36/15 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Netherlands

GE.17-12099(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*

Netherlands

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

United Nations A/HRC/36/15

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 the Netherlands was held at the 15th meeting, on 10 May 2017.

The delegation of the Netherlands was headed by the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom

Relations, Ronald Plasterk. At its 18th meeting, held on 12 May 2017, the Working Group

adopted the report on the Netherlands.

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

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of the Netherlands: Egypt, Georgia and United

States of America.

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 Netherlands:

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

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

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

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

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

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

was transmitted to the Netherlands 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 representatives of all four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, namely

the Netherlands, Aruba, Sint Maarten and Curaçao, participated in the interactive dialogue

on behalf of their governments, as each country is responsible for implementing its

obligations stemming from the human rights conventions to which the Netherlands is a

party.

6. The head of the delegation reported on the human rights situation in the Netherlands.

He said that the Constitution, laws and policies provided strong protection for human rights.

The Council of State, the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights, the National

Ombudsman and the Children’s Ombudsman had played an important and effective role in

protecting human rights by providing legal advice and monitoring compliance with human

rights obligations by national and local authorities. The Netherlands Institute for Human

Rights had been awarded A status in 2014. Additionally, institutions such as the Data

Protection Authority and the National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings and

Sexual Violence against Children had monitored the protection of specific human rights.

7. The Government had submitted a bill to the parliament proposing to modernize

article 13 of the Constitution on protecting the confidentiality of communications. The bill

extended the scope of communications from letters, telegraphs and telephone calls to all

forms of communication, including electronic communications.

8. Several policy measures had been taken during the reporting period. The National

Action Plan on Human Rights had been adopted in 2013 in line with the recommendations

put forward by Argentina, Brazil, the Philippines and Uzbekistan during the 2012 review of

the Netherlands. In the framework of the National Action Programme against

Discrimination, a nationwide anti-discrimination campaign had been launched and it was

foreseen that the local anti-discrimination bureaus would be strengthened.

9. An action plan against discrimination in the labour market that included measures

against discrimination on all grounds had been launched. Moreover, the police had

launched a three-year programme entitled “The power of difference” to prevent ethnic

profiling and focus, inter alia, on education and training and on an improved complaints

procedure.

10. Gender equality remained a priority for the Government. Several projects had been

launched to increase awareness about the importance of the economic independence of

women. Although approximately one in three top positions in the central government were

held by women, the Government would continue its efforts to further improve gender

equality in line with the recommendations contained in the concluding observations of the

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

11. In response to the advance questions regarding the rights of refugees, the delegation

stated that the Netherlands had dealt with an influx of asylum seekers in 2015. The

Government’s highest priority was ensuring that all those concerned could be

accommodated in a humane fashion. The Netherlands had made great efforts to achieve that

objective and not a single asylum seeker had been left without shelter during the reporting

period.

12. The delegation reiterated the strong commitment of the Netherlands to the universal

periodic review process; it noted the voluntarily submission of a midterm report and its

constructive contribution to the sessions of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic

Review. The Netherlands would take the recommendations put forward during its third

review very seriously, as the success of the review exercise depended on the

implementation of the recommendations.

13. The representative of Aruba highlighted that the diversity of the population of Aruba

was a result of migration flows from various countries. The government had been working

hard to achieve its vision of sustainability and shared prosperity and had been implementing

strategies to improve the lives of its citizens, promote cultural diversity and reinforce

peaceful coexistence.

14. With the support of the United Nations Development Programme, the Centre of

Excellence for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States had been

established in Aruba in 2015, building on local experience with sustainable development

practices. The Centre aimed at strengthening innovation and resilience in small island

developing States and at offering a platform to exchange knowledge and experiences

between developing countries related to such issues as renewable energy, water

management, tourism and public health.

15. The representative of Aruba spoke of several measures that had been taken to reform

legislation in line with international human rights standards. The 2012 Penal Code had

strengthened protection against discrimination in Aruba. The 2016 amendments to the Civil

Code had provided legal recognition of civil unions between same-sex persons. Legal

amendments had prohibited corporal punishment within the family. Sentences for offences

related to human trafficking had been increased. A new project had started in 2017 to

provide residence permits to undocumented youths. The government of Aruba recognized

that the protection of human rights required continuous progress.

16. The representative of Sint Maarten stated that the government remained committed

to the protection and promotion of human rights and had made several efforts to implement

its human rights obligations. Since the 2012 review, the government had taken measures to

ensure that all children between 4 and 18 years of age had access to education regardless of

their legal status. Additional schools had been established and the teacher-student ratio had

improved.

17. In 2015, Sint Maarten had adopted a new Penal Code to address new challenges and

meet its international obligations. The Code included stronger provisions for effectively

prosecuting perpetrators of human trafficking-related crimes, in line with the

recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women

and the Human Rights Committee. Sint Maarten had obtained a tier 1 score in the 2017

Trafficking in Persons Report of the United States Department of State. As improving

conditions in penitentiary facilities remained a priority, the Ministry of Justice had drafted a

policy paper to implement an action plan for that purpose.

18. The representative of Curaçao informed the Human Rights Council that the

government had held broad consultations with various governmental and non-governmental

organizations to prepare for the review. A follow-up meeting on the outcome of the review

was scheduled to be held in June.

19. In addition, sessions had been organized to raise awareness of and assess

government compliance with international human rights treaties. Domestic violence,

discrimination based on gender, race, gender identity and sexual orientation and the

establishment of a national human rights institution were some of the issues that had been

discussed during those sessions and the decision to establish a human rights institution for

Curaçao had been one of the outcomes.

20. The government of Curaçao gave high importance to issues of youth. An action

programme for youth development had been adopted. The Youth Council of Curaçao,

which had been established in 2017, had started to work with the Kingdom Youth

Parliament to ensure that the voices and interests of young people were taken into

consideration. The government had taken measures to provide free primary and secondary

education for children living in poverty, prevent children from dropping out of school and

assist youths in gaining access to employment. The government had been working on

establishing an ombudsman for children.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

21. During the interactive dialogue, 89 delegations made statements. Recommendations

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

22. Timor-Leste noted the adoption of the National Action Plan on Human Rights and

the efforts of the Netherlands to combat human trafficking, including by having specialized

prosecutors and investigators, which had resulted in an increase in prosecutions.

