36/10 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - India

GE.17-12027(E)



Human Rights Council Thirty-sixth session

11-29 September 2017

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

India

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

United Nations A/HRC/36/10

Introduction

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

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-seventh session from 1 to 12

May 2017. The review of India was held at the 8th meeting, on 4 May 2017. The delegation

of India was headed by the Attorney General, Mukul Rohatgi. At its 14th meeting, held on

9 May 2017, the Working Group adopted the report on India.

2. On 13 February 2017, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of India: Latvia, the Philippines and South

Africa.

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 India:

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

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/27/IND/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.6/27/IND/2);

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

(A/HRC/WG.6/27/IND/3).

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

Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of

Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to India 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 India stated that India remained convinced of the effectiveness of

the universal periodic review process, and reiterated its commitment to meaningful

engagement with international organizations and other States in a spirit of reciprocity, with

a common desire for a better world. India continued with its endeavours towards

observance of human rights. When drafting its national report, India had followed a broad-

based consultative approach involving various stakeholders.

6. For India, poverty eradication and achieving inclusive sustainable development were

utmost priorities. In that regard, major initiatives had been undertaken, including Smart

Cities, Make in India, Celebrate the Girl Child and Enable her Education, Bank Accounts

for All, and Startup India, which mirrored the targets of the 17 Sustainable Development

Goals for achieving the 2030 Agenda.

7. An important plank of the country’s development agenda, as well as of its push

towards good governance and the creation of a knowledge society, had reportedly been the

Digital India programme, which aimed at transforming India into a digitally empowered

society.

8. The coverage of the Aadhaar Unique Identification Number had been widened to

prevent leakages and to ensure targeted delivery of scheme benefits. To further

institutionalize the project, the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other

Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 had been enacted. Over a billion Aadhaar cards

had reportedly been issued to date.

9. India had taken various steps to eliminate all forms of malnutrition, including child

malnutrition, notably through the adoption of the National Food Security Act, 2013 and the

expansion of the coverage of the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme for better

nutrition, health and overall development for children under the age of 6.

10. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme was the

flagship employment programme in India. It was an entitlement-based scheme covering the

entire country; women had been the beneficiaries of nearly 60 per cent of the total work

days created under the Scheme. Young people were the main beneficiaries of the Skill India

Initiative.

11. India had prioritized inclusive and quality education for all by supporting various

programmes and policies to universalize educational opportunities, with special emphasis

on the girl child.

12. India had been making efforts to evaluate the level of compliance with labour laws

through a unified labour and employment web portal, through which employers were

required to file returns giving details of their compliance with labour laws. In addition, a

law had been enacted requiring employers to provide effective redress to women who had

been victims of sexual harassment.

13. In all its policies, India had sought to ensure inclusive development and the

protection of the rights of vulnerable groups. To that end, the National Policy for Children

2013 had put in place a rights-based policy framework to address children’s needs.

14. India was deeply committed to reinforcing and accelerating efforts to combat human

trafficking. In that context, the Government was in advanced consultations with

stakeholders on an anti-human trafficking bill to comprehensively address issues relating to

human trafficking.

15. In April 2014, the Supreme Court had handed down a landmark judgment directing

the Government to declare transgender persons as pertaining to a “third gender” and to

include them in the category of an “Other Backward Class”, which would entitle them to

affirmative action benefits. The Court had also reinforced the point that they should have all

rights under the law.

16. India had made significant progress in addressing the special needs of persons with

disabilities through the Accessible India Campaign, and by overhauling the legislative

framework on the rights of persons with disabilities and the rights of persons with mental

health issues.

17. India had also amended its laws to provide more stringent punishment for atrocities

against persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Tribes. In addition, a range of policy

measures had been adopted to address issues of social exclusion, deprivation and

disadvantage that such groups might face.

18. India had remained alert to the problem of global warming and the need to factor in

environmental sustainability in its development policies. For instance, the Government had

articulated its belief in taking an ethical and people-centred approach to climate change by

espousing the principles of climate justice.

19. The delegation also referred to the country’s constitutional framework for the

protection of civil liberties and its commitment to safeguarding fundamental rights and

fulfilling the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution.

20. The independent judiciary, the autonomous human rights commissions at both the

national and State levels, the media and civil society all ensured that the authorities

remained respectful of constitutional and human rights norms.

21. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act had been applied only to disturbed areas to

deal with exigent circumstances like terrorism. The Supreme Court had upheld the

constitutionality of the Act and laid down strict guidelines, including that the armed forces

could not use excessive force under the Act.

22. India was committed to ratifying the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,

Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. In that context, the Government had

requested the Law Commission of India to prepare a comprehensive report covering all

aspects of criminal law so that the necessary amendments could be made in the Penal Code,

the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Evidence Act, prior to carrying out the ratification

process.

23. Concerning extrajudicial executions, the Supreme Court issued extensive guidelines

for effective and independent investigations, and the judiciary monitored investigations in

specific cases.

24. In order to address the large backlog of cases that often resulted in delays in their

closure, the Law Commission’s recommendations on institutional changes to facilitate

timely justice were being considered by the Government and the Supreme Court.

25. Safeguarding the rights of minorities formed an essential core of the polity of India,

and the State made no distinction between a citizen’s caste, creed, colour or religion.

26. The delegation stressed that the right to free speech and expression were at the core

of the Indian Constitution and that people were conscious of their political freedoms and

exercised their choices at every opportunity.

B. Interactive dialogue

27. During the interactive dialogue, 103 delegations made statements.

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

report.

28. Germany welcomed efforts to address poverty, including the issue of corruption, but

was concerned about the social hardship endured by marginalized groups and about

restrictions on civil society.

29. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commended India for its efforts aiming to

combat trafficking and poverty, promote the economic empowerment of women and

provide social assistance to older persons, widows and persons with disabilities.

30. Greece welcomed efforts aiming at poverty eradication, creating an inclusive

knowledge society and improving equal access to justice for all.

31. Guatemala was concerned about reports of discrimination against scheduled castes,

women and religious minorities.

32. The Holy See made several recommendations.

33. Ghana urged India to finalize its ratification of the Convention against Torture and

the Optional Protocol thereto.

34. Iceland commended India for the steps it had taken to combat violence against

women, but regretted that violence persisted and women faced barriers to accessing justice.

35. Indonesia supported the efforts to provide continuous training for law enforcement

officers and to raise their awareness of the need to respect human rights while performing

their tasks.

36. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomed the allocation of increased resources for the

enjoyment of economic and social rights.

37. Iraq commended the increase in health expenditure and the health insurance plans

for families living under the poverty line.

38. Spain welcomed the debate on the need to combat child labour and child marriage.

39. Israel commended India for enacting the 2005 Right to Information Act, launching

the Digital India programme and setting up anti-human trafficking units.

40. Italy commended efforts towards socioeconomic development and poverty

eradication, and steps taken to favour access to justice and fight human trafficking.

41. Japan welcomed the commitment of India to reforming its legal system with a view

to protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls.

