34/6 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

GE.16-22943(E)



Human Rights Council Thirty-fourth session

27 February-24 March 2017

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

* The annex is being circulated without formal editing, in the language of submission only.

United Nations A/HRC/34/6

Contents

Page

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process ...................................................................... 3

A. Presentation by the State under review ................................................................................. 3

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

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations ........................................................................................... 12

Annex

Composition of the delegation ...................................................................................................... 29

Introduction

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

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-sixth session from 31 October to

11 November 2016. The review of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was held at the

3rd meeting, on 1 November 2016. The delegation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

was headed by the Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, Delcy Rodríguez. At its

10th meeting, held on 4 November 2016, the Working Group adopted the report on the

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

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

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela:

Kyrgyzstan, Mexico and Nigeria.

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 the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela:

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

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/26/VEN/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.6/26/VEN/2);

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

(A/HRC/WG.6/26/VEN/3).

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

Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

and the United States of America was transmitted to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

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 the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela stated that the 1998

revolution had been a revolution for human rights and that the 1999 Constitution set out a

path that was based on the concept of a constitutional State for human rights. Two models

in the world and in the region were standing in contrast to each other: the capitalist model,

which was the main instrument for human rights violations, and the model for

transformation, which had not only a different view of modes of production but also a

different conception of the human being. Since the previous review, the capitalist imperial

force had tried to end the transformations taking place in the Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela by increasing and intensifying the war against the country. The United States

had selected the country as an imperial target, aiming to alter the universality of the

Venezuelan human rights model through a destabilization process.

6. The national human rights model in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was

irreversible because it stemmed from the citizens, who had taken ownership of the

country’s transformation. The main enemy of the revolution was the capitalist model,

which violated human rights worldwide, caused violence and was mainly responsible for

the destruction of the planet. Moreover, it caused unequal distribution of wealth and

inequity and increased the gap between the rich and the poor.

7. Large corporations concentrated capital, capitalism led to the destruction of nation

States and a worldwide campaign was needed in support of nation States.

8. The Human Rights Council had to be fixed so that it could be a really effective

instrument for human rights.

9. The neoliberal model was a failure, and the alternative social model, which had been

successful, was being questioned by powers that were unwilling to accept the Bolivarian

Republic of Venezuela as a reference.

10. Despite campaigns against it, the revolution was in favour of human rights. There

had been achievements, including the awarding of prizes for hunger eradication, and

statistics illustrated the transformations in gender equality, education, health and nutrition.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations had recognized the effective

and ongoing efforts made to fight poverty.

11. The harassment against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela had to cease. The

Government had adopted the accepted recommendations from the universal periodic review

and created a national human rights plan.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

12. During the interactive dialogue, 102 delegations made statements.

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

report.

13. India noted the creation of the National Human Rights Council and requested the

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to share details about progress made by the national

monitoring and follow-up system.

14. Indonesia commended the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for improvements in

access to education and health and the establishment of institutions to advance women’s

rights.

15. The Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledged the National Human Rights Council and

the national plan for the prevention of torture.

16. Iraq commended the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for facing up to the

economic challenges and its clear position in defence of the right to peace and solidarity.

17. Finland noted with concern the current situation regarding the economic and social

challenges of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, especially the scarcity of basic

medicines and medical supply, and emphasized that international norms on freedom of

expression had to be complied with.

18. Israel noted that the situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela had worsened,

with more impunity and denial of justice, as shown by the denunciation of the American

Convention on Human Rights.

19. Italy acknowledged the measures aimed at developing a legal framework for the

promotion and protection of human rights.

20. Jamaica commended the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for its commitment to

human rights and encouraged it to continue to strengthen State institutions.

21. Japan welcomed the implementation of social policies, including for improved

access to education, housing construction and poverty reduction.

22. Kenya commended the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the efforts already

made to implement the recommendations.

23. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic commended the Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela for its national human rights plan and for ratifying the Convention on the Rights

of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol.

24. Latvia noted the establishment of the National Human Rights Council and the

concerns expressed regarding restrictions imposed on freedom of expression.

25. Lebanon commended the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for its efforts in leading

a diplomacy of peace and defending just causes around the world, particularly that of the

Palestinian people.

26. Liechtenstein recognized the efforts made to combat gender-based violence and

violence against children.

27. Malaysia acknowledged the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for mainstreaming a

gender perspective, empowering women and ensuring access to education for persons with

disabilities.

28. Maldives recognized the efforts made in the area of women’s rights and encouraged

the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to reach out to its international partners and OHCHR

for assistance.

29. Mauritania welcomed the adoption of the national human rights plan and the plan for

the prevention of torture.

30. Mexico welcomed the creation of the National Human Rights Council, the national

human rights plan and the legislative advances in health and education.

31. Montenegro welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Council and

noted the concerns of OHCHR regarding human rights violations.

32. Myanmar noted that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela had been certified free of

measles and rubella and that free high-quality education was being provided in most parts

of the country.

33. Namibia appreciated the continued efforts by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

to strengthen successful cooperation and solidarity agreements with African countries.

34. Nepal recognized the achievements of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the

socioeconomic areas of poverty reduction, education, health and child nutrition, among

others.

35. The Netherlands was worried about a rise in arbitrary arrests aimed at preventing

investigative journalism and the publication of articles resulting from such journalism.

36. New Zealand noted the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, welcomed the national human rights plan and noted that freedom of expression

remained a major challenge.

37. Nicaragua welcomed the dialogue with the opposition initiated by the Government

and sponsored by the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Holy See.

38. Nigeria acknowledged the cooperation extended by the Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela and the existence of a human rights legal framework. It noted the adoption of the

Racial Discrimination Act.

39. Germany welcomed the ratification of the International Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. It noted with concern the political and

social situation.

40. Pakistan welcomed the incorporation of a human rights approach in all public

policies and the human rights laws in force.

41. Peru noted the role played by civil society in the development of public policies and

the establishment of the National Human Rights Council.

42. Philippines appreciated that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela continued to

adhere to principles of democracy and urged it to address the remaining human rights

challenges.

43. Portugal welcomed the fact that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela had ratified

the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and had accepted visits from the

majority of special procedure mandate holders.

44. Qatar commended the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for its cooperation with the

United Nations human rights system and the implementation of a number of accepted

recommendations arising from the universal periodic review.

45. The Republic of Korea noted the establishment of national mechanisms to prevent

torture and improve prison conditions and hoped they would promote the fundamental

freedoms of Venezuelans.

46. The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Council, Larry Devoe, stated

that the Government had adopted structural measures to continue with the full

implementation of human rights. In 2014, the President, Nicolás Maduro, had created the

National Human Rights Council, an institution of the highest level, to ensure human rights-

based public policies.

47. The Minister of People’s Power for Health, Luisana Melo, explained that the “Barrio

adentro mission” had been created to prioritize primary health care and ensure 100 per cent

health-care coverage during the first half of 2017. She added that there had been a

significant increase in health-care facilities, from 5,346 in 1998 to 23,146 in 2016.

