Human Rights Council   
MIDDAY

17 March 2016

The Human Rights Council today adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Oman, Myanmar, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Abdulla Nasser Al Rahbi, Permanent Representative of Oman to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that the status of women and children was receiving increased attention in Oman, and the country was also interested in realizing the rights of persons with disabilities.  Out of the 36 recommendations which Oman could not accept, some related to the abolition of the capital punishment; death sentences were rarely implemented, and only for major heinous crimes.  The recommendations accepted were in line with the teachings of Islamic Sharia and Oman’s socio-political environment. 

In the ensuing discussion speakers discussed various aspects of the situation of women and children, with many delegations encouraging the country toward ensuring effective implementation of its policies and programmes.  It was noted that the enrolment of girls in schools had gone up by 50 per cent, and advancement had also been made on women’s employment, which was commendable.  Some speakers expressed worry over the situation of migrant workers in the country.

Speaking in the discussion were Malaysia, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Singapore, Sudan, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Algeria.

Also taking the floor were Arab Commission for Human Rights, Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Africa Culture Internationale.

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

Maung Wai, Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that the recommendations received had generally been on accelerating the political, socio-economic and administrative reform of Myanmar, and on promoting and protecting human rights in the country.  He reviewed Myanmar’s responses to a number of additional recommendations the country had adopted, and noted that recommendations on creating and maintaining a safe and enabling environment for civil society, human rights defenders and journalists had been accepted. 

In the ensuing discussion speakers commended Myanmar for its encouraging improvements in economic and social rights, and noted that the country had made a historical success by holding free and democratic elections in November 2015.  Some speakers called on the Government to ensure the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Muslim Rohingya.

Speaking in the discussion were Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russian Federation and Sierra Leone.

Also taking the floor were United Nations Watch, Lutheran World Federation, International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, Franciscans International, International Lesbian and Gay Association, International Bar Association, Jubilee Campaign, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Article 19, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International.

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

Kaye Bass, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saint Kitts and Nevis, said that due to fiscal and human resources, Saint Kitts and Nevis was not always able to comply with internationally accepted practices, yet remained willing to do so.  The country was in need of international technical assistance to ratify international human rights instruments.  Strides had been made in ensuring equal gender rights in the areas of employment, education and access to health and social services.  She noted various initiatives on the healthcare front, as well as efforts made on social protection and education.

In the ensuing discussion speakers commended the country for its participation in the Universal Periodic Review process and noted progress made, singling out the country’s promotion of social plans and projects focusing on family well-being.  Some speakers expressed concern about the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Speaking in the discussion were Malawi, Maldives, Pakistan, Paraguay, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Venezuela, Bahamas, Cuba, and Gabon.

Also taking the floor were Allied Rainbow Communities International and European Union of Public Relations.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The Council will next meet at 3 p.m. to hold a panel discussion on preventing violent extremism.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Oman

The Council has before it the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review – Oman (A/HRC/31/11).

The Council has before it  an addendum to the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review – Oman:  views on conclusions and/or recommendations, voluntary commitments and replies presented by the State under review (A/HRC/31/11/Add.1). 

ABDULLA NASSER AL RAHBI, Permanent Representative of Oman to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said Oman strongly believed in the viability of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and had been ready, from the very beginning, to fully engage in the process and accept the outcomes of the cycle.  The 2011 amendment to the Constitution had been the result of Oman’s positive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review.  Oman had established a specialized domestic committee to discuss and prepare for the implementation of international treaties to which the country had acceded.  Oman had joined a number of conventions and withdrawn a key reservation to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.  Oman had approached all 233 recommendations with the utmost seriousness and put to use the State’s infrastructure.  In the end, 169 recommendations had been either fully or partially accepted, while 36 had not been accepted.  Oman was on its way to accede to many more, slowly but surely.  The accepted recommendations on the rights of women were 44 in total.  The status of women and children was receiving increased attention in Oman, stressed Mr. Al Rahbi. 