23. Tunisia welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the national programme on combating discrimination.

24. Turkey observed a deterioration in the human rights situation, the use of hate speech

during the election campaign and violations of the rights to liberty and freedom of

movement on 11 March 2017 in Rotterdam.

25. Uganda noted that migrants faced discrimination in employment, housing and health

care and expressed concern about the reported increase in hostility towards refugees and

asylum seekers.

26. Ukraine stated that the national human rights monitoring system was well

developed. It commended the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities.

27. The United Kingdom noted that unemployment among persons with disabilities had

decreased. It encouraged the Netherlands to take measures to ensure that women did not

face barriers when returning to work after maternity leave.

28. The United States expressed concern about increased societal intolerance and

discrimination against members of certain minority groups, discriminatory rhetoric from

political leaders and anti-Semitic incidents.

29. Uruguay welcomed the efforts of the Netherlands to ensure gender equality and

protect the rights of women, particularly the progress made in ensuring that a high

percentage of women were represented in high-level decision-making positions.

30. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expressed concern about an increase in

incidents of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia on the Internet and of hatred

against migrants and asylum seekers.

31. Zambia expressed concern about the increase in discrimination against members of

Jewish and Muslim communities, the racism faced by people of African descent and the

disappearance of unaccompanied children from reception facilities.

32. Albania commended the Netherlands for constitutional reforms focusing on poverty

reduction, economic development, promotion of the rights of children and good

governance.

33. Algeria welcomed the programmes on poverty reduction, economic development

and the rights of children. It noted the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities and the adoption of an anti-discrimination action plan.

34. Andorra welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the measures taken by the Netherlands to promote the rights of children.

35. Angola welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the adoption of a national action plan that included issues such as non-

discrimination, equal treatment and migration.

36. Argentina congratulated the Netherlands for implementing its 2013 national human

rights action plan.

37. Armenia welcomed measures to promote equality, non-discrimination and the rights

of women and to combat human trafficking. It highlighted the active engagement of the

Netherlands in preventing crimes against humanity.

38. Australia noted that the national human rights institution was in line with the

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

human rights (the Paris Principles), the national human rights action plan and the efforts of

the Netherlands to increase women’s participation in the labour market and advance the

rights of intersex persons.

39. Azerbaijan expressed concern about hate speech emanating from politicians, racial

discourse in the media, a reported increase in harassment and violence against religious

minorities and the excessive use of force by police against peaceful demonstrators.

40. Bahrain welcomed the efforts of the Netherlands to promote the rights of children. It

expressed concern that incidents of discrimination against members of religious minorities

were not punished.

41. Bangladesh expressed concern about child labour, racist bullying in schools, the

systematic detention of children in police custody, discrimination and hate speech targeting

Muslim women, migrants and asylum seekers, and the lack of health services for

undocumented migrants.

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

Disabilities and the adoption of the national action plans on human rights and on combating

discrimination. It expressed concern about cases of discrimination and hate speech.

43. Belgium welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities. It noted that many steps had been taken by the Netherlands to implement the

recommendations of the previous review.

44. Bosnia and Herzegovina commended the Netherlands for its efforts to enhance the

rights of women, including through their participation in high-level positions. It noted the

efforts to improve economic, social and cultural rights.

45. Botswana noted the adoption of the national action plans on human rights and on

combating discrimination, and the efforts of the Netherlands to combat violence against

women. It expressed concern about the gender pay gap and the prolonged detention of

children in police custody.

46. Brazil commended the Netherlands for its efforts to promote freedom of expression,

decrease the gender pay gap and combat discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex persons. It expressed concern about ethnic profiling and the

detention of migrants and asylum seekers.

47. Bulgaria noted the adoption of the national action plans on human rights and the

rights of children and of the Youth Care Act.

48. Burkina Faso noted with satisfaction the degree to which human rights had been

realized, the adoption in 2013 of the national human rights action plan and the

establishment in 2012 of the national human rights institution.

49. Canada welcomed the positive steps taken by the Netherlands to promote the rights

of women, particularly their sexual and reproductive health and rights, internationally.

50. Chile noted the adoption of the national human rights action plan and the ratification

of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It expressed concern about the

detention of asylum seekers and migrants.

51. China commended the Netherlands for adopting a national human rights action plan.

It expressed concern about discrimination against Muslims, members of ethnic minorities

and persons of African descent and about xenophobia.

52. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the efforts of the Government to improve the human rights

situation by establishing the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights and by adopting

national plans on human rights and the rights of children.

53. Cuba recognized that the Netherlands had promoted equal treatment and non-

discrimination through various policies and legislative measures.

54. Ecuador commended the Netherlands for adopting the national human rights action

plan and ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and for its

efforts concerning business and human rights.

55. Egypt welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities. It expressed concern about incidents of racism, xenophobia and discrimination

against migrants and asylum seekers.

56. Estonia noted the establishment of a national human rights institution with A status

and the efforts of the Government to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, notably

through the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

57. France welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the adoption of the first national human rights action plan.

58. Georgia noted the adoption of action plans on human rights, anti-discrimination and

the rights of children. It encouraged the Government to establish mechanisms to monitor

and assess the implementation of those plans.

59. Germany welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the establishment of a national human rights institution.

60. Ghana urged the Netherlands to investigate the disappearance of unaccompanied

children from asylum reception centres and identify children who might have been the

victims of enforced disappearance.

61. Greece welcomed the action plan to protect the rights of children, including from

sexual exploitation and human trafficking, and to promote the active involvement of youths

in public life.

62. Guatemala expressed concern about the rise in hate speech in the media and the

Internet and among politicians.

63. In response to questions regarding domestic violence, the head of delegation stated

that the police had set up specialized front offices to address effectively cases of child

abuse. The police and the prosecutor’s office had been implementing special programmes

to effectively address domestic violence, including child abuse.

64. Three municipalities in the Caribbean part of the Netherlands had made progress in

terms of access to health care and to quality primary education. In order to address the

remaining challenges, the Government had focused its efforts on poverty reduction,

economic development, the advancement of the rights of children and good governance.

