Human Rights Council adopts outcomes of Universal Periodic Review of Luxembourg, Barbados, Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates

MORNING

29 June 2018

The Human Rights Council this morning adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Luxembourg, Barbados, Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates.
 
Pierre-Louis Lorenz, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that the Government of Luxembourg had accepted 135 out of 149 recommendations.  Reservations to the Convention on the Rights of the Child could not be withdrawn due to the ongoing legal reforms.  With respect to the recommendation on the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, Luxembourg could not legally ratify it.  The Convention did not create rights from which migrants did not already benefit under Luxembourg and European Union laws.  

The National Consultative Commission of Human Rights of Luxembourg welcomed the progress achieved and regretted that Luxembourg had not yet ratified the Convention on Enforced Disappearances or the 2014 Protocol to the Convention on Forced Labour.  No progress could be remarked on accession to the Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.  The Government was urged to pay closer attention to trafficking.

In the discussion, speakers welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as the National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking.  There was a need to regulate access to the job market for persons with migrant backgrounds who had a low level of education as well as to ratify the Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

Speaking were Iran, Iraq, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Pakistan, Senegal, Armenia, Chad, Egypt, and Honduras.

The Vice President said that out of 149 recommendations received, 135 were supported by Luxembourg, and 14 were noted.

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

Bentley DeVere Gibbs, Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that during the Universal Periodic Review, the delegation had been able to engage in an interactive dialogue with 52 delegations that made 137 recommendations.  The protection of human rights was reflected in the level of investment that the Government made in the area of education, social services and social security, which accounted for almost two-thirds of the national budget.   Out of 137 recommendations, 64 were accepted and 73 were noted.

Speakers welcomed the fact that Barbados had agreed to adopt a bill on justice for minors.  Hope was expressed that the Government would draft a national action plan to combat human trafficking.   The Government had eased migration processes for Haitians and had to become party to international conventions on the rights of children and on torture as well as to abolish the death penalty.

Speaking were the United Kingdom, Belgium, Chile, China, Cuba, Haiti, and Honduras.
 
Also taking the floor was the non-governmental organization United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation.
 
The Vice President said that out of 137 recommendations received, 64 were supported by Barbados, and 73 were noted.

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

Mehmed Zenka, Minister for Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro, said that Montenegro had accepted 159 out of 169 received recommendations.  It would continue working on improving the conditions in detention facilities.  The fight against corruption continued to be one of the main strategic priorities of the Government.  Special attention would be paid to the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups, primarily children, persons with disabilities, minorities, the elderly, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.

Speakers welcomed the openness shown by Montenegro during the review process and said it had to continue strengthening national human rights institutions and work on the impartiality of the judiciary.  Montenegro had to find a solution to the issue of stateless persons and become party to international treaties on migrants.  The problem of corruption still remained widespread, particularly in the public procurement area, and attacks on journalists were documented as well as smear campaigns against independent media.

Speaking were Libya, Nepal, Pakistan, Venezuela, Albania, China, Egypt, Honduras, and Iran.

Amnesty International and the United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation also took the floor.

The Vice President said that out of 169 recommendations received, 159 were supported by Montenegro, and 10 were noted.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Montenegro.
 
Ahmad Abdulrahman Al-Jarman, Assistant Minister for Human Rights and International Law at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, said the Government was working diligently to improve its human rights record and was adopting best practices in the field.  It was creating a national human rights institution according to the Paris Principles in implementation of a recommendation.  The Government had extended invitations to several Special Rapporteurs.  Legislation afforded migrant workers decent work conditions and protected their fundamental rights.  Steady strides were being made to strengthen the rights of women, with a number of women holding key government positions.  

Speakers welcomed the steps taken for the empowerment of women, in particular regarding their inclusion on the governing boards of all government bodies, institutions and companies.  Efforts to assist victims of trafficking were commended as well as the implementation of labour and migration policies. Worry was expressed that recommendations on arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances were rejected.  Some speakers expressed fears over shrinking civil society space and attacks on human rights defenders as well as on crimes committed under the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.  