Oman was also clearly interested in realizing the rights of persons with disabilities. It was making headway regarding sustainable development.  As far as good governance and combatting terrorism were concerned, Oman had accepted five recommendations.  Out of the 36 recommendations which Oman could not accept, some related to the abolition of the capital punishment and others to accession to the International Criminal Court.  Death sentences were rarely implemented, and only for major heinous crimes.  Oman emphasized that reservations to treaties and conventions were the right of sovereign States.  It was too early to accede to a number of treaties, but Oman was studying them in detail.  Efforts had been made to reach the highest possible levels of the protection and promotion of human rights.  Oman was engaging actively with the Human Rights Council mechanisms.  The recommendations accepted were in line with the teachings of Islamic Sharia and Oman’s socio-political environment.  In many cases, the recommendations had come as confirmation of processes that Oman had already commenced.  Respect for the rights of others, including their religion and belief, was something to which the Sultanate paid utmost attention.  When it came to regional and civil wars, the responsibility for bringing them to an end exceeded powers of any single country.  

Malaysia encouraged Oman to continue its positive measures in the advancement of the rights of women and children, including by ensuring effective implementation of its policies and programmes, and to enhance its awareness raising campaign to combat negative stereotypes against women and prohibit violence against women.

Mauritania approved Oman’s efforts to prepare its Universal Periodic Review presentation, and appreciated the fact that Oman had acceded to a number of international treaties.  Mauritania expressed confidence that Oman would redouble its efforts to implement the recommendations.

Pakistan appreciated the decision of Oman to accept the majority of the recommendations, including those made by Pakistan.  It highly valued the engagement of Oman with the human rights mechanisms. 

Qatar noted that the interactive dialogue with Oman had demonstrated that the promotion and protection of human rights was among the most important political priorities of Oman.  Qatar hailed Oman’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, and its acceptance of the majority of the recommendations.

Saudi Arabia hailed the efforts of Oman to protect and enhance human rights, and appreciated its continued cooperation with various mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.  It commended Oman’s acceptance of the majority of the recommendations, and called on it to continue making progress in the field of human rights.

Singapore welcomed Oman’s constructive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process, and its measures to improve education and healthcare.  It called on the Government to continue improving the lives of its citizens.

Sudan praised the efforts by Oman to promote and protect human rights, and its engagement with the Universal Periodic Review.

Swaziland commended Oman for its implementation of recommendations accepted after the first cycle of its Universal Periodic Review, including through the establishment of ministries and bodies for this implementation, and the adoption of legislation in line with international human rights standards. 

Tajikistan welcomed Oman’s adoption of measures aimed at developing a culture of human rights, combatting trafficking and providing support for international disasters.  

Togo congratulated Oman on its commitment to the Universal Periodic Review, and welcomed the adoption of measures aimed at promoting and protecting human rights. 

Tunisia appreciated Oman’s constructive cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review, and welcomed Oman’s efforts to promote and protect human rights. 

United Arab Emirates welcomed the importance attached by Oman to human rights, and commended its adoption of measures to protect the dignity of individuals and ensure the principle of equal opportunities.  It also welcomed Oman’s efforts in the field of justice and the rule of law. 

Uzbekistan said that the national report was the result of an enormous amount of work and commended Oman’s constructive cooperation with the Council.  Oman’s steady development and improvement of human rights, including those of children and women, were noted.

Venezuela stated that considerable progress by the Government and the people of Oman had been made.  The enrolment of girls in schools had gone up by 50 per cent, and advances had also been made on women’s employment, which was commendable.

Yemen appreciated successes by Oman  in the field of promoting and protecting human rights.  Oman’s tangible efforts and activities in the field demonstrated its commitment in that area.

Afghanistan acknowledged that many recommendations put forward to Oman had enjoyed the State’s support, including the one on eliminating discrimination in education.  Oman’s continued efforts on empowering women were appreciated.