65. Regarding questions on the use of ethnic profiling by law enforcement officers, the

delegation stated that such profiling was prohibited by law. The police had adopted a code

of conduct setting out professional standards and guidelines for law enforcement officers.

Persons who had been subjected to ethnic profiling could use a mobile telephone

application to make notifications and complaints and to record information on police stops.

66. The Government strongly condemned hate crimes and hate speech. It had launched a

broad anti-discrimination campaign that included the issue of hate speech and it had

established hotline services to address hate speech on the Internet, including by removing

online expressions of hate speech. In response to questions regarding freedom of assembly,

the delegation stated that the Public Assemblies Act provided adequate regulations for local

authorities to ensure the right to freedom of assembly, as was shown in a recent evaluation.

67. The delegation informed the Human Rights Council that the Government did not

intend to withdraw its reservations to the Convention on the Rights of the Child owing to

the peculiarities of its legal system. Nor would the Government sign the International

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

Families, as the Convention did not differentiate between the rights of migrants in a legal or

illegal situation.

68. The delegation stated that the police were trained to recognize both physical and

psychological violence against women. It highlighted the joint efforts of the police, the

prosecutor’s office and non-governmental organizations in providing legal assistance and

psychological support to victims of domestic violence. Regarding questions on the

detention of migrants, the delegation indicated that alternatives to detention were widely

used and available to migrants.

69. The representative of Aruba stated that the government had established a counter-

trafficking task force that had drafted a new national action plan against trafficking for

2015-2019, had formalized standard operating procedures to guide front-line responders in

the effective identification of trafficking victims and their referral for care, and established

a counter-trafficking coordination centre. During the period 2014-2016 several

investigations had been launched into possible cases of human trafficking and about 500

government employees had been trained to effectively identify cases of human trafficking.

70. The representative of Sint Maarten reported on measures taken by the government to

ensure access to education for children from families in need. The Ministry of Education

had adopted a concept of community schools that aimed to provide a safe learning

environment for children between 4 and 12 years of age after regular school hours.

Moreover, the government subsidized private after-school programmes.

71. The representative of Sint Maarten stated that the government had continued to

monitor and implement human rights in its territory and had considered the possibility of

establishing a human rights institution. At the same time, existing institutions were working

to address violations and mainstream human rights issues.

72. The representative of Curaçao stated that, although Curaçao was not a party to the

Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the government adhered to the article 3 of

the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (European

Convention on Human Rights) and the principle of non-refoulement. Its constitution and

legislation prohibited all forms of discrimination.

73. Haiti noted the establishment of the national human rights institution, the

implementation of programmes to improve the rights of children, tackle discrimination and

combat human trafficking and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities.

74. Honduras noted the adoption of the national action plans on human rights and on

business and human rights.

75. Hungary commended the Netherlands for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities and for starting to implement it.

76. Iceland commended the Netherlands for its engagement in the promotion of human

rights at home and abroad. It noted that the Netherlands could take additional steps to

address racism and xenophobia and to close the gender pay gap.

77. India appreciated the efforts of the Netherlands to prevent ethnic profiling and

encouraged it to continue its efforts to enhance the economic independence of women and

reduce the gender pay gap.

78. Indonesia noted the adoption of the action plan to combat discrimination and of the

Youth Care Act, and the efforts of the Netherlands to combat child sex tourism.

79. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted an increase in reports of racially motivated

crimes and hate crimes, and stated that the number of prosecutions and convictions was

low.

80. Iraq noted the ratification by the Netherlands of most of the international human

rights treaties, the creation of a national human rights institution and the adoption of

policies encouraging women’s participation in high-level decision-making positions.

81. Ireland urged the Netherlands to make further efforts to protect lesbian, gay,

bisexual, transgender and intersex persons from violence and discrimination, including by

increasing protection from and the appropriate prosecution for hate crimes.

82. Israel noted the adoption of a national human rights action plan, the Rainbow Cities

initiative and policies to fight human trafficking, and the establishment of centres for

victims of sexual violence.

83. Italy noted the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the adoption of measures for its implementation, and the adoption of the

national action plan to combat discrimination and the Youth Care Act.

84. Kazakhstan noted the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the national action plans on human rights and on combating discrimination.

It expressed concern about discrimination against ethnic minorities.

85. Kenya noted the Netherlands’ engagement with human rights mechanisms,

particularly OHCHR, and the implementation of the recommendations arising from the

previous review. It encouraged the Netherlands to maintain that approach.

86. Lebanon noted the increased migration and encouraged the Netherlands to ensure

diversity and respect for human rights. It welcomed its efforts to fight discrimination and

xenophobia.

87. Liechtenstein welcomed the efforts of the Netherlands to maintain peace and

security, protect the rights of women and combat violence and abuse against children.

88. Malaysia noted the efforts of the Netherlands to strengthen national mechanisms to

combat discrimination. It expressed concern about some counter-terrorism programmes that

reinforced the association of terrorism with religion, race, culture, ethnicity and nationality.

89. The Maldives noted the initiatives taken by the Government to combat the sexual

exploitation of children, and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities.

90. Mexico recognized the progress made in implementing the national human rights

action plan.

91. Montenegro recognized the efforts to improve gender equality. It expressed concern

about discrimination against women in employment, including in relation to pregnancy and

motherhood, and about the gender pay gap.

92. Mozambique noted the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities. It welcomed the adoption in 2016 of an action programme to combat

discrimination that included prevention and awareness-raising campaigns.

93. Myanmar welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities but noted the limited employment opportunities available to persons with

disabilities. It also noted the measures taken to ensure gender equality, as well as the need

to improve women’s access to employment.

94. Namibia welcomed the national action plans on human rights and on combating

discrimination, and the action taken in relation to the International Decade for People of

African Descent.

95. Norway welcomed the steps taken by the Netherlands since its previous review,

including the use made of the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights to promote, protect

and monitor the human rights situation in the country.

96. Pakistan noted the adoption of various policies, including the action plans on human

rights and on combating discrimination. It encouraged the Government to combat

discrimination and intolerance against migrants and minorities.