Speaking were Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Venezuela.

The following non-governmental organizations also took the floor: Victorious Youths Movement; Organisation pour la Communication en Afrique et de Promotion de la Cooperation Economique Internationale - OCAPROCE Internationale; Africa Culture International; Amnesty International; United Villages; CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation; Human Rights Watch; Conseil International pour le soutien à des procès équitables et aux Droits de l'Homme and International-Lawyers.Org; Association Dunenyo.

The Vice President said that out of 232 recommendations received, 132 were supported by United Arab Emirates, and 100 were noted.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the United Arab Emirates.

The Council will next consider the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Israel, Liechtenstein and Serbia, to be followed by a general debate on the Universal Periodic Review.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Luxembourg

PIERRE-LOUIS LORENZ, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that the Government of Luxembourg had accepted 135 out of 149 recommendations.  As for the recommendation to withdraw its reservations to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Luxembourg could not do so due to the ongoing legal reforms.  With respect to the recommendation on the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, Luxembourg could not legally ratify it.  The Convention did not create rights from which migrants did not already benefit under Luxembourg and European Union laws.  Mr. Lorenz stressed that Luxembourg’s laws penalized the crime of racism as a standalone offence.  He underlined that Luxembourg had adopted policies with respect to the implementation of sanctions decided by the United Nations Security Council and the European Union, in full respect of the United Nations Charter.  Those measures had been designed to minimize the negative impact of sanctions on civilian populations.  As for the recommendation to introduce a constitutional provision on guaranteeing the right of all individuals to be treated equally in cases of hate speech online and offline, Luxembourg did not foresee modifying the Constitution.  The Government would consider the integration of provisions of the Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in national laws.  Finally, Mr. Lorenz informed that the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human defenders had visited Luxembourg on 20 and 21 June 2018, following which the Government had announced concrete measures for their protection.  Additionally, the Government had approved the plan of action for the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.  

National Consultative Commission of Human Rights of Luxembourg welcomed the progress achieved during the last two cycles of the Universal Periodic Review.  Luxembourg had not yet ratified the Convention on Enforced Disappearances or the 2014 Protocol to the Convention on Forced Labour.  No progress could be remarked on accession to the Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.   Concerning the institutional architecture on the protection of human rights, equipping national institutions with resources was essential.  On the opening of the security unit for minors, the Government was invited to respect its commitment that no minor could be imprisoned in a prison for adults.  Reform of the law on the protection of minors had to be considered as a priority.  Concerning the rights of persons with disabilities, the Government was invited to implement an independent structure which would gather all relevant stakeholders.  The Government was urged to collect data, in line with the recommendations.  The Government was also urged to pay closer attention to trafficking for labour purposes and in the context to immigration.  The impact of the National Action Plan on Enterprises and Human Rights, drafted in cooperation with civil society, should be closely followed.

Iran said that it had provided four recommendations out of 149 recommendations to Luxembourg and was looking forward to their implementation.  A number of human rights-related issues were of concern in Luxembourg, such as access to the job market for persons with migrant backgrounds who had a low level of education, as well as the need for an accurate definition of child pornography.

Iraq welcomed the delegation of Luxembourg and thanked it for the presentation as well as for accepting a large number of recommendations.  The recommendations made by Iraq had been accepted.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic took note of Luxembourg accepting a large number of recommendations, including two recommendations offered by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.  The National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking was commended.

Madagascar thanked the delegation for the presentation of its update containing additional information.  Luxembourg had accepted a significant number of recommendations.  The ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child was welcomed as well as the National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking.

Pakistan commended Luxembourg for accepting the majority of recommendations, and efforts on the new multi-annual National Action Plan for Integration 2018, expressing hope that it would strengthen the employability of non-Luxembourg citizens.

Senegal welcomed Luxembourg’s measures taken to ratify many international human rights instruments, and its will to combat hate and racist speech.