48. The Minister of People’s Power for Women and Gender Equality, Blanca Eekhout,

stated that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela had the fifth-highest enrolment rate in

higher education worldwide, and that more than 60 per cent of those enrolled were women.

She added that female unemployment had dropped from 16 to 7.5 per cent and that 60 per

cent of pensioners were women.

49. The Russian Federation praised the Government for its work to improve the

enjoyment by Venezuelans of their economic, social and cultural rights.

50. Saudi Arabia welcomed the programmes to reduce poverty and broaden access to

education opportunities for all, including the Robinson missions to combat illiteracy.

51. Senegal saluted the efforts to strengthen the human rights framework through social

inclusion policies and the establishment of the National Human Rights Council.

52. Singapore recognized the introduction of a national human rights plan to follow-up

on the accepted recommendations arising from the universal periodic review and strengthen

the human rights institutional framework.

53. Slovenia thanked the Government for its work aimed at improving the human rights

situation.

54. South Africa commended the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for its efforts to

eliminate discrimination, including by passing legislation regarding the rights of indigenous

peoples.

55. South Sudan welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol and noted that early pregnancy remained a major

challenge.

56. Spain welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Council and the

enactment of the national human rights plan.

57. The State of Palestine praised the efforts made to improve the quality of education

and the reform of the law for the protection of girls, boys and adolescents.

58. The Sudan commended the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for its commitment to

and positive engagement with the universal periodic review and appreciated the positive

steps taken since the previous review.

59. Sweden was concerned about poverty, hunger and public health. It regretted the use

of excessive violence by security forces.

60. Switzerland was concerned by recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela and by the continuous deterioration of the human rights situation.

61. The Syrian Arab Republic asked about the political effects of protecting the rights of

indigenous peoples and how their lands had been demarcated.

62. Tajikistan recognized the efforts of the Government to improve the human rights

situation despite the economic difficulties faced by the country. It welcomed the

establishment of the National Human Rights Council.

63. Thailand commended the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for its efforts to broaden

the human rights legal framework and recognized the constraints on resources caused by

the economic crisis.

64. Timor-Leste welcomed the approval of the national plan for the prevention of

torture. It remained concerned by the high numbers of cases of trafficking and violence

against women.

65. Togo noted with satisfaction the efforts of the Government to follow up on accepted

recommendations received during the first universal periodic review.

66. Tunisia noted with appreciation the submission of periodic reports to the treaty

bodies, which showed respect for those committees.

67. Turkey requested further information on the legal and administrative initiatives

taken in the areas of education, poverty reduction, gender equality, anti-discrimination,

health care and adequate housing.

68. Uganda noted with appreciation the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, the passing of the Racial Discrimination

Act and the increase in the health budget.

69. Ukraine expressed concern about the situation on the ground and called for

protection of the rights to work, food, health, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

70. The United Arab Emirates praised the efforts made on the socioeconomic and

cultural fronts and in the fight against extreme poverty.

71. The United Kingdom inquired about the implementation of the recommendations

made by the treaty bodies. Concerned by the political, economic and security challenges, it

urged all sides to engage in a constructive dialogue.

72. The United Republic of Tanzania commended the Government for its commitment

to delivering 2 million additional housing units by 2019.

73. The United States raised a concern with regard to the human rights situation in the

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the continued detention of persons who participated

in peaceful protests.

74. Uruguay acknowledged the efforts made to reduce extreme poverty and social and

economic inequality.

75. Cuba acknowledged the progress made in protecting and promoting human rights

and recommended that indigenous peoples be consulted.

76. Yemen stressed the need to pursue efforts to promote human rights, particularly

those of indigenous people.

77. Zimbabwe noted the human rights advances made since the first cycle of the

universal periodic review.

78. Algeria praised the efforts made to implement the recommendations accepted during

the first cycle of the universal periodic review and the 10 voluntary commitments.

79. Angola noted the detailed information provided in the national report describing the

progress made since the first cycle of the universal periodic review.

80. Argentina urged cooperation with OHCHR and all human rights mechanisms. It

expressed concern about allegations of excessive use of force and extrajudicial executions.

81. Armenia noted the pending visit requests from special procedure mandate holders. It

encouraged the full implementation of international human rights obligations.

82. Australia was concerned by the limitations imposed on freedom of expression,

particularly the violent and arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders, students and public

activists.

83. Austria shared its concerns on various human rights issues, including arbitrary

detention, lack of fair and transparent procedures, overcrowding in prisons and the crisis in

the food and health sectors.

84. Azerbaijan welcomed, inter alia, the establishment of the National Human Rights

Council and the preparation of the national human rights plan.

85. Bahrain welcomed the measures taken since the previous universal periodic review.

It inquired about the steps taken to increase school attendance rates for children and access

to quality education.

86. Bangladesh noted the actions taken to continue fighting poverty and the

establishment of a quota system for persons with disabilities, as recommended during the

first cycle of the universal periodic review.

87. Belarus congratulated the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for its progress in

reducing extreme poverty, its success with the housing programme and its global approach

to gender equality.

88. Belgium stressed the need to achieve further progress in terms of access to the

health-care system, in particular to sexual and reproductive health services.

89. The Plurinational State of Bolivia recognized the profound transformation brought

about by the progress made in social policies aimed at the most vulnerable sectors of the

population.

90. Brazil noted with great concern the evolution of the human rights situation.

91. Burundi congratulated the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on progress achieved

in terms of improving gender equality and addressing violence against women.

92. Canada welcomed the positive measures taken to improve human rights issues but

remained gravely concerned by the increase in civil, political, economic and social rights

violations.

93. Chile noted with appreciation the creation of the National Humans Rights Council

and encouraged the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to ensure that it had the human and

financial resources to fulfil its goals.

94. The Minister of People’s Power for Prison Services, María Iris Varela, said that her

Ministry had enhanced the prison infrastructure to eliminate overcrowding, introduced a

new penitentiary and disciplinary system, and provided for family support and prisoner

rehabilitation. An exponential reduction in prison violence had been achieved and intensive

training courses were provided for prison staff.

95. The Attorney General, Reinaldo Muñoz, said that the declaration of a state of

economic emergency was in line with the Constitution and article 4 of the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It had not been declared to seek a derogation from

internationally protected human rights but to guarantee the right to basic goods and services

and protect the most vulnerable groups.

96. The electoral authority within the National Electoral Council, Sandra Oblitas, said

that in 2015 the customs and languages of indigenous peoples and communities had been

recognized in more than 28,000 identity documents. Over 80 per cent of voters had

participated in the five inclusive and transparent electoral processes conducted between

2012 and 2016.

97. The Vice-Attorney General, Alis Boscán, said that the Special Act to Prevent and

Punish Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment had been invoked to

address unlawful conduct by law enforcement officers. The Commission for Justice and

Truth had located the remains of many victims of enforced disappearances committed

between 1958 and 1998, as well as some survivors. It had also investigated acts of violence

perpetrated by law enforcement officers in 2014, in respect of which criminal proceedings

had been instituted or completed.

