31/6 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Mauritania

United Nations A/HRC/31/6

General Assembly Distr.: General 23 December 2015

English Original: English/French

GE.15-22687 (E) 040116 040116

*1522687*

Human Rights Council Thirty-first session

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Mauritania

__________________

* The annex is being circulated in the languages of submission only.

GE.15-22687 2/26

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Annex

Composition of the delegation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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Introduction

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

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-third session from 2 to 13

November 2015. The review of Mauritania was held at the 3rd meeting on 3

November 2015. The delegation of Mauritania was headed by the Minister of Justice,

Brahim Ould Daddah. At its 10th meeting, held on 6 November 2015, the Working

Group adopted the report on Mauritania.

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

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Mauritania: Bangladesh, the Congo and

France.

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 followi ng

documents were issued for the review of Mauritania:

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

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/23/MRT/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.6/23/MRT/2);

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

(A/HRC/WG.6/23/MRT/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Germany, Mexico, Norway,

Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was

transmitted to Mauritania 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 Mauritania underlined the firm commitment of the President,

Mohammad Ould Abdel Aziz, to promoting and protecting human rights. It stated that

a workplan had been developed to institute governance that would ensure national

unity and cement democracy and solidarity among the various sectors of society. In

addition, since the first reporting cycle, Mauritania had strengthened the legislative

and institutional framework for human rights: the Consti tution had been revised in

2012 to reaffirm the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity, to designate slavery

and torture as crimes against humanity and to make provision for a national human

rights institution. The delegation further noted that in Mauritania, international human

rights treaties had priority over national laws. Mauritania had withdrawn its

reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination

against Women, except to article 13 (a) and to article 16 in its ent irety, and it had

acceded to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from

Enforced Disappearance, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman

or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Finally, Mauritania had joined the human

rights institutions of the African Union to which it did not already belong.

6. The delegation then addressed the issue of improving the effectiveness of human

rights institutions through easier access to justice, the establishment of specialized

GE.15-22687 4/26

courts, including one for the crime of slavery, and the creation of conditions for fair

trials. Mauritania had also set up a High Council for Fatwa and Administrative

Appeals, which issued advisory opinions on Sharia-related legal matters, and a

national agency called Tadamoun for implementing programmes to combat poverty

and the last remnants of slavery.

7. The delegation noted that an administratively and financially independent

national mechanism to prevent torture had been created, a law criminalizing torture

had been drafted and workshops to raise awareness on the prohibition of torture had

been organized. Mauritania had also instituted the post of ombudsman and had

published in the official gazette the texts of all the international human rights treaties

to which it had acceded. The delegation recalled that Mauritania had engaged in

constructive cooperation with all the international human rights treaty bodies, that it

had presented a large number of reports to such bodies and that it had received visits

from several special rapporteurs.

8. With regard to women’s rights, the delegation pointed out that Mauritania had

adopted a national strategy for gender mainstreaming of all government policies with a

view to greater inclusion of women in the life of society and to combating stereotypes

and violence against women. In addition, Mauritania had supported economic

programmes to enable women living in cities and rural areas to become financially

independent and to facilitate their access to health care, education and jobs. The policy

on families had been updated, and the retirement age set at 60 for women working

under a collective agreement. With respect to participation in politics , the delegation

noted that Mauritania had adopted a number of measures to promote equality between

men and women — for example, the designation of 20 seats as specifically reserved

for women in elections to the national assembly.

9. The delegation noted that a national strategy for the protection of the child, an

action plan against all forms of child labour and an action plan on the voluntary and

definitive renunciation of female genital mutilation had been developed.

10. The delegation recalled that overcoming the vestiges of slavery and human

trafficking was a priority for the Government, which had adopted an action plan to

that end. A law criminalizing slavery and slavery-like practices, replacing Act No.

2007/048, had been adopted; a national day to combat the remnants of slavery had

been inaugurated; a law against child labour had been adopted; school infrastructure in

priority areas had been built; a system for allocating funding to support school

enrolment for children from impoverished families or former victims of slavery had

been set up; awareness-raising campaigns to dispel prejudices about slavery-like

practices had been organized; a fatwa prohibiting slavery-like practices had been

issued; and detention conditions had been improved.

11. On health, the delegation stated that health care had been expanded, medical

services had been improved and relevant training provided. In addition, combating

maternal and child mortality had become a public health priority.

12. The delegation emphasized that education was free of charge and compulsory for

all children of school age and that over the three previous years, the school enrolment

rates and levels of achievement for girls had been better than for boys.

13. The delegation also referred to the implementation of a national strategy to

combat corruption; the Government was aware of the close link between the

promotion of human rights and the proper management of public funding.

14. Concerning the implementation of the third phase of the Strategic Framewor k for

Poverty Eradication, the delegation stated that it had permitted the growth rate to rise

to 6.2 per cent. In addition, the national strategies for food security and rural

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development had enhanced the capacity of vulnerable groups to deal with food cr ises,

reduced disparities and helped in discovering lasting solutions to the food security

problem.

15. The delegation also pointed to the creation of an interministerial technical

committee responsible for drawing up reports on the implementation of treat ies and

recommendations by treaty bodies.

16. The delegation emphasized that the Government had cooperated with all partners

in developing an action plan against racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance

and in drafting a national strategy for promoting social cohesion.

17. However, despite the efforts made by Mauritania to promote and consolidate

human rights, the delegation recalled that there were major challenges facing the

country. Among other things, Mauritania lacked sufficient capacity and r esources to

enable its citizens to fully enjoy their economic and social rights. The Minister of

Justice had nevertheless stated that his country would continue to carry out the

programmes to eliminate poverty, so as to attain the post -2015 objectives.

18. The delegation stressed the importance of assistance from the Office of the

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Mauritania. It expressed the

hope that such support would help to reinforce the capacities of national human rights

institutions and of the national preventive mechanism to combat torture.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

19. During the interactive dialogue, 84 delegations made statements.

Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the

present report.

20. Mali welcomed the accession of Mauritania to several international human rights

instruments, the creation of a new human rights institution and measures taken for

women’s and children’s rights.

21. Mauritius noted key initiatives, particularly the strategies on food security and

poverty reduction, the 2012 constitutional review, the ratification of additional human

rights treaties and their domestication, the drafting of legislation to combat violence

against women, and measures aimed at improving the efficiency of the justice system.

22. Mexico acknowledged the establishment of the interministerial technical

committee to comply with the obligation to prepare reports and follow up on

international recommendations. It commended actions taken to increase women’s

participation in legislative elections.

