Human Rights Council adopts outcomes of Universal Periodic Review of Côte d'Ivoire, Portugal and Bhutan

18 September 2014

The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Côte d'Ivoire, Portugal and Bhutan.

Kouadio Adjoumani, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that during its second Universal Periodic Review, Côte d’Ivoire had received 186 recommendations of which it had endorsed 178. A Follow-up Committee would be set up to oversee the implementation of recommendations. Efforts to address impunity included the investigation of those suspected of committing crimes in the field, while truth and reconciliation commissions had started their hearings. An Inter-ministerial Commission would be established soon to start addressing the back-log of reports to the human rights treaty bodies.

In the discussion, speakers welcomed Côte d'Ivoire’s constructive engagement during its Universal Periodic Review, which was illustrated by the large number of recommendations it had accepted. Speakers also welcomed Côte d'Ivoire’s efforts in the field of peace and reconciliation, as well as the establishment of a national human rights institution. Speakers underlined the necessity to address impunity, violence against women and girls, sexual violence and the backlog of reports due to United Nations treaty bodies.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Côte d'Ivoire.

Speaking in the discussion were Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Togo, Venezuela and Algeria.

Also speaking in the discussion were the following non-governmental organizations: International Service for Human Rights, World Organization Against Torture, International Catholic Child Bureau, Franciscans International, Organisation pour la Communication and Afrique et de Promotion de la Cooperation Economique, Civicus – World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Federation Internationale des Ligues des Droits de l’Homme, and Rencontre Africaine pour la Defense des Droits de l’Homme.

Pedro Nuno Bartolo, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that Portugal had accepted 139 recommendations, from which 117 were already in implementation. Portugal had taken measures to mitigate the social impact of the financial and economic crisis through emergency mechanisms, stressing the rights of the most vulnerable. Gypsy communities and migrants were being further integrated in national strategies with a focus on compulsory education, also for children of undocumented migrants. Portugal had a national domestic and gender violence plan to prevent and raise awareness of female genital mutilation. Portugal ensured the rights of migrant workers irrespective of their legal status.

In the discussion, speakers welcomed Portugal’s cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review and other United Nations human rights mechanisms. Speakers also welcomed efforts by Portugal to protect the rights of migrant workers and efforts to combat violence against women and girls. Portugal was encouraged to strengthen its efforts in the areas of social exclusion, racism and discrimination.

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

Speaking in the discussion were Council of Europe, Egypt, India, Iran, Morocco, Nigeria, Qatar, Romania, Sierra Leone, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Algeria, Angola, Bulgaria and Côte d’Ivoire.

Also speaking in the discussion were the following non-governmental organizations: European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Federation, Amnesty International, and Action Canada for Population and Development.

Yeshey Dorji, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bhutan, said Bhutan remained committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights and would continue to engage with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism in the same spirit. Many of the important recommendations received were already being implemented. In order to give meaningful effect of any international obligations, Bhutan first had to build the necessary social, political and legal institutions. Bhutan remained committed to constructive engagement with the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations.

In the discussion, speakers welcomed the constructive engagement of Bhutan with the Universal Periodic Review Working Group, and welcomed progress made for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and in the areas of education, violence against women and children and sustainable development. Speakers regretted the lack of ratification of international human rights instruments by Bhutan.

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

Speaking in the discussion were Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Afghanistan, Algeria, Afghanistan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Ethiopia, India, Kuwait, and Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Also speaking in the discussion was the non-governmental organization Jubilee Campaign.

The Human Rights Council will resume its work on Friday, 19 September at 9 a.m., when it will consider the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Dominica, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and Brunei Darussalam.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Côte d’Ivoire