98. Perpetrators of femicide had been prosecuted under the Act on Women’s Right to a

Life Free from Violence. Criminal proceedings had also been instituted or completed

against law enforcement officers charged with grave violations of women’s rights,

including homicide.

99. During the period under review, 786 law enforcement officers had been charged

with homicide and 989 with torture or ill-treatment.

100. China commended the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for adopting policies and

measures on the prevention of torture, indigenous peoples’ rights and equality.

101. Colombia welcomed the first national plan for the protection of sexual and

reproductive rights and made recommendations to safeguard prisoners’, migrants’ and

children’s rights.

102. Costa Rica noted with appreciation the adoption of a national human rights plan. It

expressed concern about freedom of expression and the independence of State powers,

among other issues.

103. Viet Nam supported efforts made to overcome hardships and to continue pursuing

national development, including through the full protection and promotion of human rights.

104. Czechia made recommendations.

105. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea extended its solidarity to the

Government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in their struggle to defend

national sovereignty.

106. Denmark expressed concern about the 2004 Act on Social Responsibility in Radio,

Television and Electronic Media, which granted the authorities control over media content.

107. The Dominican Republic underscored achievements in human rights, particularly

the creation of institutions to promote the rights of women.

108. Ecuador welcomed efforts to comply with the recommendations arising from the

universal periodic review, particularly the design and implementation of and follow-up to

the national human rights plan.

109. Egypt highlighted the efforts of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to promote

economic, social and cultural rights and welcomed its cooperation with treaty bodies.

110. El Salvador underscored the implementation of public policies in favour of human

rights and highlighted efforts made to follow up on the recommendations arising from the

universal periodic review.

111. Eritrea recognized the advocacy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the

need to adhere to the universal periodic review process and welcomed its commitment to

human rights.

112. Estonia encouraged the Government to attach more importance to implementing the

national human rights plan, responding on time to treaty body requests and conducting

regular consultations with civil society.

113. Ethiopia noted with appreciation efforts to improve economic, social and cultural

rights and the adoption and implementation of the 2011 Racial Discrimination Act.

114. Ireland welcomed the submissions to the treaty bodies and expressed concern about

the fact that the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention had found cases of arbitrary

detention, including of opposition politicians.

115. France made recommendations.

116. Georgia remained concerned by the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian

Republic of Venezuela. It encouraged the Government to strengthen its dialogue with

United Nations mechanisms.

117. Norway was concerned about the persecution of opposition leaders and limits

imposed on freedom of expression through constitutional mechanisms. It recognized the

role of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the Colombian peace process.

118. Ghana noted with satisfaction measures taken to implement the recommendations

made during the first cycle.

119. Guatemala expressed concern about reports on lack of independence and

impartiality among the judiciary and indoctrination in schools and universities.

120. Haiti expressed its deep gratitude to the Government for its solidarity, in particular

with the provision of emergency aid following Hurricane Matthew.

121. The Holy See acknowledged the positive steps taken by the Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela but was concerned about the political and social situation in the country.

122. Iceland was concerned about the social situation and about the harassment of those

critical of government policies.

123. Libya welcomed the recommendations accepted during the first cycle of the

universal periodic review, highlighted the establishment of the National Human Rights

Council and commended the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the progress made in

free education.

124. The Vice-Minister of People’s Power for Internal Affairs, Justice and Peace,

Hanthony Coello, said that training courses for police officers included such topics as

human rights and regulations governing the progressive and differentiated use of force.

From 2013 to 2016, a total of 4,684 officers had been dismissed for breaching such

principles.

125. The right to demonstrate peacefully was guaranteed. The violent guarimba

demonstrations in 2014 had failed to meet that criterion. Various factors, including criminal

developments in Colombia and the conduct of opposition political leaders, had led to a

surge in the number of criminal gangs. Since 2015, 145 operations had taken place and

2,640 offenders had been detained.

126. Major progress had been achieved in recent years in the fight against drugs, and the

homicide rate had declined.

127. The Minister of People’s Power for Indigenous Peoples, Aloha Núñez, said that the

Presidential Council of Indigenous Peoples and Communities had elected 1,569 leaders

who respected ancestral customs and that the Institute of Indigenous Languages promoted

ancestral languages and knowledge. The Government, recognizing the right to ancestral

territory, had granted 102 collective land titles.

128. The Vice-Minister for International Communications of the Ministry of People’s

Power for Foreign Affairs, William Castillo, stated that freedom of expression was

guaranteed and no Venezuelan journalist or member of a non-governmental organization

had been detained or prosecuted for his or her professional activity.

129. Five million computers had been provided free of charge to primary and secondary

schools in the past five years. A programme to promote technological literacy for all

citizens had recently been launched.

130. Pascualina Curcio from the Ministry of People’s Power for Planning, explained that

assaults on the Venezuelan economy by national and transnational corporations had led to

shortages of essential goods. However, Bolivarian policies had succeeded in containing the

impact of the assaults. The current unemployment rate of about 6 per cent was the lowest

recorded over the previous three decades. Since 2011, poverty had declined by 7 per cent

and extreme poverty by 27 per cent.

131. Magistrate Carmen Zuleta de Merchán of the Supreme Court of Justice stated that

2,409 judges had been appointed to courts of first instance, including new courts addressing

violence against women. Of the new judgeships created since 2011, 70 per cent were held

by women. Steps were being taken to regularize all provisional judgeships and 700 judges

were attending courses leading to a human rights diploma. The Constitutional Court was

mandated by the Constitution to guarantee social peace and the rule of law.

132. The Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Rodríguez, announced the

presentation of voluntary pledges and commitments that, because of word limits, would be

made explicit in the addendum to the report to be adopted by the Human Rights Council at

its thirty-fourth session. She added that the Bolivarian model of social reform fully

guaranteed human rights. She trusted that the Council and the multilateral human rights

system would successfully address existing challenges and build a new world order that

curtailed the devastating impact of the capitalist model. The Bolivarian revolution was

irreversible and committed to the promotion of a culture of human rights.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

133. The following recommendations will be examined by the Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela, which will provide responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-

fourth session of the Human Rights Council:

133.1 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic,

Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

(Portugal);

133.2 Consider ratifying the Convention against Torture, signed in 2011

(Senegal);

133.3 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

(Estonia) (Guatemala) (Italy) (Montenegro) (New Zealand) (Portugal);

133.4 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

(Georgia);

133.5 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

(Kenya);

133.6 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

(Denmark);

133.7 Conclude the ratification process of the International Convention

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

Families (Turkey);

133.8 Take measures towards the ratification of the International

Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and

Members of Their Families (El Salvador);

133.9 Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection

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

International Labour Organization (ILO) Domestic Workers Convention, 2011

(No. 189) (Philippines);

133.10 Continue intensifying the measures to reduce early pregnancy,

strengthening training on sexual and reproductive rights (Dominican

Republic);

133.11 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture, paying particular attention to these problems in

prisons (France);

133.12 Study the possibility of ratifying or adhering to the International

Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the

Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the International

Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and

Members of Their Families (Uruguay);

133.13 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance as early as possible (Japan);

** The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.

133.14 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture (Ukraine);