42. Kazakhstan highlighted the policies India had adopted to address health, education,

housing, poverty alleviation, food and social security.

43. Kenya commended India for its continued efforts to increase the protection and

promotion of human rights.

44. Kyrgyzstan backed the efforts of India, inter alia, to empower women and eradicate

discrimination against them.

45. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic commended India for its socioeconomic

policies to address people’s needs.

46. Latvia encouraged India to continue its efforts to improve the protection of women

against violence, particularly in rural areas, and to enhance women’s political participation.

47. Lebanon commended the policies to promote freedom of expression and religion,

strategies for poverty alleviation and the efforts to fight against human trafficking.

48. Libya commended the harmonization of development policies with the Sustainable

Development Goals to make progress in the health and education sectors.

49. Liechtenstein made recommendations.

50. Lithuania commended India for reforming the Penal Code regarding the crimes of

rape and sexual assault.

51. Madagascar welcomed progress regarding the promotion of food and health security

and the willingness to intensify human rights training for security officials.

52. Malaysia viewed positively various development programmes to assist citizens to

pursue upward socioeconomic mobility, such as the Stand-Up India scheme.

53. Maldives commended India for its continuous efforts to make education accessible

to all children under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act.

54. Mauritius lauded India for its efforts and actions aiming at poverty alleviation, food

security, access to safe water, education, health and housing rights.

55. Mexico acknowledged the progress India had made since the previous cycle,

particularly its cooperation with special procedures and its efforts to achieve the

Sustainable Development Goals.

56. Montenegro noted positive steps regarding the use of capital punishment, such as the

Supreme Court decision to commute 15 death sentences to life imprisonment.

57. Mozambique commended India for the strides made towards socioeconomic

development and poverty eradication.

58. Myanmar applauded India for its legislative, institutional and policy initiatives to

promote and protect human rights and achieve socioeconomic development.

59. Namibia applauded the efforts of India to implement the recommendations from its

previous review and its standing invitation to the special procedure mandate holders.

60. Nepal commended the measures aimed at improving the welfare of the marginalized

population and the socioeconomic policies addressing people’s basic needs.

61. The Netherlands welcomed the steps taken to protect the rights of women and to

enhance compensation to victims of communal violence.

62. Norway commended India for adopting the Child Labour (Prohibition and

Regulation) Amendment Act and ratifying the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)

and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) of the International Labour

Organization (ILO), as had been recommended during the previous review.

63. The delegation of India stated that many specific laws existed to address violence

against women and to bring perpetrators to justice, such as the Criminal Law (Amendment)

Act, 2013, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition

and Redressal) Act, 2013. The draft National Policy for Women aimed at further

strengthening the entire architecture to address violence against women.

64. India did not discriminate against girls in terms of the right to education. Girls were

actively encouraged to attend school and great emphasis was put on girls’ enrolment. There

had been encouraging results in terms of girls’ retention in school, and the dropout rate for

girls in middle school and beyond had fallen.

65. In addition to the anti-human trafficking bill, India had ratified several international

human rights instruments pertaining to human trafficking.

66. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act prohibited acceptance and utilization of

foreign contributions or foreign hospitality for any activities detrimental to the national

interest. Any violation of the Act was a cognizable offence.

67. In addition to the commitment of India to ratifying the Convention against Torture,

there were sufficient provisions in the domestic legal framework that prohibited torture, and

the Supreme Court had laid down specific rules and guidelines that the police must follow

when making arrests.

68. India was a secular country and every citizen had the right to practice and promote

his or her religion peacefully. The Ministry of Minority Affairs, the National Human Rights

Commission and the National Commission for Minorities investigated cases related to

discrimination, including religious discrimination.

69. The Government had introduced the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights)

Bill, 2016, which provided for, inter alia, non-discrimination against transgender persons

and the formation of a national council for transgender persons.

70. Consensual sexual acts conducted in private by adults of the same sex, which were

criminalized under section 377 of the Penal Code, had been decriminalized by a High Court

judgment. The judgment had later been overturned by the Supreme Court. However, the

Supreme Court had agreed to re-examine the issue.

71. The Government’s guidelines on communal harmony established the preventive and

administrative measures to be taken to maintain communal harmony and the standard

operating procedures to deal with situations of communal violence.

72. Oman appreciated the measures to improve the situation of women and persons with

disabilities and the National Initiative on Care for the Elderly.

73. Pakistan made recommendations.

74. Peru highlighted the adhesion of India to the principles of climate justice and the

progress made against serious diseases.

75. The Philippines lauded the efforts to eradicate poverty and to prioritize renewable

energy for cleaner air in cities.

76. Portugal noted the amendment to criminalize rape and gang rape, while regretting

that marital rape fell outside the scope of the amendment.

77. Qatar appreciated the efforts to implement the previous review recommendations

regarding sustainable development, which had had a positive impact on the enjoyment of

human rights.

78. The Republic of Korea welcomed the “Save the Girl, Educate the Girl” campaign

and efforts to eradicate poverty.

79. The Russian Federation welcomed, inter alia, the establishment of human rights

training for law enforcement officers.

80. Rwanda encouraged India to enhance its efforts to combat racial discrimination and

discriminatory practices against women.

81. Saudi Arabia commended the positive achievements made in the field of human

rights and the efforts to implement accepted recommendations.

82. Senegal commended India for its government-wide approach to meeting the

Sustainable Development Goals and its Housing for All programme.

83. Sierra Leone was concerned about incidents of sexual violence against women and

urged India to intensify its efforts to address them.

84. Singapore commended India for its success in halving the number of rural

households without a drinking water supply.

85. Slovakia recognized actions taken by India to completely ban the employment of

children under the age of 14.

86. Slovenia expressed concern about the negative consequences of the relaxation of the

standards for environmental impact assessments.

87. South Africa welcomed the provision of the smart card-based cashless health

insurance cover to families in poverty and workers in the informal sector.

88. Ireland urged India to review the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act and pay

special attention to human rights defenders working on minority and children’s rights.

89. The State of Palestine commended India for its commitment to addressing climate

change by pushing for strong domestic climate action for a more sustainable development

pathway.

90. The Sudan appreciated the recent legislative and institutional developments,

especially the enactment of the anti-corruption law in 2013.

91. Sweden wished India every success in promoting an inclusive society where

everyone’s rights were equally respected.

92. Switzerland expressed concern about the increasing restrictions imposed on

independent civil society actors, including those belonging to religious minorities.

93. Thailand welcomed the enactment of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation)

Amendment Act and the implementation of the National Child Labour Policy and the

Accessible India Campaign.

94. Timor-Leste noted with appreciation the 2014 Supreme Court decision to commute

to life imprisonment the death sentences of 15 individuals.

95. Turkey encouraged India to strengthen the mandate of the National Human Rights

Commission to allow it to address a greater variety of human rights issues.

96. Uganda commended India for attaching utmost priority to poverty eradication and

achieving inclusive sustainable development.

97. Ukraine encouraged India to reconsider pending requests from OHCHR and a

number of special procedure mandate holders.

