30/4 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Liberia
Document Type: Final Report
Date: 2015 Jul
Session: 30th Regular Session (2015 Sep)
Agenda Item: Item6: Universal Periodic Review
Human Rights Council Thirtieth session
Agenda item 6
Universal periodic review
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*
Liberia
* The annex to the present report is circulated as received.
Contents
Page
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3
I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process ......................................................................... 3
A. Presentation by the State under review .................................................................................... 3
B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review ................................................. 4
II. Conclusions and recommendations .................................................................................................. 12
Annex
Composition of the delegation ......................................................................................................... 24
3
Introduction
1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance
with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-second session from 4 to 15
May 2015. The review of Liberia was held at the 2nd meeting, on 4 May 2015. The
delegation of Liberia was headed by the Minister of Gender, Children and Social
Protection, Julia M. Duncan-Cassell. At its 10th meeting, held on 8 May 2015, the Working
Group adopted the report on Liberia.
2. On 13 January 2015, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of
rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Liberia: Gabon, the Russian Federation and
Viet Nam.
3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution
5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents
were issued for the review of Liberia:
(a) A national report (A/HRC/WG.6/22/LBR/1);
(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) (A/HRC/WG.6/22/LBR/2);
(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR (A/HRC/WG.6/22/LBR/3).
4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Germany, Norway,
Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United
States of America was transmitted to Liberia through the troika. These questions are
available on the extranet of the Working Group.
I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process
A. Presentation by the State under review
5. The delegation of Liberia welcomed the opportunity to interact with other member
States and to discuss how Liberia may continue to move forward in the implementation of
human rights standards. It added that Liberia found this dialogue extremely helpful in
identifying key areas for the protection and promotion of human rights in the country.
6. The delegation stated that Liberia had made a number of notable achievements since
its first universal periodic review, four years earlier. In 2011, the country had held its
second peaceful presidential and legislative elections since the end of the civil war in 2003.
7. The delegation noted that the Government had developed a national security strategy
in light of the anticipated drawdown of the United Nations Mission in Liberia. Enhancing
human rights compliance within the security sector was an integral part of that strategy.
Ensuring access to justice was also a key component, provided for through the progressive
establishment of regional hubs for justice and security, which would enhance service
delivery, particularly outside Monrovia, the capital city.
8. The delegation mentioned that Liberia had also implemented a number of policies to
strengthen the rule of law and foster the protection of human rights. These included the
Strategic Roadmap for National Healing, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation, which
contained recommendations made by the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission;
the Agenda for Transformation, which prioritized the development of the justice sector and
addressed cross-cutting issues impacting on human rights and vulnerable groups; and the
National Human Rights Action Plan, which provided for the implementation of the
country’s regional and international human rights obligations and of the recommendations
made during the universal periodic review.
9. With regard to the ratification of human rights instruments, the delegation noted that
in 2012 Liberia had ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and
in 2014 it had ratified the Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human
Rights, the Kampala Convention and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and
Governance.
10. The delegation stated that Liberia was taking steps to address its backlog in treaty
reporting, and was currently in good standing with regard to reports due under the
Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women. It added that the common core document was in the
process of finalization. The Government had also developed a national strategy on meeting
treaty obligations, including treaty reporting, to address the matter of other outstanding
reports. Moreover, the delegation emphasized that the process of issuing a standing
invitation to the special procedures of the Human Rights Council had begun.
11. The delegation explained that the independent national human rights institution had
trained a number of human rights monitors, and had begun implementation of the Palava
Hut Programme, a critical initiative in the Strategic Roadmap for National Healing,
Peacebuilding and Reconciliation.
12. However, the delegation recognized that many challenges lay ahead in the
implementation of human rights. As a fragile society, Liberia faced additional challenges as
it strived to meet the needs of its citizens. Most recently, the outbreak of Ebola had posed
the most serious threat to national stability since the end of the 14-year civil war. The
delegation noted that the impacts of Ebola had been widespread, hitting the economy and
the health-care infrastructure particularly hard. It added that Liberia was only a few days
away from being declared Ebola-free, and was cautiously optimistic that the worst had
passed.
13. The delegation stated that, as Liberia was beginning to emerge from one of its
greatest crises in recent memory, it looked forward to engaging with renewed vigour in the
process of enhancing human rights protection. It concluded by saying that Liberia looked
forward to the continued support of the international community as it strived to implement
its human rights obligations.
B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
14. During the interactive dialogue, 76 delegations made statements. Recommendations
made during the dialogue can be found in section II of the present report.
15. Zimbabwe commended Liberia on the public awareness and educational campaigns
carried out to improve women’s access to justice. It noted that Liberia had established
human rights units within the armed forces and the national police to integrate human rights
education and awareness into the security sector. Zimbabwe made recommendations.
16. Algeria welcomed the institutional and normative reforms undertaken by Liberia,
such as the overall development strategy, the strategy of consolidation of peace and
reconciliation, the establishment of the Independent National Commission on Human
Rights and the creation of a unit to tackle sexual and gender-based violence. Algeria made
recommendations.
17. Angola commended Liberia on the legislative policy measures taken since its last
review, particularly regarding the protection of persons with disabilities, the protection of
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the rights of the child and the fight against human trafficking. It also welcomed the
launching of the Strategic Roadmap for National Healing, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation
and the successful developments in the justice system. Angola made recommendations.
18. Argentina paid tribute to the efforts made to improve living standards, which had
been worsened by the Ebola crisis. It was interested in the implementation of the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission recommendations, and particularly in the implementation of
the Strategic Roadmap for National Healing, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation. Argentina
made recommendations.
19. Australia commended Liberia on its transition from civil war to peace and on its
successful elections held in 2011. It remained concerned that despite the country’s
accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, its Constitution had not
abolished the practice. Australia also remained concerned by reports of sexual and gender-
based violence against women and children. It made recommendations.
20. Benin congratulated Liberia on the efforts that it had made to ratify several human
rights instruments. It reiterated its solidarity with the Liberian authorities for their efforts to
overcome the health crisis caused by the Ebola epidemic. Benin made recommendations.
21. Botswana appreciated the adoption of the Children’s Law and the process of
harmonizing domestic legislation with international obligations. However, it remained
concerned by the high level of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as by reports of
high rates of maternal and infant mortality, particularly in rural areas. Botswana made
recommendations.