133.15 Ratify the Kampala Amendments to the Rome Statute

(Liechtenstein);

133.16 Ratify the Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory

Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity (Armenia);

133.17 Continue strengthening the system of the effective response and to

follow up the international obligations that the Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela took upon itself in the field of human rights (Iraq);

133.18 Ensure full respect of the institutional balance established by the

Constitution, and take the necessary measures to restore as early as possible the

prerogatives of the elected parliament (France);

133.19 Continue efforts to ensure that its domestic legislations are in line

with international human rights standards (Philippines);

133.20 Adopt and implement the law on transparency, disclosure and

access to public information drafted by the joint committee in April 2016

(Denmark);

133.21 Effectively implement the Act on Women’s Right to a Life Free

from Violence (Estonia);

133.22 Take all necessary measures so that the Act on Women’s Right to

a Life Free from Violence is effectively implemented (France);

133.23 Give full effect to the Law on Women’s Right to a Life Free from

Violence, guaranteeing their effective access to justice (Spain);

133.24 Strengthen the domestic legal framework to prevent and punish

human rights violations committed by transnational corporations and other

enterprises (Ecuador);

133.25 Implement the law against corruption (Timor-Leste);

133.26 Create a legislative framework for the protection of human rights

defenders (Georgia);

133.27 Reform the Education Act in order to achieve its compliance with

international standards on the protection of the right to autonomy and

academic freedom (Slovenia);

133.28 Continue to work towards creating an environment of mutual

trust so that the achievements and the investments made by the Government

and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will not be lost (Jamaica);

133.29 Continue with the policy of dialogue and openness with all social

movements concerned with human rights, as well as with civil society

organizations (Lebanon);

133.30 Continue the dialogue with the different Venezuelan stakeholders

in a spirit of respect, peace and reconciliation, and with a view to achieving the

political and economic stability of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which

will allow further progress in the promotion and protection of all human rights

for all Venezuelan women and men (Nicaragua);

133.31 Continue taking actions to punish human rights violations, such as

against the right to food or the right to peace, committed or promoted by actors

in the business sector, which are pushing political agendas of destabilization

(Nicaragua);

133.32 Continue the policies developed to combat the actions of economic

aggression against the Venezuelan people, and guarantee its human rights, in

particular those of the most vulnerable groups (Nicaragua);

133.33 Continue its measures aimed at better taking into account

vulnerable groups in public policies (Senegal);

133.34 Intensify the coordination mechanisms to the highest level for the

execution and follow-up of human rights-related public policies (Sudan);

133.35 Continue efforts to achieve a fair socioeconomic order to continue

the struggle against social disparity, promoting equality (Syrian Arab

Republic);

133.36 Continue efforts to establish a national monitoring and follow-up

system in the field of human rights in order to assess the relevance of national

policies (Tunisia);

133.37 Continue working to ensure coordination between various

relevant national mechanisms for further integration of human rights

principles (Tunisia);

133.38 Continue efforts to implement the development policy as defined

in the Act on Missions, Great Missions and Micromissions of 2014 (United

Arab Emirates);

133.39 Engage in a constructive dialogue with the National Assembly,

with agreed outcomes on economic and governance challenges by July 2017

(United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

133.40 Engage in a dialogue among all Venezuelans, including the

opposition, to resolve political divisions, the economic crisis and the

humanitarian situation (United States of America);

133.41 Continue developing actions to protect the human rights of all

people from the economic aggression developed against the country (Cuba);

133.42 Strengthen the mainstreaming of human rights across the whole

spectrum of national public policy (Zimbabwe);

133.43 Continue to improve the protection and promotion of human

rights in the country (Azerbaijan);

133.44 Continue efforts to hold a national dialogue to strengthen

constitutional democracy, a participant and protagonist in the Bolivarian

Republic of Venezuela (Burundi);

133.45 Continue to support the national dialogue facilitation mechanism

promoted by UNASUR, in which three former presidents and a representative

of the Holy See participate (Burundi);

133.46 In its commitment to democratic principles and values and the

defence of human rights, make the greatest efforts to ensure a national dialogue

that facilitates guaranteeing full respect for human rights, independence of

powers and institutional strengthening of the country (Chile);

133.47 Consolidate and boost effective implementation of commitments

to protect and promote human rights, especially economic, social and cultural

rights (Viet Nam);

133.48 Make further contributions to genuine dialogue and cooperation

among countries, in respect of principles of international laws, with a view to

establish conditions favourable to national endeavours in protecting and

promoting human rights (Viet Nam);

133.49 Continue to exert all efforts for a peaceful resolution to the serious

political tension, which is the source of a multitude of humanitarian and social

concerns (Holy See);

133.50 Continue improving the performance of the national human

rights institution in accordance with the standards set out in the principles

relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection

of human rights (the Paris Principles) (Indonesia);

133.51 Continue its efforts to consolidate national institutions and

mechanisms set up for the promotion and protection of human rights in the

country (Nepal);

133.52 Intensify efforts to ensure the appropriate functioning of the

organization in charge of receiving gender-based violence complaints (Egypt);

133.53 Introduce an inclusive process involving all relevant stakeholders

in developing the national human rights plan of action (Indonesia);

133.54 Continue its endeavours to implement the national human rights

plan (Islamic Republic of Iran);

133.55 Expedite the process to finalize the national plan of action for

children and adolescents (2015-2019) (Maldives);

133.56 Fully implement its national human rights plan to strengthen

institutional coordination and monitoring of human rights policies in the

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, particularly with regard to social protection

programmes that support older persons and persons with disabilities

(Singapore);

133.57 Continue working with organizations and social movements in the

implementation of the national human rights plan, taking into account the vast

and inclusive consultation process that led to its approval (Sudan);

133.58 Continue implementing the 2016-2019 national human rights plan

(China);

133.59 Adopt a national action plan on Security Council resolution 1325

(2000) on women and peace and security (Portugal);

133.60 Continue its efforts to finalize the national plan for the

comprehensive protection of children and adolescents (2015-2019) (State of

Palestine);

133.61 Finalize the national plan of action for children and adolescents

and establish a pertinent monitoring mechanism for its implementation

(Turkey);

133.62 Develop and make public clear indicators to monitor progress in

the implementation of the national human rights plan and allocate necessary

resources to support implementation (New Zealand);

133.63 Continue its effort to create human rights training for national

public defence personnel (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);

133.64 Take the necessary measures to strengthen capabilities for the

promotion and protection of the environment (Togo);

133.65 Continue deepening the ongoing consultations of the human rights

institutions of the State with social organizations and non-State actors (Cuba);

133.66 Enhance the State’s capacity to protect human rights while

managing crises, catastrophes and disasters and preparing to rescue (Bahrain);

133.67 Continue implementing training programmes on human rights for

officials, including for the personnel in charge of receiving and processing

gender-based violence complaints (Bangladesh);

133.68 Encourage the implementation of an inclusive social policy

framework for the enjoyment of all rights, notably the rights of people in

vulnerable situations, and foster the training of all law enforcement officers in

order to maintain peace (Haiti);