23. Montenegro welcomed the accession of Mauritania to the Optional Protocol to

the Convention against Torture, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from

Enforced Disappearance. It noted with concern that homosexuality was considered a

crime punishable by the death penalty and requested that Mauritania elaborate on the

measures it had planned to decriminalize homosexuality.

24. Morocco praised the commitment of Mauritania to strengthening human rights

and appreciated the establishment of a national human rights institution, a national

preventive mechanism to combat torture, and steps taken towards combating

contemporary forms of slavery.

25. Mozambique noted that Mauritania had submitted reports to the Committee

against Torture, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Human

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Rights Committee and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against

Women.

26. Namibia commended Mauritania for its ratification of all the major human rights

instruments and noted its efforts to improve the efficiency of the justice system,

including the establishment of an anti-slavery court in May 2015.

27. The Netherlands commended Mauritania for having ratified outstanding human

rights treaties, particularly the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.

28. The Niger noted the formal recognition of the cultural and linguist ic diversity of

the country, the qualification of slavery and torture as crimes against humanity, and

the constitutional value attached to the A-status National Human Rights Commission.

29. Nigeria commended the efforts to implement phase III of the Strategic

Framework for Poverty Eradication. It urged Mauritania to register children of

refugees and asylum seekers at birth, in line with international standards.

30. Norway encouraged the Government to strengthen its efforts to promote a human

rights culture throughout the country and to enhance the capacity of the National

Human Rights Commission.

31. Oman recognized the challenges facing the country, particularly persistent

drought, and welcomed the Government’s efforts to honour its international human

rights commitments.

32. Pakistan commended the 2012 constitutional review, which had led to formal

recognition of the cultural and linguistic diversity of the country. It appreciated the

accession of Mauritania to several human rights instruments.

33. Panama welcomed the revision of the Constitution, incorporating recognition of

the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity, of slavery and torture as crimes against

humanity and of the National Human Rights Commission, which had A status.

34. The Philippines acknowledged the improvement in health conditions and access

to education and employment for the most vulnerable sectors of the population. It

requested information about the national child protection strategy and the anti -slavery

and anti-trafficking programmes.

35. Poland was concerned about the number of cases of women and children in

slavery. It urged Mauritania to include a provision in the Penal Code that defined and

criminalized racial and ethnic discrimination.

36. Portugal welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from

Enforced Disappearance and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.

It also welcomed the A status of the national human rights institution.

37. Qatar praised the efforts of Mauritania to achieve food security and reduce

poverty by implementing the third phase of the Strategic Framework for Poverty

Eradication, the national food security strategy and the rural sector strategy.

38. Saudi Arabia noted the importance Mauritania had placed on strengthening the

rule of law, democracy, national cohesion, security, good governance, education and

health, and on combating terrorism, poverty, corruption and slavery.

39. Senegal welcomed the establishment of an anti-slavery court in 2015, the

Tadamoun national agency and the National Human Rights Commission, as well as the

ratification of the Convention against Torture and its Optional Protocol and African

Union human rights instruments.

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40. Sierra Leone remained concerned about reports of racial discrimination and

encouraged Mauritania to enact anti-discrimination laws, especially with regard to

deep-rooted prejudice and disparities in citizenship rights.

41. Slovakia acknowledged the establishment of the Tadamoun national agency to

eradicate slavery. It remained concerned that, under the Penal Code, the death penalty

could be handed down to minors and for crimes such as apostasy and homosexual acts.

42. Slovenia noted the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, and the

criminalization of slavery and torture as crimes against humanity. It was concerned

about slavery-like practices and continued discrimination against women.

43. South Africa appreciated the fact that the national report set out the vision for the

promotion and protection of human rights, including the prioritization of efforts aimed

at the eradication of the consequences of slavery and contemporary forms of slavery.

44. Spain highlighted measures taken by Mauritania to combat slavery and torture,

improve the situation of women and ratify human rights instruments.

45. Sri Lanka noted in particular the categorization of slavery as a crime against

humanity, the creation in 2015 of an anti-slavery court and other national efforts

following the 2012 constitutional review.

46. The State of Palestine welcomed the cooperation of Mauritania with the human

rights mechanisms through the ratification of international instruments and the

acceptance of visits by Special Rapporteurs. It also appreciated the efforts of

Mauritania to bring national legislation into line with international standards.

47. The Sudan praised Mauritania for adhering to several human rights instruments,

establishing a national human rights institution, implementing an action plan to

empower rural women and adopting the road map to combat contemporary forms of

slavery.

48. Switzerland expressed concern regarding the ongoing practice of slavery and the

use of torture by security forces. It welcomed the fact that the death penalty had not

been applied since 1987.

49. Sweden thanked Mauritania for the information related to the questions it had

prepared in advance.

50. Togo commended the efforts of Mauritania to implement its international

commitments and noted with satisfaction the integration of gender in public policies

and programmes and the adoption of national strategies to abolish female genital

mutilation.

51. Tunisia commended the efforts of Mauritania to empower women and promote

their role in society by adopting the framework law to combat violence against

women, and to increase women’s participation in political life.

52. Turkey welcomed the significant progress in the fight against discrimination, and

noted the recent adoption of the law allowing civil society to bring civil actions in

cases related to slavery.

53. Uganda welcomed the measures taken to criminalize acts of slavery. It was

concerned about gaps in the provision of protection for victims, third party

representation of victims in the courts and placement of the burden of proof.

54. The Mauritanian delegation responded to the questions prepared in advance.

55. Concerning the death penalty, the delegation recalled that it had observed a de

facto moratorium since 1987, in other words, for the past 28 years.

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56. The delegation stated that article 9 of Act No. 2015/033 incriminating torture

placed upon the competent judicial authorities a categorical imperative to immediately

undertake an impartial investigation whenever there were reasonable grounds to

believe that an act of torture or ill-treatment had been attempted or committed within

their jurisdiction, even where no complaint was received. Regarding slavery, circulars

sent by the Ministry of Justice to prosecutors in the various courts were intended to

remind them of the obligation to act immediately whenever a complaint containing

allegations of slavery-like practices was received.

57. The delegation pointed out that the Tadamoun agency received its own financial

resources that were managed by a board of administrators in which all parties involved

in poverty reduction and the abolition of slavery, including civil society, were

represented. The agency also had the advantage of simplified and accelerated

procedures for rapid intervention and could become a party to civil proceedings

concerning slavery-like practices.

58. With regard to women’s rights, the delegation noted that the Government had

launched a number of policies and strategies, such as the family policy and national

strategies for the promotion of women and renunciation of female genital mutilation.

