of Ghana for work on child labour and the efforts taken to address this issue.

CISSY HELEN TALIWAKU (Uganda) congratulated Ghana for the steady improvement of its human rights record. Uganda also noted the efforts of the Government to continue to improve that record, including the manner in which women were gaining greater prominence in the State.

RAJIV KUMAR CHANDER (India) congratulated Ghana for their open and frank interaction during the Universal Periodic Review. India noted that Ghana had accepted the majority of the recommendations made. Ghana’s constructive approach was commended. India wished the delegation and the people in Ghana well in building a better future.

MARIANNE LILLIEBJERG, of Amnesty International, said that despite a de facto moratorium on executions being in place in the country, Ghana was not able to support the recommendation on this issue in the Working Group. Amnesty International welcomed that no executions had been carried out for the past 15 years, but remained concerned that death sentences continued to be handled down, including as recently as earlier this week, and that over 100 prisoners remained on death row. The Government of Ghana needed to urgently address the issue of prison conditions, including the problem of acute overcrowding. Further, they were concerned at reports suggesting that the police fail to bring suspects before a judge within 48 hours of arrest, as guaranteed in Ghana’s Constitution. Amnesty International encouraged the Government to ensure that anyone held was charged with a recognizable criminal offence or released; and that the cases of those awaiting trial were regularly reviewed to ensure that their right to a fair trial within a reasonable time was respected.

ANNE-SOPHIE YOUNG, of the Centre on Housing Rights and Convictions, welcomed Ghana’s support of the recommendation 23 in the Working Group report to include a gender perspective and rights-based approach in issues related to the right to adequate housing. The Centre noted that Ghana’s poor struggled with issues of sanitation, infrastructure, natural disasters and floods. It was also concerned about the current rent act. The Centre commended Ghana’s Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing for initiating a consultative process to enable stakeholder inputs into a national shelter policy. They applauded several governments for commenting on the rights of women in Ghana. The Centre was concerned that outside the area of inheritance few questions were raised about women’s housing, land and property rights. Although the Centre commended Ghana for ratifying a number of international treaties, it noted that Ghana had yet to ratify the protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

THEODOR RATHGEBER, of Foodfirst Information and Action Network, thanked the delegation of Ghana for its openness during the Universal Periodic Review process. However, a statement made by one Minister had not been truly reflected in the report. The Minister had said that it was true that at a certain point, joint military and police teams had been protecting mining companies driving away illegal miners, but that it had been a short term measure. This had been the first time that the Government had announced the discontinuation of military support for mining companies. This announcement had demonstrated that the Universal Periodic Review process could be a valuable instrument. This announcement of the discontinuation in order to prevent further human rights violations was considered to be of the highest importance.

KWABENA BAAH-DUODU, Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in closing remarks said that Ghana was thankful for all Member States and stakeholders who had participated in the review exercise for their very important and constructive contributions which were offered by way of comments, observations, criticism or recommendations. The review had been enriched by these contributions and they were grateful. He conveyed Ghana’s sincere appreciation to their troika members—Sri Lanka, Bolivia and the Netherlands, for their understanding, commitment and cooperation which were vital in achieving the balanced report they had before them. In a similar vein, he thanked the Secretariat for their extremely helpful role in facilitating the compilation of the report. The delegation of Ghana further wished to reiterate the importance Ghana attached to the promotion and protection of human rights and to the Universal Periodic Review process which sought to improve the human rights situation on the ground. Ghana would continue to discharge its responsibilities by ensuring that all its citizens enjoyed the full compliments of a safe and sound society in which the respect for human rights prevailed.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review for Report on Ghana

CARLOS RAMIRO MATINEZ ALVARADO, Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said Guatemala welcomed the recommendations of the review. It fully concurred with the concerns expressed through the recommendations. It had the political will for the promotion and protection of human rights. The challenges in implementing the recommendations were plenty. He outlined the areas that the recommendations touched on, which included the ratification of international instruments, among others. A number of measures were being adopted as follow up to the recommendations. National and state agencies responsible for human rights convened recently to discuss the need to advertise the recommendations. Guatemala would also follow up on the recommendations that had been made by various Special Rapporteurs. Responsibility for the follow would be taken by the President’s Human Rights Committee. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Guatemala would take the lead in developing a strategy. In the interactive dialogue, best practices were identified that Guatemala had being implementing. It looked forward to sharing this with the Human Rights Council in the future follow up activities to the initial Universal Periodic Review. He called for support of the national process from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and countries that had provided technical assistance. He thanked the troika and all concerned countries who had taken interest in Guatemala’s achievements.

RAJIV KUMAR CHANDER (India) commended Guatemala for the very open and fruitful exchange of views during the Universal Periodic Review. The detailed response to the recommendations showed their commitment. India wished the delegation and the people of Guatemala all well in the further promotion and protection of human rights.

EVA TOMIC (Slovenia), speaking in its national capacity and as a troika member for the review on Guatemala, expressed its appreciation to Guatemala’s commitment throughout the Universal Periodic Review. Slovenia understood that Guatemala had accepted all the recommendations and really appreciated and commended the spirit in which that was done. Slovenia made a number of suggestions and welcomed that they were accepted. They would like to call on Guatemala to consider informing the Council on a voluntary basis before the next review on their progress, if they were in a position to do so and if they found it appropriate. Further Slovenia thanked Guatemala for their presentation.

GOTZON ONANDIA ZARABE, of Franciscans International, emphasized Guatemala’s openness to dialogue concerning the issue of violence against children. It noted that the Government had expressed its intent to implement a strategy and programmes to stem juvenile violence. Prevention and education were essential to break out of the cycle of violence. Franciscans International urged the Government to fully fund the strategy. It called for greater protection of aboriginal people as they constituted one of the most vulnerable segments of the populations.

APRIL GU, of the Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, said that the Centre had been active in Guatemala since 2003. They were pleased with Guatemala’s progressive efforts in the implementation of stronger housing infrastructure. However, concern was expressed on the issue of land property rights of indigenous peoples. Guatemala’s efforts to create a number of new human rights institutions to tackle impunity and to democratize justice were appreciated. However, crimes committed during the conflict, such as genocide, torture and enforced disappearances had still not been fully investigated. The resettlement of the displaced following the armed conflict was only partially implemented. An estimated 250,000 people were still unable to reintegrate and return to their homes. Concern was especially expressed on threats of forced evictions and displacements still faced by more than 30 indigenous communities.

CARLOS RAMIRO MATINEZ ALVARADO, Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in his concluding remarks thanked members for their comments and suggestions made on 6 May 2008 and for the statements heard today. Guatemala was committed and attached great importance to the promotion and protection of human rights.


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