133.69 Strengthen the humanistic policies of cooperation and solidarity

with the people from the region of the Caribbean and Latin America (Haiti);

133.70 Continue to strengthen its leadership in the multilateral

framework in favour of a diplomacy of peace and in South-South cooperation

for the promotion of human rights (Burundi);

133.71 Improve legislation, policies and guidelines regarding human

rights education and training for the legal and justice system (Malaysia);

133.72 Promote and increase training programmes for security

personnel, including human rights education and training (Austria);

133.73 Establish a participatory and inclusive mechanism with civil

society to follow up on the universal periodic review recommendations

(Mexico);

133.74 Continue cooperation with United Nations human rights

mechanisms and treaty bodies (Myanmar);

133.75 Continue to constructively cooperate with the universal

mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights, and to dialogue

with social and human rights organizations (Tajikistan);

133.76 Further strengthen the institutions and mechanisms to ensure the

implementation and follow-up of human rights public policies (Togo);

133.77 Work towards concluding the ongoing exercise to create a

national human rights monitoring and follow-up system (Zimbabwe);

133.78 Accept the visits requested by the United Nations special

procedure mandate holders and the OHCHR Regional Office for South

America (Japan);

133.79 Cooperate with the special procedures of the Council, schedule

pending visits as soon as possible, including of the representative of the United

Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and ensure the independence

of the Ombudsman of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (Costa Rica);

133.80 Issue a standing invitation to the United Nations special procedure

mandate holders and the representatives of the Inter-American Commission on

Human Rights (Finland);

133.81 Respond positively to all pending visit requests of special

procedures and extend a standing invitation to the mandate holders (Latvia);

133.82 Extend a standing invitation to all special procedure mandate

holders (Montenegro);

133.83 Extend a standing invitation to special procedures (Peru);

133.84 Extend a standing invitation to the Council’s special procedures

(Portugal);

133.85 Accept outstanding visit requests by special procedures, and

consider extending a standing invitation to regional and international bodies

for human rights protection (Spain);

133.86 Issue a standing invitation to the Human Rights Council special

procedures (Ukraine);

133.87 Extend a standing invitation to all the Human Rights Council

special procedures (Uruguay);

133.88 Invite representatives of international human rights organizations

to visit the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, including by issuing a standing

invitation to the United Nations special procedures (Australia);

133.89 Issue a standing invitation to all United Nations human rights

special procedures (Austria);

133.90 Extend an open and standing invitation to all special procedures

(Chile);

133.91 Issue a standing invitation to the special procedure mandate

holders (Georgia);

133.92 Allow visits from special procedures representatives of the Human

Rights Council and other relevant human rights institutions and mechanisms,

as previously recommended (Norway);

133.93 Issue a standing invitation to all special procedure mandate

holders and facilitate without delay a visit by the Special Rapporteur on

torture, as well as all other pending visit requests from special procedure

mandate holders (Ghana);

133.94 Extend standing invitations to all special procedure mandate

holders of the United Nations (Guatemala);

133.95 Invite representatives of international human rights organizations

to visit the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, including by issuing a standing

invitation to the United Nations special procedures and work with OHCHR on

a truth commission (Iceland);

133.96 Issue an invitation to OHCHR for an official visit by November

2017 (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

133.97 Open up channels of dialogue and cooperation with all human

rights mechanisms of the United Nations and with OHCHR (Argentina);

133.98 Reconsider its decision to denounce the American Convention on

Human Rights and to return to the jurisdiction of the Inter-American Court of

Human Rights (Uruguay);

133.99 Review its decision to denounce the American Convention on

Human Rights and participate constructively in the inter-American human

rights system (Brazil);

133.100 Reverse its decision to withdraw from the American Convention

on Human Rights (Georgia);

133.101 Strengthen its efforts to prevent all forms of discrimination

(Timor-Leste);

133.102 Continue combating all forms of discrimination and promoting

gender equality (Thailand);

133.103 Continue efforts towards gender equality and equity

(Philippines);

133.104 Intensify its actions in guaranteeing the right to equality and non-

discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or

expression (South Africa);

133.105 Keep the policies adopted to ensure the participation of women in

all public affairs, including in the exercise of public posts (Dominican

Republic);

133.106 Continue paving the road to eradicate stereotypes that favour

discrimination against women in the media (Eritrea);

133.107 Continue to adopt measures to ensure gender equality and step up

the role of women in social and political life in the country (Belarus);

133.108 Prevent all forms of discrimination, especially discrimination

based on sexual orientation or gender identity, ensuring equal treatment

particularly in schools, health services and the armed forces (Israel);

133.109 Ensure full and effective implementation of public policies to

eradicate racial discrimination in all its manifestations by strengthening the

National Institution against Racial Discrimination and the National Council for

the Development of Afrodescendant Communities of Venezuela (South Africa);

133.110 Include and consult people of African descent when adopting

programmes and policies to promote their rights (South Africa);

133.111 Conduct an educational awareness campaign among the

population in order to eliminate all socioeconomic and legal barriers to

facilitate the people of African descent to effectively enjoy their rights (Angola);

133.112 Adopt measures to ensure that people can change their legally

recognized gender without sex-reassignment surgery (Israel);

133.113 Ensure respect for and protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex persons through measures such as the

decriminalization of homosexual relations in the armed and security forces, the

recognition of same-sex couples and the right to change identity for

transgender people (Spain);

133.114 Intensify national efforts to address continued high levels of

violence, a common challenge in our hemisphere (Jamaica);

133.115 Take measures to reduce the number of homicides, address the

level of impunity and stop the abuses by the security forces (Sweden);

133.116 Go beyond the advances made in reparations and attention to

those who have suffered political violence triggered by non-State actors (Syrian

Arab Republic);

133.117 Strengthen measures to ensure the investigation and sanctioning

of all politically motivated acts of violence that have occurred in the country in

recent years (Plurinational State of Bolivia);

133.118 Adopt measures to prevent and eliminate the excessive use of

force, such as summary executions on the part of the security forces, and

ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice (Argentina);

133.119 Redouble its efforts to end extrajudicial killings and ensure that

those crimes are investigated promptly, thoroughly and impartially, and that

alleged perpetrators are brought to justice (Ghana);

133.120 Continue efforts to combat criminal violence and to investigate

and adjudicate all accusations of human rights violations, in particular

regarding extrajudicial executions and the excessive use of force by civilian

authorities (Holy See);

133.121 Ensure a proportional use of force by security forces and ensure

that cases of torture are investigated and that the perpetrators are brought to

justice (Italy);

133.122 Monitor law enforcement in an effort to eradicate corruption and

investigate the use of excessive force, as well as the patterns of widespread

extrajudicial killings committed by the police and vigilante groups (Maldives);

133.123 Continue reinforcing the work of the National Commission for the

Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment

(Russian Federation);

133.124 Make further efforts to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial

investigation of allegations of arbitrary detention and excessive use of force by

law enforcement officials in response to protests, with a view to ensuring

accountability for perpetrators (Republic of Korea);

133.125 Make proportional use of force during protests and proceed to the

immediate release of political prisoners (Spain);