In addition, early marriage was prohibited by the Personal Status Code, and the

Government had conducted a number of awareness-raising campaigns against child

marriage. The delegation also noted that Mauritania prohibited female genital

mutilation, in conformity with the Criminal Code and the code on judicial protection

of children. It likewise indicated that the Government was planning to evaluate and

renew the national strategy on renunciation of female genital mutilation through

public statements on the subject, alternative employment for practitioners, school

enrolment of girls, the training of stakeholders and the organization of national zero

tolerance campaigns.

59. The delegation pointed out that in order to promote women’s participation in the

decision-making process, the authorities had taken affirmative action, such as the

adoption of Act No. 2012/034 on access of women to electoral mandates and posts; the

finalization of a draft framework law on gender-based violence; the implementation of

the recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against

Women; the preparation of a bill on combating discrimination; and work to develop

the draft framework law on gender-based violence, incriminating rape.

60. The delegation of Mauritania stated that slavery had not existed in the country

for a great many years. It emphasized that it was a country in transition which faced

problems such as access to education and poverty reduction. The delegation recalled

that special legislation on slavery was in place and would be effectively and

immediately put into action. An allegation sufficed to set judicial procedures in

motion; the law criminalizing slavery set out dual penalties — detention and a fine. It

also provided for redress for victims, who automatically had the right to legal

assistance, with no need to prove their lack of resources. Special permanent courts

were to be set up, and partners were requested to provide assistance to enable judges

to be trained.

61. Regarding the question of issuing a standing invitation to special procedure

mandate holders of the Human Rights Council to visit the country, the delegation

indicated that Mauritania had never refused such visits. As to the submission of

reports to treaty bodies, the delegation acknowledged that there had been delays, but

emphasized the fact that a governmental body with specific responsibilities for such

matters had been set up.

62. Concerning the problem of children in detention and their separation from adults,

the delegation stated that there were centres for the reintegration of children in

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Mauritania. In addition, the age of criminal responsibility had been set at 15 years, and

special judicial bodies for handling such cases had been put in place.

63. The delegation indicated that the draft action plan against human trafficking had

been approved at a workshop and was soon to be adopted by the Government and

subsequently put into practice.

64. As regards the framework law on gender-based violence, including female

genital mutilation, the delegation stated that it was about to be adopted. A bill to

incriminate racial discrimination had also been drawn up and was soon to be adopted.

65. With regard to the situation of human rights defenders, the delegation stated that

they were not confronted with any difficulties and emphasized that Mauritania was a

State based on the rule of law, and that human rights defenders were also required to

respect the law, failing which they were subject to judicial proceedings.

66. Ukraine welcomed the progress the Government had made, including in its anti -

corruption efforts and on poverty eradication. Mauritania continued to face challenges

in terms of the eradication of contemporary forms of slavery.

67. The United Arab Emirates commended Mauritania for establishing the High

Council for Fatwa and Administrative Appeals to strengthen the human rights system,

and for effectively preserving the balance and coexistence between different cus toms

and cultures.

68. The United Kingdom acknowledged the favourable response to the visit requests

from special procedure mandate holders. It expressed concern about gender

discrimination and legal obstacles to birth registration of children of refugees and

asylum seekers.

69. The United States of America encouraged Mauritania to continue including civil

society in security discussions. It remained deeply troubled that Mauritania failed to

acknowledge and effectively prosecute perpetrators under its anti -slavery laws and

was concerned about the protection of anti-slavery civil society organizations.

70. Uruguay highlighted the adoption of the national strategy for gender

mainstreaming and encouraged Mauritania to redouble its efforts in that regard by

working to implement the recommendations from the Committee on the Elimination of

Discrimination against Women.

71. Uzbekistan noted the enhancement of the National Human Rights Commission

and the creation of the national preventive mechanism to prevent tortu re. It welcomed

the accession of Mauritania to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and its Optional Protocol and other international treaties.

72. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was pleased that the human rights

institution of Mauritania had obtained A status, that Mauritania had received a

distinction from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in

recognition for reaching the development goal on food security and eradication of

hunger, and that it was building new social housing.

73. Malaysia appreciated the acceptance of its recommendations on the rights of

women and children and on ensuring the food supply chain to the country, among

others. It noted the national strategy for gender mainstreaming.

74. Yemen appreciated measures taken by Mauritania, despite a lack of resources, to

strengthen human rights, including its accession to international human rights

instruments such as the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance, the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

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Torture, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional

Protocol thereto.

75. Afghanistan welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights

Commission, which was mandated to raise awareness about human rights and to

conduct training programmes on international humanitarian law.

76. Algeria noted that, despite a lack of financial and human resources, Mauritania

had shown commitment to human rights by establishing a national human rights

institution and a national preventive mechanism to combat torture.

77. Angola expressed satisfaction at the ratification of the majority of international

conventions and their optional protocols, particularly the Optional Protocol to t he

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

Punishment.

78. Argentina congratulated Mauritania for ratifying the International Convention

for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in 2012, following the

first review and the recommendations made by several delegations in that regard.

79. Armenia welcomed the engagement of the Government of Mauritania with civil

society organizations, the Ombudsman and the OHCHR country office. Armenia

encouraged Mauritania to further promote the right to education in the country.

80. Australia commended the legislation that had been adopted unanimously by the

parliament in 2015 to strengthen the response of Mauritania to slavery. Australia noted

that the death penalty had not been applied since 1987, but remained legal.

81. Azerbaijan appreciated the accession of Mauritania to the Optional Protocol to

the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the adoption of the

2013 Act categorizing slavery and torture as crimes against humanity.

82. Bahrain praised Mauritania for acceding to the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities, adopting a national strategy to mainstream gender issues

and bringing its legislation in line with human rights standards by categorizing slavery

and torture as crimes against humanity.

83. Belgium noted the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from

Enforced Disappearance. It commended Mauritania for having maintained the

moratorium on the death penalty since 1987.

84. Benin welcomed initiatives to promote the rights of women and to combat

violence against them, as well as the increased participation of women in politic al life.

85. Botswana encouraged Mauritania to do more to address slavery, discrimination

and early and forced marriages. It appreciated the efforts made to address security and

humanitarian issues.

86. Brazil appreciated the partial withdrawal of the reservation to the Convention on

the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the adoption of a

national strategy to abolish female genital mutilation. More needed to be done to

eradicate discrimination and to safeguard the fundamental rights of refugees.