22. Brazil congratulated Liberia on holding its second peaceful presidential and
legislative elections since 2003. It commended Liberia on its fight against Ebola and
reiterated its support in that endeavour. Brazil made recommendations.
23. Burkina Faso welcomed the measures taken by Liberia since the first review. It
deplored the persistence of female genital mutilations and encouraged Liberia to take
energetic measures to put an end to them.
24. Canada commended Liberia on its fight against Ebola. It urged Liberia to continue
its efforts to promote equality between men and women, and its fight against violence
against women and girls, particularly female genital mutilation. Canada made
recommendations.
25. Chad stated that Liberia had made significant progress since its first review, but that
unfortunately, difficulties due to the Ebola epidemic had curbed that progress. Chad
congratulated Liberia on its establishment of institutions in the field of human rights and on
its ratification of international and regional human rights instruments. Chad made
recommendations.
26. China was concerned about the serious human rights and humanitarian impact
caused by the outbreak of Ebola and commended Liberia on the efforts that it had made in
that context. It called upon the international community to provide Liberia with
constructive assistance. China made recommendations.
27. Colombia welcomed the commitment by Liberia to the human rights sector and the
efforts made to implement recommendations of the first review. It welcomed the
establishment of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights and the adoption
of the National Human Rights Action Plan. Colombia made recommendations.
28. The Congo appreciated Liberia’s commitment to putting recommendations of the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission into practice by making the National Human Rights
Commission truly independent and improving access to justice throughout the country. The
Congo made recommendations.
29. Costa Rica congratulated Liberia on the implementation of the Strategic Roadmap
for National Healing, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation for 2012–2030 and on the adoption
of the National Human Rights Action Plan. It was concerned at the allegations of arbitrary
detention of human rights defenders. Costa Rica made recommendations.
30. Côte d’Ivoire thanked Liberia for its report, which summarized not only measures
taken to follow up on recommendations accepted during the first review but also challenges
connected to their effective implementation. Côte d’Ivoire noted the progress under way in
various areas and recognized challenges that Liberia still had to face. Côte d’Ivoire made
recommendations.
31. Cuba noted that 53 Cuban health-care volunteers had been among the first to
respond to the call by the United Nations to tackle the Ebola epidemic. Cuba called upon
the international community to provide Liberia with financial assistance for the
strengthening of its health-care infrastructure. Cuba made recommendations.
32. The Czech Republic made recommendations.
33. The Democratic Republic of the Congo commended Liberia for the efforts to fulfil
its commitments despite the serious challenges that it had had to face. It mentioned a
number of achievements that Liberia had made since its first review in 2010, as well as a
considerable number of obstacles that the country was yet to overcome. The Democratic
Republic of the Congo made a recommendation.
34. Djibouti commended Liberia on the methodology crafted for implementing the
recommendations from the first cycle. Djibouti called on the international community to
support Liberia’s efforts to mitigate the negative impact of Ebola on its development and to
help the country monitor the implications of Ebola for human rights. Djibouti made a
recommendation.
35. Egypt welcomed the launching of the long-term comprehensive strategy for
development, the National Human Rights Action Plan of 2013, and the enactment of the
Children’s Law in 2012. It encouraged Liberia to pursue its policies aimed at combating
gender-based violence and violence against street children. Egypt made recommendations.
36. Equatorial Guinea stressed that for over 10 years, a climate of reconciliation and
consolidation of peace had been evident. Despite the recent health crisis due to the Ebola
epidemic, Liberia had taken a number of measures that had shown its attachment to the
promotion and protection of human rights. Equatorial Guinea made recommendations.
37. Estonia encouraged Liberia to continue its efforts to become a party to all the main
international human rights instruments. Estonia urged Liberia to enforce domestic laws that
protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation and to investigate all such cases
effectively. Estonia made recommendations.
38. Morocco endorsed the efforts that Liberia had made towards bringing about
stability. It welcomed the “Liberia Rising 2030” strategy for reconciliation and peace, the
establishment of human rights institutions, the five-year plan to combat trafficking in
persons, the National Human Rights Action Plan and the Strategic Roadmap for National
Healing, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation. Morocco made recommendations.
39. Finland noted Liberia’s development with regard to maintaining peace and stability.
It raised concerns about access to justice. It took positive note of Liberia’s initiatives to
address violence against women and encouraged Liberia to end violence against women.
Finland made recommendations.
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40. France welcomed the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan
and the efforts to ensure freedom to hold peaceful demonstrations. It enquired about the
measures that Liberia envisaged for remedying the consequences of the Ebola epidemic on
human rights. France made recommendations.
41. Gabon welcomed the progress that Liberia had made in strengthening the rule of law
and its efforts to guarantee civil, political, social and cultural rights, which had included
significant legal and administrative reform and the establishment of human rights
institutions. Gabon urged Liberia to intensify its efforts to promote and protect human
rights.
42. Germany welcomed Liberia’s efforts to improve the human rights situation,
particularly via the establishment of human rights institutions, the Strategic Roadmap for
National Healing, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation, the National Human Rights Action
Plan and the Freedom of Information Act. Germany commended Liberia on its fight against
Ebola. Germany made recommendations.
43. Ghana applauded Liberia for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities. It welcomed the establishment of the Independent National Commission on
Human Rights and called on the international community to support Liberia to ensure that
the Commission operated at full capacity. Ghana made recommendations.
44. Indonesia noted that Liberia had ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities and that ratification of other international human rights instruments was
under way. It commended the legislative measures for protecting and promoting the rights
of the child. Indonesia made recommendations.
45. Iraq appreciated the implementation of the 2012 long-term, comprehensive strategy
for development. It appreciated the building of national reconciliation and the launching in
2013 of the National Human Rights Action Plan. It welcomed the intention to issue a
standing invitation to the special procedures to visit Liberia. Iraq made recommendations.
46. Ireland commended the efforts that Liberia had made in tackling the Ebola virus.
It expressed concern regarding prolonged pretrial detention and poor detention conditions,
sexual and gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, and intimidation and violence
on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Ireland made recommendations.
