Human Rights Council adopts outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Uruguay and Yemen

AFTERNOON

19 June 2014

The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Uruguay and Yemen.

Ricardo Gonzalez, Director-General of Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, believed the Universal Periodic Review was probably the most significant step forward made by the multilateral human rights system in the last 60 years. Uruguay’s commitment was reflected in the acceptance of all the recommendations made. Since it appeared before the Universal Periodic Review in January, Uruguay had also appeared before two treaty bodies, the Committee on Migrant Workers, and the Committee against Torture. During these two presentations, it had been able to go deeper into certain issues and follow up on others mentioned in recommendations made as part of the Universal Periodic Review.

In the discussion, speakers congratulated Uruguay for its contribution to the review mechanism and its engagement to the protection of human rights. Uruguay’s acceptance of most of the recommendations reaffirmed the commitment of the Government to the promotion and protection of human rights in all areas, economic, social and political rights, among others. Uruguay was encouraged to further pursue cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. Initiatives undertaken were noted, including policies aimed at improving health, education, equality and measures aimed at eliminating racial discrimination and trafficking in persons.

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

Speaking in the discussion were Togo, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Mali, and Morocco.

World Organization against Torture, Amnesty International, Action Canada for Population and Development, and Franciscans International also spoke.

Mohammed Majawar, Permanent Representative of Yemen to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said Yemen had received 191 recommendations, immediately accepted 166, considered one recommendation (paragraph 116) as already implemented, and decided to examine the other 25 recommendations. There were many obstacles which had hindered the Government from completing the examination of these recommendations. Nevertheless, Yemen had accomplished some of its human rights legal obligations for the transitional period, while in some areas it was still facing some challenges.

In the discussion, speakers welcomed the constructive cooperation and dialogue of Yemen with the Universal Periodic Review and noted with satisfaction its clear will to pursue positive initiatives and actions to promote human rights and ensure their full enjoyment as provided for in the various recommendations made. Its efforts and advancements despite the difficulties it faced were commended. It was hoped that efforts would be stepped up to reduce poverty and that the international community would help Yemen promote economic and social development and create conditions conducive to the enjoyment of human rights by the people.

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

Speaking in the discussion were Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Palestine, Sudan, United Nations Children’s Fund, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Egypt, Algeria, Bahrain, China, and Cuba.

Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Save the Children International, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, United Nations Watch, CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation, International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, and Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik also spoke.

The Human Rights Council will resume its work on Friday, 20 June, at 9 a.m., to adopt the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Vanuatu, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Comoros.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Uruguay

RICARDO GONZALEZ, Director-General of Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, believed the Universal Periodic Review was probably the most significant step forward made by the multilateral human rights system in the last 60 years. Uruguay’s commitment was reflected in the acceptance of all the recommendations made. On 8 May, a public dissemination of the presentation to the Working Group had been made with broad ranging participation. Activities and seminars around the Universal Periodic Review for non-governmental organizations had also been organized. Since it appeared before the Universal Periodic Review in January, Uruguay had also appeared before two treaty bodies, the Committee on Migrant Workers, and the Committee against Torture. During these two presentations, it had been able to go deeper into certain issues and follow up on others mentioned in recommendations made as part of the Universal Periodic Review.

The Government had been working on an initial human rights plan draft with a view to ensuring that in as short a time as possible this instrument would be available. On the prison system, Uruguay had stated that overcrowding in prisons would be eliminated in the first half of the year. This was not yet achieved but the prison system had overcome critical overcrowding. Uruguay had a specific body for monitoring the prison system. On minor offenders, at the recent appearance before the Committee against Torture, information was provided on administrative and legal proceedings that had become mandatory as a result of reports of alleged ill treatment in facilities for the detention of minors. The relevant institutions had decided to take various cases to justice and to remove certain officials from their posts who had previously been allocated to those facilities. A referendum was still pending on the issue of raising the legal age for criminal responsibility. On the fight against poverty, significant results had been seen. Among the most vulnerable sectors of the population were transgender individuals. In order to make their situation easier, affirmative measures had been adopted for economic benefits to be provided. On trafficking in persons, Uruguay had sent to the Special Rapporteur a follow up to recommendations made in 2010.

Togo reiterated its congratulations to Uruguay for its contribution to the review mechanism and its engagement to the protection of human rights. Togo noted that Uruguay had accepted most of the recommendations, including those made by Togo concerning the intensification of poverty reduction and increasing financial resources for the full development of children and their families.

