29/12 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Guinea-Bissau

GE.15-07685 (E) 220415 230415



Human Rights Council Twenty-ninth session

Agenda item 6

Universal Periodic Review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Guinea-Bissau

* The annex to the present report is circulated as received.

United Nations A/HRC/29/12

General Assembly Distr.: General 13 April 2015

English

Original: English/French

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Contents

Paragraphs Page

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1–4 3

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process ................................................ 5–95 3

A. Presentation by the State under review ........................................................... 5–13 3

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review ........................ 14–95 4

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations ..................................................................... 96–97 14

Annex

Composition of the delegation ...................................................................................................... 24

GE.15-07685 3

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its twenty-first session

from 19 to 30 January 2015. The review of Guinea-Bissau was held at the 9th meeting, on

23 January 2015. The delegation of Guinea-Bissau was headed by José António da Silva

Gonçalves, Adviser to the Minister of Justice on Strategic Planning. At its 14th meeting,

held on 27 January 2015, the Working Group adopted the report on Guinea-Bissau.

2. On 13 January 2015, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Guinea-Bissau: Botswana, Estonia and

Kazakhstan.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of

the annex to resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of

Guinea-Bissau:

(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/21/GNB/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)

(A/HRC/WG.6/21/GNB/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)

(A/HRC/WG.6/21/GNB/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom

of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Guinea-Bissau through the troika.

Those questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review (UPR).

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The delegation of Guinea-Bissau recalled that, after the previous Universal Periodic

Review in 2010, Guinea-Bissau had undergone a further setback on the road to

consolidating democracy, the rule of law, human rights and development when, in 2012, the

constitutionally elected Government had once again been overthrown by the military.

6. For two long years, the international isolation suffered by Guinea-Bissau and the

political crisis that had ensued had adversely affected the socioeconomic status of the

population and had led to the resurgence of some deplorable cases of human rights

violations.

7. It was in that difficult climate, characterized by insecurity, that general elections had

been held during the first half of 2014, thanks to the commitment of the international

community, in particular the United Nations, the European Union, the Economic

Community of West African States and the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries.

The objectives of a return to the normal functioning of democratic institutions had thus

been set within the framework of a political dialogue, which had led to the establishment of

an inclusive and representative Government.

8. With respect to the implementation of recommendations issued in the course of the

first UPR cycle, Guinea-Bissau had made great efforts and had succeeded in implementing

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a significant number of the recommendations. Some of the actions were still in the process

of being implemented, in particular in the areas of defence, security, justice and public

administration; their implementation depended not only on political will but also on a

strong commitment on the part of the international community.

9. In that context and despite the constraints inherent in the current management of the

country arising from its adverse economic situation in both economic and financial terms,

government leaders at the highest level had extended their subregional and international

contacts in order to ensure the success of the round table to mobilize resources for the

implementation of the development programme, which was to be held shortly with

international partners.

10. With regard to the recommendations that had already been implemented, the

delegation of Guinea-Bissau drew attention to the creation of a Gender Affairs Department

at the Ministry of the Interior, the creation of special units for vulnerable persons in the

judicial police force, the creation of centres for access to justice with funds to support the

victims of violence, through the Ministry of Justice, as part of reforms in the areas of

defence, security and justice, in order to provide legal assistance to the most vulnerable.

11. The delegation of Guinea-Bissau also drew attention to the approval by the Council

of Ministers, in 2011, of the bill on the protection of witnesses, which aimed to provide

more security for witnesses of human rights violations, including those committed against

women. Lastly, the delegation noted the drafting, in 2013, of the strategic plan for the

elimination of gender-based violence. The delegation also referred to the recent adoption of

the Act on female genital mutilation, the Act against trafficking in persons, in particular

women and children, the Act against domestic violence, and the adoption of measures to

assist the most vulnerable, including women and children, such as the hiring of social

service professionals, sociologists and other persons in order to provide assistance in court

proceedings.

12. Responding to previous questions, Guinea-Bissau indicated, with respect to the

promotion of and respect for sexual orientation and gender identity, that until that time the

issue had not been the subject of public debate as it had not yet become important enough

to be made a priority in the national legislative agenda. The country faced many other

issues requiring urgent attention. The question was of course a matter of concern for the

country but, for the time being, it had to give way to other human rights issues.

Furthermore, Guinea-Bissau could not take steps actually to decriminalize homosexual

relations since such relations were not criminalized under the law. The Constitution

guaranteed that all persons were equal.

13. The delegation also said that one of the important steps taken to promote the

participation of women in political life and gender equality in decision-making in political

life was the adoption of the national action plan on gender equality and equity, as well as

the appointment of women to senior posts in the current Government, in particular the

Minister for Defence, the Minister of Education, the Minister for Justice, the Minister for

Women, the Family and Social Cohesion, the Health Minister, the Secretary of State for the

Budget, and the Director General of the Judicial Police, besides the increase in the number

and responsibilities of female members of parliament in the People’s National Assembly.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

14. During the interactive dialogue, 59 delegations made statements. Recommendations

made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.

15. Uruguay highlighted the signature and/or ratification of various international

instruments and the standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders. It urged

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Guinea-Bissau to launch the necessary reforms to achieve political stability, and to allocate

the necessary human and financial resources to the national human rights commission so

that it can effectively and independently carry out its mandate. It made recommendations.

16. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela appreciated efforts made by Guinea-Bissau to

comply with the recommendations that it had already received. It noted that, despite

constraints, Guinea-Bissau had made progress in the area of human rights, citing the

national action plan on gender equality and equity, the Domestic Violence Act, and free

access to health-care services for certain vulnerable groups. It stated that the international

community should offer its cooperation and technical assistance in order to enable the

country to continue its progress. It made a recommendation.

17. Algeria indicated that, despite the particularly difficult context faced, Guinea-Bissau

had engaged in praiseworthy institutional and legislative reforms to improve the human

rights situation. Additionally, the country had acceded to a number of international and

regional human rights instruments. Algeria welcomed the efforts to promote economic,

social and cultural rights, through the adoption of policies and programmes on health,

education and poverty reduction, and strategies aimed at reforming the justice and

penitentiary systems. It encouraged Guinea-Bissau to continue efforts to combat violence

against women and, particularly, female genital mutilation. It made recommendations.

18. Angola noted efforts by Guinea-Bissau to return to constitutional order, indicating

that this would allow the Government to promote measures to improve human rights

protection. It welcomed Guinea-Bissau’s accession to most international human rights

instruments, as well as the actions adopted for the stability of national institutions, the

access to justice, health care and social and economic rights, and the cooperation with

human rights mechanisms, particularly the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and

human rights. It urged the international community to continue supporting Guinea-Bissau’s

efforts. Angola made recommendations.

