32/13 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Seychelles

GE.16-05783 (E)

*1605783*

Human Rights Council Thirty-second session

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Seychelles

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

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 ................................................. 6

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations .............................................................................................. 15

Annex

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

Introduction

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

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-fourth session from 18 to 29

January 2016. The review of Seychelles was held at the 11th meeting on 25 January 2016.

The delegation of Seychelles was headed by Ambassador Barry Faure (Secretary of State,

Foreign Affairs Department). At its 17th meeting, held on 28 January 2016, the Working

Group adopted the report on Seychelles.

2. On 12 January 2016, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Seychelles: Albania, Kenya and Portugal.

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 Seychelles:

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

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/24/SYC/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.6/24/SYC/2);

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

(A/HRC/WG.6/24/SYC/3).

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

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

transmitted to Seychelles through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet

of the universal periodic review.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The delegation of Seychelles explained that Seychelles was a young republic and a

multiparty democracy, built upon the foundations of a strong culture of respect for human

rights, social justice, equality and non-discrimination. It added that, since its previous

universal periodic review, in 2011, significant strides had been made in terms of the

promotion and protection of human rights.

6. Regarding the rights of the child, the delegation noted that Seychelles was

committed to ensuring that such rights were fully respected, promoted and protected. In

February 2015, the Government of Seychelles had set up a dedicated police child protection

team, which specialized in child protection cases and responded to instances of neglect and

child abuse, allowing such cases to be processed by law enforcement in an efficient

manner. The delegation added that numerous sensitization programmes continued to be

held on preventing and combating child abuse and that a juvenile detention centre was

currently under development.

7. The delegation reported that Seychelles had ratified the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child

pornography, and had also signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of

the Child on a communications procedure.

8. In terms of education, the delegation stated that Seychelles provided free primary

and secondary education to all children and that compulsory secondary schooling had been

increased by one year as of 2016, bringing the total years of compulsory education to 11. It

also mentioned the medium-term strategy on education for the period 2013-2017 and

beyond, which ensured that necessary investments were made in the sector of education.

9. The delegation noted that Seychelles remained fully committed to fighting violence

against women through prevention, protection and prosecution. In that regard, the national

action plan for gender-based violence for the period 2011-2015 focused on a review and

harmonization of existing laws on gender-based violence, the sensitization of front-line

enforcement officials, public education campaigns and mainstreaming of gender

perspectives into national development plans. The delegation highlighted the fact that the

Government of Seychelles was in the process of developing specific legislation on domestic

violence, with regard to which wide consultation was taking place.

10. The delegation reported the enactment of the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons

Act in 2014, which formalized legislative and administrative measures to effectively

combat that crime, as well as the establishment of a national coordination committee on

trafficking in persons.

11. The delegation recalled that Seychelles had undergone a free, fair and peaceful

presidential election process in December 2014, whereby the incumbent President, James

Alix Michel, had been re-elected. The elections had been observed by local, regional and

international organizations. The delegation explained that, since the first universal periodic

review of Seychelles, a fully fledged electoral commission had been established and the

Elections Act and Political Parties Act had been modified.

12. Regarding the right of freedom of expression, the delegation noted that licence fees

to operate media establishments had been significantly reduced through legislative

amendments. It added that there had been an increase in the number of newspaper outlets,

as well as the opening of a new radio station and the introduction of a new Internet protocol

television system. Furthermore, Seychelles was starting to work on legislation on access to

information.

13. The delegation noted that Seychelles had launched its third national drug control

master plan in 2014, which had been developed in recognition of the need for a coherent

and holistic national response.

14. The delegation reported that Seychelles had established a national AIDS council to

improve upon the national response to HIV/AIDS. A policy entitled “test and treat” had

also been put in place in 2014, as part of the global strategy to reach zero deaths from HIV

and AIDS infection by the year 2030.

15. The delegation stated that health education, including sex education, was provided to

children in school. Furthermore, Seychelles was currently in the process of finalizing two

documents: the national policy on sexual and reproductive health and the national

adolescent sexual reproductive health policy, which were aimed at responding effectively to

the various sexual health challenges of the country.

16. The delegation noted that Seychelles remained committed to fostering

non-discrimination and equality for persons with disabilities. For instance, the national

employment policy promoted employment without discrimination, including for persons

with disabilities. The delegation added that the Government was in the final stages of

approving the national policy and strategic framework for disability, which was designed to

empower persons with disabilities to claim their rights as citizens, and to change

stereotypes regarding such persons.

17. The delegation stated that the authorities were reviewing the National Human Rights

Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman of Seychelles, in order to strengthen both

institutions. Seychelles looked forward to having a national human rights institution which

was fully compliant with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the

promotion and protection of human rights (the “Paris Principles”).

18. Regarding the penitentiary system, the delegation noted that the main prison had

been refurbished, and now included, among other things, a medical facility, an auditorium,

a classroom, a library, a gymnasium and a laundry room. A unit for vulnerable prisoners,

such as those who were at risk of harm, persons with disabilities and elderly persons, was

also under construction. The delegation added that numerous measures had been put in

place for prisoners’ rehabilitation, including the resettlement day release programme and an

outreach programme, which allowed prisoners to leave the prison to do voluntary work in

the community.

19. The delegation reported that, following universal periodic review recommendations

received in 2011, Seychelles had issued a standing invitation to the special procedure

mandate holders. Since then, Seychelles had hosted the Special Rapporteur on the Right to

Education and the Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially women and

children. Both rapporteurs had issued recommendations which the Government was in the

process of implementing.

20. The delegation recalled that the Seychelles Human Rights Treaty Committee had

been established in 2012. That coordinative committee, composed of governmental and

non-governmental agencies, was primarily tasked with assisting in the preparation of treaty

reports, ensuring the dissemination of treaties and treaty body recommendations and

promoting the conformity of national laws with accepted human rights standards. The

delegation reported that, since its previous review, Seychelles had submitted reports under

the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention on the Protection

of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. Reports to other

treaty bodies under the corresponding conventions were also being finalized.

21. The delegation added that the Seychelles Human Rights Treaty Committee was also

charged with overseeing the development of a five-year national action plan on human

rights, which should be adopted and implemented very soon.