98. The United Arab Emirates appreciated the fact that the Indian courts had considered

the right to a clean environment to be a human right.

99. The United Kingdom requested that India provide an update on the steps taken to

address the remaining challenges concerning women’s and girls’ rights.

100. The United States of America noted the lack of transparency and uneven application

of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, which impeded the work of non-

governmental organizations (NGOs).

101. The delegation of India stated that the Government aimed to reserve one third of the

seats in the lower house of Parliament and the state legislative assemblies for women. There

were currently 1.4 million directly elected women representatives. Women’s digital literacy

and financial inclusion were at the top of the Government’s agenda.

102. India was committed to ensuring better health and well-being for its entire

population through its National Health Policy. Improvements in institutional deliveries had

reached 79 per cent in 2015-2016, from 29 per cent in 1992-1993. The infant mortality rate

had dropped from 57 per 1,000 live births in 2005-2006 to 41 per 1,000 live births in 2015-

2016.

103. The Law Commission of India had not recommended the criminalization of marital

rape in 2000. After a commission had handed down an opinion favouring that course of

action, the Government had requested the Law Commission to deliberate upon the subject

during its comprehensive review of the criminal justice system.

104. The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

had been amended with effect from January 2016, providing for the establishment of

special courts for the speedy trial of cases.

105. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 had been enacted in December

2016 and brought into force in April 2017. It contained special provisions on the rights of

women with disabilities and on inclusive education for children with disabilities. The

Accessible India Campaign had been launched in order to create a barrier-free environment

for persons with disabilities.

106. The Government had launched the Swacha Bharat Mission in order to accelerate

efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage, improve cleanliness and eliminate open

defecation by 2019. Similarly, the Government was implementing the National Rural

Drinking Water Programme and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban

Transformation to ensure water supply to households in rural and urban areas.

107. Referring to the current security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the high

number of casualties sustained by Indian security forces, the delegation stressed the zero-

tolerance policy on terrorism and the active, constructive role played by several

stakeholders in that region.

108. The death penalty was exercised in the “rarest of rare” cases, when the crime

committed was so heinous that it shocked the conscience of society. Furthermore, Indian

law provided for all requisite procedural safeguards, for suspension of the death penalty for

pregnant women, and for prohibition of executions of persons with mental or intellectual

disabilities and juvenile offenders.

109. Uruguay welcomed the draft law for the protection, well-being and social security of

domestic workers.

110. Uzbekistan appreciated the efforts of India to eradicate poverty and protect

vulnerable groups in society.

111. Honduras noted the advances in poverty reduction, but was concerned about the high

incidence of violence against children, especially girls.

112. Viet Nam commended India for its achievements in, inter alia, access for all to

quality education, eradicating poverty and protecting vulnerable groups.

113. Yemen commended the efforts to realize development and eradicate poverty, which

were reflected in sustainable development plans and the poverty alleviation strategies.

114. Zambia noted with satisfaction the efforts of India in, inter alia, poverty eradication

and achieving inclusive sustainable development.

115. Zimbabwe noted the socioeconomic policies of India to address people’s basic

needs.

116. Algeria welcomed the launch of the Digital India programme, aiming, inter alia, at

increasing connectivity and access to knowledge.

117. Angola raised concerns about increased cases of violence and sexual harassment

against women, and of child labour.

118. Argentina welcomed the inauguration of the Stand-Up India scheme.

119. Australia was concerned that certain legislative instruments, including the Foreign

Contribution (Regulation) Act, might overly restrict the activities of civil society.

120. Bahrain appreciated the efforts made in the area of economic and social rights and

noted challenges faced by women and children.

121. Bangladesh praised India for its socioeconomic development, including its measures

for poverty eradication, improving nutrition, removing the urban-rural divide and

addressing the sanitation and safe drinking water needs of its people.

122. Belarus welcomed the cooperation of India with international human rights

mechanisms, including recent visits by Special Rapporteurs.

123. Belgium, while welcoming efforts to address violence and discrimination against

women, stated that further progress could be achieved in that area.

124. Bhutan appreciated measures such as the Stand-Up India scheme, reforms to reduce

delays in the judicial system and the steps taken to enhance the equality and empowerment

of women.

125. The Plurinational State of Bolivia highlighted policies to improve living conditions

in rural areas, especially with regard to water and sanitation.

126. Botswana noted that the socioeconomic development agenda of India was aligned

with the Sustainable Development Goals and welcomed the focus on poverty eradication.

127. Brazil welcomed the commitment of India to poverty eradication and its initiatives

in the field of health.

128. Brunei Darussalam noted that the Constitution of India guaranteed an individual’s

right to a clean environment.

129. Bulgaria noted the importance of the National Human Rights Commission and

called for the extension of its mandate.

130. The delegation of India stated that the Government had mapped out all the central

ministries, national missions and centrally supported development programmes regarding

each specific Sustainable Development Goal, and national consultations on all the goals had

been held, with broad participation of various stakeholders.

131. In order to address the agrarian crisis, India planned to develop a sense of income

security by aiming for optimal utilization of water resources, conservation of soil fertility

with balanced use of fertilizers and provision of connectivity between farms and markets.

132. The Government was committed to ensuring a safe working environment for all,

including those engaged in promoting and protecting human rights, while stressing that

human rights defenders’ activities should comply with the domestic legal framework.

133. The right to housing remained a priority for the Government. It had launched the

Housing for All by 2022 programme to provide better and affordable housing facilities to

the rural poor, urban slum dwellers and other economically weaker sections of the society,

including minorities.

134. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest

Rights) Act, 2006 had vested the forest rights and occupation of forest land to Scheduled

Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.

135. India was committed to eradicating child labour. It had addressed the phenomenon

through a multipronged strategy, which included the enactment of the Child Labour

(Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, prohibiting the employment of

children below 14 years of age in any occupation, except after school work and when

assisting in family enterprises.

136. Several legislative and policy measures had been taken to promote social, economic

and emotional security for the elderly. In 2017, the Government had launched the Rashtriya

Vayoshri Yojana, a scheme for providing physical aids and assisted-living devices for

senior citizens.

137. Burkina Faso requested further information on the establishment of the crisis centres

providing victims of sexual violence with legal aid.

138. Canada welcomed efforts to strengthen justice for victims of sexual assault, and

commended the Supreme Court of India for its recognition of transgender persons.

139. Chad welcomed the inclusive consultation process in the preparation of the national

report and the cooperation of India with United Nations treaty bodies.

140. Chile wished to know whether specific measures existed to address violence and

discrimination based on sexual orientation or sexual identity.

141. China noted the measures taken to fight corruption and reduce the backlog in court

cases, and international cooperation to prevent human trafficking.

142. Colombia highlighted the Stand-Up India and Housing for All programmes and

human rights training for law enforcement officials.

143. Côte d’Ivoire encouraged India to continue its actions regarding, inter alia, freedom

of expression, gender equality and socioeconomic development.