19. Argentina welcomed the delegation and the presentation of the national report. It had

followed with concern the political, security and human rights situation in Guinea-Bissau,

as outlined in Security Council resolution 2186. It made recommendations.

20. Australia congratulated Guinea-Bissau on the progress made since the first review,

which had included the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act and legislation on human

trafficking. It commended the free elections held in 2014, the ratification of the Second

Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the

abolition of the death penalty, and the actions taken to reform the defence, security and

justice sectors. It also welcomed the criminalization of female genital mutilation but was

concerned at reports that the practice was increasing. It made recommendations.

21. Botswana noted efforts to implement previous recommendations, in particular the

adoption of laws aimed at the protection of human rights, which had included the

criminalization of female genital mutilation, human trafficking and domestic violence. It

commended the strengthening of the justice, defence and security sectors. It noted that the

political and economic instability made it difficult for Guinea-Bissau to undertake

programmes and policies aimed at protecting human rights. It made recommendations.

22. Brazil welcomed the recent positive developments in different fields of human rights

promotion and protection, despite challenges related to the attainment of economic and

social rights and civil and political rights. It emphasized that the recent elections had

represented a significant step forward, and called upon the Government to continue its

efforts towards the consolidation of democratic institutions in the country. Brazil noted

Guinea-Bissau’s respect for diversity. It made recommendations.

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23. Cabo Verde noted the multiple challenges faced by Guinea-Bissau and welcomed

the recent emergence of favourable political conditions for the promotion of human rights.

It highlighted existing constraints, such as the limited institutional, financial and

administrative capacity to develop, negotiate and implement the necessary reforms. It was

encouraged by the determination and realism that the new Government had shown, as

demonstrated by the actions that had been planned or were being developed. It appealed to

Guinea-Bissau’s international partners to provide it with additional support. It made

recommendations.

24. Canada welcomed the 2014 elections in Guinea-Bissau, which had marked an

important step in the country’s return to democratic government and in its protection of the

human rights of the people. It welcomed the country’s agreement in 2010 to revise the

provisions of its legislation prohibiting female genital mutilation, and the promulgation in

2011 of a law to that effect, and asked Guinea-Bissau to provide information on the

progress made in implementing the law and eradicating that scourge. It made

recommendations.

25. Chile noted the progress since the first review, namely the ratification of human

rights instruments, and the implementation of new laws and programmes, including the

reform of the judiciary, the criminalization of female genital mutilation, and the enactment

of legislation on domestic violence and reproductive health. It urged Guinea-Bissau to

continue that process, with the support of the international community. It made

recommendations.

26. China appreciated the ratification of several treaties, the increased investment in the

public sector, including on education, health and public services, the enhancement of the

role of women in politics, the fight against existing prejudices and stereotypes against

women and children, and the implementation of national plans on poverty alleviation and

education. China called upon the international community to provide Guinea-Bissau with

technical assistance. It made recommendations.

27. Costa Rica noted the ratification of international instruments and urged Guinea-

Bissau to align its national legislation with international law and to ensure its effective

implementation. It congratulated Guinea-Bissau on the 2014 election process and expressed

the hope that this would mark the definitive return of the country to democracy. It noted

progress on gender equality and encouraged Guinea-Bissau to continue its efforts to ensure

greater inclusion of women in all spheres of society, particularly in public and political life.

It made recommendations.

28. Cuba acknowledged the commitment of Guinea-Bissau to human rights, despite the

many challenges faced. It indicated that the reforms undertaken of the justice, defence and

security sectors were important steps in implementing certain recommendations received

during the first UPR cycle. It urged the international community to continue to support the

country’s efforts to fight HIV/AIDS. It also highlighted measures to combat poverty and to

improve education. It made recommendations.

29. The Democratic Republic of the Congo noted efforts made by Guinea-Bissau,

despite the interruption of international aid following the political instability that the

country had faced. It highlighted the adoption of legislation on trafficking and the

criminalization of female genital mutilation. It noted the considerable challenges faced,

including in combating poverty, in fighting effectively against transnational crime,

particularly drug trafficking and money-laundering, and in improving the school attendance

of girls as a way of discouraging forced and early marriages in rural areas. It made

recommendations.

30. Denmark commended the constructive engagement by Guinea-Bissau in the UPR

process as well as the progress that it had made in protecting human rights since its last

GE.15-07685 7

review. Denmark noted that, following its first review, Guinea-Bissau had ratified the

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment (CAT) and signed the Optional Protocol to CAT (OP-CAT), in 2013. It

indicated that the Convention against Torture Initiative, which aimed to assist Governments

in overcoming technical obstacles to ratification, stood ready to explore avenues to provide

assistance to Guinea-Bissau if that were deemed helpful. It made a recommendation.

31. Djibouti congratulated Guinea-Bissau on presenting its national report, and noted

with satisfaction the actions that had been taken to promote and protect human rights,

notably the adoption of a plan against trafficking in human beings, particularly women and

children. It made recommendations.

32. Egypt recognized the measures that had been taken to enhance human rights, notably

the enactment of the law on preventing and fighting against human trafficking, especially

that of women and children. It urged Guinea-Bissau to pursue the same positive path, with a

view to further promoting human rights. It made recommendations.

33. Estonia commended the ratification of several treaties and encouraged Guinea-

Bissau to continue its efforts to become a part of all main international human rights

instruments. It noted the progress in implementing previous recommendations, which had

included the criminalization of female genital mutilation and the adoption of the Domestic

Violence Act. It was concerned about recurrent harmful practices and strongly urged the

authorities to step up efforts to eradicate such practices. It was also concerned at the high

illiteracy rate, the low school attendance rate and the discrimination against girls. It made

recommendations.

34. Ethiopia commended the adoption of the National Policy of Equality and Gender

Equity, and the National Strategy Paper on Poverty Reduction 2011–2015. It noted the

special attention given to children’s rights and the aim of improving basic education for all

children, as well as progress in combatting infant mortality. Ethiopia encouraged Guinea-

Bissau to work further on the existing mechanisms to fully implement the recommendations

received during its first UPR review process. It made recommendations.

35. France welcomed the progress made by Guinea-Bissau in restoring democracy and

strengthening the rule of law, especially through the proper holding of parliamentary and

presidential elections in 2014 as well as by launching major reforms in the security sector.

It made recommendations.

36. The delegation of Guinea-Bissau assured the speakers that it would continue to

make efforts to ratify the international instruments that had been mentioned.

37. The delegation of Guinea-Bissau replied to questions raised on female genital

mutilation, the education of girls, child labour, forced and early marriage, the national

institution for the protection of human rights and the reform of the justice system.