KOUADIO ADJOUMANI, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that during its second Universal Periodic Review, Côte d’Ivoire had received 186 recommendations of which it had endorsed 178, deferred six and rejected two; of the six deferred, Côte d’Ivoire accepted three and rejected three. Turning to the implementation of the accepted recommendations, Côte d’Ivoire said that a large awareness raising campaign would be organized in the country and that a Follow up Committee, supported by human rights focal points from the ministries, would be set up to oversee the implementation. Concerning setting up of human rights standards and frameworks, Mr. Adjoumani said that a law on an electoral commission had been enacted, while young girls could now join the gendarmerie. Efforts to address impunity included the investigation of those suspected of committing crimes in the field, while truth and reconciliation commissions had started their hearings. The Inter-ministerial Commission would be established soon to start addressing the back-log of reports to the human rights treaty bodies. Côte d’Ivoire had accepted the request for a visit from a number of Special Procedures, including the Special Rapporteur on the rights of internally displaced persons, Special Rapporteur on the rights of migrants, Special Rapporteur on truth, justice and guarantee of non–recurrence, and the Working Group on mercenaries.

Cuba welcomed the efforts to bring lasting national reconciliation in the country, and the acceptance of recommendations made by Cuba concerning the eradication of poverty. Djibouti encouraged Côte d’Ivoire to continue its efforts aimed at preserving and promoting human rights and called on the international community to support these efforts. Egypt commended the constructive approach of Côte d’Ivoire by accepting the large number of recommendations it had received, including to increase access to land and credit for women, continue efforts to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, and address the issue of human trafficking. Equatorial Guinea said that the creation of a national human rights institution according to the Paris Principles was a testament of the commitment of Côte d’Ivoire to human rights.

Ethiopia appreciated the constructive engagement of Côte d’Ivoire with the Universal Periodic Review and the Council, and was encouraged by the commitment of Côte d’Ivoire in favour of peace, development, and fighting poverty. Ethiopia was pleased that Côte d’Ivoire had accepted the two recommendations it had made and called on the international community to assist Côte d’Ivoire in its efforts. Gabon commended Côte d’Ivoire for its cooperation with international human rights mechanisms, and commended the progress made for national reconciliation. Gabon invited the Council to adopt the report. Mali noted with satisfaction the exemplar cooperation of Côte d’Ivoire with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, and welcomed that it had accepted virtually all recommendations. Mali applauded the many initiatives in the fields of reconciliation, peace and security in Côte d’Ivoire.

Morocco welcomed the acceptance by Côte d’Ivoire of a large number of recommendations, which illustrated the importance of the Universal Periodic Review for that country. Morocco welcomed the establishment of a body for the implementation of recommendations and efforts in favour of peace and reconciliation. Niger appreciated the progress made by Côte d’Ivoire in the area of peace and reconstruction, which had a positive impact on enhancing peace and security in the country. Niger also welcomed efforts by Côte d’Ivoire in combatting violence against women and girls. Nigeria commended the continued engagement of Côte d’Ivoire with the Universal Periodic Review and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Nigeria recognized that Côte d’Ivoire had had terrible moments in its recent history, and urged it to continue to protect the human rights of its people.

Sierra Leone welcomed Côte d’Ivoire’s willingness to take all recommendations into consideration, as well as Côte d’Ivoire’s cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. Sierra Leone welcomed that Côte d’Ivoire had committed to addressing human trafficking and violence against women and girls, and encouraged Côte d’Ivoire to address the backlog of reports to United Nations treaty bodies. South Africa welcomed the adoption by Côte d’Ivoire of a National Development Plan and the establishment of a national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles. It called on the international community to support Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts in the fields of peacebuilding, treaty body reports, violence against women and girls, improving living conditions and improving detention conditions.

Sudan commended the efforts made by Côte d’Ivoire and asked the Human Rights Council to adopt its outcome report. Togo noted with satisfaction that although Côte d’Ivoire was just coming out of a crisis, it had accepted most of the recommendations it had received, and urged the international community to continue to provide capacity building and technical assistance to Côte d’Ivoire in the area of human rights. Venezuela welcomed the reform of the National Human Rights Commission to align it with the Paris Principles and said that cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire was essential to ensure the people of this country stepped on the path of peace. Algeria said that Côte d’Ivoire had spared no effort to bring about reconciliation and build national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, and welcomed the measures to strengthen peace and combat violence against women.