133.126 Adopt additional measures to improve prison conditions,

eliminating overcrowding and raising the standards of quality within prisons

(Italy);

133.127 Ensure that all prisoners are provided with the minimum

standards of humane treatment and that the conditions of all prisons and

detention centres meet international human rights standards, including the

United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the

Nelson Mandela Rules) (New Zealand);

133.128 Further develop the implementation of a new prison system which

covers all the prisons throughout the country (Algeria);

133.129 Redouble its efforts in the implementation of the plan to

rehabilitate detainees through the improvement of national prison system

(Angola);

133.130 Continue with the efforts in the realization of the national plan to

bring the penal system in conformity with the international standards (Russian

Federation);

133.131 Adopt all urgent measures to ensure better conditions of detention

for the high number of people currently detained, many of whom have not

benefited from the guarantees of due process (Argentina);

133.132 Swiftly take action to improve conditions of detention, in

particular to reduce excessive use of force and overcrowding in line with the

Nelson Mandela Rules (Austria);

133.133 Ensure that no one is detained arbitrarily and that all persons

who are charged with an offence have access to a fair and impartial trial, while

ensuring the independence of the judiciary (New Zealand);

133.134 Release persons detained or arrested for political reasons and

refrain from and prevent all forms of violence and retaliatory action, evictions,

deportations, detention and coercion (Australia);

133.135 Refrain from recourse to arbitrary detention and follow due

process in all judicial cases, in accordance with international standards, in

particular with relation to the arbitrary arrest of political opposition members,

who should be immediately released (Brazil);

133.136 End the practice of arbitrary detention, release all political

prisoners with immediate effect and implement the recommendations issued by

the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, including in opinion No. 26/2014

(Canada);

133.137 Respect the due process and human rights of persons deprived of

liberty, especially those who find themselves in that condition due to the

complex political situation (Colombia);

133.138 Release persons arbitrarily detained and ensure that all

complaints of torture and ill-treatment of detainees are investigated promptly,

thoroughly and independently (Ireland);

133.139 Increase the efforts to fully implement the Act on Women’s Right

to a Life Free from Violence, coordinate the programmes and institutions that

address violence against women and effectively combat all forms of violence

against women (Liechtenstein);

133.140 Combat violence against women through coordinated and

comprehensive preventive measures and ensure access to justice and remedy

for victims (Malaysia);

133.141 Take all the necessary measures to prevent and combat violence,

including violence against women, by establishing a coordinating body for

programmes and institutions created to address violence against women

(Slovenia);

133.142 Give priority to the full implementation of the Act on Women’s

Right to a Life Free from Violence and adopt the draft bill on trafficking in

persons (Timor-Leste);

133.143 Step up efforts to prevent discrimination and violence against

women and girls (Ukraine);

133.144 Continue efforts to prevent and sanction violence against women

(Egypt);

133.145 Take serious measures to end violence against women and

children (Bahrain);

133.146 Take specific targeted measures to eliminate violence against

women and girls, including the establishment of a coordinating body

(Namibia);

133.147 Improve the human rights system protecting young people and

children and take measures to prevent juvenile delinquency (Belarus);

133.148 Make progress in the prevention and mitigation of the negative

impact on the rights of children and adolescents caused by different sources of

violence (Colombia);

133.149 Set measures to prevent violence against children and prohibit

corporal punishment of children (Liechtenstein);

133.150 Consider the recommendation of various treaty bodies regarding

the elimination of pre-military training in schools (Peru);

133.151 Continue the efforts to combat human trafficking, including

through cooperation and coordination with the Office of the United Nations

High Commissioner for Refugees (Qatar);

133.152 Adopt a national plan to combat human trafficking (Belarus);

133.153 Strengthen its efforts to eliminate discrimination against women

and girls, supported by the bill on human trafficking (Dominican Republic);

133.154 Work to ensure the independence of the judiciary and to continue

with the efforts to fight crime using a preventive approach and a human rights

perspective (Mexico);

133.155 Take appropriate measures to secure the independence of the

judiciary, including by amending the regulatory framework providing for such

independence (Namibia);

133.156 Take steps to ensure the independence and impartiality of judges

and prosecutors, under all circumstances and in all cases, including by

remedying the provisional status of the majority of judges and prosecutors

(Netherlands);

133.157 Restore the rule of law and the independence and impartiality of

the judicial system (Germany);

133.158 Redouble its efforts to guarantee the autonomy, independence and

impartiality of the judiciary (Republic of Korea);

133.159 Take steps to ensure the full independence and impartiality of the

judiciary (Spain);

133.160 Take the necessary measures to respect the separation and

independence of powers, including of the National Electoral Council,

Parliament and the judiciary, in particular of the Supreme Court of Justice

(Switzerland);

133.161 Fully respect representative democracy, the separation of powers,

legal rights, due process, universal human rights and the role of civil society

groups and regional bodies (Australia);

133.162 Take urgent action to ensure the full independence, autonomy and

impartiality of the judicial system and the electoral authority, especially with

regard to the Supreme Court of Justice and the National Electoral Council

(Brazil);

133.163 Restore the independence and impartiality of the judiciary by

appointing impartial, qualified judges and magistrates in accordance with its

legal and constitutional requirements (Canada);

133.164 Ensure the independence of the branches of government, in

particular the electoral and judicial branches, ensure due process and avoid

arbitrary arrests (Costa Rica);

133.165 Ensure the independence of the judiciary and enact a

comprehensive review of legislation and practice aimed at guaranteeing the

right to a fair trial for everyone, including opposition leaders and those critical

of the Government (Czechia);

133.166 Ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary and

police authorities and allow all parties to exercise their rights before the

judiciary (France);

133.167 See that the legitimate independence of public powers is respected

in accordance with its international commitments (Holy See);

133.168 Continue with the efforts to investigate and punish all those

responsible for the acts of violence that occurred in 2013 and 2014, ensuring

access to justice and effective judicial protection for victims (Cuba);

133.169 Continue to strengthen the investigative policies and strategies

and the correct application of appropriate penalties for violations of human

rights (Angola);

133.170 Strengthen sound inclusive policies for training those in charge of

providing legal aid to the low-income population through the National School

for Public Defence (Egypt);

133.171 Continue promoting women’s and minorities’ access to justice in

order to enhance equal opportunities for all citizens (Ethiopia);

133.172 Continue to implement measures to give free legal assistance in

case of gender-based violence (Angola);

133.173 Ensure that the due process in all trials is guaranteed, in

accordance with international standards (Guatemala);

133.174 Conduct thorough and independent investigations in cases of

human rights violations and ensure victims’ access to justice (Uruguay);

133.175 Guarantee the right to privacy of private and personal

communications according to international standards (Kenya);

133.176 Take the necessary steps to ensure that all operations of

intelligence agencies are monitored by an independent oversight mechanism

(Liechtenstein);

133.177 Ensure that the birth registration system is further improved and

supported by awareness-raising activities, in order to achieve registration for

all (Turkey);

133.178 Continue efforts towards the universalization of birth registration

in a progressive manner and the consolidation of the right to an identity by

prioritizing minorities (Ethiopia);