47. Italy commended Liberia on its response to the Ebola outbreak and on its progress in
promoting and protecting human rights. Italy welcomed the de facto moratorium on the
death penalty, and the position taken on harmful traditional practices and the involvement
of traditional leaders in this. Italy made recommendations.
48. Japan encouraged Liberia to ensure the domestic implementation of international
human rights instruments and to report to treaty bodies. It was concerned at corruption in
law enforcement and at trial delays. It expected the ongoing debate on freedom of the press
to continue in a democratic manner. Japan made recommendations.
49. Kenya noted the Strategic Roadmap for National Healing, Peacebuilding and
Reconciliation and the establishment of human rights institutions. It urged Liberia to
implement the provisions of international and regional conventions and welcomed the
harmonization of legislation on the rights of the child. Kenya made a recommendation.
50. Latvia was concerned about the reportedly high number of rape cases, particularly
against young victims, and about gender-based violence. It conveyed its sympathies to the
Government and people of Liberia with regard to the Ebola epidemic. Latvia made
recommendations.
51. Libya appreciated the progress that Liberia had made in implementing the
recommendations from the first cycle and particularly in amending its national legislation
to bring it into line with its international obligations. Libya also appreciated the building of
national reconciliation and the launching in 2013 of the National Human Rights Action
Plan. Libya made a recommendation.
52. Madagascar welcomed the implementation of a long-term, wide-ranging
development strategy and the adoption of the Strategic Roadmap for National Healing,
Peacebuilding and Reconciliation. It recognized the efforts to strengthen institutions and
improve laws and the progress made in the areas of socioeconomic and cultural rights. It
encouraged Liberia to meet its human rights commitments. Madagascar made
recommendations.
53. Mali paid tribute to Liberia’s commitment to the universal periodic review process.
It noted Liberia’s progress, which had included the consolidation of democratic procedures,
the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the
National Plan of Action for Human Rights. Mali made a recommendation.
54. The delegation of Liberia explained that a larger delegation, headed by the Minister
of Justice, was to have come to the present session of the Working Group, but because of
the circumstances that Liberia faced in terms of flight and visa arrangements, several
delegates were unable to be present. Nevertheless, the delegation stated that the
recommendations and all of the concerns from Member States would be taken into
consideration.
55. The delegation also said that the Government was continuing to work to ensure that
laws were formulated to address gender-based violence and harmful practices against
women. It added that a law making rape a non-bailable crime had been enacted and that a
special court had been established for trials relating to rape and crimes of sexual and
gender-based violence. Notwithstanding, despite all the efforts, violence against women
and girls continued to increase in the country at an unexpected rate.
56. Mentioning that Liberia was going through a constitutional review process, the
delegation expressed the hope that some of the recommendations made by the other
countries’ delegations could be addressed during the process of reviewing the Constitution.
The delegation added that women should have equal access to economic and social
empowerment, employment and education, that the Constitution should guarantee the
inheritance rights of all women, and that the law should protect women from all forms of
violence, including female genital mutilation. The delegation reiterated that discriminatory
laws would be reviewed in the ongoing constitutional process.
57. Regarding the reform of the justice system, the delegation stated that Liberia had
made progress and was committed to enhancing the system and strengthening access to
justice, particularly via the establishment of the regional hubs for justice and security. As
mentioned earlier, the delegation stated that the standing invitation to the special procedures
was being prepared and should be issued very soon.
58. With regard to Ebola, the delegation said that the Government had developed an
economic stabilization and recovery plan that addressed all the relevant issues, in particular
the health-care infrastructure, education, and social protection and welfare. It hoped that the
plan could be shared with the Member States that had concerns about the post-Ebola period.
59. Mauritania paid tribute to Liberia’s promotion and protection of human rights
despite the difficulties faced. It welcomed Liberia’s cooperation with the special
procedures, and the fight against harmful traditional practices, urging Liberia to eradicate
these. Mauritania made a recommendation.
60. Mexico appreciated the development of the Strategic Roadmap for National Healing,
Peacebuilding and Reconciliation, and the policy on consolidating peace and national
reconciliation. It welcomed the inclusion in Liberia’s development agenda of a segment on
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social issues relating to human rights, vulnerable groups and inequality. Mexico made
recommendations.
61. Montenegro commended Liberia’s dealing with Ebola, and underlined the
importance of reducing inequalities in health-care services. It welcomed the institutional
and strategic framework for human rights and the Children’s Law. It expressed concern
regarding sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination and female genital mutilation,
enquiring about how successfully Liberia had addressed this. Montenegro made
recommendations.
62. Ethiopia commended Liberia on its launching of a strategy for development, on its
establishment of national human rights institutions and on the Strategic Roadmap for
National Healing, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation. Ethiopia encouraged Liberia to further
strengthen efforts to tackle poverty. Ethiopia made recommendations.
63. Namibia noted Liberia’s efforts to recover from the effects of civil war and from the
Ebola outbreak. It expressed its congratulations for “Liberia Rising 2030”, the Agenda for
Transformation, and the Strategic Roadmap for National Healing, Peacebuilding and
Reconciliation. Namibia made recommendations.
64. Nepal noted measures taken since the first review to implement the pledges and
recommendations, describing Liberia’s achievements, in spite of the challenges, as
impressive. It listed the steps taken towards strengthening Liberia’s human rights regime.
Nepal made recommendations.
65. The Netherlands commended the handling of the Ebola outbreak, and counted on
Liberia to ensure that survivors could peacefully return to their villages. It noted the efforts
made to strengthen women’s rights and to end violence against women. It remained
concerned about the limited space for civil society. The Netherlands made
recommendations.
66. The Niger noted the efforts made to follow up on the recommendations from the
first review, despite a difficult context. It congratulated Liberia on strengthening the
framework for the promotion and protection of human rights, urging it to continue those
efforts and to strengthen the capacities of the judiciary.
67. Nigeria commended Liberia on establishing the Independent National Commission
on Human Rights and the Independent Information Commission. It noted Liberia’s
continued engagement with the universal periodic review process. Nigeria called on
OHCHR to continue to engage with Liberia for the strengthening of institutions.
68. Norway commended the efforts made in combating the Ebola outbreak,
acknowledging that the crisis had delayed political processes. It noted the challenge of a
weak justice and security sector and supported the plan for a national takeover of
responsibility for security from the United Nations Mission in Liberia, but was concerned
about national capacity. Norway made recommendations.