International Service for Human Rights particularly welcomed that Côte d’Ivoire had accepted the recommendation to open up the space for civil society in the country and to protect that space, and the adoption of the law on the protection of human rights defenders. World Organization against Torture was concerned about the persistence of torture in urban and rural areas in Côte d’Ivoire, the lack of any mechanism for recourse for the victims of torture and ill-treatment, and the failure of the Government to criminalize torture. International Catholic Child Bureau welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and recommended the speedy adoption of the National Action Plan and the strengthening of teaching capacity at primary and secondary levels. Franciscans International said that despite the efforts by the Government, birth registration was still inadequate, particularly for the children born during the crisis, which made them vulnerable to all forms exploitation.

Organisation pour la Communication and Afrique et de Promotion de la Cooperation Economique acknowledged efforts by Côte d’Ivoire to combat violence against women and girls and to promote the role of women. It regretted the lack of comprehensive legislation to address violence against women and girls and sexual violence, including female genital mutilation. The status of women in practice and law remained low, despite efforts to improve girls’ access to education. Civicus – World Alliance for Citizen Participation acknowledged efforts by Côte d’Ivoire to address impunity. It also welcomed measures to guarantee freedom of expression, but was concerned that violence and harassment against journalists and activists remained frequent.

Federation Internationale des Ligues des Droits de l’Homme welcomed commitments undertaken by Côte d’Ivoire during the Universal Periodic Review, and welcomed the establishment of a special unit responsible for investigating serious crimes during the post-electoral violence. The truth and reconciliation commission’s cooperation with victims had to be increased in order to ensure justice. The Federation was concerned about violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. Rencontre Africaine pour la Defense des Droits de l’Homme congratulated Côte d’Ivoire for its commitments to protect human rights as well as its cooperation with the International Criminal Court. It was however concerned about violence against women, sexual violence, detention conditions and child labour in the country. Côte d’Ivoire had to strengthen its cooperation with human rights mechanisms and extend an invitation to all United Nations Special Procedures.

KOUADIO ADJOUMANI, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in his closing remarks thanked all for their support and constructive comments and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Côte d’Ivoire continued to be deeply convinced that human rights were a prerequisite for the rebirth of the nation and said that it had managed to emerge from the crisis thanks to the support of the international community. Côte d’Ivoire counted on the commitment of the international community to the people of the country to remain in the international arena.

Of 186 received recommendations, Côte d’Ivoire supported 181 and noted five.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Côte d’Ivoire.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Portugal

PEDRO NUNO BÁRTOLO, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations Office at Geneva, thanked Member States, civil society representatives and its Ombudsman, acting as the national institution for human rights, for recommendations made during its second Universal Periodic Review, welcoming the constructive and open dialogue between States whilst recalling Portugal's commitment to human rights. Portugal was the first State in Europe to abolish the death penalty. During the review, 74 delegations raised many questions and made 151 recommendations. Portugal accepted 139 but could not accept 12. From those accepted, 117 were already being implemented as they were national priorities. The National Commission for Human Rights was created in 2010 as a result of Portugal’s first Universal Periodic Review.

In spite of the impact of the financial and economic crisis in 2009, Portugal had taken measures to mitigate the social impact of the crisis through emergency mechanisms, stressing the rights of the most vulnerable. Gypsy communities and migrants were further integrated in national strategies with a focus on compulsory education, also for children of undocumented migrants. Portugal had a national domestic and gender violence plan to prevent and raise awareness of female genital mutilation. Portugal was both an immigration and emigration country. Like other European Union Member States, it had not ratified the International Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers. However, it granted a degree of protection to migrant communities that went beyond the United Nations Convention, through the Portuguese Constitution, national and European specific legislation, as well as national public policies. Full implementation of non-discrimination was a priority, particularly gender discrimination. Portugal highlighted the role of its Ombudsman, accredited with 'A' status as a national human rights institution. Portugal was committed to improving the human rights situation on the ground.

Egypt remained to be encouraged by the efforts exerted by Portugal in areas of combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and other related forms of intolerance, violence against women, as well as in the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights on both national and international levels. Council of Europe evoked recommendations made by various monitoring bodies of the Council of Europe. It was interested in the areas of social exclusion and discrimination again Roma, the excessive length of proceedings, and the poor conditions of detention, in particular overcrowding. Iran said it was highly expected that recommendations would be implemented and Portugal was urged to boost efforts in addressing racism and discrimination against minorities, poor conditions in prison, and domestic violence. Portugal was called upon to address these issues comprehensively.