97. Panama commended the Netherlands for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities and for taking measures to combat child exploitation.

98. Paraguay noted the efforts made by the Netherlands to increase the economic

independence of women and to combat discrimination in employment against pregnant

women.

99. Peru noted the commitment of the Netherlands to the International Decade for

People of African Descent and its efforts to ensure adequate treatment of migrants and

refugees.

100. The Philippines welcomed the progress made in various areas but expressed concern

about hate speech and discrimination against Muslims, migrants and asylum seekers. It

urged the Netherlands to end discrimination against migrants in employment, health care

and housing.

101. Poland expressed concern about shortcomings in the child protection system and

encouraged the Netherlands to pay adequate attention to compliance by its authorities to the

provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

102. Portugal welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities. It noted with concern cases of repeated detention of foreign nationals.

103. The Republic of Korea welcomed the efforts of the Netherlands to combat

discrimination and xenophobia. It noted the adoption of a national action plan on business

and human rights.

104. The Republic of Moldova noted the establishment of the Netherlands Institute for

Human Rights, the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

and the steps taken to ensure its implementation.

105. Romania noted the progress made since the previous review and noted with

appreciation the holistic approach used to improve the observance of human rights

throughout the Kingdom.

106. The Russian Federation was concerned that the Netherlands had not implemented

most of the recommendations put forward during the previous review concerning racism,

discrimination against minorities and migrants and detention conditions for asylum seekers.

107. Rwanda noted the ratification of Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the measures taken to combat discrimination and address racial profiling. It

encouraged the Netherlands to enhance its efforts to combat racial discrimination.

108. Serbia encouraged the Netherlands to continue to provide support to vulnerable

individuals and ensure equal treatment, particularly in the labour market, education,

housing and social protection. The Government should ensure accountability for

expressions of racism and xenophobia.

109. Sierra Leone noted the action plan on the rights of children and efforts to combat

child trafficking and child sex tourism and to address discrimination. It encouraged the

Netherlands to continue to address discrimination against minorities and migrants.

110. Slovenia welcomed the information provided concerning the protection and

promotion of human rights at the municipal level. It asked for information on services

available to older persons.

111. South Africa welcomed the adoption of a national action programme to combat

discrimination, including in the labour market.

112. Spain was concerned about controls imposed on digital platforms in the context of

threats to national security. It noted the ongoing process to ratify the Optional Protocol to

the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

113. Sri Lanka noted the national human rights action plan, the national human rights

institution with A status and the efforts of the Government to reduce the gender pay gap,

increase the economic independence of women and promote their participation in high-

level positions.

114. The State of Palestine noted steps taken by the Netherlands to combat discrimination

and promote respect of human rights by corporations in accordance with the Guiding

Principles on Business and Human Rights of the United Nations.

115. The Sudan noted the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the adoption of a national action plan on business and human rights. It

encouraged the Netherlands to eliminate discrimination against women and girls.

116. Sweden noted the deportation of asylum seekers, discrimination against lesbian, gay,

bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and of foreign women in the labour market, the

gender pay gap, discrimination in employment owing to pregnancy and motherhood, and

the low number of prosecutions for hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender

and intersex persons.

117. The Syrian Arab Republic noted with concern the existing discriminatory policies

and the weakness of the measures taken to tackle them.

118. Morocco welcomed the acquisition of A status by the national human rights

institution, the national action programme to combat discrimination and the criminalization

of insult or intentional incitement to hatred, discrimination or violence.

119. Uzbekistan noted the commitment of the Netherlands to its human rights

obligations. It referred to concerns raised about an increase in discrimination against

members of the Jewish and Muslim communities and people of African descent.

120. Libya welcomed the efforts of the Netherlands to fight discrimination and

xenophobia, including the national action programme to combat discrimination, and to

improve the economic situation of women.

121. The representative of Aruba informed the Human Rights Council that the

government had taken steps to draft a national human rights action plan to be completed in

2017. An initial survey had been carried out to establish the priorities. As the establishment

of a national human rights institution and the appointment of an ombudsman and a

children’s ombudsman remained a priority, the government had been studying the

experience of the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights and had been consulting with

various stakeholders.

122. The representative of Aruba stated that the government had adopted a national youth

policy and had been developing an action plan for 2017-2019 to implement that policy. A

special commission had been created to develop a gender policy in consultation with

stakeholders.

123. The representative of Sint Maarten stated that three ministries had been jointly

involved in ensuring the realization of the rights of children by developing necessary

policies, implementing programmes and providing support to families for the healthy

development of children. Various institutions had been tasked with addressing cases of

child abuse.

124. The government of Sint Maarten remained committed to protecting the rights of

detainees. The first youth care and rehabilitation centre had been established in 2014 and

accommodated children in conflict with law. Its main objective was to reintegrate those

children into society.

125. The representative of Curaçao stated that harmonizing efforts to realize human rights

throughout the Kingdom remained a challenge. The sharing of experiences and knowledge

was considered to be important for achieving the harmonization of human rights standards

in the Kingdom.

126. The delegation stated that the Government had evaluated the implementation of its

national human rights action plan and that the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights had

commissioned an independent evaluation of the action plan’s implementation.

127. The Government had set targets to ensure access by persons with the disabilities to

the labour market. It had also implemented measures, including public campaigns against

discrimination in the labour market, to decrease the pay gap between women and men. A

new action plan has been developed to combat discrimination against pregnant women in

employment. The Netherlands had drafted an action plan for the period 2016-2018 to

prevent and combat child sex tourism.

128. The delegation informed the Human Rights Council that the Government had taken

measures to ensure that sexuality education was taught in secondary school. The law

prohibited discrimination against transgender and intersex persons.

129. In 2016, the Netherlands had launched proceedings for the ratification of the

Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

130. In conclusion, the delegation, on behalf of the Kingdom, expressed its gratitude to

all States Members of the United Nations for their active participation in and contribution

to the interactive dialogue led by the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review.