Armenia hailed the fact that Luxembourg had accepted the majority of recommendations, and appreciated the progress it had achieved in fostering equality between women and men, and in women’s participation in the economic sphere.

Chad commended Luxembourg for having accepted the majority of recommendations, and recommended the adoption of its Universal Periodic Review outcome.

Egypt hoped Luxembourg would pursue more efforts to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights, especially when it came to fighting hate speech in the media, and would allow migrants to access work in all fields.  In that respect, it was important to ratify the Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

Honduras urged Luxembourg to adopt measures to prevent placing migrant children in isolation, and to address cases of multiple discrimination, especially in the private sector.  It thanked Luxembourg for having accepted Honduras’ recommendation on revising internal law on aggravating circumstances pertaining to crimes of racism.

The Vice-President then said that of 149 recommendations, Luxembourg had accepted 135 and noted 14.

PIERRE-LOUIS LORENZ, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office at Geneva, thanked all delegations and civil society organizations for their support during the country’s third Universal Periodic Review process. The process had been extremely enriching.  The Government would take due note of remarks made by States and the adoption of the report would be followed by implementation efforts.  

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

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Barbados

BENTLEY DEVERE GIBBS, Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that during its Universal Periodic Review, the delegation had been able to engage in an interactive dialogue with 52 delegations that made 137 recommendations.  The protection of human rights was reflected in the level of investment that the Government had made in the areas of education, social services and social security, which accounted for almost two-thirds of the national budget.   As a very small State, Barbados was committed to the work done by the United Nations.  Barbados supported the work of the Council and treaty bodies and welcomed the positive changes in the Universal Periodic Review Process as it was an effective tool for the advancement of cooperation among States.  Following the January session, the Government had reserved its position on the 137 recommendations, enabling careful review and considerable thought to each recommendation.  Out of those recommendations, 64 were accepted and 73 were noted.

United Kingdom expressed hope that the new Government of Barbados would accept its recommendation to develop a national action plan to combat human trafficking, and its recommendation to repeal all legal provisions which discriminated against persons on grounds of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Belgium took note of the fact that Barbados had accepted its recommendation on the adoption of a bill on justice for minors.  It urged the authorities to reconsider its remaining recommendations, and expressed hope that Barbados would hold a public debate on the death penalty to set the stage for the abolition of that sentence.   

Chile valued Barbados’ efforts to ensure fundamental freedoms, acknowledging its investments in education, social services and social security.  It regretted that Barbados had not accepted any of the recommendations formulated by Chile.  Chile encouraged Barbados to continue fostering an inclusive society.

China thanked Barbados for having accepted its recommendations, expressing hope that Barbados would continue to foster gender equality and sustainable economic development.

Cuba appreciated Barbados’ efforts to respect human rights through legislative measures.  Barbados had expressed its commitment to the Universal Periodic Review, which was a sign of the high value that Barbados accorded to the promotion and protection of human rights.  

Haiti thanked Barbados for the oral update on the recommendations received during the Universal Periodic Review process.  Haiti welcomed Barbados’ acceptance of its recommendation on corporal punishment and noted that the Government had eased migration processes for Haitians.  

Honduras expressed thanks and satisfaction for Barbados’ approval of recommendations on national human rights institutions.  Barbados must become a party to international conventions on the rights of children and on torture.  The Government must move towards the abolition of the death penalty.

United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation said the death penalty violated the right to life as recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Barbados continued to present capital punishment as a solution to crime without addressing the root causes of the increase in violent crime.  Some 30 people had been handed the death penalty in Barbados.  The organization called on Barbados to abolish the imposition of the sentence for murder.

The Vice-President then said that of 137 recommendations, Barbados had accepted 64 and noted 73.