India said it was encouraging that Portugal had accepted as many as 67 recommendations in April, right after the review. India appreciated Portugal’s acceptance of additional recommendations, including India’s recommendations on Roma and on trafficking in children. Morocco knew that Portugal was strongly committed to the promotion of human rights and saluted the importance given to the protection of the rights of migrants, and efforts made in the area of integrating migrants. It was congratulated on its excellent interaction with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. Nigeria noted the continued engagement of Portugal with the Universal Periodic Review. It was encouraged by policies introduced by Portugal towards ameliorating hardships experienced by irregular migrants, including access to education for children.

Qatar noted that Portugal had adopted several measures to promote and protect human rights, and welcomed Portugal’s cooperation with the Human Rights Council. Qatar welcomed that Portugal had accepted the two recommendations it had made. Romania congratulated Portugal for its cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review, and appreciated its commitment to the promotion of human rights both internally and on the international scene. Sierra Leone took note of the good will of Portugal in accepting recommendations and implementing them. Sierra Leone welcomed that Portugal had accepted all recommendations made by it.

Venezuela valued that Portugal had taken measures in the fields of education, discrimination against migrants and minorities, and violence against women. Venezuela welcomed measures by Portugal to foster access to education and to prevent discrimination against women. Viet Nam welcomed Portugal’s commitment to protect human rights despite the difficult economic situation in the country, and encouraged Portugal to continue its efforts. Algeria welcomed Portugal’s acceptance of most recommendations, including the recommendation it had made on strengthening measures to combat all forms of discrimination. Algeria however regretted that Portugal had rejected its recommendation.

Angola encouraged Portugal to continue with its policy of protecting migrants and their families and to ensure effective access for citizens to justice. Bulgaria welcomed the overall efforts of Portugal to implement the recommendations received during the first cycle and recognized that combating domestic violence and gender-based violence remained a priority. Côte d’Ivoire expressed support to Portugal in its efforts to strengthen national legal instruments and mechanisms and encouraged it to continue good cooperation with international human rights bodies and mechanisms.

European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Federation recommended that Portugal explicitly include gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination in all its anti-discrimination legislation and policies. Amnesty International expressed concern about austerity measures which had a negative impact on the most vulnerable groups in the society and called on the Government to carry out a human rights assessment of its recovery plan and policies to mitigate the impact of the crisis. Action Canada for Population and Development urged Portugal to remove legal and administrative obstacles and eliminate discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in family life and eliminate discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.

Provedor de Justica Portugal, in a video message, said that the acceptance of the large number of recommendations by Portugal was an indicator of its commitment to human rights and expressed concern about the impact of the economic and financial crisis and austerity measures on those most at risk from exclusion. It recognized the effort of the Government to mitigate the effects of the restrictive measures and said that the challenges Portugal faced today demanded special attention and innovative ways to accomplish a fair and equal society.

PEDRO NUNO BÁRTOLO, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in concluding remarks, thanked all countries participating in the consideration of its report and said Portugal took due note of the recommendations made. The Universal Periodic Review was an ongoing process and Portugal was committed to improving the implementation of human rights over the next four years, in close cooperation with civil society. Announcing it would submit a mid-term report in 2015, Portugal expressed the hope that civil society would continue to play a key role in the full realisation of human rights in the country.

Out of 151 recommendations, Portugal had accepted 139 and rejected 12.

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

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Bhutan

YESHEY DORJI, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bhutan, thanked all delegates that participated in the review for their constructive engagement. Bhutan remained committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights and would continue to engage with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism in the same spirit. It had received 163 recommendations, of which it had accepted 103 and the remaining 60 were taken to the capital for further consideration. Deferred recommendations were considered and thorough consultations were held. After these consultations, Bhutan had accepted four additional recommendations, and two recommendations partially. This did not mean that it had rejected other recommendations. Many of the important recommendations received were already being implemented or sufficiently addressed in some form or another, and as such for those recommendations it had provided explanations in the addendum, rather than specified whether accepted or not accepted.