133.179 Bring all legislation concerning communication surveillance in

line with international human rights standards and, especially, ensure that all

communications surveillance are tested for necessity and proportionality

(Liechtenstein);

133.180 Guarantee the rights of Colombians affected by the land border

closure, including family reunification and recovery of their belongings

(Colombia);

133.181 In the general framework of substantial respect for fundamental

rights and the principles of democracy and the Constitution, ensure freedom of

expression and peaceful assembly and protect the activities of human rights

defenders, political activists and journalists (Italy);

133.182 Take concrete measures to ensure free reporting by the media and

ensure due process and the independence of the justice system (Japan);

133.183 Remove all restrictions, in law and in practice, which prevent full

enjoyment of the rights to freedom of expression and association and create an

enabling environment for civil society (Latvia);

133.184 Take legal and administrative measures to ensure the right to

freedom of expression in accordance with international obligations (Mexico);

133.185 Ensure the right to freedom of opinion and expression for all

journalists and media groups, including by effectively investigating allegations

of intimidation and attacks and by prosecuting perpetrators (Netherlands);

133.186 Take steps to ensure the right to freedom of expression, including

by ensuring that journalists can carry out their work independently while

protecting their well-being (New Zealand);

133.187 Safeguard the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the

freedom of movement for political opponents and journalists (Germany);

133.188 Permit genuine expression of dissent by releasing political

prisoners, allowing the elected National Assembly to carry out its functions and

permitting peaceful protest and independent media reports (United States of

America);

133.189 Safeguard the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of opinion and

expression and freedom of the press (Brazil);

133.190 Provide effective guarantees for the full exercise of freedom of

expression and information recognized in the Constitution and in international

instruments ratified by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (Chile);

133.191 Pay careful attention to the calls made by the High Commissioner

to ensure adequate protection of political opponents, human rights defenders

and others who face threats for their work, as well as to seek, through

constructive dialogue, solutions that respect the rule of law and constitutional

guarantees to all Venezuelans to exercise their fundamental rights (Costa Rica);

133.192 Ensure a free and enabling environment for the work of civil

society organizations and create a strategy to protect human rights defenders

and civic activists, ensuring they are not persecuted, harassed or publicly

stigmatized for their work and the exercise of their rights (Czechia);

133.193 Protect and promote freedom of expression, ensure the safety of

journalists and promptly respond to alleged violations in this regard (Estonia);

133.194 Guarantee freedom of expression (Georgia);

133.195 Ensure that nobody is penalized for exercising their rights to

peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, investigate all allegations of acts

of intimidation, threats and attacks and ensure that the perpetrators are

brought to justice (Guatemala);

133.196 End the harassment of those who are critical of government

policies and drop any politically motivated charges against them (Iceland);

133.197 Consider enacting a law that guarantees access to public

information (Peru);

133.198 Guarantee freedom of expression and free access of citizens to

public information (Spain);

133.199 Intensify its efforts to increase access to public information

(Sudan);

133.200 Take all the necessary steps to ensure the prompt and

independent investigation of all allegations concerning intimidation, threats

and attacks against journalists, media workers and human rights defenders

(Ireland);

133.201 Continue with the successful policies for the democratization of

the radio spectrum, by granting concessions to community media (Nicaragua);

133.202 Respect the fundamental rights of individuals, including the rights

to freedom of expression and association and respect the prohibition of

arbitrary arrest and detention, as well as the procedural guarantees

(Switzerland);

133.203 Ensure the rights to freedoms of expression, association and

peaceful assembly, both online and offline, in particular by revoking the use of

military force to control public order and ceasing State security raids such as

Operation Liberation and Protection of the People (Canada);

133.204 Explicitly and publicly recognize the legitimacy of the work of

human rights defenders, including by making public statements recognizing

their contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights and the

rule of law (Belgium);

133.205 Adopt measures preventing reprisals against individuals and

groups cooperating with international human rights mechanisms and ensure

impartial investigations into all allegations of reprisal and accountability for

reprisals (Czechia);

133.206 Take all necessary measures to guarantee the exercise of the work

of human rights defenders and take measures to fight impunity for

perpetrators of attacks and threats against them (France);

133.207 Ensure impartiality and due process in the procedures by which

broadcasting laws are enforced (Finland);

133.208 Take all the necessary measures to ensure that journalists are not

subject to violence and reprisals for their work (Portugal);

133.209 Ensure that journalists and the media are able to conduct their

work freely and independently (Uruguay);

133.210 Enhance the protection of journalists while guaranteeing their

independence (Austria);

133.211 Fully guarantee freedom of expression and free access to

information and protect journalists against threats and attacks (France);

133.212 Ensure that it grants the right to peaceful assembly and freedom

of expression in accordance with its international obligations (Sweden);

133.213 Enhance the political participation law (Lebanon);

133.214 Continue promoting democracy in the country and gender equity

in political parties (Syrian Arab Republic);

133.215 Respect citizens’ constitutional right to recall a referendum by

allowing the collection of signatures to proceed (United States of America);

133.216 Pursue inclusion policies to promote participation of social

movements and organizations in designing public human rights policies

(Algeria);

133.217 Promote equal participation in political and public affairs as a key

means of overcoming the current political and humanitarian crisis (Czechia);

133.218 Channel social, political and institutional conflicts through

dialogue and democratic participation, while ensuring judicial independence

and the separation of powers (Norway);

133.219 Continue to provide resources and develop strategies for youth

development, including for the achievement of a greater higher education

completion rate for all, the retention of pregnant girls and adolescent mothers

in school, the provision of technical and vocational skills and the expansion of

social and economic opportunities for youth (Malaysia);

133.220 Protect trade union rights and the independence of trade unions

(Peru);

133.221 Continue with the implementation of human rights in order to

achieve a dignified standard of living and work with all movements, social

organizations and civil society (Iraq);

133.222 Continue with the implementation of its national strategy of

environmental protection (Tajikistan);

133.223 Redouble its efforts to improve the economy (United Republic of

Tanzania);

133.224 Continue its efforts to reduce the number of families suffering

from extreme poverty through social programmes (Saudi Arabia);

133.225 Continue policies to reduce poverty and eradicate malnutrition

and food shortages (Dominican Republic);

133.226 Continue efforts to reduce poverty through social programmes

focused on human rights (Dominican Republic);

133.227 Continue to implement policies and programmes to guarantee the

rights to education, health and food, in addition to combating poverty (El

Salvador);

133.228 Continue implementing sound public policies to eradicate extreme

poverty and hunger as acknowledged by specialized United Nations agencies

(Bangladesh);

133.229 Take immediate action to ensure essential levels of food supply

protecting the most vulnerable groups from hunger and nutritional problems

(Belgium);

133.230 Step up efforts to guarantee national food production and

promote urban and family agriculture to achieve food sovereignty (Democratic

People’s Republic of Korea);

133.231 Take all necessary measures to ensure the rights to food, water

and sanitation for its people, as well as continued basic medical supplies and

health services (Thailand);

133.232 Ensure cooperation with international actors to help address the

situation of food insecurity and public health (Sweden);