BENTLEY DEVERE GIBBS, Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations Office at Geneva, thanked all States for participating in the review of Barbados.  The recommendations reflected the diversity of views present in Barbados and the international community.  Participation in the Universal Periodic Review process presented an opportunity to show how successfully Barbados had protected its social safety net, even during a period of economic downturn.  Clearly, work remained to be done and the Government would continue to develop and create public policies and legislative frameworks.  Social policy was predicated on ending poverty and efforts would be invested to ensure that the delivery of social services became even more caring, people-centred and efficient.  Barbados’ social development strategy had addressed several challenges over the years.  Gratitude was expressed to the Council, States, the Troika and the Secretariat.

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

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of Montenegro

MEHMED ZENKA, Minister for Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro, reiterated Montenegro’s unequivocal commitment to the highest values of democracy and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international documents in the area of human rights law.  Montenegro had accepted 159 out of 169 received recommendations.  It would continue working on improving the conditions in detention facilities, and it would focus on ensuring a greater degree of protection of the rights of persons deprived of liberty in possible cases of abuse of office.  The fight against corruption continued to be one of the main strategic priorities of the Government.  Special attention would be paid to the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups, primarily children, persons with disabilities, minorities, the elderly, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.  In line with the new Law on Foreigners, a mechanism for determining statelessness had been introduced.  The authorities were working intensively on further improvements of the normative framework through the amendments to the Law on the National Public Broadcaster in order to strengthen its political and institutional independence.  Efforts would be intensified in the areas of gender equality and improvement of the position of women and girls, and protection from all forms of violence and domestic violence.  Another area that required further attention was the fight against trafficking in persons, Mr. Zenka said.  

Libya thanked Montenegro for its active participation during the Universal Periodic Review process and its efforts to strengthen the protection of human rights.  Libya was satisfied about the adoption of a recommendation on the protection of persons with disabilities.

Nepal appreciated the spirit of constructive participation shown by Montenegro during the Universal Periodic Review process.  Both recommendations made by Nepal on combatting discrimination against women and on ending gender-based violence had been accepted.  Montenegro must continue strengthening its national human rights institutions.

Pakistan commended Montenegro for accepting a majority of the recommendations it had received.  Ongoing efforts to strengthen the impartiality of the judiciary were also of note.  The Council must adopt the outcome by consensus.

Venezuela welcomed the openness shown by Montenegro during the review process.  Venezuela highlighted the new legal framework in Montenegro to combat discrimination and the criminalisation of hate speech.  Montenegro had displayed its commitment to protecting human rights.

Albania noted the continued efforts made by Montenegro to ratify international human rights instruments.  Albania also noted ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality in the country and said recommendations were accepted on combatting gender-based violence.  

China commended Montenegro for its constructive engagement and the acceptance of Beijing’s recommendations.  Montenegro must continue working to protect the rights of vulnerable populations, including the rights of minorities.  China supported the adoption of the outcome.

Egypt paid tribute to improvements made on human rights legislation in Montenegro, including laws enacted to combat human trafficking.  The independence of the judicial system had also been strengthened.  Montenegro must find a solution to the issue of stateless persons and become party to international treaties on migrants.

Honduras expressed satisfaction at Montenegro’s support for recommendations on the protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.  Montenegro was also working to protect ethnic minorities and to ensure that victims of human trafficking had access to remedy mechanisms.  The Government must strengthen efforts to protect the rights of people with disabilities, including blind persons.

Iran welcomed efforts to strengthen legislative and policy mechanisms in Montenegro with the aim of protecting and promoting human rights.  The Government was urged to boost efforts to ensure the independence of its judiciary, address overcrowding at detention centres, and minimise negative stereotypes and prejudice towards ethnic minorities.

Amnesty International was concerned about persisting impunity for war crimes.  No prosecutions had been brought against Montenegrin police suspected of widespread torture and prosecution from 1992 to 1995 of the Bosniak population in the Sandzak region.  Journalists who were critical of the Government continued to be subjected to smear campaigns by pro-Government media.

United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation said that corruption was widespread in Montenegro, particularly in the area of public procurement.  Sectors of construction, trade, agriculture and information technologies were rigged to meet demands of companies that had political links with the Government.  Montenegro should establish proper due-diligence procedures.