Bhutan believed that in order to give meaningful effect to any international obligations, it first had to build the necessary social, political and legal institutions, as well as develop the capacities of the country before assuming these responsibilities. Bhutan remained committed to constructive engagement with the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations. It had and would continue to receive visits of Special Rapporteurs and other mandate holders of the Human Rights Council, taking into account its capacity, national priorities, as well as the need for adequate preparations for such visits.

Singapore welcomed Bhutan’s constructive participation in the Universal Periodic Review process, and that Bhutan had accepted two recommendations made by Singapore. Sri Lanka welcomed the constructive engagement of Bhutan with the Universal Periodic Review Working Group, and welcomed progress made for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and in the areas of education, violence against women and children and sustainable development. Sudan appreciated that Bhutan had accepted recommendations made by Sudan and welcomed Bhutan’s constructive participation in the Universal Periodic Review.

Venezuela welcomed the social policies of Bhutan guaranteeing free health services. Bhutan had obtained excellent results to combat poverty. Viet Nam commended progress made by Bhutan in the areas of education, health, social welfare and poverty reduction and welcomed the constructive engagement of Bhutan with the Universal Periodic Review. Afghanistan commended Bhutan for participating in the Universal Periodic Review process in a constructive manner, and appreciated steps taken by Bhutan to implement the recommendations.

Algeria congratulated Bhutan on accepting most recommendations, including the one made by Algeria to improve access to education. It regretted the lack of ratification of human rights instruments, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Algeria recommended the adoption of the report. Brunei Darussalam was pleased with Bhutan's commitment to ensure quality education for children and youth and promote entrepreneurship. It encouraged Bhutan to continue efforts in those areas and recommended the adoption of its report. Cambodia appreciated the cooperation of Bhutan with the Universal Periodic Review and supported its continued efforts to ensure the socio-economic rights of its people through the implementation of government programmes, in particular to uphold the rule of law, protect and promote human rights of its citizens and strengthen democracy. China welcomed Bhutan's constructive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review and its decision to accept most recommendations, particularly on poverty reduction and employment for a more balanced and inclusive growth. China supported the adoption of Bhutan's report by the Council. Cuba recognised Bhutan's acceptance of a substantial number of recommendations, which illustrated Bhutan's commitment to the human rights of all its citizens, particularly the acceptance of Cuba's recommendation to continue implementation of a more consistent and tangible social system.

India admired Bhutan’s commitment to democracy and free press, as well as to national happiness. India acknowledged the challenges faced and stood ready to support Bhutan. Bhutan had gained much from its participation in the Universal Periodic Review and India wished it every success in implementing its accepted recommendations. Kuwait welcomed the progress and achievement made concerning the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly in consolidating democracy, in the form of elections organized in 2011 and 2013. Bhutan was obviously trying to uphold the interests and rights of the child. Lao People’s Democratic Republic appreciated Bhutan’s acceptance of a vast number of recommendations and steps taken to implement them. It also commended significant improvements in the areas of poverty eradication, gender equality, access to free education for all children, and access to free health care, among others. Ethiopia thanked Bhutan for accepting all of its recommendations. It welcomed Bhutan’s efforts and achievements made to enhance the legislative framework and poverty reduction programmes. Bhutan was encouraged to further strengthen efforts in empowerment of women and protection of children.

Jubilee Campaign said that although Bhutan acknowledged the religious diversity within the country and protected the right to freedom of religion or belief in a limited form, there were several areas of legislation and practice which gave rise to human rights concerns.

YESHEY DORJI, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bhutan, said in concluding remarks that positive results could only be achieved with the necessary human resources. As said before, the Bhutanese people enjoyed the right to freedom of religion, which was guaranteed in the Constitution, as long as it was of their free will and that they were not compelled or forced to join a faith. Bhutanese also enjoyed the right to access justice and effective remedy in cases of human rights violations.

Bhutan had received 163 recommendations, supported 109, and noted 54.

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

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