38. The Government had continued its effort to raise public awareness after adopting the

legislation on female genital mutilation. Some of the persons found to have been engaging

in that practice had already been convicted. Those steps were a beginning and the

Government intended to make further headway, in particular by raising awareness among

women who engaged in those practices by tradition and by encouraging women who had

abandoned the practices to join in awareness-raising campaigns by explaining all of the

harm that such practices caused to children’s health.

39. Regarding the steps taken to promote education, particularly where girls were

concerned, the delegation of Guinea-Bissau said that, in partnership with civil society and

the World Food Programme, the school meals programme had been improved. The

Government also intended to adopt a series of measures aimed at improving the rate of

school enrolment and retention for girls.

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40. Child labour was a real scourge, especially in its worst forms. The Government was

sparing no effort to achieve its eradication. It was for that reason that a national survey had

been carried out in 5,000 households in order to assess the situation. On the basis of the

results, and with the help of its partners, the Government intended to put in place

programmes and actions to deal with the problem.

41. The delegation of Guinea-Bissau said that the Government had just approved a

programme to reform the justice system, for the period 2015–2019, which generally

speaking set out actions to combat impunity and corruption, to improve access to justice for

citizens, to improve the judicial infrastructure and to strengthen the capacities of staff

working in the justice sector. The programme would be carried out within a wider reform of

the civil service and a reform of the defence and security sectors.

42. The delegation recalled that the country had just reinstated a democratic system and

said that the challenges involved were enormous. The Government hoped, step by step,

using existing resources, but also with the support of the international community, to

introduce the measures needed to ensure that the National Human Rights Commission

received the necessary resources and that it was in conformity with the Paris Principles.

43. Regarding forced and early marriage, the delegation pointed out that such behaviour

was embedded in traditional culture. Eliminating the practices would take a great deal of

time and would require careful handling. Nevertheless, progress had been noted on the

ground and the Government intended to continue to work on the subject.

44. Guinea-Bissau did not have any political prisoners and steps were being taken to

improve conditions of detention within the framework of the aforementioned reform of the

justice system.

45. With respect to equality between men and women, the principle was recognized in

articles 24 and 25 of the Constitution.

46. Gabon noted that difficulties linked to the political situation had hindered full

cooperation with international human rights mechanisms for the promotion and protection

of human rights. It appreciated the measures taken in the areas of gender equality and non-

discrimination, and the reforms in the justice and security sectors. It urged the international

community to strengthen its support. Gabon made recommendations.

47. Germany welcomed the renewed commitment of Guinea-Bissau to achieving

stability and security in the country, and particularly to fighting against the drugs trade,

which had led to significant human rights challenges. It appreciated the efforts made to

combat poverty and the improvements made with regard to freedom of the press and

freedom of opinion. It was, however, deeply concerned at the ongoing human rights

problems. It made recommendations.

48. Ghana noted with appreciation the implementation of some of the recommendations

that Guinea-Bissau had received during its first cycle, which included the ratification of

many key international human rights instruments. It invited Guinea-Bissau to join the core

group of the Convention against Torture Initiative, in order for it to benefit from

international assistance in implementing CAT, following ratification. Ghana noted the

successful presidential and legislative elections held in 2014 after several years of military

conflict. It made recommendations.

49. Indonesia noted the many challenges faced in the transitional period following the

internal political developments in 2012, and expressed the hope that the Government would

spare no efforts in continuing to enact measures to promote and protect human rights in the

country. Indonesia welcomed the review of the statutes of the national human rights

commission. Furthermore, Indonesia noted the challenges being faced, which included the

GE.15-07685 9

high maternal and child mortality rates caused by malaria, acute respiratory infection and

pneumonia. It made recommendations.

50. Ireland noted the efforts made to address the issue of female genital mutilation,

particularly the 2011 law to prevent and eliminate female genital mutilation, the national

action plan, and the strengthening of the National Committee for the Elimination of

Harmful Practices. Nevertheless, it expressed concern at the continued prevalence of female

genital mutilation, as well as at cases of ritual murder, noted by the Committee on the

Rights of the Child. It made recommendations.

51. Italy commended Guinea-Bissau on its recent adoption of legislation aimed at

fighting discrimination and violence against women. Italy also welcomed the national

action plan to combat female genital mutilation and commended the inclusion of provisions

to protect the rights of children in a number of domestic laws. It made recommendations.

52. Kuwait thanked the delegation for the presentation of its national report and

welcomed the progress made by Guinea-Bissau in several areas, particularly the protection

of human rights and gender equality. Kuwait encouraged continued action on health issues.

It made recommendations.

53. Libya welcomed the progress made, which included the implementation of some of

the recommendations of the previous UPR cycle and the ratification of several human rights

treaties. Libya also noted the efforts made to review the statutes of the national human

rights commission, in order to bring them into line with the principles relating to the status

of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (Paris Principles).

It made recommendations.

54. Maldives congratulated Guinea-Bissau on the successful holding of the presidential

and legislative elections in 2014 and urged the Government to make the maintenance of

peace and stability in the country a priority. It called on Guinea-Bissau to urgently address

its economic situation, and to take substantive steps to reduce extreme poverty. Maldives

reiterated the calls made by Guinea-Bissau to the international community to provide it

with technical and financial assistance, which would be essential for the country to move

forward with plans for its sustainable development. It made recommendations.

55. Mali welcomed the efforts that had been undertaken to better implement the

recommendations received during the first cycle. It was pleased to note the ratification of a

number of international human rights instruments, the criminalization of female genital

mutilation, and the adoption of legislation on human trafficking. It encouraged Guinea-

Bissau to continue and strengthen current efforts to ensure the well-being of its population.

It made a recommendation.

56. Mauritania was pleased to note that Guinea-Bissau was a party to the majority of the

international human rights instruments and that it had adopted a number of laws to better

protect those rights. It also noted that the country had undertaken a number of reforms, in

particular in the area of education. It made a recommendation.

57. New Zealand recognized the progress made since the elections in May 2014 and

commended the efforts in restoring democracy and the rule of law. It encouraged the

continued strengthening of democratic institutions, and security sector reform. It also

encouraged Guinea-Bissau to work towards accountability for the political violence that

had occurred during the coup d’état. It made a recommendation.

58. Montenegro noted concerns about discrimination against children living with

disabilities, children living with HIV/AIDS, and girls subjected to multiple forms of

gender-based discrimination such as female genital mutilation and child marriage. It urged

the Government to take the necessary measures to eliminate negative attitudes and practices

against girls, especially in rural areas. Montenegro asked whether the Government planned

10 GE.15-07685

to review, adopt and implement national legislation to combat transnational organized

crime, particularly drug trafficking and money-laundering. It made recommendations.