Venezuela said that Uruguay had manifested a total and open cooperation with the review mechanism, which illustrated Uruguay’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. Venezuela paid tribute to Uruguay’s achievements, including the national strategy for children and adolescents and in the area of economic, social and cultural rights.

Viet Nam noted with satisfaction that Uruguay remained committed to the review process and was pleased that Viet Nam’s recommendations had been adopted, including on cooperation with human rights mechanisms. Uruguay had been an active and responsive partner and Viet Nam urged the Council to adopt the report.

Yemen expressed appreciation for the achievements of Uruguay in the field of human rights and the efforts in improving the human rights in the country. The acceptance by Uruguay of a large number of recommendations reaffirmed the commitment of the Government to the promotion and protection of human rights in all areas, social, economic, political and others.

Algeria congratulated Uruguay on the various initiatives it had undertaken to promote and protect human rights and took note of the commitment to promote economic, social and cultural rights. Algeria was pleased that Uruguay had accepted the recommendations Algeria had made.

Angola warmly welcomed Uruguay and appreciated the detailed presentation of the progress made on the promotion and protection of human rights since the first cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. This included strengthening of human rights protection mechanisms, and improvement of social indicators in the areas of health, education, and reduction of extreme poverty.

Botswana commended Uruguay for the positive spirit in which they had engaged with the Working Group during their review. Botswana applauded Uruguay for the efforts made to improve human rights policies, norms and institutions, which included policies aimed at improving health, education, equality and measures aimed at eliminating racial discrimination and trafficking in persons.

Côte d’Ivoire supported the efforts of the Government of Uruguay in strengthening and improving the conditions of human rights, and encouraged it to further pursue cooperation with international human rights mechanisms.

Cuba praised Uruguay for its national strategy on childhood and adolescents, and for promoting equality between men and women. The number of people living in poverty had dropped by 10 per cent over the past four years, which was a sign of the State’s commitment to combat that scourge.

Mali congratulated Uruguay for the efforts made and advances achieved in the promotion and protection of human rights, and the collaboration with the Council’s mechanisms and procedures. Mali encouraged Uruguay to pursue and extend the actions undertaken to ensure the well-being of its population and recommended the adoption of the outcome.

Morocco congratulated Uruguay for the implementation of an institutional and normative framework to promote democracy and the rule of law. Morocco welcomed in particular the creation of a national human rights institution and the implementation of a national strategy for children and adolescents. Morocco noted that Uruguay had adopted most of the recommendations, including the three presented by Morocco

World Organization against Torture expressed concern at the number of children detained by the police, without constitutional guarantees or detained as a preventive measure in centres where they were subjected to ill treatment and torture. The creation of a mechanism to investigate torture and ill treatment was urgent as well as ensuring that whistle-blowers did not become victims of reprisals.

Amnesty International reiterated its call on Uruguay to overcome obstacles to ensuring justice, truth and reparation for the victims of past crimes, including by abolishing the 1986 Amnesty Law. Uruguay should urgently address overcrowding and poor conditions for inmates and provide protection from all forms of discrimination, violence and harassment related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Action Canada for Population and Development said that crime statistics still failed to account for violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity and that those perspectives must be integrated in police procedure and investigation. Widespread transphobia and unresolved murders against transgender people must be addressed and an administrative process for name and sex change must be put in place instead of the current judicial one.

Franciscan International welcomed the acceptance of recommendations on the rights of persons with disabilities and the provisions of the new law on disability which laid down the minimum four per cent quota of vacancies for persons with disabilities in the private sector. It was fundamental that the consideration of sustainability in the context of extractive industries, such as mining, were subject to extensive public debate and were agreed in cooperation with vulnerable groups.

RICARDO GONZALEZ, Director General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, in his concluding remarks, thanked all the delegations and organizations that had taken the floor during the process. Uruguay had accepted a vast number of recommendations, which was a way to improve the conditions of human rights in the country. Due attention was given to the comments made by civil society organizations, and much of it had been integrated in Uruguay’s opening statement. In relation to the prison system, Uruguay had made a commitment to eliminate overcrowding. There was a real schedule of work planned, which should make overcrowding a thing of the past. When it appeared before the Committee for the Rights of the Child in 2015, Uruguay would have an opportunity to demonstrate future progress made in that field.

The President of the Council said Uruguay had received 188 recommendations, out of which it accepted 187 and one was pending.