144. Cuba welcomed the new legislation in the fields of persons with disabilities and

child labour and the new policy on primary education.

145. Czechia encouraged a positive response to the report of the Law Commission of

India recommending the abolition of the death penalty.

146. Denmark welcomed the acceptance of the recommendations from the previous

review to ratify the Convention against Torture.

147. Egypt appreciated the culture of transparency, openness and accountability in the

governmental functioning, as enacted in the Right to Information Act.

148. Estonia welcomed the efforts of India to improve access to financial services and

pensions for economically marginalized persons.

149. Ethiopia noted progress in implementing the review recommendations relating to

environmental policies.

150. Finland commended the adoption of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in

2016.

151. France encouraged India to respect international standards during law enforcement

operations, and the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.

152. Gabon welcomed efforts to eliminate violence and discrimination against women

and to combat violence against, and exploitation of, children.

153. Sri Lanka requested India to elaborate on best practices and practical measures taken

to encourage citizens to exercise their right to information.

154. Haiti noted the great focus on reducing poverty, especially extreme poverty, and

increasing access to quality education.

155. The delegation of India stated that, in order to address child sexual abuse, a law had

been enacted providing for child-friendly mechanisms for reporting a crime, recording of

evidence, investigation, speedy trial of offences and in-camera trials through designated

special courts.

156. Under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, giving a

child into marriage was considered as cruelty and any child in that situation would be

treated as a child in need of care and protection. District child protection units registered

cases involving forced child marriage that had resulted in pregnancy.

157. The potential of reproductive and sexual health education was recognized by India

and the Government had invested in partnerships to create and strengthen opportunities for

young people.

158. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act had been used only in exceptional

circumstances, and several checks and balances had been introduced to ensure that there

were strict guidelines for the armed forces and for monitoring alleged human rights

violations by such forces.

159. Regarding recent incidents relating to members of the African community, the

delegation stated that the Minister of External Affairs personally monitored the situation

and had requested the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to have the case investigated on a fast-

track basis.

160. The delegation of India concluded by reiterating its commitment to leave no one

behind and to ensure that all the policies and schemes in place reached the bottom of the

pyramid.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

161. The following recommendations will be examined by India, which will provide

responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-sixth session of the Human Rights

Council:

161.1 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights (Estonia);

161.2 Consider adhering to the Second Optional Protocol to the International

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

penalty, and abolish the death penalty (Portugal);

161.3 Ratify the Optional Protocols to the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights, to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of

Discrimination against Women and to the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities (Guatemala);

161.4 Consider withdrawing the remaining declarations and reservations to

the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against

Women (Rwanda);

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

Degrading Treatment or Punishment, as previously recommended (Botswana);

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

Degrading Treatment or Punishment urgently and in accordance with its

commitments from the 2012 universal periodic review (Norway);

161.7 Ratify, before the next universal periodic review cycle, the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment (Czechia);

161.8 Finalize the efforts to ratify the Convention against Torture and Other

Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, as well as other

international instruments, as recommended by relevant treaty bodies

(Bulgaria);

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

Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Greece) (Guatemala) (Italy) (Lebanon)

(Montenegro) (Mozambique) (South Africa) (Sweden) (Turkey) (Ukraine)

(United States of America);

161.10 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Optional

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

against Women, the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure

(Portugal);

161.11 Ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman

or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and ensure that the instrument of

ratification is consistent with the Convention (Australia);

161.12 Swiftly ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,

Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its Optional Protocol,

ensure that domestic legislation defines torture in line with international

standards, and extend an invitation to the Special Rapporteur on torture and

other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment for an official visit

to the country (Germany);

161.13 Proceed with early ratification of the Convention against Torture

and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, as well as

the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced

Disappearance (Japan);

161.14 Ratify the Convention against Torture as soon as possible and

further, ratify the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) and the Worst

Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) of the International Labour

Organization and the Optional Protocols to Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights and abolish the death penalty as recommended by the

Law Commission of India (Ireland);

161.15 Finalize the process of ratification of the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from

Enforced Disappearance (Kazakhstan);

161.16 Redouble its efforts to ratify the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Republic of

Korea);

161.17 Speed up the process for the ratification of the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

(Israel);

161.18 Advance towards the ratification of the Convention against Torture

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

161.19 Consider completing the process of ratification of the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment (Burkina Faso);

161.20 Complete the process of preparation for the ratification of the

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading

Treatment or Punishment (Russian Federation);

161.21 Intensify efforts to ratify the Convention against Torture and Other

Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Denmark);

161.22 Strengthen national efforts towards the ratification of the

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading

Treatment or Punishment (Indonesia);

161.23 Ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman

or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its Optional Protocol and swiftly

move ahead with the Prevention of Torture Bill (Estonia);

161.24 Enact the Prevention of Torture Bill currently pending in the

parliament in compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other

Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Turkey);

161.25 Adopt the draft law on the prevention of torture and other forms of

cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by complying with

established international norms (Madagascar);

161.26 Adopt the draft law on the prevention of torture and ensure that it

complies with the provisions of the Convention against Torture and Other

Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Senegal);

161.27 Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection

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

(Uruguay);

161.28 Promptly ratify the International Convention on the Protection of

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

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading

Treatment or Punishment (Guatemala);

161.29 Expedite efforts to ratify the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment (Sierra Leone);

161.30 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Greece) (Ukraine);

161.31 Consider ratifying the International Convention for the Protection

of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Burkina Faso);

161.32 Accede to and implement the 1954 Convention relating to the Status

of Stateless Persons, the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, the

1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and article 7 of the

Convention on the Rights of the Child to end statelessness and guarantee

nationality for affected children (Kenya);

161.33 Accede to and fully implement the 1954 Convention relating to the

Status of Stateless Persons, the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of

Statelessness and the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees

(Slovakia);

161.34 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

(Estonia);

161.35 Accede to and fully align its national legislation with the Rome

Statute of the International Criminal Court (Latvia);

161.36 Consider ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal

Court (Uruguay);

161.37 Develop a national strategy to tackle exploitative labour practices

and to ratify the ILO Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930,

and continue to strengthen protections for children (United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland);

161.38 Ratify the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) and the Worst

Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) of the International Labour

Organization (Slovenia);

161.39 Consider ratifying the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011

(No. 189) (Uruguay);

161.40 Consider acceding to the ILO Worst Forms of Child Labour

Convention, 1999 (No. 182) (Uruguay);

161.41 Ratify the international conventions to which it has committed itself

(Madagascar);

161.42 Ratify other human rights conventions to which India is not yet a

State party (Philippines);

161.43 Ratify the international human rights instruments to which India is

not a State party yet (Côte d’Ivoire);

161.44 Adopt an open, merit-based selection process when selecting

national candidates for United Nations treaty body elections (United Kingdom

of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

161.45 Respond positively to visit requests by the special procedures of the

Human Rights Council (Latvia);

161.46 Put in place a specific mechanism for implementing previous

accepted recommendations (Uganda);

161.47 Request all necessary technical assistance enabling the Government

to meet its international commitments (Côte d’Ivoire);