69. The Philippines commended Liberia’s National Human Rights Action Plan, as well
as the steps taken towards ratifying international human rights treaties and harmonizing
domestic laws with human rights obligations. It remained concerned about domestic
violence, harmful traditional practices and trafficking. The Philippines made
recommendations.
70. Poland welcomed the legislation on the protection of children. It was concerned
about the insufficient measures taken to eliminate violence against children, the reports of
discrimination against and harassment of members of minorities, and violence against
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists. Poland made recommendations.
71. Portugal welcomed the launching of the national action plan to implement Security
Council resolution 1325 and the establishment of the Independent National Commission on
Human Rights. Portugal made recommendations.
72. The Republic of Korea highlighted the establishment of the Constitutional Review
Committee. It noted efforts to reform the justice and security sectors and to improve prison
conditions. The Republic of Korea made recommendations.
73. Rwanda commended Liberia on holding peaceful elections, on the launching of the
“Liberia Rising 2030” national strategy, and on its efforts to address the Ebola epidemic.
Rwanda urged the international community to provide Liberia with support to address
challenges facing the country. Rwanda made recommendations.
74. Senegal welcomed the efforts of Liberia to implement the National Human Rights
Action Plan, to establish the Independent National Commission on Human Rights and to
combat sexual and domestic violence, as well as its ratification of the Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Senegal made recommendations.
75. Sierra Leone commended Liberia on its efforts to address the human rights situation.
Sierra Leone noted Liberia’s commitment to implementing its human rights obligations but
at the same time noted the lack of resources for this task and stressed the need for technical
assistance to be provided to Liberia. Sierra Leone made recommendations.
76. Singapore noted the implementation of the Agenda for Transformation and the
National Human Rights Action Plan and observed that Liberia had strengthened its policies
and legislation to combat sexual and gender-based violence. However, the incidence of
such violence remained high. Singapore made recommendations.
77. Slovakia encouraged Liberia to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities and to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities. It commended the new National Human Rights Action Plan and
national human rights institutions. Slovakia highlighted the need to address challenges,
which included violence against women and the protection of human rights defenders, as
well as challenges in the judiciary. Slovakia made recommendations.
78. Slovenia remained concerned about the reports of violations of the rights of the
child, which included violence against children and the sexual abuse of children, and about
the high rate of sexual and gender-based violence. It made recommendations.
79. South Africa noted some achievements made in human rights despite the challenges
that the country faced. South Africa called for providing Liberia with additional support so
that it could address the Ebola epidemic. South Africa encouraged Liberia to continue all
efforts towards the promotion, protection and fulfilment of all human rights. South Africa
made recommendations.
80. Spain recognized the efforts made by Liberia to manage the Ebola outbreak. It
welcomed the moratorium on executions. It expressed concern about excessive use of
preventive detention and about the lack of food and of proper hygiene in prisons. It made
recommendations.
81. Sudan noted that despite the challenges that Liberia had faced in recent years, it had
enjoyed a number of notable achievements, such as the launching of the National Human
Rights Action Plan. It made recommendations.
82. Sweden noted that despite some measures by the Government, there remained a high
incidence of sexual and gender-based violence, and that female genital mutilation continued
to be practised. It welcomed the de facto moratorium on executions. Sweden made
recommendations.
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83. While welcoming the ratification of several human rights instruments by Liberia,
Switzerland noted that it had failed so far to transpose its international obligations to the
national level. Switzerland made recommendations.
84. Thailand noted the National Human Rights Action Plan and the ratification of the
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Thailand encouraged Liberia to
review its legislation to ensure its conformity with international human rights obligations.
Thailand was concerned by the lack of health-care services in rural areas and by regional
disparities in health care. It was concerned about cases of sexual offences against children.
It made recommendations.
85. Timor-Leste commended Liberia for the efforts made to promote the rights of
women. However, it was concerned about cases of sexual violence against women. It made
recommendations.
86. Togo welcomed the adoption of the National Human Rights Action Plan and the
implementation of the universal periodic review recommendations that had been accepted
by Liberia, as well as the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the Truth
and Reconciliation Commission. It made recommendations.
87. Trinidad and Tobago noted the fast-growing economy of Liberia and the ratification
of the Arms Trade Treaty. It made recommendations.
88. Tunisia noted the progress made, inter alia, in implementing the wide-ranging
development strategy and the National Human Rights Action Plan. Tunisia encouraged
Liberia to include human rights in its new Constitution. Tunisia urged OHCHR to respond
positively to the request by Liberia for technical assistance. It made recommendations.
89. Turkey commended Liberia for developing various human rights strategies and
action plans in spite of the various challenges that the country faced. It encouraged the
Government to take measures to protect and promote human rights. It made
recommendations.
90. Uganda noted the achievements of Liberia in establishing the necessary framework
for the protection and promotion of human rights in spite of many challenges. Uganda
called upon the international community to support Liberia in building its capacity in
various sectors, including the judiciary and the police. Uganda made recommendations.
91. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed the
Investment Plan for Building a Resilient Health System in Liberia, as a prevention plan. It
urged Liberia to ensure that freedom of religion was protected in the constitutional review
process. It made recommendations.
92. The United States of America commended Liberia for holding successful elections
in the context of the high demands of combating the Ebola epidemic. It was concerned
about pervasive gender-based violence against women, and that the worst forms of child
labour were occurring in agriculture and mining. It made recommendations.
93. Uruguay welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities and noted the adoption of a national strategy for its implementation as well as
the inclusion of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in its
legislation. It made recommendations.
94. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela acknowledged Liberia’s efforts in fulfilling
its human rights obligations, which had included the ratification of the Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the improvement of its legislation. The Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela urged the international community to provide Liberia with the
necessary support for it to continue its efforts. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela made
a recommendation.
95. Cabo Verde noted that, in Liberia, the weight of traditional practices was very heavy
and represented a major constraint to the Government’s will and action. It called on the
international community to assist Liberia in the promotion of human rights. Cabo Verde
made recommendations.