The areas identified would help the Government to further improve human rights

protection. The Government would seriously consider all recommendations put forward

during the review and express its position on them before the thirty-sixth session of the

Human Rights Council.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

131. The following recommendations will be examined by the Netherlands, which

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

Human Rights Council:

131.1 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Uganda) (Algeria)

(Bangladesh) (Egypt) (Ghana) (Sudan) (Guatemala) (Philippines);

131.2 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Syrian Arab Republic);

131.3 Consider ratifying the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Sri Lanka) (Burkina

Faso);

131.4 Consider the ratification of the International Convention on the

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

Families (Chile);

131.5 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Montenegro) (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

(Ukraine) (Belgium) (France) (Philippines);

131.6 Swiftly ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal);

131.7 Accelerate the process of ratification of the Optional Protocol to the

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Angola);

131.8 Ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural

Rights (Syrian Arab Republic);

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

Child on a communications procedure (Ghana) (Panama);

131.10 Ratify the third Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of

the Child on a communications procedure (Montenegro);

131.11 Consider signing and ratifying the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure

(Andorra);

131.12 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Rights of the Child on a communications procedure (Bulgaria);

131.13 Ratify as soon as possible the third Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure

(Germany);

131.14 In order to further strengthen the fulfilment of children’s rights,

ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a

communications procedure (Liechtenstein);

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

Persons with Disabilities (Germany) (Ghana) (Estonia) (Belgium) (France)

(Guatemala) (Philippines);

131.16 Consider signing and ratifying the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Andorra) (Italy);

131.17 Ensure effective implementation of the provisions set out in the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Estonia);

131.18 Ratify the Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory

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

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

Child (Belgium);

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

Child (France);

131.21 Consider withdrawing its reservations to articles 26, 37 (c) and 40 of

the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Albania);

131.22 Withdraw its reservations to various articles of the Convention on the

Rights of the Child (Sierra Leone);

131.23 Withdraw the reservations to articles 26 (c), 37 and 40 of the

Convention on the Rights of the Child and ratify the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure (Spain);

131.24 Fully respect diplomatic courtesy and abide by the provisions of the

Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on

Consular Relations (Turkey);

131.25 Extend the ratification of the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance to Aruba, Curaçao and

Sint Maarten (Greece);

131.26 Extend the accession by Curaçao and Sint Maarten to the 1951

Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol (Greece);

131.27 Provide unhindered access by the Netherlands Institute for Human

Rights to places of detention to further strengthen its role in promoting human

rights in the country (Sri Lanka);

131.28 Implement the national action plan to combat discrimination in all its

forms (Cuba);

131.29 Extend the National Action Plan on Human Rights to cover all

relevant human rights issues, including counter-terrorism, government

surveillance, migration and human rights education (Germany);

131.30 Extend the National Action Plan on Human Rights published in 2013

to cover all relevant human rights issues, including respect for human rights

while countering terrorism, and ensure independent monitoring and evaluation

of the Action Plan (Hungary);

131.31 Develop a national strategy that specifically addresses racism and

racial discrimination (Hungary);

131.32 Issue a national action plan for countering discrimination as well as

hate crimes, including indicators for success (Sweden);

131.33 Establish an effective arrangement for dialogue with representatives

of minority groups in order to be properly informed about their problems and

needs, and develop policies and programmes to improve their situation

(Hungary);

131.34 Consider establishing a, or strengthening the existing, national

mechanism responsible for coordination, implementation, reporting and follow-

up, in line with the good practices identified by OHCHR in its study/guide

concerning national mechanisms for reporting and follow-up (Portugal);

131.35 Take all remedial measures, including legislative measures, to ensure

that the rights enshrined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social

and Cultural Rights are applicable and justiciable (South Africa);

131.36 Adopt a policy of dialogue with all States based on respect for the

principles of the Charter of the United Nations, particularly mutual respect and

sovereign equality and respect for the rights of people to choose their political,

economic and social system (Syrian Arab Republic);

131.37 Raise awareness of the danger of intervention in the internal affairs

of States and the risk of condoning support to terrorism, as it is a threat to

international peace and security (Syrian Arab Republic);

131.38 Continue to take action towards a comprehensive gender equality

strategy (Bosnia and Herzegovina);

131.39 Continue taking measures aimed at closing the gender gap

(Namibia);

131.40 Fully implement the equal opportunities policy with the aim of

ensuring gender equality (Botswana);

131.41 Persist in implementing measures to remove any salary discrepancies

between men and women for equal work (Bosnia and Herzegovina);

131.42 Continue efforts to ensure greater wage equality between men and

women (Libya);

131.43 Take further steps to address and implement measures to decrease

the wage gap between men and women (Iceland);

131.44 Continue to promote gender equality in the workplace and to

accelerate work on reducing the wage gap (Sri Lanka);

131.45 Ensure that the wages of men and women are equal when doing the

same work (Lebanon);

131.46 Strengthen the measures for fighting discrimination (Bulgaria);

131.47 Intensify efforts to eradicate all forms of discrimination (Belarus);

131.48 Take effective measures to put an end to discrimination on grounds

of racial or ethnic origin, skin colour, socioeconomic status, gender, religion or

other status in the fields of employment and education (Albania);

131.49 Combat frequent discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity,

nationality and religion and strengthen efforts to prevent discriminatory

stereotypes and hate speech targeted at Muslims, migrants, refugees and

asylum seekers (Islamic Republic of Iran);

131.50 Continue to improve mechanisms for monitoring cases of

discrimination on the grounds of origin or ethnicity by governmental and

private entities (Brazil);

131.51 Strengthen mechanisms to combat discrimination of minorities and

persons of immigrant background (Serbia);

131.52 Adopt effective legislative and administrative measures to vigorously

fight racial discrimination and xenophobia and guarantee the rights of ethnic

minorities (China);

131.53 Adopt policies necessary for the protection of victims of

discrimination based on religion, language and ethnic origin (Angola);

131.54 Continue strengthening policies and measures to prevent and

eliminate manifestations of racism, xenophobia and intolerance in society

(Uruguay);

131.55 Strengthen strategies to combat manifestations of racism, xenophobia

and intolerance, including incitement to hatred, taking into account

international human rights standards in this regard (Panama);

131.56 Take more effective measures to prevent and supress manifestations

of racism, xenophobia and intolerance and encourage a positive climate of

dialogue in this regard (Iceland);