161.48 Accede to and adapt its national legislation to the Rome Statute,

including incorporation of dispositions to swiftly and fully cooperate with the

International Criminal Court (Guatemala);

161.49 Bring into law the Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence

bill (2013) (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

161.50 Accede to and adapt its national legislation to the Arms Trade

Treaty (Guatemala);

161.51 Criminalize marital rape (Portugal) (Sweden);

161.52 Include a provision in its Penal Code criminalizing marital rape

(Australia);

161.53 Remove the exception relating to marital rape from the definition of

rape in the Indian Penal Code and criminalize “honour crimes” (Slovenia);

161.54 Remove the exception relating to marital rape from the definition of

rape in section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (Belgium) (Iceland);

161.55 Consider removing the exception relating to marital rape from the

definition of rape in section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (Namibia);

161.56 Remove the exception of marital rape from the definition of rape in

article 375 of the Penal Code, in line with the efforts already undertaken for the

protection of women (France);

161.57 Criminalize all forms of sexual abuse of girls under 18 years of age,

including marital rape and “honour crimes” (Zambia);

161.58 Take additional steps in criminalizing marital rape (Lithuania);

161.59 Consider introducing laws to specifically prevent and prosecute

“honour” killings and prosecute those that order or sanction violence against

women (Namibia);

161.60 Continue efforts to eradicate child and forced marriage (Peru);

161.61 Continues its endeavours in promoting and protecting the human

rights of all its citizens in an inclusive manner (Nepal);

161.62 Adopt a national plan on human rights (Kenya);

161.63 Expand the scope of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory

Education Act and promote human rights education in the school curriculum

(Slovakia);

161.64 Include human rights education in the draft new education policy

(Zambia);

161.65 Continue and step up national efforts to train and guide security

staff and other law enforcement officials in the field of human rights (Egypt);

161.66 In the spirit of its Constitution, which guarantees equal rights to all

minorities, further invest in dedicated human rights training of police officials

to register and investigate cases of discrimination and violence and to hold

them accountable when they fail to do so (Finland);

161.67 Provide systematic training on women’s rights to all law

enforcement personnel, medical staff and judicial officials (Belgium);

161.68 Strengthen capacity-building with regard to human rights for civil

servants involved in the protection of women and girl and boy victims of

violence and sexual abuse (Mexico);

161.69 Adopt a comprehensive national plan on inclusion in order to

combat persisting inequality, paying particular attention to persons in

vulnerable situations such as women, children, persons with disabilities and

minorities (Honduras);

161.70 Strengthen the national framework to reduce all kinds of

discrimination (Iraq);

161.71 Intensify efforts to guarantee equality and non-discrimination in

line with its international obligations by developing public human rights

awareness programmes and taking concrete steps to advance the rights of

women and girls, members of religious minorities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex persons and to combat caste-based discrimination,

including to: criminalize marital rape; decriminalize consensual same-sex

relations; and establish appropriate policies and practices for registering,

investigating and prosecuting violence against women, girls and members of

religious minorities (Ireland);

161.72 Ensure that laws are fully and consistently enforced to provide

adequate protections for members of religious minorities, scheduled castes,

tribes and other vulnerable populations (United States of America);

161.73 Take effective measures to combat rising instances of religious

intolerance, violence and discrimination (Kazakhstan);

161.74 Enact the Prevention of Torture Bill (South Africa);

161.75 Adopt laws and implement policies to supress all forms of de facto

discrimination against any person or group (Guatemala);

161.76 Repeal section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and ensure that

consensual same-sex relations are not criminalized (Iceland);

161.77 Take steps to end the criminalization of same-sex relations (Israel);

161.78 Amend or revoke section 377 to decriminalize same-sex relations

(Norway);

161.79 Repeal section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalizes

same-sex conduct between consenting adults, and enact legislation consistent

with the Supreme Court’s recognition of the rights of transgender persons

(Canada);

161.80 Adopt measures to effectively protect transgender persons,

including the implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of

Rights) Bill (Israel);

161.81 Continue the fight against discrimination, exclusion,

dehumanization, stigmatization and violence suffered by scheduled castes

(Peru);

161.82 Take urgent measures to repeal the norms that discriminate against

castes, and investigate and sanction the perpetrators of acts of discrimination

and violence against them, in particular against the Dalits (Argentina);

161.83 Take the necessary measures to ensure effective implementation of

the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, notably through the training

of State officials (France);

161.84 Establish a national action plan for combating hate crimes, racism

and negative stereotypes against people of African descent inside its territory,

including appropriate programmes of public awareness that will address the

problem of racism and Afro-phobia, in full consultation with those particularly

affected (Haiti);

161.85 Consolidate the progress made towards reaching the Sustainable

Development Goals and in the improvement of human development indicators

(Islamic Republic of Iran);

161.86 Continue efforts in the implementation of sustainable development

strategies for the year 2030 (Sudan);

161.87 Allocate adequate resources to realize the Sustainable Development

Goal targets to reduce maternal mortality and end preventable deaths of

newborns and children under 5 (Norway);

161.88 Continue facilitating equal access to justice for all and provide legal

aid, in particular to vulnerable groups, minority groups and marginalized

people (Angola);

161.89 Further promote equal access to justice for all, especially by

providing more legal aid to the poor and marginalized (Ethiopia);

161.90 Establish and implement regulations to ensure that the business

sector complies with international and national human rights, labour,

environment and other standards (Uganda);

161.91 Continue its efforts in relation to its environmental policies (State of

Palestine);

161.92 Provide access to clean and modern energy to all its people and

develop climate-friendly green cities (United Arab Emirates);

161.93 Continue implementing its international commitments to achieve its

nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement of 2015

(United Arab Emirates);

161.94 Continue its efforts to effectively enforce its environmental policies

and further increase the growth of forest cover in the country (Brunei

Darussalam);

161.95 Take appropriate measures to avoid the excessive use of force by

security officers (Greece);

161.96 Deepen the respect about principles of proportionality and necessity

for armed forces and police (Peru);

161.97 Revise the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act to bring it into

compliance with the obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights, with a view to fighting impunity (Switzerland);

161.98 Review the Code of Criminal Procedure as regards the use of force

by law enforcement officials, in particular section 46 (Sierra Leone);

161.99 Prevent and pursue through the appropriate judicial means all

violent acts against religious and tribal minorities, Dalits and lower castes (Holy

See);

161.100 Strengthen efforts for the prevention of cases of intercommunal

violence (Russian Federation);

161.101 Step up its efforts against caste-based violence, discrimination and

prejudice, including by eradicating all forms of caste-based discrimination in

the educational system (Czechia);

161.102 Prohibit forced sterilization in line with requests by the Special

Rapporteurs on torture, violence against women, and the right to health, and in

line with the National Population Policy (Iceland);

161.103 Take concrete steps to prevent coercive, unsafe and abusive

sterilization and create greater accountability for these practices, including

ensuring free and full consent prior to conducting the procedure and

compliance with international standards (Sweden);

