Human Rights Council adopts outcomes of Universal Periodic Review of Kenya, Armenia and Guinea-Bissau

Human Rights Council
AFTERNOON

25 June 2015 

The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Kenya, Armenia and Guinea-Bissau. 

Stephen Ndungu Karau, Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations Office at Geneva, informed the Council that 192 recommendations were accepted by Kenya.  Kenya had noted recommendations on the death penalty, but would continue debating its abolition.  Media laws, the freedom of expression bill and the data protection bill constituted legislation that protected rights.  The Universal Periodic Review process had helped the definition of Kenya’s human rights policies and facilitated the exchange of international experience and best practices to strengthen laws, policies and institutions. 

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said it would continue to work with the State on the abolition of the death penalty in Kenya and called on the State to increase its collaboration with civil society organizations in the implementation of the accepted recommendations. 

In the ensuing discussion, speakers welcomed progress made by Kenya in the field of human rights and poverty eradication and encouraged Kenya to strengthen its efforts to combat impunity.  They also welcomed Kenya’s commitment to the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, and called for international support to Kenya in the field of human rights, poverty eradication and combatting terrorism. 

Botswana, Burkina Faso, Chad, China, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kuwait, Latvia, Mali, Niger and Rwanda took the floor.

Minority Rights Groups, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Centre for Reproductive Rights, Human Rights Watch, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues, Action Canada for Population and Development, International Service for Human Rights, Article 19, International Gay and Lesbian Association, Pax Romana and Amnesty International also spoke. 

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

Ashot Hovakimian, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, stressed the firm belief that the Universal Periodic Review format provided an opportunity for building consensus among Member States on main principles of the promotion and protection of human rights.  Great importance was attached to the implementation of the judicial reforms and the principle of non-discrimination.  The Strategic Programme against Gender Violence defined the core directions of the State’s policy for reducing gender violence.  Armenia had implemented comprehensive legal reforms to bring the national legislation fully in line with international best practices on the prevention of torture.

Human Rights Defender’s Institution of Armenia noted positive steps taken by Armenia but underlined that serious challenges remained to be addressed in the fields of the prevention and prosecution of torture, detention conditions, children and domestic violence. 

In the ensuing discussion, speakers welcomed Armenia’s cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and its efforts in the field of human rights.  They encouraged Armenia to strengthen its efforts in favour of the rights of children and non-discrimination, and called for investigations on cases of police violence.  Speakers also underlined the need to ensure the independence of the judiciary, and for Armenia to bring its definition of torture in line with international standards. 

Kuwait, Rwanda, Russian Federation, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Venezuela, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Belarus, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Chad, China, Council of Europe, Ghana and Iran took the floor.

Sudwing, Human Rights House Foundation, International Catholic Child Bureau and Minority Rights Group International also spoke. 

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

Joachim Rucker, President of the Human Rights Council, reading a written statement on behalf of the delegation of Guinea-Bissau, which was unable to come, said the recommendations within the context of the Universal Periodic Review had all been accepted by Guinea-Bissau, and some had already been implemented.  The Government had accepted a total of 147 out of the 151 recommendations.  Guinea-Bissau’s fight against female genital mutilation and domestic violence was highlighted, as well as efforts undertaken to promote gender equality and to combat impunity and transnational organized crime.

In the ensuing discussion, speakers welcomed progress made by Guinea-Bissau, including the ratification of international instruments and new laws to guarantee access to justice, social and health services, the fight against female genital mutilation, and trafficking in persons, particularly women and children.  Speakers noted that challenges on the ground remained when it came to the fulfilment of social and economic rights and the participation of women, and encouraged Guinea-Bissau to continue to consolidate democracy and the rule of law.

Taking the floor were Niger, Portugal, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, Brazil, Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Venezuela, Burkina Faso, China, Cuba, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Ghana and Mali.

Rencontre Africaine pour la Défense des Droits de l’Homme also spoke. 

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Guinea-Bissau. 

The Council will resume its work on Friday, 26 June at 9 a.m., to consider the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Sweden, Grenada and Turkey.  At 2 p.m., the Council will consider the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Kuwait, before holding a general debate on the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. 