131.57 Take all necessary measures to combat xenophobia and Islamophobia

and to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against all migrants,

Muslims and people of African origin (Turkey);

131.58 Strengthen measures to fight the discrimination of which certain

communities are victims, including persons of African descent and migrants

(Burkina Faso);

131.59 Adopt targeted policies to promote the effective equality of people of

African descent (South Africa);

131.60 Continue taking measure to promote the effective equality of people

of African descent (Namibia);

131.61 Deepen measures to enquire on and punish acts of discrimination

against people of African descent (Argentina);

131.62 Take measures to eradicate crimes against people of African descent,

Muslims, Jews and foreigners, which are promoted in the media and social

networks, where violence, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and other

related forms of intolerance are openly incited (Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela);

131.63 Thoroughly investigate cases of alleged discrimination against

members of the Jewish and Muslim communities, including people of African

descent, and bring the perpetrators of such crimes to justice (Zambia);

131.64 Further develop measures to fight anti-Semitism and Holocaust

denial, including in the field of education (Israel);

131.65 Take necessary measures to prevent xenophobia and Islamophobia in

the Netherlands and to ensure that religious communities in the Netherlands do

not get discriminated against (Indonesia);

131.66 Further improve efforts to combat violence against minorities and to

combat Islamophobia and xenophobia (Iraq);

131.67 Take effective measures to tackle the root causes of racial

discrimination and raise awareness about stereotypes (State of Palestine);

131.68 Take effective measures to combat the root causes of discrimination

on the basis of race and religion and against ethnic minority groups, and to

consider establishing a platform for dialogue with the representatives of the

ethnic minority groups in order to be properly informed of their problems and

needs, and to develop, with their participation, appropriate steps to improve

the situation (Kazakhstan);

131.69 Take measures to eliminate discrimination and xenophobia and to

combat the root causes of racial discrimination (Bahrain);

131.70 Conduct research concerning root causes and monitor all trends

which may give rise to racist and xenophobic behaviour (Azerbaijan);

131.71 Condemn all forms of racism, including in political speech and on the

Internet, and prosecute those involved (Syrian Arab Republic);

131.72 Condemn and sanction all manifestations of intolerance, including in

political discourse and on the Internet, with due regard for freedom of

expression, adopt firm measures to promote a spirit of tolerance and

intercultural dialogue and prevent the stigmatization of any group

(Guatemala);

131.73 Continue efforts to fight all forms of discrimination against

foreigners and to combat hate speech in the media by intensifying awareness

campaigns and spreading a culture of dialogue and acceptance of the other

(Tunisia);

131.74 Continue implementing the public awareness campaign on hate

speech on the Internet (Cuba);

131.75 Expand current efforts, as appropriate, to counter online intolerance

(United States of America);

131.76 Take steps to counter hate speech, including online, through public

awareness campaigns (India);

131.77 Continue implementing policies for combating discrimination and

hate speech (Republic of Moldova);

131.78 Continue the development of policies to fight hate speech (Israel);

131.79 Continue efforts to combat hate speech (Morocco);

131.80 Take measures to address racist discourse in the media and racist

statements and threats on the Internet (Serbia);

131.81 Investigate and prosecute racist and xenophobic discourse and

incitement to hatred in the media and on the Internet by extremist politicians

(Sierra Leone);

131.82 Tackle advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to

discrimination, hostility or violence in political discourse and in the media

(Malaysia);

131.83 Take stricter measures to condemn and ensure accountability for all

manifestations of intolerance, including in political discourse and on the

Internet, and punish those who are involved in it (Egypt);

131.84 Redouble efforts to fight all forms of discrimination and racism,

including hate speech and xenophobia (Lebanon);

131.85 Continue to combat hate crimes against vulnerable groups and

prosecute perpetrators (Pakistan);

131.86 Consider making racist motivation a specific aggravating

circumstance in sentencing (Norway);

131.87 Develop public awareness-raising campaigns on stereotyping and

discrimination, and provide mandatory training on human rights for police

officers (Azerbaijan);

131.88 Strengthen measures to combat ethnic profiling and to further

separate it from hate speech which targets certain minorities, and protect the

exercise of freedom of expression (Indonesia);

131.89 Adopt effective measures to eradicate racial and religious profiling

and report on those measures in the next national report (Russian Federation);

131.90 Continue efforts to combat discrimination and ethnic profiling

(Morocco);

131.91 Step up its policies to address racial discrimination, racial profiling

and hate speech, especially against Muslim women, minority group women and

asylum seeking women (Maldives);

131.92 Develop and implement specific measures and affirmative policies to

eliminate racial profiling and discrimination faced by persons of African

descent (Azerbaijan);

131.93 Continue taking actions to curb racial profiling by law enforcement

agencies (Namibia);

131.94 Adopt and implement legislation which prohibits law enforcement

officials from engaging in ethnic profiling (Belgium);

131.95 Continue to implement the measures outlined in its 2014 action plan

against labour market discrimination (Australia);

131.96 Increase efforts to prevent labour market discrimination against

workers with non-resident backgrounds, women and persons with disabilities

by identifying and analysing the root causes of such discrimination and

mitigating them through advocacy and training programmes (Canada);

131.97 Respond to problems of discrimination on the labour market linked

to the refusal to hire persons on the grounds of their origin or race (Honduras);

131.98 Continue its efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination, notably

against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and against

women in the labour market (France);

131.99 Implement measures to protect intersex persons from discrimination

(Australia);

131.100 Guarantee access to legal gender recognition for both intersex and

transgender people of all ages, without legal, administrative or financial

barriers (Israel);

131.101 Strengthen measures aimed at protecting vulnerable persons (Côte

d’Ivoire);

131.102 Establish clear standards of respect for human rights for officials

who exercise immigration control at points of entry into the Netherlands

territory, in order to ensure a respectful, equal and non-discriminatory

treatment and protection of the human rights of all persons entering the

territory (Ecuador);

131.103 Take the necessary steps to make the anti-discrimination services

available in all municipalities and widely inform the public of their availability

(Republic of Moldova);