96. The delegation of Liberia welcomed the recommendations made during the review.
Liberia had taken firm measures to adhere to the principles enshrined in international
human rights instruments. While some improvement had been made in the areas of policy
formulation and programmes to improve the promotion and protection of human rights, the
delegation recognized that some actions still needed to be taken to address the issues raised
during the present session of the Working Group. Those issues included the high levels of
sexual and gender-based violence, especially child rape, the need to build investigative
capacity in the law enforcement services and the judiciary, the high levels of pretrial
detention, the need to review domestic legislation to bring it into line with Liberia’s human
rights obligations, and the need to address the backlog in treaty reporting.
97. The delegation stated that Liberia was committed to protecting the rights of Ebola
survivors and orphans, and to improving the health-care system in the wake of the Ebola
epidemic.
98. The delegation was pleased to inform States that human rights had been taken into
consideration in the work of the Constitutional Review Committee, which was currently
ongoing. As part of that process, issues of human rights had been addressed, including the
right to equality and non-discrimination, the rights of women in marriage as well as special
measures and provisions to guarantee their inheritance rights, protection of the rights of the
child, protection against all forms of violence, the need for equal participation of men and
women, and the need to use language that is inclusive of both genders.
99. In conclusion, the delegation expressed again Liberia’s commitment to meeting its
international human rights obligations. Liberia looked forward to working with the Human
Rights Council and other international bodies as it continued to move forward with its
implementation of human rights measures. The recommendations made by the delegations
would be given due consideration by the Government of Liberia, including by the
representatives who were not able to be present for the review, and would be incorporated
into the National Human Rights Action Plan.
II. Conclusions and recommendations
100. The following recommendations will be examined by Liberia, which will
provide responses in due time but no later than the 30th session of the Human Rights
Council in September 2015:
100.1 Become a party to the main human rights instruments (Chad);
100.2 Continue the ratification of international instruments to which the
country is not yet a party, in particular those relating to human rights
(Côte d’Ivoire);
100.3 Finalize the ratification process of relevant international conventions
to which the country is not yet a party (Democratic Republic of the Congo);
The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.
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100.4 Sign and ratify the regional and international instruments to which
the State is not yet a party (Madagascar);
100.5 Step up its efforts towards the ratification of other human rights
conventions, particularly the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women and the International Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their
Families (Philippines);
100.6 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal) (Sierra Leone);
100.7 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and
Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Spain);
100.8 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Timor-Leste) (Tunisia)
(Uruguay);
100.9 Ratify the optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child (Iraq) (Portugal) (Uruguay);
100.10 Ratify the optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child (Sudan);
100.11 Ratify the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and on the sale of
children, child prostitution and child pornography (Estonia) (Poland);
100.12 Ratify the three optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of
the Child (Slovakia);
100.13 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, signed in 2004, and
implement the necessary domestic measures for its implementation (Brazil);
100.14 Accelerate the ratification of the range of international human rights
instruments accepted at the universal periodic review in 2010, particularly the
optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Cabo Verde);
100.15 Continue efforts to guarantee the rights of children, including the
ratification and implementation of the optional protocols to the Convention on
the Rights of the Child, which Liberia has signed (France);
100.16 Continue its efforts to take legislative measures for the protection and
promotion of the rights of the child, by expediting the ratification process of the
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the
involvement of children in armed conflict and the Optional Protocol to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution
and child pornography (Indonesia);
100.17 Sign and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All
Persons from Enforced Disappearance (France);
100.18 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons
from Enforced Disappearance (Montenegro) (Portugal) (Tunisia)
(Sierra Leone);
100.19 Redouble efforts to ensure the ratification of the International
Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and
Members of Their Families and the International Convention for the Protection
of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Ghana);
100.20 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of
All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Sierra Leone);
100.21 Continue its process towards the ratification of the International
Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and
Members of Their Families (Indonesia);
100.22 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (Mali) (Uruguay);
100.23 Amend its Constitution to abolish the death penalty (Australia);
100.24 Speed up its constitutional reforms to abolish the death penalty
(Congo);
100.25 Abolish de jure the death penalty (Montenegro);
100.26 Abolish the death penalty it has reintroduced in law (Germany);
100.27 Conduct the constitutional reform necessary for the abolition of the
death penalty (Spain);
100.28 Consider abolishing the death penalty (Rwanda);
100.29 Formally establish a moratorium on the application of the death
penalty as a step towards full abolition of it (Togo);
100.30 Continue the de facto moratorium on the death penalty and further
take steps towards its legal abolition (Nepal);
100.31 Continue the moratorium on the death penalty and move towards its
elimination (Costa Rica);
100.32 Full abolition of capital punishment in all cases and circumstances
(Portugal);
100.33 Remove the paragraph prescribing the death penalty as legal
punishment by law (Norway);
100.34 Consider the repeal of the law that allows for the death penalty and
introduce a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to total abolishment
in line with Liberia’s obligations under the Second Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of
the death penalty (Namibia);
100.35 Review the national legislation to bring it into conformity with
international human rights instruments, in particular with the Second Optional
Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at
the abolition of the death penalty (Switzerland);
100.36 Abolish the death penalty (Uruguay);
100.37 Abolish the death penalty in legislation in order to respect the
obligations arising from the ratification of the second Optional Protocol by
Liberia (France);
100.38 Fully abolish the death penalty, in accordance with the Second
Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(Italy);
15
100.39 Repeal legislation which allows for the death penalty, in line with
Liberia’s commitments under the Second Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland);
100.40 Analyse the possibility of abolishing the death penalty (Argentina);
100.41 Take steps toward the abolition of the death penalty (South Africa);
100.42 Abolish the death penalty and commute without delay all death