87. Burundi commended Mauritania for its efforts to combat slavery, particularly the

creation of Tadamoun, which had a mandate to eradicate slavery, for its ratification of

international human rights instruments and for the measures it had taken to reduce

maternal and child mortality.

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88. Canada welcomed the legal measures taken to combat slavery. It was concerned

by impunity enjoyed by people guilty of slavery, absence of executional decisions to

compensate victims and also by arrests of activists.

89. Chad welcomed the remarkable efforts made by Mauritania in the

implementation of the recommendations from the first review. It encouraged

Mauritania to continue its efforts and to request the support of the international

community.

90. Chile noted that slavery persisted in Mauritania, that the situation of women had

deteriorated and that perpetrators of homosexual acts were prosecuted and punished

by death.

91. China commended Mauritania for the measures it had taken to promote women’s

and children’s rights, the establishment of the national preventive mechanism against

torture, the strategic framework for poverty alleviation and food security and its

cooperation with OHCHR.

92. The Congo welcomed the ratification of major international legal instruments. It

encouraged Mauritania to continue its cooperation with the international human rights

mechanisms.

93. Costa Rica noted the creation of the National Human Rights Commission and the

existence of the Ombudsman. It was concerned about discrimination in law and in

practice against the Haratin ethnic group.

94. Côte d’Ivoire commended Mauritania for adopting measures to improve the

rights of children, women and the elderly and urged the Government to continue its

efforts to fully implement those measures.

95. Cuba welcomed the accession of Mauritania to the International Convention for

the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Cuba acknowledged the strategies to reduce

inequalities and address food insecurity.

96. Cyprus welcomed the accession of Mauritania to several international

instruments. While noting the designation of slavery by Mauritania as a crime against

humanity, Cyprus remained deeply concerned about the prevalence of slavery in

Mauritania.

97. The Democratic Republic of the Congo asked Mauritania what obstacles

prevented it from withdrawing its general reservation to the Convention on the Rights

of the Child and what measures it planned to take to overcome them.

98. Djibouti welcomed the adoption of a national programme to abolish female

genital mutilation. It encouraged Mauritania to mobilize in favour of a quota system to

improve women’s participation in political life.

99. The delegation of Mauritania recalled that the question of the return of 24,000 to

26,000 Mauritanians who were in exile in Senegal had been definitively resolved: all

had been reintegrated and had received citizenship documents, a measure confirmed in

the text of a tripartite agreement.

100. As to the recommendations on ratification of international instruments,

particularly certain optional protocols, the delegation stated that the Government

would study the matter.

101. With regard to child labour, the delegation explained that it was prohibited by

the Labour Code for children under the age of majority, in conformity with the spirit

and the letter of the International Labour Organization Minimum Age Convention,

1973 (No. 138), which Mauritania had ratified and applied.

GE.15-22687 12/26

102. The delegation stated that 11 conventions on human rights had been published in

a special edition of the official gazette and that action plans for their implementation

had been launched.

103. With regard to the implementation of the national child protection strategy, the

delegation noted that regional round tables on protection of children had been

organized in 10 wilayas, or provinces, for the purpose of tackling the problems of

street children, and that there were centres for the protection and integration of

children in the major cities.

104. The delegation stated forcefully that there was no discrimination against the

Haratin ethnic group and that all ethnic groups had been living together in harmony

for centuries, contributing to the country’s development.

105. Egypt praised Mauritania for establishing national mechanisms, including the

High Council for Fatwa and Administrative Appeals, and adopting strategies to tackle

violence against women, human trafficking, forced labour, slavery and torture.

106. Ethiopia commended Mauritania for the significant progress made in the

implementation of international conventions and welcomed the Government ’s efforts

to draw up an action plan to combat racial discrimination, xenophobia and related

forms of intolerance.

107. France welcomed the progress made by Mauritania since the first review,

including the ratification of several international instruments and the adoption of the

ambitious legislation against slavery.

108. Germany commended Mauritania for establishing a system of asylum, including

provisions to protect refugees. However, it indicated some remaining concerns about

the human rights situation.

109. Ghana noted with appreciation the establishment of the National Human Rights

Commission to combat slavery, torture of detainees, poverty and rape. It also noted the

strides made in ratifying international human rights legal instruments.

110. Indonesia welcomed continued efforts by Mauritania to promote and protect

human rights through coordination with line ministries, the National Huma n Rights

Commission, civil society organizations and the Office of the Ombudsman.

111. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomed the constitutional review and the

establishment of new institutions.

112. Iraq noted the accession of Mauritania to the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol and commended the establishment

of a body dealing with gender equality under the auspices of the Ministry of Social

Affairs, Children and the Family.

113. Ireland noted the adoption of a new anti-slavery law. It was concerned about

harassment, intimidation and arbitrary detention of human rights defenders. It

encouraged Mauritania to issue a standing invitation to all United Nations special

procedure mandate holders.

114. Italy welcomed the implementation of the national child protection strategy, the

drafting of a plan of action to combat child labour and the adoption by the Council of

Ministers of a national strategy for gender mainstreaming.

115. Jordan commended Mauritania for the initiatives it had taken, particularly to

cooperate with human rights mechanisms and develop legislation and strategies to

promote human rights, including the rights to education and health.

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116. Kenya welcomed the efforts made by Mauritania to eliminate contemporary

forms of slavery and encouraged Mauritania to provide its national human rights

institution with adequate resources and to ensure its independent functioning.

117. Kuwait commended Mauritania for the progress it had made in strengthening

human rights and noted the challenges involved in combating torture and

discrimination in education.

118. Latvia welcomed the commitment of Mauritania to abolishing slavery and its

cooperation with the special procedures. Latvia shared the concerns of the Commi ttee

on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women at the prevalence of sexual

violence and female genital mutilation.

119. Libya praised Mauritania for establishing national institutions including the High

Council for Fatwa and Administrative Appeals, the Tadamoun national agency, the

national preventive mechanism to combat torture, national courts and the National

Human Rights Commission.

120. Madagascar welcomed the establishment of the national preventive mechanism

against torture and the strengthening of economic and social policies and called on the

international community to assist Mauritania in its human rights efforts.

121. Viet Nam appreciated the fact that Mauritania had adopted many measures for

the protection and promotion of human rights, and its signature, ratification or

accession to a number of international human rights instruments.

122. The delegation of Mauritania recalled that the country was an Islamic republic

and did not have any religious minorities. The delegation explained that foreigners

living in Mauritania enjoyed freedom of religion and of faith.