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Kenya

STEPHEN NDUNGU KARAU, Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations Office at Geneva, informed the Council that 192 recommendations were accepted by Kenya, illustrating Kenya’s commitment to human rights and the Universal Periodic Review process.  Kenya was confident that the full implementation of recommendations would lead to the adoption of effective human rights policies.  Recommendations relating to the use of the death penalty and freedom of expression were noted.  Kenya noted recommendations that would undermine its ability to prioritize human rights issues.  Recommendations that were accepted needed to be implemented in a timely manner.  Therefore, recommendations relating to the ratification of certain international instruments, which took time, did not enjoy Kenya’s support.  Resources allocated to human rights would depend on the Government’s ability to raise the necessary funds.  Kenya called upon the international community to continue its support to Kenya.  Kenya had noted recommendations on the death penalty, but would continue debating its abolition.  Media laws, the freedom of expression bill and the data protection bill constituted legislation that protected rights.  The constitution of Kenya embraced a comprehensive bill of rights which complied with international standards.  Kenya had fully embraced the Universal Periodic Review process as the most effective tool for policy development.  It had helped the definition of Kenya’s human rights policies and facilitated the exchange of international experience and best practices to strengthen laws, policies and institutions. 

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights lauded the success of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and said that the Commission could attest to the progress that had been achieved in Kenya in upholding the enjoyment of human rights.   The Commission would continue to work with the State on the abolition of the death penalty and it called on Kenya to increase its collaboration with civil society organizations in the implementation of the accepted recommendations.  Kenya must ensure that the space for civil society organizations remained opened.  No State could implement recommendations alone, and the Commission called on all States to support Kenya with technical assistance.

Botswana congratulated Kenya on the adoption of its new constitution, and welcomed the establishment of the National Gender and Equality Commission and the Commission on Administrative Justice, as well as the criminalization of female genital mutilation.  Botswana noted with appreciation the reforms in the judicial sector and wished Kenya success in the implementation phase.

Burkina Faso believed that Kenya would spare no effort to meet its human rights challenges and urged the Government to focus on combatting gender stereotypes, violence against women and female genital mutilation.  The reform of the judicial system, birth registration and gender equality deserved further attention.

Chad said that Kenya had adopted the new constitution and had put in place legislative reforms to meet its international obligations.  The progress made in the area of human rights had been undermined by poverty, corruption, terrorism and disease.

China welcomed Kenya’s willingness to continue strengthening international cooperation in the field of human rights, and welcomed that Kenya had accepted China’s recommendation to continue to prioritize combatting poverty. 

Cuba underlined Kenya’s commitment to reducing hunger and malnutrition, as part of its poverty eradication efforts.  Cuba also welcomed Kenya’s increased budget for social protection. 

Djibouti encouraged Kenya to continue its initiatives to promote human rights and to continue efforts to combat poverty and extreme poverty. 

Egypt commended the important steps taken by Kenya, such as the adoption of the constitution and the establishment of a gender equality institution.   It thanked Kenya for having accepted Egypt’s recommendations to provide education for all, to ensure child protection, and to combat violence against women. 

Ethiopia appreciated Kenya’s principled advancement in the promotion and protection of human rights.  Ensuring economic progress was the right way to boost its human rights record.  Kenya played a key role in combatting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations in the region.

Gabon welcomed Kenya’s measures to fight all forms of discrimination based on gender against women.  However, it regretted that its record was impeded by poverty, corruption, terrorism and disease.  

Ghana assured Kenya of its continued support in the fight against terrorism in the Horn of Africa which was threatening lives and property, and was pleased to note that Kenya had accepted the recommendation to eradicate the harmful practice of female genital mutilation.

Kuwait recognized the efforts of Kenya to promote and protect human rights and welcomed its efforts to implement the recommendations it had received.

Latvia welcomed the renewed commitment of Kenya to ensure accountability for post-election violence and to address torture and ill treatment by the security forces.  Kenya should ensure that measures aimed at addressing terrorist threats were fully compliant with international law, and especially international humanitarian law.