sentences to terms of imprisonment (Sweden);
100.43 Conclude the process of revision of its Constitution and national
legislation so as to guarantee that they are compatible with regional and
international human rights instruments to which the country is a State party
(Mexico);
100.44 Ensure that the revision of the Constitution is firmly based on human
rights and complies with international human rights standards
(Czech Republic);
100.45 Strengthen its efforts to end discrimination against women by
incorporating the principle of equality into the Constitution in the context of its
constitutional review (Germany);
100.46 Incorporate the principle of equality between women and men into
the Constitution, and seek to combat gender-based discrimination, in particular
against girls in rural areas, especially as regards access to education and social
services and their right to property and security (Egypt);
100.47 Provide the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against
Women with information on the steps taken to incorporate a definition of
discrimination against women in appropriate national legislation and on the
incorporation of the principle of equality between men and women in the
Constitution (Ghana);
100.48 Strengthen its efforts to combat sexual violence by adopting a legal
framework to address violence against women and by incorporating the
principle of equality between women and men into the Constitution (Timor-
Leste);
100.49 Foster harmonization of its domestic legislation with its international
obligations (Djibouti);
100.50 Bring its domestic legislation fully into line with international human
rights instruments (Madagascar);
100.51 Fully align its national legislation with the Rome Statute of the
International Criminal Court (Estonia);
100.52 Bring domestic legislation into line to cooperate with the
International Criminal Court (Costa Rica);
100.53 Undertake a comprehensive review of pertinent domestic legislation
to ensure full conformity with the Convention on the Rights of the Child
(Egypt);
100.54 Swiftly establish a national preventive mechanism in accordance with
the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment ratified in 2004 and speed up
the process of incorporation of provisions of other ratified international human
rights instruments into national legislation (Czech Republic);
100.55 Repeal all laws and policies that discriminate against human rights
defenders (Australia);
100.56 Bring its legal and policy framework in line with its international
obligations, including the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, by
repealing all laws and policies that restrict the rights and activities of human
rights defenders, including defamation and libel laws (Netherlands);
100.57 Accelerate the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act (Benin);
100.58 Put in place measures that ensure and protect the family as a natural
nucleus of society and provide a family-friendly environment for the children in
Liberia (Uganda);
100.59 Guarantee women the same right as men to transmit their nationality
to their children, in particular by deleting Section 20.1 (b) of Part III of the
“Law on Immigration and Nationality” (Switzerland);
100.60 Adopt a law that explicitly prohibits female genital mutilation
(Uruguay);
100.61 Adopt laws to forbid harmful traditional practices (Madagascar);
100.62 Enact legislation and increase awareness-raising prohibiting female
genital mutilation (Sweden);
100.63 Fast-track the enactment of its Domestic Violence Act, criminalize
female genital mutilation, enforce laws that protect children from sexual abuse
and exploitation, and prosecute and punish complicit officials (Australia);
100.64 Build the capacity of existing institutions and sexual and gender-
based violence units to monitor in particular violence against women —
including sexual violence and female genital mutilation/cutting — in order to
prevent violence, protect victims and fully gather evidence, investigate and
prosecute these crimes (Finland);
100.65 Enhance efforts to fight all forms of discrimination against women
and domestic violence, including by adopting new legislation to this effect and
ensuring its effective implementation (Italy);
100.66 Modify its legislation on nationality so as to guarantee equal rights
for men and women with respect to the handing down of nationality to their
children and spouses (Mexico);
100.67 Further empower its Special Court on Rape and Other Forms of
Violence, enforce the laws against female genital mutilation and increase its
efforts to create national public awareness programmes about sexual and
gender-based violence (Netherlands);
100.68 Strengthen the units for the protection of women and children,
granting these the necessary capacity to gather all evidence and investigate all
cases of sexual and gender-based violence (Uruguay);
100.69 Improve the access to justice for victims of sexual and gender-based
violence, enhance the capacity of the police to investigate cases of sexual and
gender-based violence and enact the relevant legislation, including the Domestic
Violence Act (Slovenia);
17
100.70 Strengthen its enforcement of domestic laws that protect children
from sexual abuses and exploitation, expedite the investigation of reported
cases, and bring the perpetrators to justice (Thailand);
100.71 That a comprehensive prevention strategy together with adequate
legislation be introduced to combat the high incidence of sexual and gender-
based violence (Trinidad and Tobago);
100.72 Implement provisions in the National Human Rights Action Plan for
the protection of vulnerable individuals, including children, persons with
disabilities, persons with albinism, LGBT persons, and persons diagnosed with
HIV/AIDS (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
100.73 Ensure that all relevant laws, codified and customary, are brought
into compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and ensure
strict application of the Children’s Law (Slovenia);
100.74 Enact and effectively implement legislation and take other policy and
program measures to fulfil treaty obligations to eliminate the worst forms of
child labour (United States of America);
100.75 Amend discriminatory provisions based on sexual orientation or
gender identity, in particular with regard to equality of access to services and
public office (Uruguay);
100.76 Consider decriminalizing consensual same-sex relations (Brazil);
100.77 Repeal the legal provisions which criminalize LGBT persons
(France);
100.78 Revoke the law criminalizing consensual sex between adults of the
same sex (Poland);
100.79 Repeal the existing discriminatory regulation in its domestic law
against the LGBT community (Spain);
100.80 Repeal 14.74 of the Penal Code and take all necessary legislative and
other measures to eliminate discrimination and violence on the basis of sexual
orientation or gender identity (Ireland);
100.81 Repeal sections of the Penal Code that criminalize sexual activities
between consenting adults of the same sex and withdraw the two bills currently
before the House of Representatives that would further criminalize same-sex
relations (Canada);
100.82 Take legislative and policy measures to prevent and fight violence
and to combat discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation and gender
identity (Colombia);
100.83 Strengthen the institutional capacity of the Independent National
Commission on Human Rights established in 2011, the Ministry of Justice and
the judiciary (Costa Rica);
100.84 Provide the Independent National Commission on Human Rights
with adequate resources to assist it in discharging its core mandate (Egypt);
100.85 Take the necessary measures to ensure that the Independent National
Human Rights Commission fully complies with the Paris Principles (France);
100.86 Boost the investigative capacity of the National Independent Human
Rights Commission and ensure full participation by civil society in its work
(Mexico);
100.87 Strengthen the capacity of the Independent National Commission on
Human Rights, providing it with the necessary means to allow it to coordinate