22. The delegation took the opportunity of the universal periodic review to present its

call for the world to pay attention to the issue of protecting the environment, especially

reducing gas emissions, given the irrefutable link between climate change, the environment

and human rights. The delegation further called for that issue to continue being formally

and urgently addressed under the legal frameworks of the United Nations and the Human

Rights Council. The delegation reported the creation a new governmental department for

climate change and energy, as well the adoption of numerous measures and projects to

mitigate the effects of climate change in Seychelles, which included flood mitigation,

increased drainage and recharging sandbanks.

23. The delegation noted that Seychelles had been advocating the concept of the blue

economy, which referred to those economic activities which directly or indirectly took

place in the ocean and in coastal areas and used outputs from the ocean, as well as the

contribution of those activities to economic growth and social, cultural and environmental

well-being. A new blue economy department had been established under the governmental

structure to implement that goal.

24. To conclude, the delegation stated that Seychelles remained dedicated to progress

and improvement in human rights and would continue working with civil society and the

National Human Rights Commission in the follow-up to the dialogue.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

25. During the interactive dialogue, 60 delegations made statements. Recommendations

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

26. The United Arab Emirates welcomed the progress achieved in the enjoyment of

economic, social and cultural rights and the efforts of the Government to uphold children’s

rights, such as the adoption of a national plan for child protection and the setting up of

awareness programmes to combat violence against children.

27. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland applauded Seychelles

for its recent presidential election, which had been peaceful but contested. It welcomed the

replacement of the Public Order Act with more progressive legislation. It expressed concern

that the National Human Rights Commission did not comply with the Paris Principles.

28. The United States of America noted the recent presidential election with the

participation of international and local observers but was concerned by reports that some

candidates had not been able to exercise freedom of expression and association. It

commended the Constitutional Court’s decision to strike down the Public Order Act.

29. Uruguay commended Seychelles for extending a standing invitation to the special

procedure mandate holders and receiving two rapporteurs. It expressed concern about the

absence of a definition and an explicit prohibition of discrimination against women. It

welcomed the fact that the Education Act was being revised to eliminate corporal

punishment of children in schools.

30. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela recognized the efforts of the Government to

implement the recommendations of its first universal periodic review despite the delicate

situation generated by climate change. It welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol

to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and

child pornography and the implementation of the national plan to combat domestic

violence.

31. Zambia welcomed the appointment of women in decision-making positions and the

measures taken to prevent violence against women. It regretted the fact that the police could

detain a person for 24 hours without charge, that domestic violence was not criminalized

and that there was a high prevalence of sexual exploitation.

32. Zimbabwe welcomed the constant improvement of existing human rights legislation

by Seychelles. It commended a number of measures to protect the rights of women,

including the appointment of women to high-level decision-making positions and the

adoption of a national plan to combat gender-based violence.

33. Algeria commended Seychelles for the important reforms adopted since 2011 with

regard to the fight against human trafficking, the protection of the environment, food

security of the population and management of disasters. It noted with satisfaction the efforts

to strengthen economic, social and cultural rights.

34. Angola appreciated the determination with which Seychelles continued to review

and strengthen its national legislation to make it compatible with the promotion and

protection of human rights. Angola supported Seychelles in its efforts to combat crime and

amend its penal code in relation to the minimum age of crime.

35. Argentina welcomed the progress achieved in implementing the recommendations

received during the first cycle, in particular the measures taken to improve the education

system and to guarantee the right to education.

36. Australia noted the recent focus on good governance and encouraged the

Government to ensure that democracy and the rule of law were upheld through transparent,

strong, effective and independent institutions, including the Human Rights Commission. It

expressed concern regarding freedom of expression and commended efforts to address

domestic violence.

37. Benin appreciated the national framework plan against drugs for the period

2014-2018, the advancement of gender equality in national development plans, the

appointment of women to high-level decision making positions, the national action plan for

gender-based violence for the period 2011-2015 and the enactment of the law on domestic

violence.

38. Botswana noted policies addressing human trafficking, gender-based violence,

education, food security and the administration of justice. It welcomed the police child

protection team and asked for more information on how the team operated and whether it

had registered any significant achievements. Reports of judicial corruption were still

worrying.

39. Brazil welcomed the national gender policy and plan of action and the Gender and

Law Manual. It was pleased about progress in the penitentiary system of Seychelles,

including the opportunity for inmates to take courses and implementation of the

resettlement day release and outreach programmes. It acknowledged amendment of the

Probation of Offenders Act.

40. Burundi welcomed measures concerning the rights of children, women and persons

with disabilities and the right to health. It congratulated Seychelles for establishing the

Seychelles Human Rights Treaty Committee and its cooperation with treaty bodies and the

special procedure mandate holders, to whom it had issued a standing invitation.

41. Cabo Verde noted that the national action plan on human rights would be an

important framework for human rights efforts. Institutional solutions concerning the right to

information and independence of the media should be pursued. Cabo Verde hoped that the

small island State of Seychelles would benefit from substantial international cooperation.

42. Canada commended Seychelles for its commitment to the principles of equal

opportunity and social justice through targeted social programmes and investments in

health care and education. It encouraged continued efforts in those areas.

43. Chad noted that Seychelles was a party to most of the international legal instruments

and cooperated with treaty bodies, both at the regional and international levels. It also noted

the country’s legislative and institutional framework to strengthen the rights of children,

women and persons with disabilities, as well as the media.

44. Chile valued the information contained in the national report that reflected progress

in the area of human rights.

45. China appreciated the efforts made by Seychelles to implement first-cycle

recommendations related to the enhancement of human rights mechanisms and the rule of

law, and to improve cooperation with human rights bodies. It noted the progress achieved

in the enjoyment of the rights to education and health.

46. On the comment made on children’s participation, the delegation of Seychelles

stated that this issue was of great importance for the Government and that such

participation was encouraged through many platforms, such as the National Youth

Assembly and the National Youth Committee.

47. On the question of the Government’s plans to improve the electoral process in

advance of Assembly elections in 2016, the delegation noted the electoral reform process

that had been undertaken from 2011 to 2013, which had already brought significant

legislative amendments and improvements to electoral processes. The delegation also noted

that further changes to the electoral process must be initiated by the Electoral Commission,

which the Government could subsequently consider.

48. Regarding the query on how the Government intended to improve the Office of the

Ombudsman and the National Human Rights Commission to enable them to meet

international standards, the delegation stated that the Government had initiated the review

of the legal and administrative frameworks of both institutions, with a view to

strengthening them and making them fully compliant with the Paris Principles. The

delegation added that the Government recognized that both institutions required further

human and financial resources in order to fulfil their mandates effectively, and would

address that challenge as part of the review.