59. Morocco noted the efforts made to strengthen the national human rights architecture,

as reflected in the broad reforms that Guinea-Bissau had undertaken. It welcomed the mid-

term review of the criminal procedure code, the national plan for civil registration, and the

creation of a national forum for justice and the reorganization of the judicial map. It also

congratulated Guinea-Bissau on the success of the 2014 visit of the Special Rapporteur on

extreme poverty and human rights, and noted the approval by Parliament of the statutes of

the national human rights commission. It made recommendations.

60. Mozambique highlighted the fact that Guinea-Bissau had had to implement some of

the recommendations that it had accepted during its first UPR cycle under conditions of

protracted political instability, and praised its ratification of a number of human rights

instruments. It stated that if the country had not suffered a coup d’état, it could have made

additional progress. It appealed to the international community to be responsive to the new

Government’s plea for multifaceted assistance and capacity-building. It made a

recommendation.

61. Namibia noted the political situation in the country since 2012 and commended the

efforts made despite the challenges faced as a result. It also commended the adoption of the

law against domestic violence, the national strategy for social protection of children, and

the childhood national plan. It made recommendations.

62. The Netherlands commended Guinea-Bissau for the successful holding of its

presidential and legislative elections, and for the significant increase in the numbers of

women appointed as ministers. It expressed concern that girls continued to be subjected to

multiple forms of gender-based discrimination and human rights violations, such as female

genital mutilation, child, early and forced marriages, and the lack of enrolment in, or

completion of, education. It made recommendations.

63. Mexico acknowledged the standing invitation to special procedures mandate

holders, and the ratification of various international instruments since the first review. It

valued the adoption of several national plans, including the plan to combat human

trafficking. It made recommendations.

64. The Niger congratulated Guinea-Bissau on re-establishing the democratic process

and on its return to peace and stability after the recurrent crises that it had faced in the last

few years. It welcomed the determination to combat all forms of trafficking, and the

ratification of a large number of international legal instruments. It congratulated Guinea-

Bissau on having adopted a panoply of legislative texts and regulations to guarantee access

to justice, to establish minimum standards for the treatment of detainees, to combat female

genital mutilation and to combat trafficking. It made a recommendation.

65. Portugal particularly welcomed the steps taken towards promoting and protecting

the rights of women and girls, including the criminalization of female genital mutilation

and the adoption of a national action plan on Security Council resolution 1325. It expressed

its willingness to maintain its cooperation in the education and health sectors. It called on

the international community to support Guinea-Bissau in those areas at the donor

conference taking place on 25 March 2015. It made recommendations.

66. Romania commended Guinea-Bissau on its holding of elections in 2014, and on its

cooperation with the international community. It welcomed the issuance by Guinea-Bissau

of a standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders. It made recommendations.

67. Rwanda noted positively the measures that the Government had taken that were

aimed at implementing its international human rights obligations, particularly the adoption

in 2011 of the national policy for the justice sector. Rwanda also appreciated the adoption

GE.15-07685 11

of the national law criminalizing female genital mutilation, the campaigns to raise

awareness of violence against women, and the creation of the children’s parliament. It made

recommendations.

68. Senegal welcomed the fact that, despite a difficult economic climate, Guinea-Bissau

had continued to work towards promoting and protecting human rights. It also welcomed

the adoption of the law against human trafficking and the law to combat domestic violence,

as well as the initiatives taken to favour vulnerable groups such as women and children. It

invited the international community to provide technical and financial support for the

implementation of the recommendations of the second cycle. It made recommendations.

69. Sierra Leone congratulated Guinea-Bissau on the successful holding of elections in

2014. It asked how the children’s parliament worked and what issues it addressed. It urged

Guinea-Bissau to seek international assistance to meet the financial and technical

challenges that had impeded the promulgation of human rights in the country. It

recommended the establishment of a human rights institution in accordance with the Paris

Principles. It expressed concern at the poor performance in the social sectors of health and

education, and urged the international community to assist in addressing the multiple needs

in those sectors. It made recommendations.

70. Singapore recognized the steps taken to educate women about their rights through

public awareness campaigns. It noted that the Women’s Economic Activity Organization

and the Network of Agricultural Women had played an important role in empowering

women through training, credit, and the development of income-generating activities.

Singapore noted the efforts made to promote education via the extension of free primary

education to students up to grade 6 and exemption from registration fees for the year

2014/15, as well as the reforms in the justice sector. It made recommendations.

71. Slovenia welcomed the ratification of several human rights treaties, the issuance of a

standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders, the prohibition of the death

penalty, the criminalization of female genital mutilation, and the adoption of legislation on

domestic violence and human trafficking. Slovenia shared the concerns of the Security

Council with regard to violations and abuses of human rights and the atmosphere of

residual political tension in the country, and recalled the remarks of the Secretary-General

that it would be critical for the authorities to ensure the sustainable functioning of State

institutions and the timely delivery of basic services. It made recommendations.

72. South Africa commended Guinea-Bissau on the peaceful general elections held in

2014, the return to constitutional order, and the new Government’s commitment to

inclusiveness, tolerance, and the initiation of reforms. It encouraged Guinea-Bissau to

continue its efforts to promote, protect and fulfil all human rights, including the right to

development. It made recommendations.

73. Spain noted the need to reform the judicial and penitentiary systems. It welcomed

the law on reproductive health, which set the minimum age for marriage at 18 years, but

was concerned at the increase in early and forced marriages. It commended the law of 2011

prohibiting female genital mutilation and cutting, and the National Committee for the

Elimination of Harmful Practices, but noted that it seemed that cases of female genital

mutilation were increasing among girls. It made recommendations.

74. The Sudan commended Guinea-Bissau on the holding of peaceful elections in 2014,

and appreciated the important legislative and policymaking developments aimed at

providing further protection for human rights. The Sudan noted with satisfaction the

National Policy for the Justice Sector 2010–2015, the National Health Development Plan,

the National Strategy for Poverty Reduction, and the national plan to combat drugs. It made

recommendations.

12 GE.15-07685

75. Sweden stated that impunity remained a key structural problem for the State and for

society; efforts to combat impunity were important in order to contribute to stability in

society. Sweden noted that the law allowing for sentences of up to 10 years’ imprisonment

in cases of corruption in public office and the administration seemed not to have been

implemented effectively, and that corruption existed at all levels and in all branches of

government. It noted reports in which it was stated that corruption was a serious problem

and that the situation had deteriorated over time. It made recommendations.

76. Thailand commended Guinea-Bissau on the criminalization of female genital

mutilation and the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act, and on its legislation on human

trafficking. It expressed concern about the sexual exploitation of minors, which occurred

mainly in tourist areas. It offered assistance through its Thai-Africa Initiative in areas such

as agriculture and animal husbandry in order to enhance food security and secure the

people’s right to food in the country. It made recommendations.