Algeria congratulated Oman for the excellent results in legal reforms to strengthen the judiciary and combat corruption.  Oman was encouraged to continue implementing plans on improving the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities.

Arab Commission for Human Rights encouraged Oman to ratify the two International Covenants and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and their Optional Protocols.  It recommended the creation of a national follow-up mechanism.

Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain said that Oman restricted the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, and had arbitrarily arrested peaceful protestors without due process.  Human rights defenders, journalists and bloggers continued to face threats and fear of reprisal. 

Human Rights Watch raised serious concerns regarding shrinking space for peaceful expression and assembly in Oman, and the lack of investigation into cases of excessive use of force against peaceful protestors.  The laws continued to criminalize criticizing the Sultan, and were often misused to pursue activists. 

Amnesty International was alarmed at continued restrictions on the rights to freedoms of expression, association and assembly in Oman, and disappointed that the Government had rejected related recommendations.  Oman should immediately and unconditionally release all prisoners of conscience.

Africa Culture Internationale welcomed Oman’s engagement with the United Nations, but noted the continuous existence of breaches with regards to freedoms of expression, opinion and assembly and with regards to the rights of women and children. 

The Vice-President of the Council said that out of 233 recommendations received, 169 enjoyed Oman’s support while 64 were noted.

ABDULLA NASSER AL RAHBI, Permanent Representative of Oman to the United Nations Office at Geneva, reiterated his thanks to everyone who had taken part in the dialogue.  It would encourage Oman to continue to promote and protect human rights further, in law and in practice.  It was a constant work in progress which always had room for improvement.  Oman thanked non-governmental organizations for objective opinions that they put forward, which would be duly analysed.  Information provided by some organizations, however, lacked accuracy.  For example, the right of peaceful assembly was granted by the virtue of Oman’s Constitution, while a number of articles in the Penal Code provided for the protection of public order and property while the right of peaceful assembly was exercised.  Oman was keen to shed more light on its reality and show the true picture in the country.  Oman was exerting all possible efforts and would use all necessary resources to further promote and protect human rights.  Oman’s acceptance of 169 recommendations was a good manifestation of its commitment. 

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

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Myanmar

The Council has before it the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review –  Myanmar (A/HRC/31/13).

The Council has before it an addendum to the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review – Myanmar:  views on conclusions and/or recommendations, voluntary commitments and replies presented by the State under review (A/HRC/31/13/Add.1).

MAUNG WAI, Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that only the Universal Periodic Review mechanism provided equal treatment to all Member States.  The recommendations received had generally been on accelerating the political, socio-economic and administrative reform of Myanmar, and on promoting and protecting human rights in the country.  On the 88 deferred recommendations, it was believed that many of them fell within the domestic jurisdiction of the State.  He then went through Myanmar’s responses to a number of additional recommendations the country had adopted, such as recommendations on guarantees in law  and in practice that lawyers and judges could perform their professional functions without improper interference.  Regarding the protection of human rights defenders and journalists, he said that the State Constitution already guaranteed the fundamental rights of all citizens.  As such, recommendations on creating and maintaining a safe and enabling environment for civil society, human rights defenders and journalists had been accepted.  Preparations were being made by the current government to transfer the responsibilities of State to the new government “very soon”.  The present government had laid down a firm foundation for the promotion and protection of human rights in the interest of the people, and there would be no turning back.
 
Brunei Darussalam commended Myanmar’s commitment to implementing a plan which would ensure the steady development of children with disabilities.  Brunei was looking forward to working closely with Myanmar in the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. 

Cambodia welcomed Myanmar’s advancement in political, administrative, social and judicial reforms.  Cambodia was pleased that Myanmar had accepted its recommendation relating to the enhancement of peace, development and democracy.

China appreciated Myanmar accepting its recommendations on enhancing women’s and children’s rights.  China encouraged Myanmar to continue progress in promoting and protecting human rights, which should be viewed by the international community in an impartial way.