161.104 Abolish the death penalty (Mozambique);

161.105 Consider the abolition of the death penalty (Greece);

161.106 Consider imposing a moratorium on the application of the death

penalty with a view to abolishing it (Namibia);

161.107 Consider imposing a de facto moratorium on the use of the death

penalty with a view to its total abolition (Rwanda);

161.108 Establish a moratorium on executions as a first step towards the

abolition of the death penalty (Belgium);

161.109 Introduce an official moratorium on the death penalty (Lithuania):

161.110 Establish a de jure moratorium on capital executions and commute

the existing death sentences with a view to fully abolishing the death penalty

(Italy);

161.111 Consider establishing a moratorium on the death penalty with a

view to its abolishment (Spain);

161.112 Establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty, with a view to

ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil

and Political Rights (Australia);

161.113 Consider the establishment of a moratorium on executions during

the process of consideration by the Government of the recommendations of the

Law Commission of India on the issue of the abolition of the death penalty

(Montenegro);

161.114 Consider establishing a moratorium on the death penalty (Timor-

Leste);

161.115 Introduce a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the

death penalty (France);

161.116 Improve prison conditions in order to ensure the rights and dignity

of all those deprived of their liberty (Zambia);

161.117 Continue with relevant consultations and adopt a law on combating

trafficking in persons (Belarus);

161.118 Continue the consultation process with all concerned parties to

elaborate a new draft of the law against trafficking in persons (Cuba);

161.119 Continue and redouble its efforts to combat trafficking in persons

and modern slavery, including through better law enforcement to end impunity

for human traffickers and through initiatives aimed at destigmatizing and

rehabilitating victims of trafficking (Liechtenstein);

161.120 Continue to implement measures to stop the flow of trafficking in

persons (Holy See);

161.121 Strengthen the national mechanisms to combat human trafficking

and support victims and their rehabilitation (Lebanon);

161.122 Accelerate efforts towards combating human trafficking,

particularly by protecting and rehabilitating victims (Philippines);

161.123 Continue combating human trafficking (Senegal);

161.124 Continue efforts to improve social services that provide support to

victims of human trafficking, forced labour and those who have been sexually

exploited (Maldives);

161.125 Continue improving the national legislative framework on the

rehabilitation of victims of trafficking (Ukraine);

161.126 Strengthen efforts to guarantee freedom of religion and belief,

especially by retracting so-called anti-conversion laws (Holy See);

161.127 Take all necessary measures to protect the rights of persons

belonging to religious minorities, and repeal laws which restrict religious

conversion (Netherlands);

161.128 Abolish anti-conversion laws and grant access to justice to victims

of religious violence and discrimination (Italy);

161.129 Repeal the requisite legislation to stop violence and discrimination

against religious minorities (Kenya);

161.130 Take visible policy and other measures to ensure the freedom of

religion and belief and address the alarming trend of racism, racial

discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance including mob violence

committed, incited and advocated by right-wing parties and affiliated extremist

organizations against minorities, particularly Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and

Dalits (Pakistan);

161.131 Ensure that any measure limiting freedom of expression, assembly

and association on the Internet is based on clearly defined criteria in

accordance with international law including international human rights law

(Sweden);

161.132 Continue to develop laws and make efforts to ensure freedom of

religion and belief (Lebanon);

161.133 Guarantee freedom of religion or belief by implementing existing

laws to better protect individuals belonging to minority groups from hate

speech, incitement to religious violence, discrimination on religious grounds

and forcible conversions (Canada);

161.134 Enact a law for the protection of human rights defenders

(Lithuania);

161.135 Amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act to ensure the

right to freedom of association, which includes the ability of civil society

organizations to access foreign funding, and protect human rights defenders

effectively against harassment and intimidation (Germany);

161.136 Revise the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act to ensure benign

working conditions for civil society in India (Norway);

161.137 Improve the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act so that it could

fund a broader scope of non-governmental organizations (Republic of Korea);

161.138 Ensure consistent, transparent application of the Foreign

Contribution (Regulation) Act regulations to permit full exercise of the right to

freedom of association (United States of America);

161.139 Review and amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act,

which may restrict the access of NGOs to foreign financial assistance and lead

to their arbitrary shut-down (Czechia);

161.140 Lift legal restrictions or hurdles to the work of civil society

individuals or organizations and ensure that they can undertake their

legitimate activities without fear of reprisals (Switzerland);

161.141 Carry out independent investigations in all cases of attacks against

journalists (Lithuania);

161.142 Put an end to all curbs on freedom of expression and association

(Pakistan);

161.143 Guarantee freedom of expression, association and peaceful

assembly for all individuals and promote meaningful dialogue that embraces

and allows freely organized advocacy of diverging views by civil society

(Canada);

161.144 Continue its efforts to protect religious freedom and the rights of

minority groups based on its Constitution and other relevant laws (Republic of

Korea);

161.145 Bring all legislation concerning communication surveillance in line

with international human rights standards and especially recommend that all

communication surveillance requires a test of necessity and proportionality

(Liechtenstein);

161.146 Take the necessary steps to ensure that all operations of intelligence

agencies are monitored by an independent oversight mechanism

(Liechtenstein);

161.147 Continue efforts to reduce corruption and increase accountability

(Sudan);

161.148 Strengthen the independent functioning of the judiciary in order to

reduce delays in judicial proceedings, enhance transparency of the processes

and guarantee the right to speedy trial (Estonia);

161.149 Allocate appropriate resources to reducing backlog and delays in

the administration of cases in courts (Ethiopia);

161.150 Promote and facilitate universal access to birth registration,

especially for people living in extreme poverty, belonging to religious minorities

or living in remote areas of the country, through the implementation of mobile

units and carrying out awareness-raising campaigns (Mexico);

161.151 Ensure children’s rights to acquire a nationality in accordance with

article 7 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, regardless of the parents’

legal status or ethnicity (Slovakia);

161.152 Remove barriers prohibiting scheduled castes and schedule tribes

from registering their children’s births and obtaining birth certificates

(Bahrain);

161.153 Continue strengthening efforts aimed at promoting food security

and eradicate all forms of malnutrition, in particular among children under the

age of 5 (Libya);

161.154 Continue its programmes for the promotion of socioeconomic

development, with a particular focus on the country’s rights-based approach to

food security targeting the most vulnerable groups (Sri Lanka);

161.155 Implement a human rights-based, holistic approach to ensure

access to adequate housing as well as to adequate water and sanitation,

including for marginalized groups, Dalits, scheduled castes, the homeless, the

landless, scheduled tribes, religious and ethnic minorities, persons with

disabilities and women (Germany);

161.156 Expand the Housing for All scheme to realize the right to adequate

housing for vulnerable people and eliminate homelessness by 2030 (South

Africa);

161.157 Continue the Housing for All policy led by the Government to

eradicate by 2030 the problem of homelessness, in conformity with Sustainable

Development Goal 11 of the 2030 Agenda (Algeria);