123. The delegation indicated that the law on the national preventive mechanism to

combat torture had been adopted and was soon to be implemented; it would cover

representatives of professional associations and the relevant NGOs.

124. The delegation again emphasized the fact that the Tadamoun agency possessed

the mandate, capacities and financial resources necessary for combating the

consequences of slavery.

125. In conclusion, the delegation recalled that Mauritania attached special

importance to matters relating to human rights and aspired to take up, on a priority

basis, the fight against ignorance, poverty and exclusion, veritable obstacles to the

promotion of human rights. The delegation reiterated the firm commitment of

Mauritania to fulfilling its treaty obligations and its readiness to cooperate with the

human rights mechanisms, including the universal periodic review. It thanked the

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and all of its partners for their

assistance and indicated that all the recommendations requiring the Government ’s

agreement would be the subject of an inclusive and participatory implementation plan.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

126. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed

below enjoy the support of Mauritania:

126.1 Pursue its review of laws that are not in line with international

norms (State of Palestine);

__________________



The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.

GE.15-22687 14/26

126.2 Revise its national legislation and bring it in compliance with its

international human rights obligations (Cyprus);

126.3 Improve the implementation of the legal framework regarding

women’s rights and finalise a violence against women law (Norway);

126.4 Take all necessary steps, in accordance with its commitments, to

ensure the swift adoption of a law that prohibits and penalizes all forms of

gender-based violence, including domestic and sexual violence, and ensure

that victims of such violence have access to legal remedies and benefit from

support and assistance to ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration into

society (Latvia);

126.5 Continue its close cooperation with the United Nations and NGOs

(Ukraine);

126.6 Exhaust international assistance for building institutional

capacities that are responsible for human rights (Ethiopia);

126.7 Ensure that the recently established national prevention

mechanism receives the necessary resources to conduct its work (Australia);

126.8 Adopt a law on a National Preventive Mechanism and enact it as

soon as possible (Slovenia);

126.9 Urgently accelerate the establishment of a national mechanism to

combat torture, as well as guarantee its independence and the availability of

the necessary resources to enable it to perform its functions (Kuwait);

126.10 Finalise the implementation of a national preventive mechanism

against torture (France);

126.11 Establish an independent body with the mandate to conduct

investigations into any acts of torture and the ill-treatment of all persons in

detention (Ghana);

126.12 Develop a National Action Plan to prevent and criminalise acts of

sexual and gender based violence, including Female Genital Mutilation and

sexual offences against children (United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Northern Ireland);

126.13 Consider formulating a national human rights action plan and

further strengthen the inter-ministerial technical committee as well as the

national human rights commission in accordance with the Paris Principles

(Indonesia);

126.14 Continue to implement National Strategy for Gender

Mainstreaming and promote women empowerment (Pakistan);

126.15 Implement the national strategy to institutionalise gender

(Algeria);

126.16 Approve and implement the national action plan to combat racial

discrimination developed in 2013 (Spain);

126.17 Accelerate the process of elaboration of the national plan of

action against racial discrimination (Turkey);

126.18 Continue to make efforts to implement National Child Protection

Strategy (Pakistan);

126.19 Strengthen efforts in human rights training and education and

disseminate awareness of human rights (Morocco);

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126.20 Increase efforts to develop a system of education in the area of

human rights and to strengthen the culture of human rights in society

(Uzbekistan);

126.21 Undertake training of the police, administrative and judicial

authorities to ensure efficient follow up of cases of slavery and slave-like

practices (Uganda);

126.22 Increase its efforts aiming at training and qualifying judicial staff

in the area of human rights (Oman);

126.23 Undertake, with international assistance, human rights training

for the judiciary (Sierra Leone);

126.24 Take more steps to deliver human rights education in schools, and

conduct human rights awareness-raising activities for public servants, in

particular law enforcement officers (Viet Nam);

126.25 Strengthen efforts in the area of integrating human rights

education in school curricula (Sudan);

126.26 Include a human rights component in the school curriculum

(Sierra Leone);

126.27 Make efforts to include human rights principles in primary and

secondary school curricula (Ethiopia);

126.28 Continue to strengthen its cooperation with the United Nations

treaty bodies. Cooperation with the OHCHR is also key to support national

reforms (Norway);

126.29 Continue efforts to submit national reports concerning specific

human rights treaties (Iraq);

126.30 Submit its overdue reports to the treaty bodies, including the

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the

Committee on the Rights of the Child (Sierra Leone);

126.31 Seek the assistance of the local office of the OHCHR to train the

officials of its judiciary and the law enforcement body on human rights

issues (Mauritius);

126.32 Step up efforts to facilitate administrative procedures so that all

children are registered at birth (Turkey);

126.33 Further strengthen the promotion and protection of the rights of

women (Niger);

126.34 Consider additional efforts to increase the role of women in

society (Senegal);

126.35 Take further measures to end the use of torture and other forms

of inhuman and degrading treatment, and ensure that allegations of torture,

ill-treatment or excessive use of force by police and security forces are

investigated, prosecuted and convicted in line with international standards

(Sweden);

126.36 Adopt necessary measure so that acquisition, possession, use of

fire arms by civilian persons can be regulated effectively in order to protect

human rights of all persons (Uruguay);

126.37 Investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment in prisons

and places of detention and prosecute persons responsible (Slovenia);

GE.15-22687 16/26

126.38 Establish expeditious legal remedies that are accessible to women

victims of violence and harmful practices, as recommended by the

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (Slovenia);

126.39 Arrange the enactment of the law on combating violence against

women as well as develop the instruments of its implementation (Ukraine);

126.40 Finalize the process of adoption of the draft law on gender-based

violence, ensuring its effective implementation (Turkey);

126.41 Strengthen the legal framework to combat all forms of violence

against women and ensure its concrete implementation (France);

126.42 Step up measures to put an end to sexual violence and promote

participation of women in political and public life (Mexico);

126.43 Intensify efforts to combat violence against women, including the

elimination of female genital mutilation, by increasing resources for public

awareness and educational campaigns, and by encouraging faster legislative

action against gender-based violence (Philippines);

126.44 Modify its national law to define rape as a criminal offense

(Sierra Leone);

126.45 Adopt a comprehensive legislation to address gender based

violence and human trafficking (Botswana);

126.46 Develop a comprehensive national strategy for combating child,

early and forced marriages (Montenegro);

126.47 Continue and intensify efforts to eradicate female genital

mutilations and gavage, including implementation of legal measures to

penalise these practices (Canada);