The Council adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Uruguay.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Yemen

MOHAMMED MAJAWAR, Permanent Representative of Yemen to the United Nations Office at Geneva, thanked delegations for their participation in the process. Yemen was in its second review cycle and looked forward to a constructive and substantive dialogue. Yemen received 191 recommendations, immediately accepted 166, considered one recommendation (paragraph 116) as already implemented, and decided to examine the other 25 recommendations. There were many obstacles which hindered the Government from completing the examination of these recommendations. Nevertheless, Yemen had accomplished some of its human rights legal obligations for the transitional period, while in some areas it was still facing some challenges. The most important achievement was preparing the draft law of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in compliance with the Paris Principles, which had been adopted by the House of Representatives for discussion and approval. The Government had also achieved a commitment to identify a minimum age of marriage in the law and had submitted this proposal to Parliament, as a protective measure for the rights of women and girls. The House of Representatives was also discussing a bill on human trafficking.

The outcome of the comprehensive national dialogue represented an important roadmap to complete the process transformation that Yemen was undergoing and it had incorporated human rights and freedoms in its work. The Government was now preparing a new constitution based on good governance, the rule of law, the promotion of democracy and the commitment to respect and protect human rights. Women were now an outstanding presence in the public domain and Yemen was preparing for the establishment of the National Observatory to monitor violations of children’s rights. Significant attention was dedicated to transparency and the fight against corruption and the Government would consider a law on transitional justice and would establish committees for remedies and reconciliation. Mr. Majawar outlined challenges facing Yemen, including maintaining security and stability in the country and combatting terrorist activities, and delivery of basic needs to the population and meeting urgent basic needs for internally displaced persons, refugees and irregular migrants. Due to those and other challenges, the Government could not hold the necessary consultations with all concerned parties on the issues addressed in the recommendations.

Saudi Arabia said it had listened to Yemen’s position very closely. Yemen was commended on efforts and advancements made in the area of human rights, despite the difficulties it faced. Saudi Arabia welcomed the adoption of one of the recommendations it had made. Saudi Arabia reiterated that it would support Yemen in every possible way and wished it progress.

Senegal welcomed the constructive cooperation and dialogue of Yemen with the Universal Periodic Review and noted with satisfaction its clear will to pursue positive initiatives and actions to promote human rights and ensure their full enjoyment as provided for in the various recommendations made. Senegal wished Yemen the best of success in implementing the recommendations and supported the adoption of the report.

Palestine was thankful for the clarifications made to the Universal Periodic Review report recommendations, which reflected Yemen’s positive cooperation with the mechanism. It welcomed efforts of the authorities to promote and protect human rights by strengthening the national institutional and legislative framework despite difficulties currently encountered in the country, and welcomed Yemen’s acceptance of the recommendations it had made.

Sudan thanked Yemen for the comprehensive statement and congratulated it on its commitment to strengthening human rights. Yemen had accepted almost 90 per cent of the recommendations made, including the recommendations on national reconciliation and the need to fight poverty. Sudan understood Yemen’s reservations on some recommendations, including the one on the death penalty.

United Nations Children’s Fund acknowledged the progress made on children’s rights in Yemen, especially the prohibition of the recruitment of children soldiers by the Yemeni Armed Forces. UNICEF stood ready to support Yemeni authorities in that endeavour. The constitutional drafting committee should include recommendations of the National Dialogue, especially those pertaining to children’s rights. Yemen should look into establishing a universal health care system.

United Arab Emirates expressed appreciation that Yemen was ready to cooperate and accept multiple recommendations. All the efforts made in the areas of economic and social rights ought to be supported. In the transitional period, Yemen was encouraged to continue its cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

United Kingdom welcomed the positive recommendations on human rights made during the National Dialogue Conference and the draft Safe Motherhood and Rights of the Child legislation currently with the Parliament. Still, significant human rights violations continued in Yemen, including execution of juvenile offenders and torture of migrants. The Government should abolish the practice of the death penalty and look into claims of torture.

United States welcomed the acceptance of recommendations related to improving women’s and girls’ rights and ending early marriage, eradicating harmful traditional practices including female genital mutilation and cutting, and strengthening the rule of law through the ongoing political transition. The United States also welcomed the acceptance of the recommendation to end the use of children in the armed forces and the positive steps toward eliminating the use of child soldiers.

Egypt welcomed the positive engagement of Yemen with human rights mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review, and the efforts to adopt national legislation that would guarantee human rights and liberties. Despite the challenges in the country such as combating terrorism and dealing with increasing numbers of refugees, Yemen was making great strides in improving its human rights situation.