161.158 Ensure the systematic functioning of all mechanisms for the

delivery of financial and other forms of assistance to those in need which have

been established within the framework of the National Social Assistance

Programme (Russian Federation);

161.159 Ensure that the implementation of a set of socioeconomic policies,

such as the Stand-Up India scheme, is targeted, accountable and transparent,

so that their benefits reach all sections of society (Singapore);

161.160 Continue efforts and measures aimed at enhancing social security

and labour policies, and expand the development model in rural areas (Egypt);

161.161 Continue studying the possibility of a universal basic income as a

way to further reduce poverty levels with a view to possibly phasing out the

existing social protection system, in full consultation with all stakeholders

(Haiti);

161.162 Continuously improve its endeavours to eradicate poverty in the

country (Indonesia);

161.163 Continue its efforts towards socioeconomic development and

poverty eradication (Islamic Republic of Iran);

161.164 Further strengthen its efforts towards socioeconomic development

and poverty eradication (Myanmar);

161.165 Continue efforts to realize social and economic development and

eradicate poverty (Saudi Arabia);

161.166 Continue efforts to reduce poverty, improve the well-being of the

people, protect and enforce the rights of vulnerable groups of the population

(Uzbekistan);

161.167 Continue its efforts to achieve sustainable development and

eradicate poverty (Yemen);

161.168 Continue its fight against poverty, lack of adequate food, safe water

and sanitation, while paying special attention to the need to introduce a child

rights-based approach in all policies (Bulgaria);

161.169 Continue national efforts to realize social and economic

development and eradicate poverty, and achieve comprehensive sustainable

development for all (Egypt);

161.170 Continue to increase access to safe and sustainable drinking water

in rural areas and to improve sanitation coverage, especially for women and

girls (Singapore);

161.171 Carry on its efforts and action in the promotion of social security

and labour policy (Islamic Republic of Iran);

161.172 Implement further actions in promoting social and work security,

as well as efforts to spread the country’s growth model in rural areas

(Uzbekistan);

161.173 Continue promoting sustainable economic and social development

and raising the living standard of its people so as to lay down a firm basis for

the enjoyment of human rights by its people (China);

161.174 Accelerate the process of consolidating existing labour laws to, inter

alia, promote the right to equal opportunities for work and at work, as well as

to achieve occupational safety (Zimbabwe);

161.175 Increase public spending on the health sector in accordance with

the 2017 National Health Policy and take further steps to strengthen health

facilities (Kazakhstan);

161.176 Continue to provide access to health services for the elderly under

the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (Colombia);

161.177 Take steps towards improving access to health, especially access to

maternal health and to adequate obstetric delivery services so as to reduce

maternal and child mortality (Zimbabwe);

161.178 Continue its efforts to ensure that the universal health-care scheme

covers disadvantaged groups, including persons with disabilities and persons

living in remote rural areas, who still face obstacles in accessing basic health-

care services (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);

161.179 Continue furthering the sexual and reproductive health and rights

of all women by immediately putting an end to camp-based sterilization

operations in accordance with the Supreme Court order of 14 September 2016,

by ensuring all women access to counselling on and access to the full range of

modern contraceptives in a voluntary, safe and quality manner, and by

providing comprehensive sexuality education (Finland);

161.180 Redouble its efforts in maternal health, sexual and reproductive

health and comprehensive contraceptive services (Colombia);

161.181 Increase the government expenditure in the field of education

(Iraq);

161.182 Continue its efforts to ensure that all children have access to

education at all levels and all categories (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);

161.183 Continue to take steps to provide inclusive and quality education

for all (Myanmar);

161.184 Continue its efforts in implementing its comprehensive policies to

ensure quality education for all children (Qatar);

161.185 Promote children’s right to education, especially education on

climate change adaptation and mitigation (Viet Nam);

161.186 Step up its efforts to carry out the second phase of its Education for

All programmes to focus on providing affordable and quality secondary

education in the country (Brunei Darussalam);

161.187 Increase investment in universal, mandatory and free education by

giving priority to measures to eradicate discrimination and exclusion that affect

girls, children with disabilities, Dalits and marginalized persons (Mexico);

161.188 Accept more efforts to increase girls’ secondary education,

including ensuring that schools are girl-friendly in all parameters

(Kyrgyzstan);

161.189 Continue to ensure access to education for all, especially children of

scheduled castes and tribes (Holy See);

161.190 Strengthen the integration of the gender perspective in the

formulation and implementation of policies (Colombia);

161.191 Ensure implementation of the Gender Budgeting Scheme in all

states and union territories (South Africa);

161.192 Continue incorporating the gender perspective in the design and

implementation of policies, and guarantee that the development agenda pays

equal attention to the concerns of women (Cuba);

161.193 Redouble efforts on ensuring gender equality and take measures to

prevent gender discrimination (Timor-Leste);

161.194 Continue its efforts to ensure women’s equal participation in the

workforce and generate employment opportunities for women in rural areas

(State of Palestine);

161.195 Take urgent measures to put an end to harmful traditional

practices such as so-called “honour killings”, selective abortion on the basis of

the sex of the fetus, sati, devadasi, early and enforced marriage, bringing the

perpetrators to justice and guaranteeing assistance for victims (Argentina);

161.196 Implement existing laws on all forms of violence and sexual violence

against women and girls, including “honour” crimes, female feticide and female

infanticide; expand the definition of rape and sexual assault to include marital

rape; and end harmful practices such as child, early and forced marriage

(Canada);

161.197 Improve the enforcement of the legal provisions prohibiting

harmful and discriminatory practices against women and girls, in particular

child marriages, dowry-related murders and honour killings, and ensure that

all women, without discrimination, have access to public services (Czechia);

161.198 Step up efforts for comprehensive protection of women and girls, in

particular against sexual violence (Greece);

161.199 Combat violence against women through effective legislation and

law enforcement measures (China);

161.200 Take more effective measures to protect and promote the rights of

women and girls, as they continue to be subjected to widespread violence,

discrimination and exploitation (Japan);

161.201 Take additional serious measures to eliminate violence against

women and children, including sexual violence (Kyrgyzstan);

161.202 Continue and strengthen measures to prevent and repress offences

and violence against women and girls, including through early childhood

education, awareness-raising and enhancing effective mechanisms of reparation

(Viet Nam);

161.203 Eliminate traditional harmful practices, such as the rising number

of deaths due to dowry and burning of widows (Bahrain);

161.204 Continue its efforts to promote the empowerment of women and to

combat violence against women, in line with the recommendations of the

Verma Committee (Brazil);

161.205 Continue strengthening institutions to eliminate discrimination and

violence against women, in particular sexual violence, and adopt specific

measures to achieve gender equality in the labour market (Chile);

161.206 Increase the resources so that female survivors of violence and

domestic abuse can denounce the crimes with guarantees they will be not

repeated (Spain);

161.207 Punish domestic violence, as well as promote awareness-raising

campaigns on gender violence, including “honour” crimes (Spain);