human rights monitoring, investigation and field activities (Portugal);
100.88 Take necessary measures to develop internal governance procedures
in order that the Independent National Commission on Human Rights could
perform its mandated role, in particular by ensuring adequate funding for the
Commission (Republic of Korea);
100.89 Give continuity to the strengthening of national human rights
institutions and mechanisms (Nepal);
100.90 Continue strengthening the capacity of government institutions on
human rights and the application of a human rights-based approach (Sudan);
100.91 Continue efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights
within the framework of the National Human Rights Action Plan established
since 2013 (Algeria);
100.92 Continue strengthening the institutional capacity in the human rights
sector in the country, particularly through promotion, dissemination and
human rights education in the various national institutions, and establish
follow-up mechanisms for human rights recommendations (Colombia);
100.93 Continue strengthening the capacity of government institutions,
including the judiciary, police, prison service and government ministries, on the
application of a human rights-based approach (Zimbabwe);
100.94 Strengthen support measures for vulnerable persons (Angola);
100.95 Strengthen protection measures for children and vulnerable persons
(Senegal);
100.96 Take effective measures to implement the provisions in the National
Human Rights Action Plan concerning the protection of vulnerable groups,
especially concerning the fight against sexual violence against women and girls
(China);
100.97 Strengthen legislative provisions that exist to promote gender
equality (Equatorial Guinea);
100.98 Continue with the measures aimed at promoting and protecting
effectively in law and in practice the human rights of women (Colombia);
100.99 Implement a human rights training programme and the necessary
legal reforms to avoid the practice of female genital mutilation (Costa Rica);
100.100 Implement the awareness-raising programme to fight against
domestic violence against women and girls (Switzerland);
100.101 Set up a mechanism to fight more effectively discrimination against
women, prevent and punish sexual and gender-based violence, ban female
genital mutilation and other harmful traditional practices and effectively
enforce the ban while stepping up the fight against these practices through
public-awareness campaigns (Czech Republic);
19
100.102 With regard to the rule of law, launch informative programmes to
raise awareness of anti-corruption mechanisms, such as the Professional
Standard Division, as well as increase the funding of such institutions
(Germany);
100.103 Develop Human Rights Indicators, an instrument that allows for a
more precise and coherent evaluation of the human rights policies of a country
(Portugal);
100.104 Continue its efforts to raise public awareness of human rights
(Sudan);
100.105 Submit overdue reports to the relevant United Nations treaty bodies
(Sierra Leone);
100.106 Submit the initial report to the Committee against Torture, as well as
all due reports to other treaty bodies (Togo);
100.107 Issue standing invitations to all special procedures (Ghana);
100.108 Extend a standing invitation to the special procedures, as accepted
during the first cycle of the universal periodic review of Liberia, as previously
recommended (Latvia);
100.109 Extend a standing invitation to the special procedures in order to
improve its cooperation with the international community in the field of human
rights (Turkey);
100.110 Step up its cooperation with the special procedures of the Human
Rights Council by responding positively to the pending visit requests of the
special procedures mandate holders without delay (Latvia);
100.111 Strengthen its cooperation with the special procedures mandate
holders of the Human Rights Council (Tunisia);
100.112 Continue to work with the United Nations Mission in Liberia and
other partners to prepare for the national takeover, including concrete
measures to reduce gender-based violence and to strengthen the justice and
security sectors (Norway);
100.113 Continue to engage the international community for assistance in
addressing the menace of domestic violence, harmful traditional practices and
trafficking in persons (Philippines);
100.114 Continue to strengthen the capacity of domestic institutions to
combat sexual and gender-based violence, including through cooperation with
the international community (Singapore);
100.115 Put an end to the widespread gender discrimination which
particularly affects girls living in rural areas (Congo);
100.116 Eliminate all forms of discrimination, particularly against children in
vulnerable situations (Ghana);
100.117 Eliminate all forms of discrimination particularly against vulnerable
children (Congo);
100.118 Take steps to harmonize her nationality laws in order to provide
women with the right to pass on their rights of nationality to children born
abroad, on an equal basis with men (Kenya);
100.119 Do more to fight discrimination against Liberian women by allowing
them to transmit their nationalities to their children and their spouses
(Senegal);
100.120 Combat discrimination and all types of violence against women in the
country, and multiply efforts for the empowerment of women in every area of
life (Turkey);
100.121 Condemn discrimination, particularly that based on sexual
orientation and identity (Madagascar);
100.122 Ensure to LGBTI persons the full enjoyment and equal treatment of
their human rights by derogating norms that criminalize and stigmatize them
(Argentina);
100.123 Combat all forms of discrimination and abuse against LGBTI
persons (Italy);
100.124 Put forward more efforts to protect victims of Ebola and seek
solutions for the human rights concerns arising from discrimination and
stigmatization of patients, victims, survivors and health workers (Republic of
Korea);
100.125 Further improve the birth registration system and support it by
awareness-raising activities, in order to boost the registration numbers
(Turkey);
100.126 Fight the increased rate of persons subjected to sexual and gender-
based violence (Angola);
100.127 Intensify efforts to ensure gender equality and eliminate gender-
based violence (Botswana);
100.128 Continue its efforts to fight against violence against women and girls,
in particular female genital mutilation, and adopt legislation criminalizing this
harmful practice (Canada);
100.129 Intensify efforts to ensure gender equality and eliminate gender-
based violence, including sexual violence and harmful traditional practices
(Estonia);
100.130 Fight female genital mutilation and early marriage (Angola);
100.131 Continue to combat violence against women, particularly female
genital mutilation and sexual violence, ensure that this violence is always
prosecuted, and continue to organize awareness-raising campaigns on this issue
(France);
100.132 Intensify efforts to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence and to
specifically criminalize female genital mutilation as well as to take all necessary
measures to ensure its eradication (Ireland);
100.133 Continue working to combat child, early and forced marriage, to
legally prohibit female genital mutilations and to increase support to girls from
the poorest households and rural areas who are reportedly more at risk of
being subject to these practices (Italy);
100.134 Take further effective measures to address the continued high crime
rates in the areas of sexual violence against women and the trafficking of
women and children (Japan);
21
100.135 Significantly step up its efforts in addressing the reportedly high
number of rape cases, particularly against young victims, and gender-based
violence (Latvia);
100.136 Continue to make traditional communities aware of the consequences
in terms of human rights abuses of harmful traditional practices (Mauritania);
100.137 Continue combating female genital mutilation (Ethiopia);
100.138 Continue to criminalize and ultimately eradicate sexual and gender-
based violence such as female genital mutilation and harmful traditional