Mali welcomed great efforts made by Kenya to stabilize its situation and hold free and calm elections.  Mali welcomed Kenya’s renewed commitment to cooperate with United Nations human rights mechanisms, and commended reforms of the judiciary and the creation of a national gender policy. 

Niger welcomed Kenya’s efforts for strengthening its legal framework relating to human rights, including the adoption of a new constitution, and laws on citizenship and immigration, land legislation, banning female genital mutilation, and a law on the protection of victims. 

Rwanda welcomed that Kenya had accepted the vast majority of recommendations, including recommendations by Rwanda to continue efforts to combat terrorism and abolish the death penalty.  Rwanda commended Kenya for its firm engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process. 

Minority Rights Group highlighted that there was a clear need for the recognition of the rights of minorities and indigenous peoples.  Yet, those were continuously breached.  Kenya’s commitment to continue the implementation of relevant legislation should also apply to the implementation of judicial decisions.  There was also persistent exclusion of indigenous peoples from decision-making.

Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative remained gravely concerned about the Security Laws Act which detrimentally changed the procedure for the appointment of heads of police and intelligence services.  It was also concerned about the Government crackdown on civil society.  It urged Kenya to review the problematic laws and to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court.

Centre for Reproductive Rights welcomed Kenya’s commitment to ensure reproductive health and rights, and urged Kenya to address ongoing barriers to contraceptives and reproductive health services, particularly to maternal care.  It regretted that Kenya did not accept the recommendations to ensure that women had access to legal and safe abortion.

Human Rights Watch said that impunity for serious violations by police and security forces in Kenya, particularly in the context of anti-terrorism operations, remained a serious concern, and that the abuses and threats to civil society continued.  New security laws undermined the rights of accused persons and extended the rights of the police to carry and use firearms.  Kenya should genuinely eliminate reprisals against human rights defenders and non-governmental organizations.

International Federation for Human Rights Leagues said that Kenya should put in place a legislative and institutional framework for equality of all persons regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.  The non-acceptance of 61 recommendations was an issue of concern.

Action Canada for Population and Development said that Kenya continued to maintain sodomy laws and its anti-discrimination laws had not been adequately defined to include the contexts of sexual orientation and expression.  While agreeing to pass comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, Kenya had rejected the recommendations to decriminalize sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex and to address violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.

International Service for Human Rights regretted that human rights defenders and journalists continued to be attacked and threatened in Kenya, and noted the Kenyan State’s failure to protect them.  Non-governmental organizations were targeted through the misuse of broad counter-terrorism legislation.  The criminalization of sex-same conduct meant that activists working on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues faced great risks. 

Article 19 said attacks against journalists were usually not investigated or prosecuted in Kenya, and welcomed recommendations made to Kenya in that regard.  Kenya should make public the taskforce report on public benefit organizations, and should immediately remove the organizations MUHURI and Haki Africa from the terrorist list and immediately lift any asset-freezing or restrictions on their activities.  

International Gay and Lesbian Association noted with concern the increasing number of violent incidents against persons based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.  Society effectively considered gay and lesbian individuals as criminals due to their sexual orientation.  The Government should ensure the protection and the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.  

Franciscans International, in a joint statement with Pax Romana (International Catholic Movement for International and Cultural affairs and International Movement of Catholic Students) and Edmund Rice International Limited, commended the Government of Kenya for its constructive engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process.  Nevertheless, it raised concern that not all cases of victims of the 2007 post-election violence were settled.  The independence of the judiciary was often questioned.  The Government should increase budget allocations to agriculture and health.

Amnesty International urged that any response by the authorities to terrorist attacks should not circumscribe human rights ostensibly with a view to protecting public security.  The Government should strive to cooperate with the International Criminal Court, and it was urged to take immediate actions to implement recommendations.

The President said that out of 253 recommendations, 192 were accepted by Kenya and 61 noted.