77. Timor-Leste commended the ratification of various international instruments and the

implementation of a number of recommendations made in the first cycle, such as the

approval of the law against domestic violence, the criminalization of female genital

mutilation, and the adoption of legal measures to combat trafficking which included the

adoption of the national action plan. It also congratulated Guinea-Bissau on its presidential

and legislative elections, which had registered record numbers in terms of participation. It

made a recommendation.

78. Togo noted with concern that the political instability had hindered the

implementation of recommendations received during the first UPR cycle. It encouraged

Guinea-Bissau to continue its efforts to comply with its international commitments, notably

the ratification of the key instruments to promote and protect human rights and the

submission of all reports due to treaty bodies. It noted the measures that had been taken in

the area of equality and non-discrimination, such as the adoption of a strategic plan for the

eradication of gender-based violence. It made recommendations.

79. Trinidad and Tobago commended Guinea-Bissau for its resilience in the face of

difficulties and its commitment to realizing its urgent, medium and long-term plans. It

noted the high-level mission to Guinea-Bissau conducted by the Assistant Secretary-

General for Human Rights, at the request of the Government. It commended the efforts to

provide human rights training in the administration of justice and to support the national

human rights commission. It made recommendations.

80. Turkey noted the difficulties that Guinea-Bissau had faced and was pleased at the

peaceful holding of the 2014 elections. It noted the reform efforts undertaken after the

elections, including in the security and public service sectors. It congratulated Guinea-

Bissau on extending a standing invitation to all special procedures mandate holders and on

its adoption of legislation on domestic violence and trafficking. It noted challenges

regarding food security and birth registration, and supported efforts for poverty reduction

and the protection of vulnerable children. It encouraged Guinea-Bissau to pursue efforts in

the area of education. It made recommendations.

81. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed the return to

constitutional order, following the 2014 elections. It applauded the Government’s

commitment to implementing the security sector reform programme and expressed the hope

that that process would reinforce the primacy of civilian authority and reduce the potential

for human rights violations by members of the security forces. It urged Guinea-Bissau to

accelerate plans to strengthen the justice sector, making it more accessible, reliable and

independent. It noted the efforts made to encourage the abandonment of harmful practices,

particularly female genital mutilation. It made recommendations.

GE.15-07685 13

82. The United States of America commended Guinea-Bissau for the free and fair

election process in 2014. It also commended the efforts made to implement the law against

female genital mutilation or cutting, and encouraged continued efforts to prevent and to

respond to all forms of gender-based violence. It remained concerned at the failure to

prevent the worst forms of child labour and to address child trafficking. Although Guinea-

Bissau had laws prohibiting human trafficking, the Government had not used those laws to

prosecute suspected human traffickers. It made recommendations.

83. The Philippines commended Guinea-Bissau on the introduction of reforms in the

defence and security sectors, which would strengthen the rule of law and help consolidate

peace. The Philippines also welcomed the addressing by Guinea-Bissau of its youth

unemployment and underemployment, in spite of its meagre resources. It called on the

international community to extend technical cooperation and other assistance to Guinea-

Bissau. It made recommendations.

84. With regard to organized crime, corruption and impunity, the delegation reiterated

that, as part of the 2015–2019 programme of reform of the justice system, steps were being

taken to combat those problems and to improve access to justice. The programme had five

main objectives: the independence of the justice system, the transparency of the justice

system, the effectiveness of the justice system, a justice system equipped with sufficient

and appropriate human and material resources, and the reform of the legal framework. The

latter point referred not only to national laws, but also to the harmonization of national

legislation in order to bring it into conformity with international legislation and instruments.

85. In addition to that programme, the Government had renewed its collaboration with

the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and a unit to combat drug

trafficking in airports would be set up that year. Guinea-Bissau had also worked with

UNODC on combating corruption through a unit that would be set up with the assistance of

the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).

86. The Government was also taking steps to investigate the crimes mentioned by some

delegations. However, the Government intended to conduct an inclusive dialogue for

national reconciliation, so that the investigations did not undermine the progress made and

so that they were conducted within a framework of reconciliation and transitional justice.

87. In the context of the harmonization of national legislation with Guinea-Bissau’s

international obligations, legal provisions would be introduced to combat organized crime,

since the concept did not exist in the country’s legislation.

88. With respect to access to justice, the Delegation of Guinea-Bissau stated that, during

its first six months in office, the current Government had already begun building two

regional courts, situated not in the capital but in regions of the country, with the support of

the United Nations Development Programme.

89. Regarding the registration of births, a national campaign was planned offering all

registrations during a period of one year free of charge in order to allow all unregistered

births to be recorded.

90. Concerning trafficking of children and the commercial and sexual exploitation of

girls, Guinea-Bissau recalled that the country had ratified International Labour

Organization (ILO) Conventions No. 138, concerning Minimum Age for Admission to

Employment, and No. 182, concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the

Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour. During the time Guinea-Bissau had

enjoyed the effective support of an active ILO programme, many measures had been put in

place to combat those problems. The delegation recalled the resulting establishment of a

national committee on trafficking in human beings and of a national committee on

combating child labour. The problem was the lack of resources. Guinea-Bissau had

14 GE.15-07685

received support from ILO from September 2010 to February 2014 but, since the

completion of the project, the country had been left to continue the activities on its own.

91. The delegation provided information on the National Children’s Parliament, an

institution composed of members of youth associations, supported by the Parliament of

Guinea-Bissau, which was funded with a small budget and monitored all issues relating to

the rights of the child.

92. With respect to combating poverty, the delegation referred to measures adopted

under the strategic instruments policy, such as the second national strategy for poverty

reduction paper, as well as other measures in the social programme aimed at reducing

extreme poverty, tackling the non-enrolment of girls in school, rendering the justice system

more independent and effective, and combating corruption.

93. The delegation of Guinea-Bissau recalled that the situation in the country was

difficult and urged the international community to continue to support the country’s efforts,

particularly with regard to the round-table meeting that was being organized, in the course

of which the Government would present its strategic priorities and its needs in terms of

development of the country and improving the human rights situation.

94. The delegation of Guinea-Bissau reiterated that it was ready to cooperate with the

special procedures of the United Nations at all times.