126.48 Continue its efforts to implement a law to combat child labour by

adopting a draft law on prohibition of child labour and tackling its main

causes (State of Palestine);

126.49 Pursue its efforts to implement the plan of action for combatting

child labour (Sudan);

126.50 Take all necessary measures to eradicate child labour and to enact

and implement a suitable Action Plan (Italy);

126.51 Implement laws combating child and early and forced marriage

and female genital mutilation (Namibia);

126.52 Double its efforts in addressing the vulnerable conditions of

children who live on the streets including by implementing existing

legislation against child labour and its plan of action to combat child labour

(Malaysia);

126.53 Ensure nationwide, systematic and regular collection of

disaggregated data on all forms of slavery (South Africa);

126.54 Investigate and deal with complaints in relation to slavery and

similar treatments, and protect children from these practices (Mexico);

126.55 Continue to take effective measures to combat human trafficking

(Uzbekistan);

126.56 Strengthen national mechanisms and efforts in combating human

trafficking (Ethiopia);

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126.57 Increase efforts to investigate and prosecute cases of human

trafficking and economic and sexual exploitation, particularly of women and

children (Germany);

126.58 Continue and strengthen its efforts in implementing the action

plan to combat trafficking in persons so that all perpetrators of trafficking

in persons are brought to justice and victims are provided with adequate

protection and rehabilitation (Indonesia);

126.59 Adopt a national strategy to combat trafficking in persons

(Islamic Republic of Iran);

126.60 Continue efforts to empower women and promote their

participation in society, in particular, political life, decision making, and

accessing high level posts (Jordan);

126.61 Pursue efforts to implement the third strategic framework to

combat poverty and the national food security strategy (United Arab

Emirates);

126.62 Continue to improve and implement its strategy on poverty

reduction and further improve its people’s living standards (China);

126.63 Fully implement the National Food Security Strategy (Cuba);

126.64 Continue pursuing the implementation of the national food

security strategy and the strategy concerning the rural sector in order to

achieve food security and combat poverty (Egypt);

126.65 Take additional measures to improve and widen the health

coverage for employees in public and private institutions and companies as

well as retirees having worked for those entities and their dependents

(Qatar);

126.66 Improve the possibilities of benefitting from healthcare services

(Saudi Arabia);

126.67 Consider further improving access to health and education with a

focus on improving maternal and new born health facilities and expanding

the secondary and tertiary education opportunities for all (Sri Lanka);

126.68 Continue to improve the education and healthcare systems in

cooperation with relevant international organisations (United Arab

Emirates);

126.69 Continue efforts to ensure universal access to quality education

and health care (Uzbekistan);

126.70 Pursue efforts to combat maternal mortality (Algeria);

126.71 Move forward with a policy of free of charge education (Saudi

Arabia);

126.72 Continue its efforts in providing access and quality education for

children, and implement programmes that would further encourage them,

especially girls, to go to school (Malaysia);

126.73 Introduce a human rights-based approach to all climate change-

related policies and programmes, including in disaster-risk reduction

measures (Philippines).

127. The following enjoy the support of Mauritania, which considers that they

are already implemented or in the process of implementation:

GE.15-22687 18/26

127.1 Ratify the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the

Crime of Genocide (Armenia);

127.2 Continue further improvement of human rights in the country

(Azerbaijan);

127.3 Strengthen measures taken to protect vulnerable groups (Côte

d’Ivoire);

127.4 Incorporate a definition of torture in domestic law in line with

Article 1 of the Convention against Torture (Australia);

127.5 Consider establishing a permanent inter-ministerial committee

responsible for the implementation of its international human rights

obligations (Portugal);

127.6 Continue to take measures to enhance the respect for human

rights anchored on the rule of law and good governance (Ghana);

127.7 Give the Tadamoun national agency the mandate to identify any

acts of slavery, propose and implement anti-slavery programmes (Ghana);

127.8 Continue to support the work of the National Agency Tadamoun

and the National Commission of Human Rights (Senegal);

127.9 Provide its national human rights institution with the necessary

means to ensure its regular work and reinforce its independence (Portugal);

127.10 Provide its National Human Rights Commission with the

resources it needs to publicise its recommendations and reinforce its

independence (South Africa);

127.11 Place more efforts by empowering organizations which are

responsible for defending human rights in the country (Afghanistan);

127.12 Improve its national human rights institution in accordance with

the Paris Principles (Congo);

127.13 Strengthen the National Human Rights Commission and the

national commission to combat gender-based violence, and the capacities

needed to secure advancement in the field of human rights, particularly in

the area of human rights of women as well as to increase efforts in order to

ban such practices as female genital mutilation (Sweden);

127.14 Let the legislative power complete the process of the adoption of

the draft law on the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture

(Democratic Republic of the Congo);

127.15 Adequately train staff and well-resource judges, judicial

personnel, and civil servants who work to fight child labour (Italy);

127.16 Pursue and intensify its efforts towards strengthening the rights

of women and children (Bahrain);

127.17 Redouble efforts to promote the condition of women (Djibouti);

127.18 Pursue its efforts in strengthening women’s rights, including

through the adoption of a draft framework law to combat violence against

women (Egypt);

127.19 Combat early marriages (Djibouti);

127.20 Enact laws which fully abolish child, early and forced marriage

(Sierra Leone);

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127.21 Adopt practical measures to combat violence against women and

children, particularly female genital mutilation (Angola);

127.22 Combat clandestine practices of female genital mutilations

(Djibouti);

127.23 Strictly implement existing legislation against child labour and

expedite the approval of the bill on the prohibition of child labour, in line

with the recommendation made by the Committee on Economic, Social and

Cultural Rights (Argentina);

127.24 Intensify its efforts to totally eliminate slavery and slavery-like

practices in the country (Sri Lanka);

127.25 Fully and effectively eradicate practices of slavery and ensure

that all victims of crimes of slavery receive justice, truth and reparation

(Kenya);

127.26 Continue its efforts to eliminate all traditional and modern forms

of slavery, including forced child labour (Argentina);

127.27 Continue to implement measures to eradicate the legacy of and

the contemporary forms of slavery (Cuba);

127.28 Take adequate measures to eradicate all contemporary forms of

slavery (Angola);

127.29 Ensure the effective implementation of the legislation

criminalizing slavery and guarantee effective remedies to victims of slavery

(Poland);

127.30 Enforce its anti-slavery legislation and fully guarantee the

application of the principle of non-discrimination and ensure the full

enjoyment of all human rights by every member of society (South Africa);

127.31 Implement the laws on slavery and ensure that all crimes of

slavery are subject to prosecution (Switzerland);