STEPHEN NDUNGU KARAU, Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations Office at Geneva, in his closing remarks said that the engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process was very useful, and that the comments conveyed today would form the subject of attention and reflection.  Mr. Karau reiterated the firm commitment of Kenya to the Universal Periodic Review process, which would also be evident in the implementation of the recommendations.

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

Consideration of the Outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Armenia

ASHOT HOVAKIMIAN, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, stressed the firm belief that the Universal Periodic Review format provided an opportunity for building consensus among Member States on main principles of the promotion and protection of human rights.  Armenia had received 189 recommendations and had fully supported 155, partially supported 20, not supported 4 and rejected 10.  The partially supported recommendations were those that were supported in principle, but which Armenia was not in a position to accept.  Armenia had abolished the death penalty and this punishment had been eliminated from the Criminal Code which had entered into force in 2003.  Great importance was attached to the implementation of the judicial reforms, and Armenia had adopted the 2012-2016 Strategic Programme for legal and judicial reforms, which aimed to ensure fair and efficient judicial power accountable to the public.  Another important area was the implementation of the principle of non-discrimination and Armenia had examined the compatibility of its legislation with international legal norms on the prohibition of discrimination; following the public consultations in April 2015, it had decided to begin the elaboration of standalone legislation on combatting discrimination, which would include notions on indirect discrimination, associated discrimination, and incitement to discrimination and victimization. 

Armenia had in place the 2011-2015 Strategic Programme against gender violence that defined the core directions of the State’s policy for reducing gender violence; it would be implemented in three directions of early prevention, protection and prosecution.  Armenia had also discussed the possibility of signing the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combatting violence against women and domestic violence.  Armenia had implemented comprehensive legal reforms to bring its national legislation fully in line with international best practices in the prevention of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.  It had also developed a draft law to amend its Criminal Code to bring the legal formulation of the corpus delicti of torture fully in line with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 

Human Rights Defender’s Institution of Armenia noted positive steps taken by Armenia but underlined that serious challenges remained to be addressed, including cases of improper policing of assemblies in practice, ineffective investigation of cases of torture or ill-treatment, the need to install video equipment in interrogation rooms, continuous inhumane and degrading treatment towards prisoners, high rates of child poverty, ineffective deinstitutionalization of childcare institutions, and the lack of comprehensive legislation to combat cases of domestic violence and protect the victims. 

Kuwait welcomed Armenia’s positive response to most of the recommendations, which proved the importance it had given to the promotion and protection of human rights.

Rwanda commended Armenia for having accepted a significant number of recommendations during the second cycle of its Universal Periodic Review.

Russian Federation noted that the Government of Armenia had accepted most of the recommendations, and had also adopted additional laws and measures.   It commended the positive effect of these on the protection of the rights of children, in line with international human rights obligations.

Sierra Leone commended Armenia for its readiness to cooperate with the Universal Periodic Review and its ratification of several core human rights conventions since its previous review cycle.   It encouraged Armenia to accede to the optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

Tajikistan congratulated Armenia on having concluded its second Universal Periodic Review.  It noted achievements in establishing mechanisms for cooperating with civil society organizations, fighting against trafficking of persons, and combatting corruption.

Venezuela noted the development of the Armenian national human rights protection strategy.  It acknowledged considerable efforts of Armenia to meet its human rights commitments.

Albania was pleased that Armenia had accepted the majority of the recommendations from the second cycle and commended progress made in the implementation of the gender equality policy and the protection of the rights of the child. 

Algeria was particularly happy that Armenia had accepted recommendations on reducing gender equality and strengthening training for officials dealing with minority rights.

Angola welcomed the availability of Armenia to cooperate with various human rights mechanisms and wished Armenia success in future work.

Belarus noted with pleasure that Armenia had accepted a large majority of the recommendations, including the protection of children in vulnerable situations and the enhancement of women’s participation in the political life of the country. 

Bulgaria appreciated the approval of the Strategic Programme for legal and judicial reforms, and welcomed the adoption of the gender policy Strategic Programme.  Measures aimed at promoting and protecting children’s rights were welcomed. 