Cuba welcomed the fact that Myanmar had accepted Cuba’s recommendations which invited the country to continue the pace of reforms and to ensure that its economic growth was consistent across regions. 

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was encouraged by Myanmar’s continued commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights.  Myanmar’s acceptance of many recommendations demonstrated its will to make further efforts in the field of human rights.

Ethiopia noted with satisfaction Myanmar’s accepting of many recommendations, including those in areas of peace talks among the people to avoid ethnic and religious conflicts.  Myanmar was commended for its encouraging improvements in economic and social rights. 

India commended the Government for the constructive manner in which it had participated in the Universal Periodic Review.  It was encouraging that Myanmar had accepted that many recommendations.  It had made a historical success by holding the free and democratic elections in November 2015.

Indonesia acknowledged Myanmar’s acceptance of its recommendation to continue to promote tolerance, harmony and respect of human rights among all communities, including through possible review of legal frameworks, human rights’ education, interfaith dialogue, and cooperation involving all segments in the society.

Iran acknowledged the efforts made by Myanmar in legislative reforms and that it had considered Iran’s recommendations in a constructive manner for implementing them.

Japan commended Myanmar for the faithful efforts it had been making towards a smooth transition to the new government, following the historic elections in November 2015.  However, it called on the Government to pay attention to ethnic and religious minorities, particularly those in the Rakhine State.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic appreciated efforts and steps taken by Myanmar to implement the recommendations accepted during its last Universal Periodic Review process, its amendment and enactment of a number of domestic laws and regulations, and its ratification of international human rights conventions.

Latvia regretted that Myanmar had not accepted Latvia’s recommendation to extend a standing invitation to all Special Procedures, as the ability of mandate holders to conduct independent missions was key to ensure respect for human rights.

Malaysia noted Myanmar’s progress towards an inclusive development, including through the empowerment of women, universal and free education for children, and increased resources for public health.  At the same time, Malaysia urged Myanmar to take all actions to end discrimination against the Rohingya and other minorities.

Mongolia was pleased that Myanmar had agreed to ratify the key international human rights instruments and further deepen its democratic reforms.  Mongolia appreciated Myanmar’s willingness to promote dialogue and mutual understanding among all groups and segments in the society. 

Philippines noted various advances in political, administrative, social and judicial reforms that had taken place in Myanmar.  Philippines encouraged Myanmar to continue pursuing democratic reforms and reiterated its readiness to cooperate with Myanmar.

Russian Federation was pleased to note that the recent political change in the country was facilitating progress on a number of human rights in the country.  Myanmar had demonstrated openness and readiness to cooperate with the international community.

Sierra Leone welcomed the fact that, following the ceasefire of 2015, the Government had undertaken a landmark national reconciliation process and had expressed a continued commitment to engaging in political dialogue with various stakeholders.  It was hoped Myanmar would consider establishing a moratorium on the death penalty.

United Nations Watch remained concerned about the Government’s treatment of the Rohingya minority and refusal to grant them citizenship.  It regretted that Myanmar had refused to grant the Special Rapporteur unrestricted access to Rakhine State, and was gravely concerned about discriminatory treatment of minorities.

Lutheran World Federation reiterated its support to collaborate with Myanmar in implementing the recommendations on strengthening the rule of law, improving protection for all, promoting religious and ethnic harmony and understanding, improving women’s rights, enhancing access to clean and safe water, ensuring access to land and land rights, and ensuring birth registration.

International Federation for Human Rights Leagues was disappointed with Myanmar’s response to its second Universal Periodic Review, especially the refusal to acknowledge the ongoing discrimination of ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Muslim Rohingya.  It urged the Government to hold accountable security forces for the crimes they had committed.