49. On the issue of when the Government of Seychelles intended to repeal section 151

of the Penal Code to decriminalize same-sex relationships, the delegation reported that the

Government was conducting an overarching review of the Penal Code, under which section

151 would also be considered. No decision had been taken as to whether section 151 would

be amended. The delegation noted that no one had ever been tried under section 151 (c) on

the basis of his or her sexual orientation.

50. Regarding the question on the steps taken to prevent domestic violence, the

delegation replied that sensitization programmes were used to educate the general

population at all levels. The Government was also placing a lot of emphasis on

capacity-building of law enforcement officers. The delegation added that victims of

domestic violence could seek protection orders under the Family Violence Protection of

Victims Act through the Family Tribunal. That Tribunal would be placed under the

administration of the Supreme Court in the near future. The delegation stated that a new

police child protection team had been established in 2015 to respond to child abuse, and

that police stations had been decentralized to facilitate reporting of domestic violence cases.

Furthermore, a domestic violence bill was expected to be adopted during the coming year.

51. On the question on plans to decriminalize defamation and what measures had been

taken to ensure that restrictions on the freedoms of expression and opinion were compliant

with international standards, the delegation recalled that those freedoms were fundamental

rights protected in the Constitution. However, the delegation noted that a balancing act was

needed when human rights conflicted with one another, for example the right to privacy and

dignity with freedom of expression. According to the delegation, the provision of

defamation was necessary to maintain the effective protection of persons and prevent the

infringement of fundamental rights.

52. Regarding the implementation of social policies, the delegation reported that, in

2011, the country had launched a social renaissance campaign aimed at strengthening social

policies. A national policy on family was awaiting governmental approval and a policy on

the elderly was currently under development.

53. To reply to comments on freedom of expression for political parties, the delegation

stated that all political parties, including the opposition ones, had equal access to media.

The Elections Act allowed every registered candidate to broadcast matters related to

elections. Noting that there had been complaints that one or two candidates had not had the

right to express themselves, the delegation stated that there had been total freedom of

expression and equal access to the media.

54. With regard to the efforts made by Seychelles to promote gender mainstreaming and

to provide a specific definition of discrimination against women under the law, the

delegation stated that the National Gender Management Team, composed of State and non-

State actors, continued to provide support and direction for gender mainstreaming

initiatives within the national institutions. It added that the Constitution guaranteed that

every person had the right to equal protection under the law without any discrimination on

any grounds. Finally, the delegation noted that the Gender and Law Manual had been

published in 2013 to guide the judiciary on interpreting the laws in a manner consistent

with human rights obligations.

55. On the issue of the detention of persons for more than 24 hours without charge, the

delegation stated that 24 hours gave time to the police to investigate the alleged offence of

which a suspect was accused in accordance with the Penal Code and the Constitution.

56. Pakistan commended measures to strengthen the National Human Rights

Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman, the legal and judicial system and the rights

of women, such as the national action plan on gender-based violence, measures relating to

the rights of persons with disabilities and the rights of migrant workers and measures

against human trafficking.

57. The Democratic Republic of the Congo congratulated Seychelles for providing

housing to its citizens, especially through programmes concerning social housing and

aimed at allowing citizens to own their own housing. It noted that the Ombudsman also

being president of the National Human Rights Commission did not guarantee the

independence of those institutions.

58. Denmark welcomed the fact that Seychelles had accepted recommendations to ratify

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

Degrading Treatment or Punishment during its first universal periodic review and hoped

that steps were being taken towards that goal. It noted that the initial report of Seychelles to

the Committee against Torture was long overdue. It highlighted that the Convention against

Torture Initiative stood ready to assist Seychelles on those issues.

59. Djibouti commended the literacy rate among women but was concerned at the social

obstacles young pregnant women were facing in continuing their schooling. Persons with

disabilities did not have adequate access to health care, information, education and decent

work. It referred to the finding of the Committee on the Rights of the Child that children

with disabilities were not fully integrated in the school system.

60. Egypt commended progress on the rights of children, women and persons with

disabilities, political participation, education and health. It acknowledged the Seychelles

Human Rights Treaty Committee and implementation of a legal and policy framework on

human trafficking. It was encouraged by the development of a national action plan on

human rights.

61. Ethiopia commended the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons Act, the Food Act

and the Local Government Act. The submission of treaty reports and the establishment of

the Seychelles Human Rights Treaty Committee, amid its financial and expert constraints,

demonstrated political commitment. Ethiopia called upon the international community to

provide financial and technical assistance.

62. Fiji noted that Seychelles faced unique human rights challenges as a small island

developing State. It would be important to make a linkage on how the consequences of

climate change had an impact on the rights of the citizens of Seychelles. Fiji was concerned

about overreliance on pretrial detention and the increase in the prison population.

63. Germany commended Seychelles for its engagement with international human rights

mechanisms and its willingness to further improve the legislative framework for human

rights.

64. Ghana recognized the 2014 Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons Act, and was

concerned that corporal punishment, contrary to its prohibition in the Children’s Act, was

still prevalent in homes, penal institutions, day-care centres and schools.

65. Haiti noted the self-evaluation by Seychelles of the National Human Rights

Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman in order to bring them into compliance with

the Paris Principles.

66. The Holy See acknowledged the development of a five-year national action plan on

human rights and recognized the attention given to promoting education through the

medium-term strategy on education for the period 2013-2017 and beyond.

67. India encouraged the Government to further review the effectiveness of the current

framework of the National Human Rights Commission and welcomed the efforts to

eliminate the judicial backlog. It also encouraged Seychelles to continue harmonizing

domestic legislation with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and to take a

systematic approach to gender mainstreaming.

68. Indonesia welcomed the efforts to strengthen the National Human Rights

Commission in conformity with the Paris Principles and develop a national action plan on

human rights. It recognized the measures taken by the Government to ensure the

implementation of international human rights instruments ratified by Seychelles.

69. Iraq expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the Government to implement

first-cycle recommendations. It noted the achievements of the Government in the area of

human rights, such as the establishment of a national human rights commission and the

adoption of a medium-term strategy for the education sector for the period 2013-2017.