127.32 Review the Anti-Slavery Act explicitly to provide for victims’

representation, protection and support (Uganda);

127.33 Step up the review of the 2007 law to combat slavery in order to

ensure that exhaustive, impartial, and effective investigations can be carried

out of all alleged slavery crimes (Uruguay);

127.34 Take measures to ensure the compliance of its legislation against

slavery and take effective measures to compensate those who have suffered

slavery (Costa Rica);

127.35 Ensure the effective application of the law on the criminalisation

of slavery (France);

127.36 Provide all necessary means for the implementation of the 2015

anti-slavery law, as well as the 2014 road map on the eradication of the

consequences of slavery, including specific measures for the protection of

victims and effective access to justice, as well as mandatory training on anti -

slavery laws for police, administrative and judicial officials (Ireland);

127.37 Continue the implementation of the national programme to

combat the consequences of slavery, and increase the awareness raising

campaigns on its prohibition (Qatar);

GE.15-22687 20/26

127.38 Continue to implement the national programme to eradicate the

legacy of slavery adopted in March 2014 and continue raising awareness

against all forms of slavery (Slovakia);

127.39 Strengthen the national programmes to eliminate slavery and take

measures to ensure that complaints regarding slavery are taken seriously

and are being brought before the domestic courts (Sweden);

127.40 Follow the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on

contemporary forms of slavery and implement the 2014 roadmap of the

Government to eradicate slavery (Netherlands);

127.41 Design a complete strategy against all forms of discrimination,

including traditional and modern forms of slavery, which include practices

of early and forced marriages, servitude, and forced labour of children

(Turkey);

127.42 Fully implement the National Roadmap to Combat the Vestiges of

Slavery (United States of America);

127.43 Continue efforts to implement the roadmap to eradicate

contemporary forms of slavery as adopted by the Council of Ministers in

March 2014 (United Arab Emirates);

127.44 Continue to implement the national programme to eradicate the

legacy of slavery, with a focus on impartial and effective investigations into

all allegations of slavery and slavery-like practices (Australia);

127.45 Pursue the implementation of the roadmap of March 6th 2014

concerning the elimination of all contemporary forms of slavery (Libya);

127.46 Continue implementation of the national programme to eradicate

the legacy of slavery and expand public awareness campaigns against all

forms of slavery (Islamic Republic of Iran);

127.47 Expand public awareness campaigns to cover effectively all forms

of slavery (Uganda);

127.48 Take further measures towards combating slavery and in

particular investigate allegations of slavery and prosecute and punish the

perpetrators of that offence (Cyprus);

127.49 Implement the anti-slavery law without delay and prosecute

perpetrators (Norway);

127.50 Prosecute slaveholders and find means for those who were

enslaved to obtain compensation (United States of America);

127.51 Follow the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on

contemporary forms of slavery to abolish all remaining forms of slavery or

slavery-related practices, and provide victims of such practices with the

possibility to initiate criminal proceedings and obtain compensation

(Germany);

127.52 Strengthen the legal framework for the protection of children, as

well as guaranteeing the rights of delinquent minors (France);

127.53 Ensure that incarcerated minors are detained separately from

adults (Togo);

127.54 Take legislative and administrative measures to ensure the right

of association and peaceful protest (Costa Rica);

21/26 GE.15-22687

127.55 Establish clear legal protections for human rights defenders and

civil society organizations and abide by them (United States of America);

127.56 Promote a higher and adequate representation of women in the

public institutions (Italy);

127.57 Further integrate measures of protection and promotion of

human rights, especially economic, social and cultural rights, into the

national socio-economic development strategies (Viet Nam);

127.58 Further strengthen national programs to combat poverty and

social exclusion in favour of the most vulnerable sectors of the population

(Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

127.59 Continue efforts in poverty eradication through effective

implementation of its Strategic Framework for Poverty Eradication as well

as the National Strategy on Food Security and the Strategy for the Rural

Sector (Malaysia);

127.60 Continue its efforts to adopt a development policy to meet the

needs of the people to reduce poverty in order to protect and promote

human rights (Yemen);

127.61 Improve access to education for marginalized groups in order to

improve social and economic conditions for them. One group that may

benefit from this are the Harratin (Germany);

127.62 Adopt policies to facilitate access of descendants of slaves to

education and employment under conditions of equality (Congo);

127.63 Take further steps to ensure inclusive education and facilitate

girls’ access to secondary and higher education (Armenia).

128. The following recommendations will be examined by Mauritania, which will

provide responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-first session of the

Human Rights Council, in March 2016:

128.1 Ratify the Convention against Discrimination in Education

(Kuwait);

128.2 Consider the possibility of ratifying International Labour

Organization Convention 189 on domestic workers (Panama);

128.3 Continue its efforts in expressing its international obligations

through domestic laws (Bahrain);

128.4 Complete the transposition of treaties ratified by Mauritania into

national law and promote their dissemination and effective implementation

(Spain);

128.5 Reform its nationality law, provide women the capacity to

acquire, retain and transfer citizenship on an equal basis with men, and

bring the law into compliance with international human rights standards

(Kenya);

128.6 Fully and effectively implement the recommendations of the

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and ensure

that the rights of women and children are respected, most particularly when

they are in detention (Netherlands).

129. The recommendations below did not enjoy the support of Mauritania and

would thus be noted:

GE.15-22687 22/26

129.1 Ratify international human rights instruments, to which the

country is not yet a party (Côte d’Ivoire);

129.2 Consider ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition

of the death penalty (Namibia);

129.3 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death

penalty (Belgium);

129.4 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of death

penalty (Montenegro);

129.5 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of death

penalty (Uruguay);

129.6 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death

penalty (Norway);

129.7 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of death

penalty (Slovakia);

129.8 Abolish the capital punishment in all cases and in all

circumstances, as well as ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition

of death penalty (Portugal);

129.9 Establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty with a view

to ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of death penalty

(Australia);

129.10 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights Madagascar);

129.11 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Uruguay);

129.12 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal);

129.13 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Madagascar);

129.14 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination

of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Portugal);

129.15 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination

of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Madagascar);

129.16 Accept the competence of the Committee against Torture to

conduct confidential inquiries and to receive and consider communications

from States or individuals (Spain);

129.17 Accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

(France);

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129.18 Accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

and implement the legislation that regulates it (Costa Rica);

129.19 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

(Latvia);

129.20 Ratify the Rome Statute (Spain);

129.21 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and

implement it fully at national level and accede to the Agreement on

Privileges and Immunities of the Court (Slovakia);