131.104 Revise the Bosman act to ensure that all nationals, regardless of their

birth place, are not excluded from living and working in the Netherlands

(Sierra Leone);

131.105 Act to eliminate differences in human rights between the European

and Caribbean Netherlands (Australia);

131.106 Share the experiences acquired in the area of business and human

rights, especially on remediation and reparation, through its constructive and

substantive participation in the intergovernmental working group established

by resolution 26/9 of the Human Rights Council (Ecuador);

131.107 Address human rights abuses perpetrated by Netherlands companies

abroad (Egypt);

131.108 Respond to concerns of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial

Discrimination about the participation of Netherlands companies in the

extractive industry and in the production of soya and palm oil abroad that have

adverse effects on the enjoyment of human rights and the environment

(Honduras);

131.109 Consider the establishment of a clear regulatory framework to

guarantee that the activities carried out by the enterprises under its jurisdiction

do not have a negative impact on human rights abroad (Peru);

131.110 Ensure accountability for human rights violations and environmental

damage resulting from the global or overseas operations of companies

registered or headquartered in the Netherlands (Philippines);

131.111 Ensure that transnational corporations headquartered in the

Netherlands do not violate human rights in their operations abroad (South

Africa);

131.112 Intensify its efforts to maintain oversight over Netherlands

companies operating abroad with regard to any negative impact their activities

may have on the enjoyment of human rights, particularly in conflict areas,

which includes situations of foreign occupation where there is a heightened risk

of human rights abuses (State of Palestine);

131.113 Review any adopted or proposed counter-terrorism legislation,

policies or programmes to provide adequate safeguards against human rights

violations and minimize any possible stigmatizing effect such measures might

have on certain segments of the population (Canada);

131.114 Review counter-terrorism measures that target individuals and

groups based on race, ethnicity and religion, including Muslims and Muslim

communities, and ensure that such measures do not associate or contribute to

associating terrorism with any religion, race, culture, ethnic group or

nationality (Malaysia);

131.115 Adopt measures to eliminate domestic violence, rape and sexual

harassment, ensuring the safety of victims and the timely response to

complaints, as well as access to free legal assistance (Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela);

131.116 Ensure the training of prosecutors and security forces so they can

identify, investigate and prosecute cases of gender-based violence (Israel);

131.117 Ensure that its legislation addresses all forms of violence, explicitly

prohibits corporal punishment in all settings and includes measures to raise

awareness of positive, non-violent and participatory forms of child-rearing

throughout the Kingdom, in particular in Aruba and in the Caribbean

Netherlands (Liechtenstein);

131.118 Ensure the protection and rehabilitation of victims of sexual

exploitation (Uruguay);

131.119 Work to ensure equal access to justice across the Kingdom, including

by opening offices to provide easily accessible legal advice and referrals in

Saba, Bonaire and Sint Eustatius (United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Northern Ireland);

131.120 Consider including in its next universal periodic review report

information on measures it has taken to analyse potential risk factors that

could lead to atrocities, including by utilizing the United Nations Framework of

Analysis for Atrocity Crimes: A Tool for Prevention, and on any assistance it has

given to other States to prevent atrocity crimes (Rwanda);

131.121 Take necessary measures to ensure that the collection and

maintenance of data for criminal purposes do not entail massive surveillance of

innocent persons (Spain);

131.122 Fully implement international commitments stemming from United

Nations human rights conventions such as on the prohibition of torture,

inhuman or degrading treatment and on the rights to liberty of movement,

freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, to which the

Netherlands is a party, including with respect to the rights of foreigners, in

particular senior government officials present in its territory (Turkey);

131.123 Progressively develop existing capacity to effectively tackle modern

slavery in fulfilment of its shared treaty obligations, building resilience across

the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands (United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Northern Ireland);

131.124 Strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking (Morocco);

131.125 Prevent and promptly, thoroughly and impartially investigate,

prosecute and punish human trafficking and provide adequate protection and

means of redress to the victims (Islamic Republic of Iran);

131.126 Further improve the legislative framework to control trafficking in

migrant women and their exploitation in prostitution and in inhuman and

undignified occupations (Iraq);

131.127 Redouble efforts to identify victims of human trafficking among

asylum seekers, in particular unaccompanied children (Panama);

131.128 Adopt and implement specific legislation on the collection, use and

accumulation of metadata and individual profiles, including in security and

anti-terrorist activities, guaranteeing the right to privacy, transparency and

accountability and the right to decide on the use, correction and deletion of

personal data (Mexico);

131.129 Ensure the protection of private life and prevent cases of

unwarranted access by special agencies to the personal information of citizens

on the Internet when there is no connection with any illegal actions (Russian

Federation);

131.130 Promote gender equality in relation to bridging the wage gap,

especially for women belonging to religious and ethnic minorities (Bahrain);

131.131 Study the possibility of a universal basic income programme in all

regions with a view to phasing out the existing social protection system, in full

consultation with key stakeholders (Haiti);

131.132 Ensure continuous access to health care, notably for vulnerable

persons (France);

131.133 Strengthen policies for access to health-care services, especially for

children with low economic and social status and undocumented children

(Maldives);

131.134 Pursue efforts to address and study academic failures in the

secondary schools of children from disadvantaged socioeconomic environments

(Algeria);

131.135 Continue to implement relevant legislation and policies with a view to

efficiently combating bullying in schools, as part of the efforts to tackle

radicalization (Romania);

131.136 Ensure comprehensive sexuality education is integrated into the

national school curriculum, including on topics such as sexual diversity, sexual

rights and gender equality (Belgium);

131.137 Continue to promote human rights education with a particular focus

on interfaith and intercultural dialogue (Pakistan);

131.138 Integrate human rights education into the national school

curriculum, provide sufficient resources for human rights education and

training of teachers and ensure that they receive training in topics such as

sexual diversity, sexual rights, resilience, gender equality and consent

(Slovenia);

131.139 Include human rights education in the curriculum (Sudan);

131.140 Take further steps to eliminate discrimination against women

(Georgia);

131.141 Continue to take measures to advance the empowerment of women

without any discrimination (Myanmar);

131.142 Prevent and combat all forms of discrimination and eliminate

violence against women, including domestic violence (Philippines);