70. Jamaica noted that, since its first review, Seychelles had made strides in reforming

and enacting legislation in various areas, in cooperation with civil society and the

international community. It commended the Government for its advocacy on behalf of the

blue economy and climate change, and for strides made in renewable energy.

71. Libya commended Seychelles for the positive developments since the first cycle of

its universal periodic review, including a national campaign to combat smoking and the

adoption of the flexible employment programme aimed at increasing employment

opportunities for vulnerable groups.

72. Maldives noted high levels of educational enrolment and achievement by girls. It

encouraged Seychelles to continue reaching out to international partners, including

OHCHR, for financial and technical assistance and commended Seychelles for raising the

challenges of small island developing States in international forums, and for initiatives to

combat the effects of climate change.

73. With regard to the concrete measures that the Government was taking to shorten the

length of pretrial detention, the delegation of Seychelles indicated that the strategic plan of

the judiciary for the period 2010-2014 recognized case backlogs as a key area in need of

attention. Significant improvements had been made in that regard. The number of judges

had been increased and the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal had moved into new

premises, enabling the improved use of technology in court proceedings, which had

allowed for easier disposal of cases and reduction of delays. The introduction of an

electronic case flow management system had also improved the speed and efficacy of case

flow management. The delegation stated that such measures had led to all criminal cases

filed prior to 2008 having been concluded in the Court of Appeal, Magistrate Court and

Supreme Court. Ninety-six per cent of ongoing cases had been filed between 2013 and

2015.

74. On the question on the ways in which Seychelles enforced existing laws to protect

women and children from domestic violence and abuse, the delegation noted that domestic

violence and gender-based violence cases could often go unreported, an unfortunate

occurrence seen across the world. It added that legislative measures against domestic and

gender-based violence must be implemented in a cohesive and harmonized manner in order

to effect change. In that regard, numerous awareness-raising activities and training sessions

had been held for law enforcement officers, social workers and health workers, in order to

build upon their capacities and skills with regard to responding to, identifying and

prosecuting cases of domestic and gender-based violence, as well as providing effective

protection to victims.

75. The delegation recalled that a new police child protection team had been established

in February 2015 specifically to respond to cases of child abuse. The Director for Social

Services was also empowered by the Children’s Act to intervene in ongoing cases for the

protection of children when the need arose.

76. With regard to the question on what concrete measures Seychelles was taking to

enhance pluralism in the media, the delegation reported that Seychelles had made

amendments which had significantly reduced the license fees for the operation of

commercial radio, television and newspaper outlets. The delegation stated that the

Government continued fostering an atmosphere that was conducive to imparting and

receiving diverse points of view.

77. The delegation stated that the Government treated the issue of drugs and narcotics

with the greatest seriousness. It had set up a detox unit and wellness centre which provided

rehabilitation services for drug users. The delegation added that the authorities continued to

liaise with international partners for further support, especially for capacity-building and

training of staff. Furthermore, Seychelles had implemented strict laws on the use and

trafficking of drugs and could impose a life sentence upon the perpetrators of drug

trafficking.

78. The delegation noted that efforts to improve access to services, such as education

and health, by persons with disabilities were ongoing. It mentioned that a national policy

and an action plan on disability had been finalized. The inclusive policy on education and

training had been adopted in 2014 and the National Council for the Disabled continued to

take action towards disability mainstreaming.

79. Regarding the issue of outstanding reports under treaty bodies, the delegation stated

that the resources of Seychelles were very tight and that it was difficult to keep up with the

heavy reporting burden. However, as mentioned in the introductory statement, Seychelles

had submitted various reports since its previous review.

80. The delegation noted that Seychelles would carefully study the Optional Protocol to

the Convention against Torture with a view to possible signature and ratification.

81. The delegation stated that the policy of the Minister of Education allowed for

teenage mothers to continue to go school while pregnant and to return to school after giving

birth. Teenage mothers could receive support from different government agencies to

continue their education if they chose to.

82. The delegation reported that the Education Act would be amended to prohibit

corporal punishment in schools.

83. On the question of improving education, the delegation mentioned that the

medium-term strategy on education for the period 2015-2017 covered 13 main components

and related interventions or actions, and that Seychelles would receive technical and

financial assistance from the World Bank regarding the implementation of that strategy.

84. With regard to the question of strengthening the gender secretariat, the delegation

recalled that this secretariat had a monitoring and evaluation role. It developed policies and

guidelines and sought to mainstream gender across sectors. The Government was

committed to strengthening the gender secretariat, but it was also affected by human

resource constraints that the country faced in many expert fields.

85. Mauritius commended multiple developments, including enhancing the credibility of

the electoral process, and offered congratulations for the successful 2015 elections. It

commended the development of a national action plan on human rights and acknowledged

initiatives boosting economic prosperity. Mauritius encouraged Seychelles to pursue

awareness-raising efforts on workers’ rights issues.

86. Mexico welcomed the progress made by Seychelles in implementing the

recommendations of the first universal periodic review cycle, in particular the adoption of a

gender policy and plan of action to eliminate gender inequality. It also praised the national

policy aimed at guaranteeing the rights of persons with disabilities.

87. Montenegro noted the concerns of the Committee on the Rights of the Child and

asked Seychelles about steps taken to protect children. It wanted to learn more about the

investigation of domestic violence cases, the adoption of a comprehensive law specifically

criminalizing domestic violence, including marital rape, and activities strengthening victim

assistance and rehabilitation.

88. Morocco commended the Seychelles Human Rights Treaty Committee and the

Institute of Early Childhood Development. It encouraged Seychelles to request technical

assistance to strengthen its National Human Rights Commission and bring it into

compliance with the Paris Principles. Morocco underlined efforts to promote equality in the

workplace.

89. Namibia applauded Seychelles for its legislative reforms such as the Prohibition of

Trafficking in Persons Act, the Animal and Biosecurity Act, the Food Act and the Disaster

Management Act, and for strides made since 2011 towards eliminating case backlogs in the

criminal justice system.

90. The Netherlands welcomed the inclusion of a wide range of women’s rights in

national legislation and the high level of female representation in national institutions, but

remained concerned about the state of enforcement of legislation to eliminate gender-based

violence.

91. The Niger noted with satisfaction the reinforcement of the legislative framework on

media independence and radio broadcasting, the prohibition of trafficking in persons,

protection of victims of trafficking and prevention measures. It welcomed the creation of

the institute for the development of youth.