The Vice-President then said that of 169 recommendations, Montenegro had accepted 159 and noted 10.

MEHMED ZENKA, Minister for Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro, said that the Government of Montenegro would analyse all the inputs, noting that Montenegro paid great attention to the Universal Periodic Review process, which allowed each country to present national achievements in the field of human rights in a constructive and transparent manner.  Mr. Zenka thanked all delegations and civil society representatives for their engagement in the process.  As the country that had progressed most in the European Union integration process in the Western Balkans, Montenegro would continue to be a responsible partner in further promotion of European Union and United Nations values in that region.

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

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review of the United Arab Emirates

AHMAD ABDULRAHMAN AL-JARMAN, Assistant Minister for Human Rights and International Law at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, said the Universal Periodic Review was characterised by positive, constructive dialogue that analysed the human rights record of the United Arab Emirates.  The review identified the progress made over the past four and a half years.  The United Arab Emirates had repeatedly highlighted the importance of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.  The Government was working diligently to improve its human rights record and was adopting best practices in the field.  The United Arab Emirates was creating a national human rights institution according to the Paris Principles in implementation of a recommendation.  The Government had extended invitations to several Special Rapporteurs and was pursuing efforts to combat human trafficking with the establishment of a national committee on the issue.  Efforts were also underway to strengthen the rights of migrant workers.  Legislation afforded migrant workers decent work conditions and protected their fundamental rights.  Steady strides were being made to strengthen the rights of women, with a number of women holding key Government positions.  A multi-sector strategy was in place to promote the rights of persons with disabilities.  A permanent commission was in place to coordinate the implementation of accepted recommendations.  The Government remained fully committed to the Universal Periodic Review process.

Iraq welcomed the United Arab Emirates’ efforts to strengthen human rights, and thanked it for having accepted a large number of recommendations, including those of Iraq to improve legislation and practices in the sphere of media and freedom of expression, and the promotion of women’s empowerment in the field of economic, social and cultural rights.

Kuwait commended the efforts of the United Arab Emirates to implement the recommendations accepted, which reflected a true interest in improving human rights in various sectors.

Lebanon praised the efforts of the United Arab Emirates to strengthen human rights, especially promoting the role of women, countering trafficking in persons, and cooperation with the bodies of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Lesotho acknowledged the United Arab Emirates’ constructive engagement through the Universal Periodic Review process, and took note of its progressive promotion of women’s rights, as well as initiatives to protect workers’ rights, including of migrant workers, and to combat trafficking in persons.

Libya was pleased with the progress made by the United Arab Emirates, especially its adoption of the law to fight all types of discrimination on the basis of religion or belief.  It recommended that the Universal Periodic Review outcome of the United Arab Emirates be adopted.

Pakistan commended the Government of the United Arab Emirates for accepting recommendations and welcomed the steps taken for the empowerment of women, in particular regarding their inclusion on the governing boards of all government bodies, institutions and companies.

Philippines warmly welcomed the United Arab Emirates, acknowledging their constructive engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process.  Efforts to assist victims of trafficking were commended as well as implementation of labour and migration policies responsive to the needs of foreign workers.

Qatar noted that the United Arab Emirates did not accept many recommendations made by Qatar.  Practices of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances had to be stopped, and it was worrisome that the United Arab Emirates had not accepted such recommendations.  The United Arab Emirates had taken measures against Qatar and it requested that such sanctions be lifted.  
 
Russia congratulated the United Arab Emirates and noted efforts to reduce the gender gap and promote women’s empowerment.  The adoption of the report was recommended.

Singapore commended the United Arab Emirates for its constructive participation in the Universal Periodic Review process.  Two recommendations from Singapore were accepted to provide better access to persons with disabilities and to ensure implementation of the Strategy for Motherhood and Childhood.

Sri Lanka appreciated that the United Arab Emirates had accepted 132 out of 230 recommendations, including two recommendations by Sri Lanka.  There were progressive efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.  As the Chair of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue, Sri Lanka appreciated initiatives at the national and regional levels to improve the conditions of Asian contractual labour migrants.