Algeria thanked Yemen for efforts made in promoting human rights, notwithstanding the difficulties faced, as well as the positive interaction with the Universal Periodic Review. It was noted that 165 recommendations were accepted, including ones Algeria had made. Yemen was wished the best of success and Algeria recommended the adoption of the outcome.

Bahrain said acceptance of many of the recommendations reflected Yemen’s commitment to positively cooperate with the human rights mechanism. Appreciation was expressed for Yemen’s commitment to implement recommendations made by Bahrain. Yemen was prepared to cooperate internationally in the human rights area, reflecting its commitment to the promotion of human rights. The Council was advised to adopt the outcome.

China appreciated Yemen’s commitment to actively implement accepted recommendations. It thanked Yemen for accepting its recommendations and it was hoped that efforts would be stepped up to reduce poverty. China hoped the international community would help Yemen promote economic and social development and create conditions conducive to the enjoyment of the human rights of its people.

Cuba thanked Yemen for the information provided to the Council. The authorities were committed to the protection and promotion of human rights in spite of the difficulties that the country was facing. The rule of law and fighting corruption were declared as the priorities of the Government. Cuba recommended that medical care and education, identified as difficulties at the moment, be given further attention by the Government.

Human Rights Watch had documented the Government forces’ use of landmines in 2011, which was a serious violation of Yemen’s obligations to destroy all landmine caches and refrain from their use in all circumstances. Human Rights Watch hoped that the Government would pass immediately the Child Rights Bill, which enshrined a minimum age of 18 for marriage.

Amnesty International welcomed Yemen’s initial acceptance of 166 recommendations, including its readiness to ratify the International Criminal Court Statute. Amnesty International was extremely concerned at the ongoing violations and abuses in the armed conflicts in the country. Nobody had yet been brought to justice for the 27 December 2013 massacre of dozens of peaceful mourners in al-Sanah in al-Dale.

Save the Children International, also on behalf of the Yemeni NGOs coalition, welcomed the acceptance of all recommendations on early marriage, which called on Yemen to set the minimum age of marriage at 18 years for both genders. This was a pressing issue which needed urgent action, as more than 365 women per 100,000 live births died as a result of early marriage, early pregnancy and related complications. Concerning the rights of vulnerable groups of the population, more progress was needed in the protection of children against corporal punishment.

Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, in a joint statement, welcomed the fact that Yemen had accepted most of the recommendations but stressed that this historic chance must not be lost. Often the Government showed its theoretical commitment but did not implement it on the ground. Many important recommendations must be immediately implemented, such as for the investigation of the violations of 2011 and the killing of peaceful protesters, preventing violence against journalists, as well as lifting restrictions on freedom of expression.

United Nations Watch was deeply concerned about the state of human rights in Yemen, particularly for children. Yemen was one of two countries without a minimum age of marriage which affected as many as one in three school-age girls. Yemen also had one of the highest rates of executions in the world and many of these sentences were passed after proceedings which fell short of international standards. Hundreds of children awaited death by beheading, firing squad, crucifixion or stoning.

CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation welcomed Yemen’s positive approach, and the acceptance of many recommendations. However, it recommended that poverty be reduced, social issues be addressed, existing economic policies be reviewed, and the economy diversified. It also called on Yemen to reduce dependence on the oil industry income, and to put an end to impunity.

International Federation for Human Rights Leagues welcomed Yemen’s acceptance of recommendations pertaining to the instalment of a proper reconciliation and transition justice framework in conformity with international standards and encouraged the authorities to act in conformity with this pledge. There was concern that journalists and human rights defenders continued to be targeted.

Organization for Defending Victims of Violence said Houthi minorities in Yemen had been persecuted by consecutive Governments in Sana’a and their allies over a number of years. They had been discriminated against in every aspect of life and excluded from any meaningful participation in political or economic activities. The Government was called upon to adhere to its international obligations and respect the Houthi minorities’ rights.

Sudwind welcomed the fact that Yemen had not rejected any recommendation during the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review, but regretted that there had been no response published on those recommendations examined before the meeting. Sudwind urged the Government to continue the national reconciliation, establish a moratorium on the death penalty and ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

ALI MOHAMED SAEED MAJAWAR, Permanent Representative of Yemen to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in his concluding remarks, was grateful for the constructive criticism and advice expressed throughout the process. Yemen was facing a difficult situation at the moment, but it would take all the comments into consideration. Yemen was committed to positively cooperate with all the parties, but there were serious challenges in the implementation of some of the recommendations for the time being. The Government would continue to implement recommendations and further develop the human rights situation in the country.

The President of the Council said out of the 191 recommendations, Yemen had accepted 166.

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

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