92. Nigeria commended efforts aimed at promoting the right of the child through, inter

alia, the revamping of the National Commission for Child Protection, the establishment of a

police child protection team and the enactment of the Local Government Act of 2015 aimed

at involving people in local governance and decision-making processes.

93. Cuba noted the progress achieved in the protection of the rights of the child, the

provision of primary health services to the entire population and protection of the rights of

people with disabilities. It also commended the establishment of the Commission on

Human Rights Treaties.

94. Panama recalled that, as a result of the first universal periodic review of Seychelles,

the Government had established a national human rights institution and passed laws aimed

at the promotion and protection of human rights.

95. The Philippines welcomed the establishment of the Seychelles Human Rights Treaty

Committee. It was concerned about the apparent lack of strategy with regard to promoting

education and the continued lack of appropriate treatment accorded to persons with

disabilities, migrants and refugees, as well as inadequate freedom of expression.

96. Portugal welcomed the standing invitation to the special procedure mandate holders.

It commended Seychelles for considering establishing an interministerial committee

responsible for the implementation of its international human rights obligations. Portugal

was concerned about the incidence of sexual exploitation of children, including child sex

tourism.

97. Senegal welcomed the creation of the National Human Rights Commission, the

establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman and the ratification of the Optional Protocol

to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and

child pornography. It called on the international community to provide Seychelles with the

necessary assistance.

98. Singapore commended the efforts of Seychelles to provide full access to safe water

and sanitation for all persons in the country and welcomed its commitment to the

rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders in prison in order to help them to gain

vocational skills and employment by the national programmes created.

99. Slovenia was concerned about the child legislation that had not yet been fully

aligned with the Convention and about the lack of a comprehensive and systematic

approach to gender mainstreaming. It regretted reports of a persistence of stereotypes

regarding the roles of women and men in family and society.

100. South Africa commended Seychelles for its political will and efforts in promoting

and protecting human rights in its country, including the adoption of several legislative and

institutional measures, as well as the noticeable representation of women in

decision-making bodies and the roll-out of the housing programme and education strategy.

101. Spain commended Seychelles for the ratification of the Convention on the

Elimination of Discrimination against Women and its Optional Protocol, as it had been

recommended by Spain during the previous review, and also recognized the progress in

protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and the existence of a national council on

that matter.

102. Togo commended Seychelles for its determination in combating trafficking in

persons, as well as for the creation of the National Commission for the Protection of the

Child. It welcomed the efforts undertaken to reform the judicial system to make it more

efficient.

103. Trinidad and Tobago commended Seychelles for the introduction of several pieces

of legislation and the review of policies relating to, inter alia, early childhood development,

tertiary education, employment and health. It added that programmes for rehabilitation,

reconciliation and reintegration into the society of Seychelles were exemplary.

104. Noting that Seychelles had already signed several international agreements on

corruption, Turkey encouraged the Government of Seychelles to start the process of

enacting the law establishing an independent anti-corruption commission. It commended

Seychelles for having issued a standing invitation to the special procedure mandate holders.

105. Ukraine was pleased to observe that, in 2015, the presidential elections had been

held in a calm and peaceful atmosphere and that the fundamental rights of the electorate

had been respected. It acknowledged positive developments in the legislative process, in

particular the adoption of legal acts in the areas of education, media and security.

106. Aware of the impact of climate change on small island developing nations, Italy

welcomed the Government’s leadership and efforts on that issue and the decision to

progressively increase the use of renewable sources of energy. It praised the attention

devoted to women’s and children’s rights.

107. France commended the enactment of the 2014 Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons

Act and the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the

Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

108. The delegation of Seychelles responded to the advance question on the achievements

of the National Commission for Child Protection with regard to the improvement of the

system of protection of children and adolescents, and the reform of the Education Act with

specific reference to corporal punishment. The National Commission for Child Protection

was set up under the Children Act in 2005 as an advisory body bringing together all

stakeholders to propose policies and advise the Government on all matters pertaining to

child protection. The delegation noted that, since its inception, the Commission had

coordinated actions to incorporate the Convention on the Rights of the Child into domestic

law and had validated the reports to the Committee on the Rights of the Child. The

Education Act was in the process of being reformed, and was going through the necessary

governmental approval processes.

109. On the question of what laws, campaigns or policies had been enacted since the

previous cycle to eliminate gender inequality in access to opportunities and remuneration

for men and women, and whether a gender perspective had been incorporated into other

national development plans, the delegation noted that the national employment policy of

2014 had been aimed at promoting gender equality and putting in place mechanisms to

ensure equal and fair treatment for both men and women. Mainstreaming gender into

national development plans was an ongoing activity and was supported by the National

Gender Management Team. The delegation mentioned that the national gender policy was

expected to be launched during the first quarter of the year.

110. Regarding the advance question on efforts made to improve the capacities of the

police and national security forces vis-à-vis human rights, the delegation responded that

modules on human rights as well as humanitarian law had been incorporated into the Police

Academy. Specific training on issues such as gender-based violence and trafficking in

persons had also been held for front-line law enforcement officials. The delegation added

that, in the light of the fight of Seychelles against piracy and the capture and prosecution of

Somali pirates, Seychelles defence forces had received capacity-building and training,

which had improved upon the skills of national security forces to treat captured pirates in a

manner that was fully respectful of human rights.

111. The delegation responded to the advance question on the implementation of its

previous recommendation issued in 2011 regarding access to safe drinking water and

sanitation, and the current status of those services. As of 2010, 93 per cent of households in

Seychelles had treated water, and 97 percent of the population had sanitation facilities. The

delegation added that the Public Utilities Corporation in Seychelles continued to strive

towards ensuring full access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all persons. With

regard to sanitation, refurbishment of existing sewer networks was ongoing, and there were

plans to expand the existing networks.

112. The delegation stated that the Government was considering the provisions of the

Kampala Amendments and their implications for implementation in order to determine the

position of Seychelles on ratification.

113. The delegation mentioned that Seychelles was currently developing specific

legislation to address domestic violence and that the Penal Code already criminalized any

sexual assault or rape.

114. On the protection of children’s rights, the delegation recalled what it had said

earlier: that a new police child protection team had been established to respond to cases of

child abuse and that the Director for Social Services could intervene in ongoing cases for

the protection of children.