95. Finally, the delegation thanked all participants for their attention and their

encouragement.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations**

96. The following recommendations will be examined by Guinea-Bissau, which will

provide responses in due time, but no later than the twenty-ninth session of the

Human Rights Council in June 2015:

96.1 Complete the process of ratification of international legal instruments

(Gabon);

96.2 Expand as much as possible the ratification of the whole set of

international human rights instruments recommended during the 2010 UPR

and not yet ratified (Cabo Verde);

96.3 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT)

(Denmark); ratify OP-CAT (Montenegro); ratify OP-CAT (Romania);

96.4 Consider the ratification of the International Convention on the

Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their

Families (ICRMW) (Democratic Republic of the Congo);

96.5 Consider ratifying ICRMW (Ghana);

96.6 Adopt and ratify ICRMW (Morocco); ratify ICRMW (Timor-Leste);

96.7 Consider ratifying human rights treaties to which Guinea-Bissau is not

yet a party, such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

(Brazil);

** The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.

GE.15-07685 15

96.8 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Ghana);

96.9 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (OP-ICESCR), already signed by

Guinea-Bissau (Spain);

96.10 Ratify OP-ICESCR, and accept its investigation and inter-State

communications mechanisms (Uruguay);

96.11 Consider ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal

Court (ICC) (Ghana);

96.12 Ratify the Rome Statute of ICC (Romania); ratify the Rome Statute of

ICC (Maldives); ratify the Rome Statute of ICC (Montenegro);

96.13 Ratify the Rome Statute as soon as possible (Spain);

96.14 Ratify the Rome Statute of ICC (signed in 2000) and incorporate it into

its national legislation (Uruguay); ratify the Rome Statute of ICC and

incorporate it into its national law (France);

96.15 Ratify and fully align its national legislation with the Rome Statute of

ICC (Netherlands);

96.16 Ratify and fully align its national legislation with the Rome Statute of

ICC (Estonia);

96.17 Accede to the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of ICC

(Estonia);

96.18 Accede to the Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory

Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity without making any

reservations, and incorporate it into its national legislation (Uruguay);

96.19 Restructure and give new impetus to the National Human Rights

Commission (Gabon);

96.20 Finalize the process of revision of the Statute of the National

Commission of Human Rights to bring it into compliance with the Paris

Principles (Democratic Republic of the Congo);

96.21 Finalize the process of revision of the Statute of the National

Commission of Human Rights to bring it into compliance with the Paris

Principles (France);

96.22 Expedite the reform of its National Human Rights Commission and

continue to support the implementation of the Commission’s mandates with

neutrality and impartiality (Thailand);

96.23 Speed up its efforts in reviewing the Statutes of the National

Commission of Human Rights with a view to making the Commission fully

comply with the Paris Principles (Indonesia);

96.24 Conclude the revision of the Statute of the National Human Rights

Commission to bring it in line with the Paris Principles, also in compliance with

the Lisbon Declaration and Protocol of May 2013, which creates the Network of

NHRIs of the Portuguese Speaking Countries (Portugal);

96.25 Continue the review of the Statutes of the National Commission for

Human Rights to bring them into line with the Paris Principles to arrive at the

adoption of these new Statutes as soon as possible (Libya);

16 GE.15-07685

96.26 Adopt a comprehensive national human rights action plan aimed at

addressing all human rights violations (Botswana);

96.27 Improve the performance of public institutions in the protection,

promotion and fulfilment of human rights in the country (South Africa);

96.28 Take measures to increase transparency in public administration in

order to instil trust among the general public hence contributing to stability in

the Guinean society (Sweden);

96.29 Pay the highest possible attention to children’s rights, particularly

through adopting a comprehensive code on children’s rights (Cabo Verde);

96.30 Draft a national strategy and adopt a code for the protection of

children (Turkey);

96.31 Improve the civil registration system in order to register all children at

birth (Turkey);

96.32 Increase its efforts to raise public awareness of the fundamental rights

of women and children (Sudan);

96.33 Continue its cooperation with the United Nations in the field of human

rights (Romania);

96.34 Finalize implementation of the unimplemented UPR recommendations

from the first cycle review (Kuwait);

96.35 Endeavour to implement the remaining recommendations of the

previous and present UPR process (Mozambique);

96.36 Establish an interministerial committee responsible for the

implementation of its international human rights obligations, inter alia for

implementing UPR recommendations and drafting overdue reports to the

United Nations human rights treaty bodies (Portugal);

96.37 Submit the various overdue reports to the relevant treaty bodies

(Sierra Leone);

96.38 Strengthen cooperation with treaty bodies (Niger);

96.39 Continue to undertake measures to promote and enhance the rights of

women (Singapore);

96.40 Incorporate in its legislation a definition of discrimination against

women and the principle of equality between men and women, in keeping with

its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of

Discrimination against Women (Canada);

96.41 Make it a government priority to ensure gender equality in all spheres

of life, including by formulating a comprehensive strategy to eliminate attitudes

and practices that discriminate against women and girls (Slovenia);

96.42 Make it a priority to ensure gender equality in all spheres of life, and

that Guinea-Bissau formulates a comprehensive strategy to eliminate negative

attitudes and practices that affect women and girls (Netherlands);

96.43 Further promote gender equality and women’s participation in public

life (Rwanda);

96.44 To take steps to increase women’s participation in society as well as to

further secure the rights of women and girls (Trinidad and Tobago);

GE.15-07685 17

96.45 Promote further women’s rights in the field of education and health

(Niger);

96.46 Strengthen measures to fight discrimination against women and

children, particularly in rural areas (Senegal);

96.47 Continue making progress in the implementation of legislative

provisions to prohibit and combat discrimination against children with

disabilities, children with HIV/AIDS, and girls, in line with the Committee on

the Rights of the Child recommendation (Chile);

96.48 Consider enacting specific legislation which prohibits discrimination

against certain groups of children, particularly girls, children with disabilities

and children living with HIV/AIDS (Namibia);

96.49 Take concrete measures to combat discrimination against all children,

including by creating a specific comprehensive strategy to eliminate negative

attitudes and practices that discriminate against children and to encourage

girls to attend school (Estonia);

96.50 Continue to improve conditions of detention (Djibouti);

96.51 Improve detention conditions for all, particularly women and youth

(Rwanda);

96.52 Ensure the effective implementation of the recently adopted legislation

aimed at fighting discrimination and violence against women (Italy);

96.53 Implement existing laws to prosecute sexual and gender-based violence,

in particular female genital mutilation as well as domestic violence, and to

address legal gaps and other deficiencies in measures to combat sexual and

gender-based violence effectively (Germany);

96.54 Complement legislative efforts to improve women’s rights with public

awareness campaigns on Female Genital Mutilation or cutting and protection

against abuse and sexual violence (United States of America);

96.55 Raise awareness of the criminalization of female genital mutilation and

also ensure perpetrators of female genital mutilation are brought to justice

(Australia);

96.56 Accelerate the implementation of the national plan to combat female

genital mutilation so that this practice is eradicated and effectively

criminalized, and additionally, strengthen education and awareness-raising

programmes (Chile);

96.57 Take measures to enforce the criminalization of female genital

mutilation, ensuring that offenders are prosecuted and punished in accordance

with the law, as well as re-enforcing public education and awareness-raising

programmes aimed at eliminating this practice (Ireland);