129.22 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and

accede to the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the

International Criminal Court (Botswana);

129.23 Take all necessary steps towards acceding to the Rome Statute of

the International Criminal Court (Cyprus);

129.24 Strengthen national laws to conform to international standards

(Madagascar);

129.25 Incorporate the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of

Discrimination against Women into national legislation and abolish all

discriminatory provisions, in particular with respect to the Personal Status

Code in terms of family relations and child marriage (Spain);

129.26 Harmonise legislation with international obligations and

standards in the field of combatting violence against women by effectively

criminalizing domestic violence, sexual violence, including marital rape, as

well as human trafficking, in addition to establishing effective measures for

assistance to victims and access to justice (Canada);

129.27 Remove the crime of apostasy from its legislation (Poland);

129.28 Delete the crime of apostasy from national legislation (Belgium);

129.29 Revise the legislation linked to apostasy and blasphemy to ensure

its conformity with international obligations related to freedom of religion

or belief (Canada);

129.30 Extend an open invitation to special procedures on human rights

(Panama);

129.31 Extend a standing invitation to all special procedure mandate

holders (Latvia);

129.32 Extend an open ended and standing invitation to United Nations

special procedures (Spain);

129.33 Invite the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or

arbitrary executions (Uruguay);

129.34 Cooperate with the Office of OHCHR in Mauritania and with

civil society to conduct a study on nature, incidence and consequences of

slavery, and ensure a systematic collection of disaggregated data to measure

the progress realised in the application of laws and policies aimed at the

eradication of slave-like and discriminatory practices (Canada);

129.35 Create the conditions for ensuring that religious minorities can

fully enjoy their rights, without discrimination (Italy);

GE.15-22687 24/26

129.36 Commute without delay all death sentences to terms of

imprisonment (Belgium);

129.37 Ensure that the death penalty is not applied to consensual same

sex-relations between adults, and that the Penal Code does not criminalise

such activity, and include sexual orientation and gender identity in non -

discrimination laws and programmes, and promote tolerance and non-

discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or identity in line with the

Yogyakarta Principles (Sweden);

129.38 Replace the death penalty by a sentence in conformity with

international norms and initiate the procedure leading to the complete

abolition of the death penalty (Togo);

129.39 Adopt necessary measures to definitively abolish the death

penalty (Mexico);

129.40 Consider abolishing the death penalty (Panama);

129.41 Establish a de jure moratorium on death sentences and commute

all death sentences to alternative penalties (Switzerland);

129.42 Establish a de jure moratorium on the death penalty with a view

to total abolition thereof (Namibia);

129.43 Establish a moratorium on the application of the death penalty as

a first stage toward its definitive abolition (France);

129.44 Maintain the moratorium on the application of the death penalty

and move towards its complete abolition (Spain);

129.45 Consider adopting a de jure moratorium in view to abolishing the

death penalty (Italy);

129.46 Study the possibility of the definitive abolition of the death

penalty (Chile);

129.47 Ensure that all allegations of torture are investigated

independently and that those responsible are brought to justice

(Switzerland);

129.48 In addition to suggestions made by various Special Rapporteurs

who agree with Chile’s assessment, strengthen a judicial response to sexual

violence on grounds of gender and ensure that women victims of violence

have the same access to justice as men (Chile);

129.49 Abolish the caste system that continues to promote de facto

slavery through domestic servitude and bondage or forced labour (Uganda);

129.50 Provide space for civil society organizations in line with

international standards and best practices, and in this respect, release from

prison those human rights defenders who called for the full abolition of

slavery (Germany);

129.51 Take action to identify and release people in slavery, support

victims and end discrimination, in particular discrimination based on caste

or ethnicity. As part of this, the Government should formally acknowledge

the continued existence of slavery and begin to collect detailed data on the

number of people held in slavery to facilitate monitoring of eradication

efforts under the 2007 anti-slavery law (United Kingdom of Great Britain

and Northern Ireland);

25/26 GE.15-22687

129.52 Protect effectively freedom of expression of civil society, in

particular for journalists and human rights defenders, so that they can

carry out their activities freely without hindrance, intimidation, harassment

or risk of condemnation (Belgium);

129.53 Decriminalize homosexuality as well as protect freedom and

privacy of persons (Chile);

129.54 Repeal the provisions criminalising homosexuality (France);

129.55 Pursue measures taken to re-establish the rights of former

refugees returning from Senegal and Mali and to allow the return of those

remaining in those countries (France);

129.56 Continue its cooperation with the Office of the United Nations

High Commissioner for Refugees and related agencies, in order to identify,

repatriate and provide proper citizenship documents for the displaced

population in the wake of tensions with Senegal and the expelling of citizens

from both countries between 1989-1991 (Brazil);

129.57 Amend the 1993 Amnesty Law, which grants full amnesty to

members of armed and security forces, and fight against impunity of

perpetrators of acts of torture, as recommended in 2013 by the Committee

against Torture (Argentina);

129.58 Take concrete steps to prevent the arbitrary arrest and detention

of human rights defenders and to create and maintain, in law and practice, a

safe and enabling environment, in which human rights defenders can

operate free from hindrance and insecurity, in accordance with Human

Rights Council resolution 22/6 (Ireland).

130. 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.

GE.15-22687 26/26

Annex

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Mauritania was headed by the Minister of Justice, Mr. Brahim

Ould Daddah, and composed of the following members:

 M. Brahim Ould Daddah, Ministre de la Justice;

 Mme Aichetou Mint M’Haiham, Commissaire aux Droits de l’Homme et à

l’Action Humanitaire;

 Mme Salka Mint Yamar, Ambassadeur, Mission permanente à Genève;

 M. Isselmou Ould Meinouh, Conseiller du Premier Ministre chargé des Droits de

l’Homme;

 M. Hasni Ould Lefghih, Conseiller du Premier Ministre chargé de la

Communication;

 M. Haimoud Ramdane, Chargé de Mission au Ministère de la Justice;

 M. Khaled OUld Cheikhne, Conseiller juridique au MFPTMA;

 M. Abdellahi Diakhité, Conseiller juridique au MASEF;

 M. Ba Samba, Ambassadeur au MAEC;

 M. Cheikh Tourad Abdel Malick, Directeur général des Droits de l ’Homme au

CDHAH;

 M. Boubakar Ould Ghadour, Sénateur;

 M. Sidi Mohamed Ould Boune dit El Moudir, Député;

 M. Harouna Traoré, Premier Conseiller.