115. The delegation noted that a national health policy had been approved in 2015 and

that a national health strategic plan had been developed. It also thanked Cuba for providing

technical assistance to the national health sector.

116. The delegation underlined that Seychelles already had an inter-ministerial committee

on human rights, which played a role in drafting reports under treaty bodies.

117. The delegation noted that Seychelles had ratified the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities and was in the process of carrying out consultations for the

ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention.

118. On the issue of human rights education, the delegation mentioned that secondary

school students were taught their rights and freedoms, which included those contained in

chapter III of the Constitution—the Seychellois Charter of Fundamental Human Rights and

Freedoms. Citizenship education had also been incorporated into the primary school

curriculum, which touched upon human rights issues. The delegation added that the

national action plan on human rights that the Government was working on was expected to

develop a road map for human rights education.

119. To conclude, the delegation stated that the Government of Seychelles would study

the recommendations received during the review with great interest and looked forward to

communicating its views to the universal periodic review secretariat and the troika in due

course. It reiterated the country’s plea regarding human rights and climate change. Noting

that not enough had been done to prevent and to mitigate the erosion of the planet, the

delegation called upon the States and organizations present at the session to push that

agenda further at all forums for the right of Seychellois to exist now and in the future.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

120. The following recommendations will be examined by Seychelles, which will

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

Human Rights Council, in June 2016:

120.1 Ratify all the international instruments on human rights (Iraq);

120.2 Accede, as soon as possible, to the human rights international

instruments to which it is not yet a party (Uruguay);

120.3 Speed up Seychelles’ domestic processes with a view to ratifying

international human rights treaties (Philippines);

120.4 Continue efforts with regard to the ratification and implementation

of the core human rights treaties and develop further the institutional

framework for the implementation of human rights standards contained

therein (Slovenia);

120.5 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal);

120.6 Ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

(Benin);

120.7 Ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or

Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its Optional Protocol (Senegal);

120.8 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Chile)

(Montenegro) (Morocco) (Panama) (Portugal) (Turkey);

** The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.

120.9 Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

(Cabo Verde) (Spain);

120.10 Intensify its efforts to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment (Denmark);

120.11 Accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (France);

120.12 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Benin);

120.13 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the

Child on a communications procedure (Burundi) (Chile) (Portugal);

120.14 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,

signed in 2007 (Senegal);

120.15 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities (Chile);

120.16 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Ghana);

120.17 Consider ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of

All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Ghana) (Niger);

120.18 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance (Argentina) (Chile) (Montenegro);

120.19 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance as soon as possible (Germany);

120.20 Sign and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Cabo Verde);

120.21 Speed up the ratification procedure of the International Convention

for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Togo);

120.22 Accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance (France);

120.23 Ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (Burundi);

120.24 Ratify the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons

(Chile);

120.25 Harmonize national legislation, including in particular human rights

legislation, with international human rights standards (Philippines);

120.26 Enact legislation to combat domestic violence (Maldives);

120.27 Fully criminalize domestic violence against women and children,

including marital rape, and ensure that such acts are tried by criminal courts

as opposed to a family tribunal (Zambia);

120.28 Pass the Domestic Violence Act and ensure adequate resources and

training for officials dealing with gender-based violence (Australia);

120.29 Ensure the participation of civil society in the drafting of a new law

on domestic violence (Italy);

120.30 Adopt specific legislation and measures under the Human Rights

National Plan to help prevent, prosecute and punish domestic violence against

women and also to end discrimination against women within the society

(Spain);

120.31 Continue taking measures to combat gender-based violence and to

take further measures to ensure the effective implementation of laws offering

protection against this violence (Namibia);

120.32 Take measures to ensure that existing laws criminalizing rape and

domestic violence are fully enforced, and cases are fully investigated and

prosecuted consistent with these laws (United States of America);

120.33 Adopt a comprehensive strategy to combat violence against women

and a comprehensive law on violence against women that specifically

criminalize domestic violence (Turkey);

120.34 Implement measures to improve enforcement of laws criminalizing

rape and domestic violence, including by thoroughly investigating and

prosecuting all acts of violence against women, and by providing training to law

enforcement officials (Canada);

120.35 Amend the Criminal Code to raise the age of criminal responsibility

in accordance with international standards (Chile);

120.36 Reform the juvenile justice system, raise the age of criminal

responsibility, and safeguard the integrity of minors who are held in detention

centres (Mexico);

120.37 Review the Penal Code so that the age of criminal responsibility is in

accordance with relevant international standards (France);

120.38 Raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility according to the

general comment No. 10 of the Committee on the Rights of the Child

(Uruguay);

120.39 Continue to enact specific legislation to implement the Convention on

the Rights of the Child (Pakistan);

120.40 Amend laws that could contradict the Convention on the Rights of

the Child (Panama);

120.41 Introduce a legal ban on various forms of violence against children in

all settings (Ukraine);

120.42 Expressly prohibit the corporal punishment of children in all settings,

including the home, penal institutions, schools and day-care centres and also

take steps to explicitly repeal the right “to administer proper punishment” in

the Children’s Act (Ghana);

120.43 Ensure the explicit inclusion in the national legislation of the

prohibition of all forms of corporal punishment of minors, whether in the

home, childcare facilities, schools and education centres in general (Uruguay);

120.44 Criminalize the act of exploiting both boys and girls and the

incidence of child tourism, as well as prosecute the perpetrators in the travel

and tourism industry by imposing stiffer punishments on them (Zambia);

120.45 Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, including on the

basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (Netherlands);

120.46 Reinforce the relevant legal framework in order to contrast

discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation (Italy);

120.47 Implement its commitment to repeal Section 151 of the Penal Code to

decriminalize same-sex relationships (United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Northern Ireland);

120.48 Repeal laws criminalizing consensual, same-sex relationships between

adults (Australia);

120.49 Repeal the provisions criminalizing same-sex sexual relations

between consenting adults, to respect the principles of equality and non-

discrimination among all persons (France);

120.50 Decriminalize consensual sex relations between adults of the same sex

and strengthen legislation punishing all forms of discrimination, including on

the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity (Chile);

120.51 Expressly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and

gender identity, and decriminalize same-sex sexual conduct between consenting

adults (Canada);

120.52 Guarantee that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex

persons fully enjoy their human rights, on equal terms, by repealing norms that

criminalize and stigmatize them (Argentina);