96.58 Assess the implementation of the National Action Plan to Combat

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (Italy);

96.59 Identify lessons learned and develop a new action plan to reduce the

incidence of the heinous practice of female genital mutilation/cutting (Italy);

96.60 Draw up a follow-up plan to the Action Plan to Combat Female Genital

Mutilation and Cutting, which includes evaluation mechanisms of outcomes

and measures to make effective the punishment of such practices, as well as

appropriate budget allocations for its implementation in rural areas (Mexico);

18 GE.15-07685

96.61 Improve the implementation of the National Action Plan on Female

Genital Mutilation, by strengthening it with awareness-raising campaigns and

by working with traditional leaders in order to fully eradicate this practice,

while strengthening likewise the means and initiatives of the National

Committee for the Elimination of Harmful Practices (Spain);

96.62 Continue to fight against female genital mutilation and early marriages

(Djibouti);

96.63 Take practical steps, including through public information campaigns

and greater community-level engagement, to accelerate the eradication of FGM

and to reduce the number of child, early and forced marriages (United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

96.64 Enhance efforts to eliminate FGM, as well as the early and enforced

marriage of girls (Portugal);

96.65 Continue deepening measures aimed at achieving the eradication of

practices such as female genital mutilation and cutting, as well as forced

marriages (Argentina);

96.66 Continue its efforts to fight against discrimination and violence against

women, in particular with regard to FGM and forced and early marriages

(France);

96.67 Enforce national legislation in rural areas in order to prevent child,

early and forced marriage (Sierra Leone);

96.68 Strengthen efforts to eliminate early and forced marriage (Maldives);

96.69 Take measures to prevent child, early and forced marriages, including

through awareness-raising campaigns and measures for the monitoring of the

implementation of existing legislation and by promoting the enrolment of girls

in schools (Canada);

96.70 Adopt measures that ensure compliance with the Law on Reproductive

Health, by promoting the provision of education allowances in areas with high

rates of forced and early marriages (Spain);

96.71 Investigate and vigorously prosecute crimes perpetuated against

vulnerable groups, such as the disabled and persons with albinism (Sierra

Leone);

96.72 Take the necessary measures to prevent the ritual murder of persons

with albinism, children with disabilities, twins, and children accused of

practising witchcraft, to investigate and prosecute those suspected of

committing these crimes, and to increase efforts to raise awareness of the need

to eradicate such practices (Ireland);

96.73 Adopt specific laws that prohibit discrimination and protect girls,

children with disabilities and children with HIV/AIDS; undertake, in addition,

awareness-raising campaigns to promote the dignity and rights of children with

albinism, twins, children with disabilities and children accused of witchcraft, in

order to combat the abandonment and/or execution, of which they are victims

(Mexico);

96.74 Explicitly prohibit corporal punishment of children in all settings

(Slovenia);

GE.15-07685 19

96.75 Take measures to prevent violence against women and girls,

particularly by the development of a strategy for protection and social

reintegration in order to reduce child trafficking and sexual abuse (Canada);

96.76 Take the necessary steps to combat sexual trafficking and abuses of

children, including through improving the judicial system, strengthening the

relevant government institutions and providing educational treatment and

restorative support to the victims (Thailand);

96.77 Enforce legislation that criminalizes child trafficking, through

investigation and prosecution of trafficking offenses, reconvene the Inter-

Ministerial Steering Committee on Trafficking, and allocate specific funds to

the committee for implementation of a national action plan (United States of

America);

96.78 Develop legislation to protect all children from the worst forms of child

labour, including commercial sexual exploitation (United States of America);

96.79 Adopt a comprehensive policy for the protection of children that

provides, in particular, strengthening the combat against child labour and

trafficking (France);

96.80 Consider the feasibility of implementing social protection programmes

that would assist in addressing the problem of child labour (Egypt);

96.81 Finalize the preparation of the National Action Plan to Combat Child

Labour (Ethiopia);

96.82 Take appropriate measures to address the economic exploitation of

children and ensure full respect of their rights in compliance with the

international standards set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child

and the ILO fundamental conventions (Italy);

96.83 Pursue reforms in the justice sector (Algeria);

96.84 Continue the reform process of the justice system (Angola);

96.85 Continue to take measures to strengthen the justice system

(Singapore);

96.86 Adopt measures to strengthen the judicial system for the provision of

effective, independent and credible service (Botswana);

96.87 Step up and accelerate the process of reform of the judicial and

penitentiary systems to ensure access to justice regardless of economic status,

gender, social origin or political position (Spain);

96.88 Speed up judicial reforms in order to guarantee the functioning of the

judiciary with the highest international human rights standards, and in

particular facilitate access to justice for all persons on an equal footing without

discrimination (Costa Rica);

96.89 Take concrete steps to ensure the independence of the judiciary

(Sweden);

96.90 Reinforce plans and programmes to strengthen and guarantee the

independence and effectiveness of judicial institutions, by providing them with

adequate structures and financial resources (Chile);

96.91 Further action to ensure that court services are available in all regions,

and that fees associated with court action are not prohibitive (New Zealand);

20 GE.15-07685

96.92 Adopt follow-up actions to the national justice plan, which include

administrative measures to ensure access to the justice system, training

programmes, and legislative measures on safeguards to guarantee the

independence of the judiciary (Mexico);

96.93 Provide adequate resources, including taking capacity-building

measures, to enable the judiciary and the legal authorities to function properly

(Sweden);

96.94 Urgently accelerate reforms to the justice sector in order to ensure that

members of the judiciary receive adequate legal training in preparation for

their assignment, and that access to courts is facilitated by ensuring that

enough courts exist in all regions, as well as by taking measures to allow

persons without sufficient means to also access the court system (Germany);

96.95 Continue to strengthen and promote the rule of law based on effective

and accountable state institutions, through, inter alia, the reform of the defence

sector and the adoption of measures to foster independence of the Judiciary

(Brazil);

96.96 Continue to engage its international and regional development

partners for support in the continued implementation of its defence and

security sector reform initiatives, and to take initial steps to ensure that law

enforcement personnel are provided with appropriate human rights education

and training (Philippines);

96.97 Undertake reforms in the defence and security sectors to avoid military

interference in government affairs and to create the necessary conditions to put

in place the rule of law (Costa Rica);

96.98 Consolidate its justice, security and defence sector reforms to prevent

the recurrence of coups d’état and ensure a sustainable constitutional order in

Guinea-Bissau (Ghana);

96.99 Prosecute human rights violations committed by members of the

security service and to take measures that the judiciary can work

independently without being hindered by persons related to organized crime or

the security sector and others (Germany);