161.208 Reinforce the legal framework for the prevention of violence

against women, including running a national awareness campaign and ensuring

comprehensive investigation and prosecution in cases of domestic violence

(Italy);

161.209 Adopt a comprehensive law to combat all forms of violence against

women, including domestic violence and marital rape (Honduras);

161.210 Strengthen the protection of women’s rights in accordance with the

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and other relevant laws

(Republic of Korea);

161.211 Ensure effective implementation of the law on the protection of

women against domestic violence (Gabon);

161.212 Further the implementation of relevant laws and policies as well as

training for public officials, to tackle sexual offences and unfair treatment to

women (Thailand);

161.213 Redouble its efforts to enforce its legal provisions prohibiting

harmful and discriminatory practices that violate the rights of women and girls

(Liechtenstein);

161.214 Strengthen legislation to combat sexual offences against children

and women (Timor-Leste);

161.215 Enhance activities aimed at eliminating discrimination against

women, which particularly affects women from lower castes (Kyrgyzstan);

161.216 Implement the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act to

increase the protection of children from sexual abuse (Kenya);

161.217 Ensure that legislation defining the minimum legal age of marriage

at 18 is enforced at all levels, everywhere in the country (Iceland);

161.218 Step up its efforts to eradicate child marriage and so-called “honour

crimes” (Israel);

161.219 Step up efforts to combat and eliminate child, early and forced

marriages (Sierra Leone);

161.220 Adopt legislative measures and policies to prevent early or forced

marriages (Honduras);

161.221 Continue and intensify the actions to prohibit child marriage

(Gabon);

161.222 Strengthen the adoption of socioeconomic programmes which

promote the empowerment of women and their participation in public and

political life (Angola);

161.223 Enact the Women’s Reservation Bill providing for the reservation

of seats for women in the parliament and legislative assemblies, in order to

enhance the political participation of women (Netherlands);

161.224 Adopt the law on quotas which aims to reserve at least 33 per cent

of seats in legislative bodies of the central and state governments for women

(Senegal);

161.225 Adopt the law on quotas which aims to reserve seats for women in

legislative bodies of the central and state governments (Algeria);

161.226 Accelerate work on the protection of the rights of children and

women in particular (Turkey);

161.227 Prohibit child labour in family enterprises and extend the list of

dangerous activities in line with the recommendations of the Committee on the

Rights of the Child (Spain);

161.228 Consider repealing the provision that allows children to work in

family-based occupations (Slovakia);

161.229 Continue strengthening national strategies to combat child labour

(Brazil);

161.230 Continue to take all necessary measures to enhance the effectiveness

of the protection of children, in particular in cases of sexual violence against

children (Portugal);

161.231 Continue strengthening institutions to protect children and

adolescent girls and boys, with a view to eradicating child labour, sexual

exploitation and the practice of child marriage (Chile);

161.232 Develop specific guidelines for protection and support for victims of

child sexual abuse and their families undergoing trial (Slovakia);

161.233 Introduce legislation to prohibit corporal punishment of children in

the home and in all other settings, including as a sentence under traditional

forms of justice (Liechtenstein);

161.234 Introduce comprehensive and continuous public education,

awareness-raising and social mobilization programmes on the harmful effects

of corporal punishment (Liechtenstein);

161.235 Establish a database of all cases of violence against children and

explicitly prohibit all forms of corporal punishment of children under 18 years

of age in all settings (Zambia);

161.236 Increase efforts to improve the rights of the child, notably through

the effective application of the prohibition of child labour, as well as the rights

of women (France);

161.237 Establish a monitoring mechanism to oversee the effective

implementation of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment

Act, the National Child Labour Policy and the Accessible India Campaign to

prevent exploitation of children and protect the rights of persons with

disabilities (Thailand);

161.238 Take all appropriate measures in the implementation of the 2015

Juvenile Justice Act to give children aged 18 years and below an opportunity

for rehabilitation (Botswana);

161.239 Continue efforts to promote opportunities for persons with

disabilities to benefit from development gains (Libya);

161.240 Continue efforts aimed at improving the access of persons with

disabilities to education, vocational training and health care (Oman);

161.241 Expand the integration of persons with disabilities into

programmes and plans for sustainable development (Qatar);

161.242 Take holistic measures to protect the rights of persons with

disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable groups (China);

161.243 Continue policies aimed at ensuring the enjoyment of the rights and

freedoms of persons with disabilities and access to resources and services under

the Accessible India Campaign (Colombia);

161.244 Ensure that girls with disabilities are afforded the same right to

education as all children (Australia);

161.245 Continue strengthening the policies in favour of the rights of

peasants and other persons working in rural areas (Plurinational State of

Bolivia);

161.246 Continue the endeavour to facilitate the access of elderly persons to

preventive services and necessary treatment (Oman);

161.247 Immediately stop its atrocities and violations of human rights

against the Kashmiri people, and allow them to exercise their right to self-

determination through a free and fair plebiscite in accordance with the United

Nations Security Council resolution (Pakistan);

161.248 Repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the Public

Safety Act and take credible actions to end the prevailing culture of impunity in

“Indian-Occupied Kashmir” (Pakistan);

161.249 Immediately ban the use of pellet guns and hold accountable

perpetrators who have used lethal force against unarmed civilians in “Indian-

Occupied Kashmir” (Pakistan);

161.250 Provide unhindered access to the United Nations and other

international organizations, and accede to the call of the High Commissioner

for Human Rights to allow an OHCHR fact-finding mission to “Indian-

Occupied Kashmir” to investigate and report on the human rights situation

there (Pakistan).

162. 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 India was headed by the Attorney General, Mukul Rohatgi, and

composed of the following members:

• H.E. Ms. Ruchi Ghanashyam, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of India;

• H.E. Mr. Rajiv K. Chander, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of India;

• Mr. P. S. Patwalia, Additional Solicitor General of India;

• Dr. Virander K. Paul, Deputy Permanent Representative of India;

• Prof. Ranbir Singh, Vice Chancellor, National Law University, Delhi;

• Mr. Manish Chauhan, Joint Secretary (UNES), Ministry of External Affairs;

• Ms. Uma Sekhar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs;

• Ms. Bina Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs;

• Mr. Chetan B. Sanghi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development;

• Mr. Vikram Singh Gaur, Joint Secretary, NITI Aayog;

• Mr. K. C. Samria, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs;

• Mr. Alok Ranjan Jha, Counsellor (Political), Permanent Mission of India to the

United Nations Office in Geneva;

• Dr. A. Sudhakara Reddy, Counsellor (Legal), Permanent Mission of India to the

United Nations office in Geneva;

• Mr. Priya Ranjan, Director, Ministry of Rural Development;

• Mr. Khagesh Garg, Director, Ministry of Social and Justice Empowerment;

• Dr. Yumnam Arun Kumar, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs;

• Ms. Nabanita Chakrabarti, Under Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs of

India;

• Ms. Ridhi Sahni, Consultant in the Ministry of Women and Child Development,

Government of India;

• Mr. C. G. Naidu, Office of Attorney General of India.