133.233 Increase its activities towards the full realization of the right to

health (Islamic Republic of Iran);

133.234 Continue efforts to improve health and education services to

ensure equal access for all citizens (Myanmar);

133.235 Urgently address the shortage of medical services and satisfy

people’s basic necessities in the spirit of the 2015 recommendations by the

Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Germany);

133.236 Ensure the availability and quality of health services (Peru);

133.237 Redouble its efforts to ensure that its citizens fully enjoy the

highest attainable standards of physical and mental health possible, including

through international cooperation (Singapore);

133.238 Ensure the immediate and urgent provision of essential medicines

and medical materials to its population, including by deploying necessary

resources and by accepting international assistance and cooperation (Canada);

133.239 Continue its efforts for universal access to health care, strengthen

the national public health system and pay attention to preventive health

(China);

133.240 Continue developing relevant international cooperation

agreements to ensure universal access to medicines (El Salvador);

133.241 Continue incrementing the amount of health establishments

(Eritrea);

133.242 Take action to alleviate the burden on the health-care system

(Norway);

133.243 Develop and implement effective policies to address the crisis in

the health sector and shortages of food, and make those policies publicly known

(Iceland);

133.244 Increase the efforts to reduce maternal mortality, prioritizing

actions that promote access to sexual and reproductive health centres (South

Sudan);

133.245 Take additional measures to fight early pregnancies (Togo);

133.246 Adopt a comprehensive programme on sexual health and

reproductive rights based on human rights and World Health Organization

standards and allocate sufficient resources for its implementation (Belgium);

133.247 Ensure full and equal access to modern contraceptives throughout

its territory, including in peri-urban, rural and indigenous territories

(Denmark);

133.248 In the border area, strengthen the enjoyment of the right to

health, particularly with the prevention and treatment of malaria, dengue and

HIV/AIDS (Colombia);

133.249 Continue implementing measures to prevent HIV transmission

(Islamic Republic of Iran);

133.250 Continue its increasing investment in education (Islamic Republic

of Iran);

133.251 Continue updating curricular content and methods (Lao People’s

Democratic Republic);

133.252 Continue the improvement and enhancing of the use of

information and communications technologies in education (Qatar);

133.253 Take the necessary measures to ensure that education promotes

respect for human rights and participation in a free society (State of Palestine);

133.254 Regularly publish updated socioeconomic data, including on

health and nutrition, especially by strengthening existing national instruments,

such as the Venezuelan system of food and nutrition surveillance (Switzerland);

133.255 Pursue its policies to increase schooling at all levels and through

all educational systems (Algeria);

133.256 Continue implementing the good policies for improving the

education infrastructure (China);

133.257 Continue implementing the recommendations arising from the

national consultation on quality education (Democratic People’s Republic of

Korea);

133.258 Share experience for eliminating illiteracy (Democratic People’s

Republic of Korea);

133.259 Ensure that education promotes the full respect of human rights

and the active participation in a free society (Guatemala);

133.260 Continue its efforts and successful measures to ensure full access

to education and health care for all its citizens, especially disadvantaged groups

(Dominican Republic);

133.261 Ensure inclusive education in line with the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Israel);

133.262 Adopt more innovative approaches to teen pregnancies and

continued schooling of teen mothers through the sharing of experiences and

best practices with partners (Jamaica);

133.263 Adopt legislation to punish the dissemination of ideas based on

racial hatred or superiority, incitement to racial discrimination or any racially

motivated act of violence, as recommended by the Committee on the

Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Israel);

133.264 Address the specific needs of children with disabilities in all areas,

in particular education (Slovenia);

133.265 Continue promoting and disseminating information on the rights

of persons with disabilities, as well as the use of sign language and Braille

(Ecuador);

133.266 Implement the Convention on the Rights of Disabilities and the

Optional Protocol thereto (Kenya);

133.267 Protect the rights of indigenous peoples through the

implementation of prior consultation mechanisms as established in the ILO

Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169) (Peru);

133.268 Continue enhancing the school infrastructure for indigenous

communities in order to guarantee an increase in intercultural and bilingual

education centres (South Sudan);

133.269 Continue implementing mechanisms for the prior consultation

and participation of indigenous peoples in decision-making related to the

enjoyment of their ancestral rights in accordance with its domestic law (Cuba);

133.270 Continue moving forward in land demarcation and indigenous

environment, taking into consideration the characteristics of each indigenous

people (Yemen);

133.271 Continue to implement the necessary measures to achieve

sustainable management of its natural resources, in line with the respect for

environmental rights and the rights of indigenous peoples (Plurinational State

of Bolivia);

133.272 Continue implementing policies for the sound expansion and

strengthening of special indigenous jurisdiction (Eritrea);

133.273 Redouble efforts to ensure the enjoyment of human rights of all

migrants, ensuring decent and fair treatment regardless of their immigration

status (Colombia);

133.274 Ensure the timely access to consular assistance under the Vienna

Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 (Colombia).

134. 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 the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was headed by Ms. Delcy

Rodríguez Gómez, Vice President for Political Sovereignty, Security and Peace / Minister

of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, and composed of the following members:

• María Iris Varela, Minister of People’s Power and the Penitentiary Service;

• Luisana Melo, Minister of People’s Power for Health;

• Blanca Eekhout, Minister of People’s Power for Women and Gender Equality;

• Aloha Núñez, Minister of People’s Power for Indigenous peoples;

• Jorge Valero, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Bolivarian Republic

of Venezuela before the Office of the United Nations in Geneva, and other

International Organisms with headquarters in Geneva;

• Francia Coello, Magistrate, Vice President of the Criminal Appeals Chamber of the

Supreme Justice Tribunal;

• Alis Raquel Boscán, Vice Prosecutor General of the Republic;

• Reinaldo Muñoz, Prosecutor General of the Republic;

• Sandra Oblitas, Electoral Authority of the National Electoral Council;

• Larry Devoe, Executive Secretary National Human Rights Council;

• Sandino Marcano, Spokesperson of the Vice Presidency for Social Development and

Revolution of the Missions;

• Rubén Darío Molina, Vice Minister for Multilateral Affairs and Integration,

Ministry of People’s Powers for Foreign Affairs;

• Coronel Johan Hernández Lares, Vice Minister of Food Production of the Ministry

of the People’s Power for food, and President of Corpopdvmercal;

• Hanthony Rafael Coello Bello, Vice Minister for Internal Policy and Legal Security,

the Ministry of Popular Power for Internal Affairs, Justice and Peace;

• Elsie Rosales, Legal Adviser for the Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs;

• Carmelo Borrego, Legal Adviser of the Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign

Affairs;

• Ilenia Medina, Ambassador and advisor to the Ministry of People’s Power for

Foreign Affairs;

• Pascualina Curcio, Ministry of the People’s Power for Planning;

• William Castillo; Vice minister of International Communication; Ministry of

People’s Power for Foreign Affairs;

• Félix Peña Ramos, Ambassador, Permanent Alternate Representative, Permanent

Mission of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela;

• Edgardo Toro Carreño, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of the Bolivarian

Republic of Venezuela.