Franciscans International, in a joint statement with, Dominicans for Justice and Peace - Order of Preachers; Caritas Internationalis (International Confederation of Catholic Charities) and Pax Romana (International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs and International Movement of Catholic Students), expressed concern over the rejection of recommendations on the promotion and protection of human rights of minorities.  It drew attention to the four laws on the “Protection of Race and Religion,” which had been adopted in 2015 on interfaith marriages

International Lesbian and Gay Association noted that Myanmar had not accepted the recommendation to ensure that the lesbian and gay community was protected.  Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons in Myanmar were often abused, sexually assaulted, suffered from arbitrary detention and were victims of State-sponsored discrimination.

International Bar Association, in a joint statement with International Commission of Jurists, called upon the Government of Myanmar to engage in a consultation process with the legal profession and other stakeholders to revise the Bar Council Act.  The Government should also commit enough funds for the system created by the new Legal Aid Law. 

Jubilee Campaign said it remained concerned that Myanmar had refused to accept recommendations addressing the rights of the Rohingya minority, also noting that ethnic conflict against Kachin and Shan peoples had left 140,000 civilians displaced and 66 churches destroyed in the last four years.

Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development expressed regret that Myanmar had noted and not accepted recommendations related to key human rights concerns, including the release of political prisoners, freedom of expression, and related rights.

Article 19 expressed concern that Myanmar had not ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and urged the new government to correct that, also urging it to initiate reforms to its legal framework and address advocacy of hatred that constituted incitement to discrimination.

Human Rights Watch said the military remained above civilian control, and continued to enjoy impunity for past and ongoing human rights violations, also expressing concern about race and religion remaining unresolved flashpoints. 

Amnesty International expressed “profound regret” at Myanmar’s rejection of all 27 recommendations relating specifically to the human rights and humanitarian situation of the persecuted Rohingya minority, adding concern about prisoners of conscience.

The Vice-President of the Council noted that out of 281 received recommendations, 166 enjoyed Myanmar’s support, while 115 were noted.

MAUNG WAI, Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the United Nations Office at Geneva, thanked all the stakeholders for their enthusiasm and active participation.  When human rights issues were addressed, the respect for State sovereignty had to be observed at all times.  National circumstances should be taken into careful consideration, as there was no one-size-fits-all formula.  Capacity constraints posed a real challenge to many developing countries, including Myanmar.   When considering joining the remaining core human rights treaties, Myanmar had to prioritise and sequence its objectives.  Myanmar would study and consider all the views and issues expressed today as it proceeded to implement the accepted recommendations.  It was important to reiterate that Myanmar had come a long way to bring about better human rights for its people, but more needed to be done to strengthen human rights.  The commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights would prevail in Myanmar’s society.  Myanmar today was very different country from just four years ago.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Myanmar.
 
Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Council has before it the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review –  Saint Kitts and Nevis (A/HRC/31/16).

The Council has before it an addendum to the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review – Saint Kitts and Nevis:  views on conclusions and/or recommendations, voluntary commitments and replies presented by the State under review (A/HRC/31/16/Add.1).

KAYE BASS, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saint Kitts and Nevis, said that out of 133 recommendations, Saint Kitts and Nevis had accepted 58, whereas it had noted 75.  The latter had been noted due to the fact that they would require greater commitment of resources, prolonged assessment of the implications on the overall national agenda, and consultation with multi-stakeholders before the next cycle.  Due to fiscal and human resources, it was important to emphasize that although Saint Kitts and Nevis was not always able to comply with internationally accepted practices, it remained willing to do so.  Saint Kitts and Nevis recognized the importance of ratifying international human rights instruments.  However, it was unable on its own to comply and it was in need of international technical assistance.  A proper structure had to be created to follow up, monitor and implement recommendations, and to that end, two senior representatives of Saint Kitts and Nevis had participated in a Training of Trainers Workshop jointly sponsored by the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Development Programme.  A multi-sector core group would be formulated and would be responsible for following up on recommendations, monitoring, implementation and research.  Ms. Bass noted that in principle Saint Kitts and Nevis did not object to issuing open and standing invitations to Special Procedures.  However, the Government believed that after the core group was institutionalized, the Special Procedures could be invited to evaluate and assess its programme of work and assist that body with further improvement in its mandate and work. 