120.53 Repeal national provisions that discriminate against lesbian, gay,

bisexual and transgender persons, and decriminalize consensual sexual

relations between adults of the same gender (Germany);

120.54 Strengthen legislative, policy and institutional measures to prevent,

combat and punish human trafficking; and ensure that victims are identified,

aware of their rights, and referred to appropriate services (Canada);

120.55 Amend the Public Order Act to allow for freedom of assembly and

remove restrictions on freedom of the press by relaxing libel laws that could

impede journalists (Australia);

120.56 Amend the Civil Code regarding defamation to be in line with

international standards on the right to freedoms of expression and opinion

(Botswana);

120.57 Review its legislation in order to protect and promote the right to

freedom of opinion and expression, including on the Internet, also providing

protection to journalists against harassment by police and other authorities

(Brazil);

120.58 Issue a law on freedom of the press (Iraq);

120.59 Allocate more resources to its human rights bodies in order to ensure

their effective functioning in line with international standards (Turkey);

120.60 Ensure that the National Human Rights Commission is in line with

the Paris Principles and that the Ombudsman is fully independent (United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

120.61 Provide the National Human Rights Commission with all the

necessary resources to make it fully compliant with the Paris Principles (A

Status) (Portugal);

120.62 Accelerate the ongoing exercise to strengthen the National Human

Rights Commission and to make it fully compliant with the Paris Principles

(Zimbabwe);

120.63 Devote sufficient resources to the National Human Rights

Commission (Algeria);

120.64 Complete the process of bringing the national human rights

institution into compliance with the Paris Principles and allocating it the

adequate resources (Cabo Verde);

120.65 Continue the necessary legal and institutional steps to reform the

National Human Rights Commission so that it meets the Paris Principles

(Germany);

120.66 Continue its efforts aimed at strengthening the work of the National

Human Rights Commission and establish a central mechanism for human

rights education (Libya);

120.67 Provide all necessary resources, including financial and human

resources, to the National Human Rights Commission to enhance its activities

(Mauritius);

120.68 Ensure the independence and effectiveness of the National

Commission on Human Rights, in particular through the allocation of adequate

resources in order to bring it into conformity with the Paris Principles

(France);

120.69 Expedite the review of the effectiveness of the current framework of

the office of the National Human Rights Commission and Ombudsman

(Ethiopia);

120.70 Proceed to the separation of the Ombudsman’s Office and the

National Human Rights Commission (Democratic Republic of the Congo);

120.71 Maintain and strengthen the institutional independence of the

Ombudsman and the National Human Rights Commission (Mexico);

120.72 Speed up the process to formulate a five-year National Action Plan on

Human Rights and implement it at an earlier time (China);

120.73 Finalize the ongoing five-year National Action Plan on Human Rights

and put in place the necessary mechanisms for its implementation (Ethiopia);

120.74 Do whatever is necessary to continue to promote and protect the

fundamental freedoms and human rights of all its citizens (Nigeria);

120.75 Further strengthen measures to provide protection and support to

the family as the natural and fundamental unit of the society (Egypt);

120.76 Ensure that human rights education and training addresses also the

rights of the child and women’s rights in a comprehensive and systematic way

(Slovenia);

120.77 Finalize the draft national gender policy and its action plan (Turkey);

120.78 Finalize the National Gender Policy and its Plan of Action, so as to

further promote women’s rights and create an enabling environment for

women (Italy);

120.79 Develop a comprehensive national strategy to prevent and address all

forms of violence against and ill-treatment of children (Turkey);

120.80 Consider establishing a coordination mechanism between

stakeholders in charge of children’s rights to optimize child protection (United

Arab Emirates);

120.81 Encourage the participation of children in all the programmes and

initiatives concerning them, whenever feasible (United Arab Emirates);

120.82 Take effective measures to fully implement its national framework

plan against drugs for the period 2014 to 2018, in order to reduce the demand

for drugs among the most vulnerable category of the population, namely

children and young people (Democratic Republic of the Congo);

120.83 Ensure implementation of the country’s National Drug and Control

Master Plan in order to address the high prevalence of drug consumption

(South Africa);

120.84 Step up national efforts in combating all forms of human trafficking

(Egypt);

120.85 Ensure the successful implementation of their National Action Plan

and Strategic Framework on Trafficking in Persons (Nigeria);

120.86 Ensure efficient implementation of the Prohibition of Trafficking in

Persons Act to combat trafficking in human beings, by collecting data,

improving the training of police officers and other law enforcement officials,

strengthening mechanisms for investigating the criminal cases of trafficking

and prosecuting and punishing traffickers (Slovenia);

120.87 Continue and enhance its efforts towards the full implementation of

the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading

Treatment or Punishment and the International Convention on the Protection

of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and the Members of their Families

(Indonesia);

120.88 Continue efforts aiming at enhancing human rights education,

including training and capacity-building for the public sector (Egypt);

120.89 Further involve civil society as a partner of the Government in

promoting and protecting human rights (Indonesia);

120.90 Continue its collaboration with the United Nations to improve the

submission of human rights reports (Jamaica);

120.91 Expedite the submission of reports to treaty bodies (Chad);

120.92 Take the necessary measures to submit overdue reports to treaty

bodies (Togo);

120.93 Hand in its initial report to the Committee against Torture as soon as

possible (Denmark);

120.94 Engage actively to implement treaty body recommendations

(Slovenia);

120.95 Undertake necessary steps aimed at adopting a comprehensive

strategy that addresses all forms of discrimination (Ukraine);

120.96 Prohibit discrimination on gender, disability, ethnicity and

socioeconomic grounds, and adopt a comprehensive strategy to eliminate all

forms of discrimination (Panama);

120.97 Continue taking measures to increase the participation of women in

all social and economic spheres of Seychelles and continue implementing

regulations to end all forms of discrimination against them (Pakistan);

120.98 Take measures to protect the rights of non-citizens and migrant

workers, and eliminate discrimination against them in all areas (Mexico);

120.99 Adopt better measures on discrimination against migrants and

non-citizens (Nigeria);

120.100 Ensure the protection of children of migrant workers from

statelessness (Ukraine);

120.101 Take appropriate measures to facilitate family reunification of

migrant workers and members of their families (Ukraine);

120.102 Continue to fight against all forms of discrimination affecting

religious minorities (Angola);

120.103 The need for police officers to undergo compulsory training in the

field of human rights (Zambia);