Burkina Faso appreciated the efforts of Armenia to act on recommendations it had received during its first Universal Periodic Review, which included the ratification of certain international human rights conventions, judicial reform and the protection of vulnerable persons, including minorities and children.  Armenia should continue to implement the recommendations to address the remaining challenges.

Chad noted with pleasure the legal and institutional measures taken by Armenia and agreed that better coordination between the State and civil society was one of the ways to improve the human rights situation.

China appreciated the acceptance by Armenia of the recommendations made by China, in relation to timely reporting to human rights treaty bodies, combatting violence against women and girls, and improving anti-discrimination legislation.

Council of Europe welcomed Armenia’s cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review, and highlighted three challenges faced by Armenia: excessive use of force by the police, corruption and the lack of judicial independence. 

Ghana commended the commitment of Armenia to the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and looked forward to the adoption by Armenia of legislation bringing its definition of torture in line with international human rights standards.  Ghana encouraged Armenia to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court as soon as possible. 

Iran welcomed Armenia’s willingness regarding the implementation of accepted recommendations, and encouraged Armenia to continue its efforts on the rights of the child and on access to health and education. 

Sudwind regretted that Armenia had refused to accept any of Azerbaijan’s recommendations due to the political tensions between the two countries.  Armenia should stop violations of the right to peaceful assembly.  Hate speech and hate crime cases should be investigated objectively and fully.

Human Rights House Foundation said insufficient steps had been taken towards the implementation of the recommendations of Armenia’s first Universal Periodic Review.  On 23 June 2015, the Armenian police had used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators in the centre of Yerevan.  The right to peaceful protests should be guaranteed.

International Catholic Child Bureau noted that the accepted recommendations on the rights of the child and domestic violence had not been fully implemented.  Armenia should alter its national plan of action on the rights of the child.  Armenian authorities should develop a comprehensive law on child abuse and neglect.

Minority Rights Group International welcomed Armenia’s acceptance of the recommendations on the adoption of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law.  Armenia had also extended support to most recommendations on ethnic and national minorities.  Concern was expressed over the police’s use of force against peaceful demonstrators.

The President said that, out of 189 recommendations, Armenia had supported 155, noted 32 and provided additional explanations on which parts of two other recommendations enjoyed its support.

ASHOT HOVAKIMIAN, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, said in his closing remarks that most of the issues raised today had already been explained and that detailed responses were contained in the addendum to the report.  Armenia reiterated its commitment to the fundamental freedoms and human rights and said that necessary steps were being taken to address the challenges.  The majority of the recommendations were useful for the continuation of efforts to consolidate the human rights agenda, including on judicial reform, strengthening the rights of vulnerable groups, and combatting violence against women.

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

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Guinea-Bissau

JOACHIM RUCKER, President of the Human Rights Council, reading a written statement on behalf of the delegation of Guinea-Bissau, which was unable to come, said that on 4 July, Guinea-Bissau would celebrate the first anniversary of the return of the constitutional order.  The recommendations within the context of the Universal Periodic Review had all been accepted by Guinea-Bissau, and some had already been implemented.  The Government had accepted a total of 147 out of the 151 recommendations.  The attention of the Council was particularly drawn to Guinea-Bissau’s fight against female genital mutilation and domestic violence, as well as efforts undertaken to promote gender equality, and to combat impunity and transnational organized crime.  The Government of Guinea-Bissau was grateful for the positive role played by civil society organizations on the sensibilization of the society with regard to the defence and promotion of human rights in the country.  Guinea-Bissau reaffirmed its readiness to reinforce cooperation with the human rights treaty bodies and was hoping that it could count on the support of the international community in the field of the protection and promotion of human rights. 

Niger noted Guinea-Bissau’s progress made since the previous cycle through the ratification of a large number of international instruments, and numerous new laws to guarantee access to justice, improve courts, fight female genital mutilation, and stop trafficking in persons, particularly women and children.

Portugal commended Guinea-Bissau’s acceptance of 147 recommendations.  It also welcomed its efforts in the combatting of female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

Rwanda welcomed Guinea-Bissau’s efforts to create conditions for the most vulnerable parts of the population to gain access to social and health services, as well as to improve the participation of women in public life.