Turning to the issue of equality and non-discrimination, Ms. Bass said that Saint Kitts and Nevis continued to make significant strides to ensure that both men and women were afforded equal rights in the areas of employment, education, and access to health and social services.  However, the legal framework should continue to be strengthened and more initiatives had to be implemented in the area of equal pay for equal work.  As for children’s rights, the National Child Protection body was now operational.  It provided guidance to the agencies and professionals involved in child abuse cases.  The Government had also embarked on several initiatives to enhance the provision of healthcare and services to citizens.  A health management information system was operationalized at public health institutions, and it offered a more seamless and less time-consuming process at doctors’ offices.  The Government was also implementing the National Social Protection Bill, which would soon be tabled in the Parliament.  As for education, the Government had made major progress in the provision of education services to its population, particularly primary and secondary education.

Malawi noted efforts by Saint Kitts and Nevis to improve the economy, ensure higher standards of living and combat poverty.  It encouraged the Government to continue to pay attention to the implementation of the recommendations it had noted. 

Maldives appreciated the meaningful engagement that Saint Kitts and Nevis had with the Universal Periodic Review, and its acceptance of 58 recommendations, including the three proposed by Maldives. 

Pakistan noted that Saint Kitts and Nevis had accepted 58 recommendations despite challenges resulting from the financial crisis. 

Paraguay recognized Saint Kitts and Nevis’ efforts to implement human rights standards domestically, and encouraged the establishment of a national body charged with the coordination of international human rights recommendations. 

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines applauded Saint Kitts and Nevis for accepting the recommendation to increase human rights education and training, and encouraged it to continue its efforts towards gender equality.  It noted the challenges Saint Kitts and Nevis faced owing to the financial crisis, and called for international support to that country. 

Samoa welcomed Saint Kitts and Nevis’ continued engagement with the Universal Periodic Review, and welcomed its efforts to align its legislation with international human rights standards, and to combat discrimination, despite economic challenges.  

Sierra Leone said that while understanding the financial and technical constraints faced by Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Government was encouraged to implement into national legislation recommendations such as increasing the age of criminal responsibility to 18.

Venezuela welcomed the concrete replies of the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and its acceptance of the majority of the recommendations, noting that the country had promoted social plans and projects focusing on family well-being.

Bahamas noted efforts being undertaken to build capacity in the area of human rights reporting, adding that the full implementation of a recommendation on the ratification of additional human rights instruments would further strengthen the existing framework. 

Cuba recognised the efforts of the government in improving the quality of life of citizens through the construction of social security as well as new legislation to enhance their well-being.

Gabon noted efforts undertaken to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, applauded reform and the creation of bodies for the promotion and protection of human rights, and encouraged Saint Kitts and Nevis to continue its efforts.
 
Allied Rainbow Communities International, in a joint statement, remained concerned that the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis had only noted all recommendations calling for the repeal of the law that criminalized same sex sexual activity between consenting adults and penal provisions that discriminated against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.

European Union of Public Relations noted that Saint Kitts and Nevis was an electoral democracy, which had implemented relevant laws that protected human rights in various areas.  The country’s macroeconomic conditions had improved significantly in 2013 and 2014.

The Vice-President said that out of 133 recommendations, Saint Kitts and Nevis had  supported 58 and had noted 75.

KAYE BASS, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saint Kitts and Nevis, thanked the delegations for all the recommendations and comments.  It expressed appreciation to the Office of the High Commissioner Human Rights and other international agencies for having provided technical assistance to Saint Kitts and Nevis in order to further improve its human rights situation.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

__________

For use of the information media; not an official record

Follow UNIS Geneva on: Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube |Flickr