Sudan commended the United Arab Emirates on its report and on the recommendations it had accepted.  Sudan welcomed the creation of an independent human rights institution and efforts made to combat trafficking in persons.  Progress was also made in advancing the rights of women.

Venezuela welcomed the frank and constructive dialogue that characterised the United Arab Emirates’ review process.  Venezuela hailed the implementation of the women’s empowerment strategy and the creation of a gender balance council.  Venezuela encouraged the Government to continue improving social policies, especially in the field of education.

Victorious Youth Movement encouraged the United Arab Emirates to continue combatting human trafficking, promoting gender equality in private and public sectors, implementing the Vision 2021, and prohibiting all forms of discrimination based on religion.  The establishment of the National Human Rights Commission would contribute to strengthening the rule of law.

Organisation pour la Communication en Afrique et de Promotion de la Cooperation Economique Internationale - OCAPROCE Internationale welcomed the adoption of a five-year national strategy for the protection and empowerment of women, and appreciated measures to combat human trafficking and the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.  Juvenile justice was, however, still a problem.

Africa Culture Internationale commended the substantive development of infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates and the remarkable improvement in the human rights situation, especially in the area of women’s rights and in the fight against human trafficking.  The Council for Gender Equality created in 2015 sought to reduce the gender gap.

Amnesty International said that given the common practice of torture and ill treatment in the United Arab Emirates, the rejection of the recommendations to investigate acts of torture, prohibit secret detention, and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture were regrettable.  Trials in the country remained flawed and unfair, with the judicial system lacking independence, and courts lacking impartiality.

United Villages noted positive steps taken by the United Arab Emirates in the promotion of human rights, including the employment of persons with disabilities, and the establishment of relevant departments for social welfare, and children’s assistance.  The United Arab Emirates continued to provide funds to the Office of the High Commissioner and was currently considering signing of a memorandum on technical cooperation.

CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation was deeply dismayed that conditions in which civil society operated had worsened in the United Arab Emirates.  No recommendation pertaining to freedom of expression or assembly had been accepted.  The United Arab Emirates continued to use anti-terror laws to punish human rights defenders and many were serving sentences.  Journalists were arrested for carrying out their work, as well as academics.

Human Rights Watch said that the treatment of Ahmed Mansoor was a stark reminder that the United Arab Emirates remained more committed to repression than reform.  Just a month ago, Mansoor, an award winning Emirati human rights defender, was sentenced to 10 years.  As part of the Saudi-led coalition, the United Arab Emirates had indiscriminately bombed schools, homes and markets in Yemen and blocked aid.

Conseil International pour le soutien à des procès équitables et aux Droits de l'Homme was deeply concerned about human rights abuses committed by the United Arab Emirates, both nationally and internationally.  As part of the Saudi-led coalition war in Yemen, which had entered its fourth year, abuses carried out by the United Arab Emirates were amounting to war crimes.   Civil society continued to face persecution and repression, as witnessed by the imprisonment of Ahmed Mansoor.

International-Lawyers.Org welcomed the acceptance of most recommendations made to the United Arab Emirates.  Efforts must be strengthened to ratify international human rights treaties.  The country must establish a moratorium on the death penalty as a step towards the full abolition of the practice.

Associaiton Dunenyo welcomed efforts seeking to bolster the legal arsenal for children, women and migrants in the United Arab Emirates.  

The Vice-President then said that out of 232 recommendations, the United Arab Emirates had accepted 132 and noted 100.

AHMAD ABDULRAHMAN AL-JARMAN, Assistant Minister for Human Rights and International Law at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, reaffirmed the importance that the United Arab Emirates attached to the Universal Periodic Review and to the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.  The Government denounced the false allegations of its role in Yemen.  A campaign was being created to ensure the success of the peace plan.  

The Council then adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of the United Arab Emirates.
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