96.100 Complete the reform of the security sector in order to ensure its

conformity with international norms and to guarantee full respect of human

rights by the security forces (France);

96.101 Strengthen the judiciary in order to fight against impunity and all

forms of crime (Democratic Republic of the Congo);

96.102 Combat the prevailing impunity, thereby defending victims’ rights and

promoting respect for human rights (Portugal);

96.103 Take the necessary measures to fight against impunity for human

rights violations, regardless of who the perpetrators are (France);

96.104 Take steps to end impunity, and to bring to justice those responsible

for human rights abuses or violations (United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Northern Ireland);

96.105 Address the serious impunity issues regarding alleged arbitrary arrests

and prolonged detention of government critics (Australia);

GE.15-07685 21

96.106 Ensure respect of the rights and fundamental freedoms of the entire

population, in particular women and children, and adopt all necessary

measures to ensure the fight against impunity, by initiating investigations in

order to identify the perpetrators of acts of violence and of all human rights

violations (Argentina);

96.107 Bring juvenile justice into conformity with the Convention on the

Rights of the Child (Mali);

96.108 Create a legal framework that gives sufficient protection for “whistle-

blowers” testifying in crimes related to corruption (Sweden);

96.109 Provide enough financial and personnel resources to enable the

Attorney General’s office, as well as law enforcement authorities, to fight

corruption in the country (Sweden);

96.110 Consider implementing possible legislative mechanisms that would

assist in combating transnational organized crime, in particular drug

trafficking and money-laundering (Egypt);

96.111 Take urgent steps to adopt all appropriate measures to combat the root

causes of political instability in Guinea-Bissau, including tackling illicit drug-

related corruption and money-laundering (Ghana);

96.112 Give priority to ensuring protection of freedom of speech (Australia);

96.113 Continue to enhance its programmes towards employment of its youth

in the agriculture and fisheries sectors (Philippines);

96.114 Continue to deepen efforts in the human rights field, in particular

economic, social and cultural rights, so as to improve the living conditions of its

people, in particular of the most vulnerable sectors (Venezuela (Bolivarian

Republic of));

96.115 Continue the fight against poverty as one of the country’s key priorities

(Cuba);

96.116 Strengthen policies aimed at reducing poverty (Angola);

96.117 Adopt appropriate measures to reduce the high rate of people living in

extreme poverty (Togo);

96.118 Continue to prioritize poverty alleviation in its efforts to raise the living

standards of its people (China);

96.119 Continue efforts to reduce poverty, particularly through the

implementation of the 2011–2015 National Strategy (Algeria);

96.120 Take significant measures to reduce poverty, especially taking into

consideration the rights of children (Maldives);

96.121 Remain to be active in seeking the continuing support of the

international community for the realization of its employment-generation and

poverty-alleviation programmes (Philippines);

96.122 Develop a sustainable mechanism to protect its population against food

insecurity, through prevention strategies and the implementation of social

programmes (Turkey);

96.123 Explore possible ways of providing an adequate allocation of human,

financial and technical resources to the health sector so as to ensure access to

quality health services (Egypt);

22 GE.15-07685

96.124 Further enhance efforts to reduce infant and maternal mortality

(Ethiopia);

96.125 Strengthen efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality (South

Africa);

96.126 Enhance efforts to reduce the high maternal and under-five morbidity

and mortality rates (Portugal);

96.127 Intensify its efforts to significantly reduce the rate of maternal and

under-five child mortality and morbidity (Togo);

96.128 Continue its efforts to reduce the maternal and child mortality rates, in

particular by taking preventive measures, conducting vaccination campaigns,

as well as formulating a comprehensive plans and strategy in health sectors

(Indonesia);

96.129 Increase the health budget allocation to the recommended minimum of

15 per cent of GDP, in line with commitments under the Abuja Declaration, in

order to counter the alarming maternal and under-five mortality and

morbidity rates (Slovenia);

96.130 Take all necessary measures to reduce the number of HIV/AIDS

infections by means of enhancing national education programmes, and increase

efforts to ensure the availability and access to antiretroviral treatment drugs

(Namibia);

96.131 Improve the health and education systems (Angola);

96.132 Continue efforts aimed at strengthening the protection of human

rights, in addition to improving the education and health system (Kuwait);

96.133 Create conditions for the most vulnerable to have access to basic

education and health services (Rwanda);

96.134 Implement all possible measures to improve the country’s education

system (Cuba);

96.135 Improve the development of education by increasing school enrolment

and improving the quality of education (China);

96.136 Continue to take steps to raise education standards (Singapore);

96.137 Continue its efforts to improve the national education system and to

include human rights education in the school curricula (Sudan);

96.138 Increase funding for education and enforce compulsory schooling for

all children (Slovenia);

96.139 Take the necessary measures to ensure access to education without

discrimination and establish universal free primary education (Turkey);

96.140 Pursue its efforts to provide access to education to all children (Togo);

96.141 To put in place measures to increase access to education for all

children and improve the educational infrastructure and quality of education

(Trinidad and Tobago);

96.142 Seek to ensure access to education for all children and to improve the

educational infrastructure and the quality of education (Egypt);

96.143 Establish a national plan to ensure universal access to education

(Morocco);

GE.15-07685 23

96.144 Pursue its efforts aimed at allowing all children to have access to

schooling and address disparities in access to education (Mauritania);

96.145 Enhance efforts to ensure that all children have access to free,

compulsory and quality primary education (Portugal);

96.146 Ensure free primary education for all without any discrimination,

including by increasing funding for education (Estonia);

96.147 Work towards enforcing the law on the education system and increase

financial support specifically for education to ensure that all children receive

education, and upgrade the educational infrastructure and the quality of

education (Libya);

96.148 Establish the necessary conditions to provide access for the most

vulnerable population to basic education and relaunch its policy to encourage

the enrolment of girls in schools (Gabon);

96.149 Progressively realize the right to education for all, by creating

conditions in which the most vulnerable receive access to basic education, and

in this context, to implement a policy to also encourage girls to attend school

(Germany);

96.150 Increase funding for education; ensure access to education for all

children; overcome gender disparities in access to education and improve the

educational infrastructure and the quality of education (Namibia);

96.151 Continue to call upon the international community to provide financial

and technical support in order to strengthen the enjoyment of human rights by

its people and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (Senegal).

97. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present

report reflect the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under

review. They should not be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a

whole.

24 GE.15-07685

Annex

[English only]

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Guinea-Bissau was headed by Mr. José António Gonçalves,

Adviser to the Minister of Justice on Strategic Planning, and was composed of the

following members:

• Ms. Aida Injai Fernandes, President of the National Human Rights Commission;

• Mr. Cletche Sanhá, Director of the Treaties Section of the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs;

• Mr. Luís Vaz Martins, President of the National Human Rights League.