Senegal noted the progress in Guinea-Bissau in the promotion of its economic and social policies and welcomed the acceptance to enhance the fight against female genital mutilation, especially in rural areas, and the adoption of the law on the family.

Sierra Leone commended the adoption of the act on female genital mutilation and the Strategic Plan to Eliminate Gender-based Violence.  Guinea-Bissau should continue to consolidate democracy and the rule of law and should develop the necessary infrastructure to provide free access to basic education for all.

Sudan appreciated the positive engagement of Guinea-Bissau with the Universal Periodic Review and the acceptance of the recommendations made by Sudan, and called on the Council to adopt the report.

Togo congratulated Guinea-Bissau for the readiness to respect its international commitments despite the difficult political and economic context.  It asked the international community to offer Guinea-Bissau help with the implementation of the recommendations.

Brazil said that some challenges on the ground remained when it came to the fulfilment of social and economic rights.  Brazil reiterated its readiness to cooperate with Guinea-Bissau on bilateral programmes, such as to ensure universalization of birth registration.

Algeria congratulated Guinea-Bissau on accepting recommendations on the reform of the justice sector and on reducing poverty rates.

Angola said it was pleased to witness the normalization of the political and social situation, which would in no doubt facilitate the entrenchment of democracy.  It welcomed the fact that Guinea-Bissau had adopted the majority of the recommendations.

Botswana noted the efforts made by Guinea-Bissau to reform defence, justice and security.  The reforms were crucial in the provision of legal assistance to victims of violence and the most vulnerable.  It also commended the adoption of acts on domestic violence, female genital mutilation, trafficking in persons and gender equality.

Venezuela welcomed the efforts by the Government of Guinea-Bissau to implement recommendations, in particular to provide free of charge education, and to provide public health services for children below the age of 5, pregnant women and senior citizens above the age of 60.

Burkina Faso commended the efforts of Guinea-Bissau despite the serious crisis it experienced since 2012 and welcomed the return of the country to constitutional order since the 2014 elections.  Guinea-Bissau should continue to consolidate democracy and the rule of law, implement judicial reforms, and combat domestic violence, female genital mutilation and trafficking in persons.

China appreciated the pledge of Guinea-Bissau to implement the recommendations it had accepted, and encouraged it to include gender equality and poverty reduction into its national development strategy, and to cooperate with the international community.  China hoped that the international community would provide Guinea-Bissau with the technical assistance and capacity building it needed.

Cuba said that despite the challenges, Guinea-Bissau had undertaken all efforts to protect the human rights of its people and stressed the importance of international cooperation in the struggle against HIV/AIDS.

Djibouti appreciated steps taken by Guinea-Bissau to promote human rights and its adherence to the majority of international and regional legal instruments.  Steps taken to combat domestic violence and female genital mutilation, and decrease child mortality should continue.

Ethiopia was glad that Guinea-Bissau had accepted its recommendation to further enhance infant and maternal mortality.  Progress had been made on gender equality to improve their social, cultural and political status and to ensure the economic advancement of women.

Ghana commended the continued commitment of Guinea-Bissau to the Universal Periodic Review process in spite of continuing challenges.  Ghana congratulated the people of Guinea-Bissau as they celebrated the first anniversary of the return to constitutional order.  Guinea-Bissau was asked to urgently consider ratifying the Rome Statute.

Mali welcomed Guinea-Bissau’s willingness to cooperate with the United Nations human rights bodies and mechanisms.  Progress made in re-establishing democracy was also welcomed.  The Government had adopted a strategic plan to combat gender-based violence. 

Rencontre Africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme regretted the failure of Guinea to attend the adoption of its Universal Periodic Review.  It conveyed the message of the former first lady of the country, who urged Member States of the Council to help the country to break out of the vicious cycle of impunity.
 
The President of the Council said that out of 151 recommendations, 147 were supported while 4 were noted.

The outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Guinea-Bissau was adopted.

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