practices, including trials by ordeal (Republic of Korea);
100.139 Intensify efforts towards the total eradication of female genital
mutilation (Rwanda);
100.140 Strengthen efforts on combating sexual and gender-based violence as
well as female genital mutilation (South Africa);
100.141 Increase the efforts by the Ministry of the Interior to combat the
practice of female genital mutilation, particularly in rural areas, preventing
and prosecuting criminally this practice (Spain);
100.142 Ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by women and girls,
including through public awareness-raising and measures to improve
investigation and prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence (Sweden);
100.143 Further intensify its efforts to promote gender equality and to
combat gender-based violence, including the rapes of minors and the most
frequently reported cases of sexual and gender-based violence (Switzerland);
100.144 Ensure that perpetrators of gender-specific violence and rape of
minors are held accountable for their actions and improve the access to health
services and economic assistance for victims (Switzerland);
100.145 Increase public awareness campaigns against female genital
mutilation (Timor-Leste);
100.146 Criminalize female genital mutilation or cutting and spousal rape,
and increase the number of public awareness campaigns focused on preventing
violence against women and girls, with particular emphasis on rape, domestic
violence, and female genital mutilation or cutting (United States of America);
100.147 Systematically pursue current initiatives to change harmful practices
against women and children, in particular female genital mutilation and early
marriage (Cabo Verde);
100.148 Eliminate all forms of child labour (Benin);
100.149 Take all necessary measures to abolish corporal punishment for
children at all institutions, including alternative care settings (Namibia);
100.150 Deepen the national dialogue to establish an accountability
mechanism for human rights violations committed in the past (Argentina);
100.151 Strengthen the judicial and law enforcement system and eliminate
corruption (China);
100.152 Investigate and prosecute police misconduct, in accordance with
international standards, and strengthen institutional capacities to fight against
corruption among police officials (Slovakia);
100.153 Continue and increase efforts to reduce impunity for those
responsible for embezzlement of public money (Norway);
100.154 Continue to intensify efforts to strengthen the rule of law and the
criminal justice system by developing the capacity of the judicial, legal and
security sectors (Singapore);
100.155 Take all necessary measures to improve court proceedings to
guarantee the right of detainees to a fair trial within a reasonable time
(Slovakia);
100.156 Take the appropriate measures to improve the conditions of
detainees, in particular those awaiting trial (Spain);
100.157 Implement alternative measures to deprivation of liberty in cases
involving minors, and when they are deprived of their liberty afford them all
necessary guarantees (Spain);
100.158 Further enhance Liberia’s legal system to promote effective and
smooth judicial procedure (Japan);
100.159 Strengthen the judicial system in order to ensure respect for due
process, and reform the system of pre-trial detention (Czech Republic);
100.160 Continue judicial reform to improve access to justice by promoting
better coverage throughout the country and by updating its prison system
(Morocco);
100.161 Assure the sustainability of the regional justice and security hubs and
that they are clearly taken into account in the budgeting process and included
in the final national budget for 2016 (Finland);
100.162 Pursue judicial reform, especially to improve access to justice and to
fight the inappropriate use of preventive detention (France);
100.163 Continue investing in women’s empowerment and promoting their
participation in all aspects of the State machinery (Nepal);
100.164 Continue the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth
and Reconciliation Commission to foster national harmony (Senegal);
100.165 Reinforce efforts to improve the standard of living of all Liberians
(Zimbabwe);
100.166 Continue its efforts to guarantee the best implementation of the 2012
long-term, comprehensive strategy for development (Libya);
100.167 Ensure the effective implementation of the right to development by
strengthening local capacity (Ethiopia);
100.168 Increase its efforts to improve the living standards of its population
and particularly the access to health care, education, work and safe drinking
water (Togo);
100.169 Establish a regulatory framework for monitoring the activities of
multinational companies operating in the country to ensure rights to
development (Uganda);
100.170 Continue strengthening its social programmes to improve the living
conditions of its people, particularly the most excluded, with the cooperation
and technical assistance that is requested by the country (Bolivarian Republic
of Venezuela);
23
100.171 Implement programmes focused on employability, entrepreneurship
and microfinance to make sure that young people find it easier to join the
labour market (Morocco);
100.172 Enhance and expand its health-care system to cover the whole
country (Thailand);
100.173 Continue efforts in the field of health in the framework of the
National Health and Social Welfare Policy and Plan (2011–2021) (Algeria);
100.174 Establish a follow-up mechanism for the National Health and Social
Welfare Policy and Plan (2011–2021) (Equatorial Guinea);
100.175 Put in place an accessible health-care system and consider applying
the Technical Guidance on preventable mortality and morbidity of children
under the age of 5 years, which was developed by the World Health
Organization (Botswana);
100.176 Improve the population’s access to health with the support of the
international community, in accordance with its national interests (Cuba);
100.177 Continue to improve access to basic health-care services, especially
for antenatal care and patients affected by HIV and the Ebola virus (Trinidad
and Tobago);
100.178 Take actions to lessen the economic and social effects which have
been the outcome of the Ebola epidemic (Cuba);
100.179 Intensify efforts to seek necessary funding to address economic and
social rights, in the wake of the Ebola crisis (Sierra Leone);
100.180 Strengthen efforts towards the realization of the rights to education
and the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health in the post-
Ebola recovery period (South Africa);
100.181 Increase children’s access to the education system (Angola);
100.182 Step up efforts to improve the functioning of the education system to
make it easier for all children, including children with disabilities, to have
access to education (Congo);
100.183 Intensify its efforts to eradicate illiteracy, especially among women
and girls (Latvia);
100.184 Secure equal rights for boys and girls in the education system and put
in place targeted measures to reduce the high dropout rates of girls from high
schools (Norway);
100.185 That a strategic plan be implemented to ensure that all schools and
educational institutions are reopened in the near future (Trinidad and Tobago);
100.186 Strengthen the national bodies responsible for ensuring the
protection of persons with disability against all forms of violations that they
may be subjected to and promote their full integration into society
(Côte d’Ivoire).
101. All conclusions and recommendations contained in the present report reflect
the position of the submitting State and the State under review. They should not be
construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.
Annex
[English only]
Composition of the delegation
The delegation of Liberia was headed by H.E. Ms. Julia M. Duncan-Cassell,
Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and was composed of the following
members:
• Ms. Sarah Gibson, Legal Consultant, Human Rights Unit, Ministry of Justice
• Mr. Tate, Chargé d’affaires, Permanent Mission of Liberia in Geneva
• Mr. Abraham Kamara, Legal Officer, Permanent Mission of Liberia in Geneva