120.104 Provide adequate resources and training, including to law

enforcement officials, to ensure effective institutions that comply with human

rights norms and standards (Australia);

120.105 Review its prison conditions in line with the United Nations Standard

Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and implement the results of

such review before the third cycle of its universal periodic review (Fiji);

120.106 Continue efforts to reduce pretrial detention by expanding, at the

national level, the rehabilitation programme Coetivy (Haiti);

120.107 Improve the “Phoenix Programme” in order to facilitate the social

integration of women upon their release from prison (Haiti);

120.108 Step up efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders, including

through the introduction of formal education programmes in prisons

(Singapore);

120.109 Take concrete measures to fight domestic violence, to prosecute

perpetrators and to protect the victims of such practices, as well as to enhance

the effectiveness and the financing of the police’s specialized unit, the “Family

Squad” (Brazil);

120.110 Increase its efforts to safeguard women and children from domestic

violence and to protect persons with disabilities (Holy See);

120.111 Continue efforts in the fight against impunity for domestic violence

and develop accommodation facilities and support mechanisms for victims of

such violence (France);

120.112 Continue pursuing child protection measures (Djibouti);

120.113 Take all necessary measures to protect children from all forms of

exploitation (Portugal);

120.114 Spare no effort in fighting violence against children and the drug

trafficking of which they are victims (Angola);

120.115 Intensify the Government’s efforts with a view to the most effective

protection possible against the risk of child sexual abuse (Cabo Verde);

120.116 Fully investigate alleged elections irregularities and ensure proper

due process is followed in all court challenges (United States of America);

120.117 Ensure prompt access to justice for women victims of all forms of

violence, as well as prosecute all acts of violence and punish the perpetrators

(Mexico);

120.118 Adopt measures to combat corruption, especially in the judiciary,

and ensure independence of the judiciary (Botswana);

120.119 Increase efforts to fight against money-laundering (Haiti);

120.120 Continue efforts to fully ensure respect for fundamental freedoms,

especially the freedom of assembly and the freedom of association, as well as

the freedom of the press (France);

120.121 Enforce Seychelles’ international human rights obligations and

constitutional guarantees regarding the rights to freedom of religion,

association and expression (United States of America);

120.122 Establish clear processes and procedures for the selection of

independent and impartial members of the National Media Commission

(Germany);

120.123 Increase the financial resources and the staff of the National Media

Commission so that it can carry out its mandate, promoting and protecting in

this way the freedom of the press (Spain);

120.124 Continue to strengthen its social policies in order to provide the

greatest possible well-being to its people, especially to the most vulnerable

sectors (Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of));

120.125 Continue to implement policies for development of its people under

the Sustainable Development Goals (Pakistan);

120.126 Initiate a national dialogue on a universal basic income (Haiti);

120.127 Organize awareness campaigns for foreign migrant workers about

their social and economic rights and ensure that migrant workers enjoy

treatment that is not less favourable than that which applies for nationals,

including through labour inspections in sectors where migrant workers are

employed (Slovenia);

120.128 Strengthen gender equality, particularly for wage remuneration

(Algeria)

120.129 Implement the “National Health Policy” as a way of promoting the

right to health (Cuba);

120.130 Continue to strengthen policies and programmes to ensure that all in

Seychelles have access to safe water and sanitation (Singapore);

120.131 Strengthen efforts aimed at improving the national response to the

HIV/AIDS epidemic (South Africa);

120.132 Establish protective measures that would allow young students to re-

enter the mainstream education system after childbirth (Djibouti);

120.133 Put in place protection measures that would allow girls to return to

school after giving birth and raise awareness with a view to eliminating the

existing prejudices that impede and discourage teenage mothers from returning

to school (Netherlands);

120.134 Prioritize the implementation of a formal education programme for

incarcerated men, women and youth, with appropriate support from the

private sector and civil society (Jamaica);

120.135 Continue its efforts in order to place a premium on education,

particularly by assuring that there be a sufficient number of properly trained

local teachers (Holy See);

120.136 Increase the inputs in education and give special attention to

vocational training, improving quality of its labour force, and guarantee the

right to work (China);

120.137 Renew its focus on technical and vocational training through its

proposed Skill Development Programme for the youth (India);

120.138 Take measures to integrate technical vocational education and

training into formal education (Maldives);

120.139 Continue pursuing initiatives aimed at improving the educational

system with a view to further developing technical and vocational education

and training (Trinidad and Tobago);

120.140 Integrate human rights education and training in the various levels of

schooling (Morocco);

120.141 Maintain as a Government priority awareness and education on

human rights (Cuba);

120.142 Enhance measures to ensure education for all (Namibia);

120.143 Continue to implement laws and regulations for protection and

promotion of rights of people with disabilities (Pakistan);

120.144 Strengthen efforts to protect the rights of persons with disabilities,

including through the provision of adequate infrastructure (South Africa);

120.145 Adopt tangible actions to assist persons with disabilities, particularly

in terms of access to the labour market and the fight against poverty and social

exclusion (Spain);

120.146 Improve the accessibility for persons with disabilities, particularly

children, of education and key services (Trinidad and Tobago);

120.147 Facilitate the access and integration of children with disabilities in

public schools (Djibouti);

120.148 Provide children with disabilities greater access to facilities, as well as

to public transportation and public buildings, as recommended by the

Committee on the Rights of the Child, and in keeping with the Government’s

existing thrust (Jamaica);

120.149 Explicitly task the department of Climate Change and Energy to

examine the human rights implications of climate change, particularly as it

relates to the State’s ability to realize socioeconomic rights (Fiji);

120.150 Continue to raise awareness among the population on the impact of

climate change (Haiti).

121. 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.

Annex

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Seychelles was headed by H.E. Ambassador Barry Faure

(Secretary of State, Foreign Affairs Department) and composed of the following members:

• H.E. Ambassador Selby Pillay, Permanent Representative of the Republic of

Seychelles to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva

• Ms. Michelle Sharon Marguerite, Senior Legal Officer, Ministry of Social Affairs,

Community Development and Sports

• Ms. Gayethri Murugaiyan, Second Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and

Transport

• Ms. Audrina Dine, Attaché/Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Permanent Mission of the

Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations and other international organizations in

Geneva

• Ms. Guyllianne Irene Sirame, Assistant Legal Draftsperson, Attorney General’s

Chambers