131.143 Pass laws and follow up on their implementation with the aim of

eliminating wage discrimination against women and, in particular,

discrimination based on motherhood and pregnancy (Syrian Arab Republic);

131.144 Empower women and effectively address discrimination in

employment by installing a paid paternity leave of adequate length that is non-

transferable and follows directly after maternity leave (Slovenia);

131.145 Enhance gender equality by reducing the gender pay gap and

increasing employment opportunities for women through implementation of

the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Maldives);

131.146 Increase efforts for the effective elimination of all forms of

discrimination against women in employment, especially avoiding horizontal

and vertical occupational segregation, and unequal pay (Chile);

131.147 Increase efforts aimed at combating intersectional discrimination

against women and girls based on their belonging to ethnic minority groups or

on gender (Paraguay);

131.148 Increase measures aimed at decreasing the high number of women

who are victims of domestic violence (Paraguay);

131.149 Review current legislation, policies and programmes relating to

maternity and parental leave with a view to ensuring an adequate period of

infant and early childhood care while mitigating the negative impacts on career

advancement (Canada);

131.150 Support women’s conflict prevention efforts and provide technical

assistance on conflict resolution processes to countries emerging from conflict

in order to promote women’s effective participation (Liechtenstein);

131.151 Intensify efforts to address factors contributing to women being

disproportionately affected by poverty, especially single mothers and women of

old age, including by ensuring adequate social protection and safeguards,

providing opportunities for additional income generation and improving child

care facilities (Malaysia);

131.152 Intensify its efforts to fully implement the Convention on the Rights

of the Child (Bangladesh);

131.153 Continue taking measures in order to protect the rights of the child,

inter alia by ratifying the third Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Rights of the Child (Georgia);

131.154 Intensify its efforts in relation to children’s rights, including, in

particular, in the Caribbean countries forming part of the State, including to

prohibit corporal punishment in all settings, to develop and implement public

awareness programmes, to reduce the rate of children dropping out of school,

to intensify efforts to eradicate child labour, to raise the minimum age of

recruitment in the military to 18 years and to ratify the Optional Protocol to

the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure

without reservations (Ireland);

131.155 Continue its efforts to provide children at risk with easy access to the

necessary psychological care (Timor-Leste);

131.156 Provide sufficient resources and establish mechanisms for monitoring

and assessing the implementation of its action plans on children’s rights

(Timor-Leste);

131.157 Continue efforts to protect children from sexual exploitation, protect

unaccompanied refugee children and protect them from enforced

disappearance (Tunisia);

131.158 Continue its solid efforts to strengthen the protection of the rights of

the child, particularly with regard to child trafficking and child sex tourism

(Indonesia);

131.159 Investigate the disappearance of unaccompanied children from

asylum reception centres and search for and identify those who might have

been victims of enforced disappearance (Zambia);

131.160 Provide adequate health care for children with low economic status,

as well as children who are not documented (Bahrain);

131.161 Put an end to the “baby box” initiatives, which allow the anonymous

abandonment of children without knowing their identity (Lebanon);

131.162 Combat all forms of discrimination against refugee children, asylum

seekers and undocumented migrants (Paraguay);

131.163 Consider amending a piece of legislation in Netherlands law to allow

for the separation of juveniles from adults in correctional centres (Zambia);

131.164 Consider amending the juvenile justice law to cover all children

under the age of 18 years (Botswana);

131.165 Amend laws on the minimum age of criminal responsibility, which

make it possible to deal with some children as adult criminals (Egypt);

131.166 Increase the minimum age of voluntary recruitment into the army to

18 years (Paraguay);

131.167 Implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

by, among other things, amending the job support schemes in order to enable

all persons with disabilities to access employment in the same way as those

without disabilities (Kenya);

131.168 Revise existing job schemes to ensure access to a wider spectrum of

work for people with disabilities than provided for under current legislation, to

comply fully with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

(United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

131.169 Continue to develop appropriate policies to provide equal job

opportunities for persons with disabilities (Myanmar);

131.170 Adopt concrete measures to ensure access to employment for persons

with disabilities and to promote the principle of inclusive education throughout

the national education system (Spain);

131.171 Explore alternative ways to treat persons with mental and

psychosocial disabilities and impartially investigate the excessive use of

restrictive measures in mental health institutions (Poland);

131.172 Take further measures to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights

of ethnic minorities, migrants, Muslims and people of African origin (Republic

of Korea);

131.173 Adopt appropriate policies to extend protection to all ethnic and

religious minorities and ensure they enjoy the necessary legal protection in the

face of widespread discrimination (Egypt);

131.174 Set up an effective format for introducing a dialogue with

representatives of minorities, acquiring comprehensive information on their

problems and needs, developing and implementing, in consultation with them,

policies and programmes to improve their situation, as well as to prevent and

eradicate racial discrimination against them (Uzbekistan);

131.175 Take further steps to create better work opportunities for the

members of minority groups (Timor-Leste);

131.176 Provide additional funding for the protection of religious minorities

(United States of America);

131.177 Reinstitute Turkish mother tongue lessons as part of the primary and

secondary school curricula (Turkey);

131.178 Elaborate a new general strategy aimed at reducing the less

favourable and discriminatory situation of Roma, Sinti and traveller

communities (Peru);

131.179 Develop training programmes for police officers that are in line with

human rights principles on how to deal with minorities and vulnerable groups

(Bahrain);

131.180 Take the necessary measures to address the situation of continuing

discrimination against migrants, particularly in employment, health care and

housing, and the reported increase in hostility towards refugees and asylum

seekers, as well as the opposition to the opening of new reception centres, in line

with its international obligations (Uganda);

131.181 Implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial

Discrimination to end the marginalization of and poverty among migrants who

face high levels of unemployment, as compared to persons who are native to the

Netherlands (Kenya);

131.182 Provide judicial remedies through the national human rights

institution for migrants who have been discriminated against in the labour

market because of their origin, religion, nationality or ethnicity, and strengthen

structural measures to combat stereotypes during selection and recruitment

processes (Mexico);

131.183 Guarantee the rights of refugees and migrants and make substantive

progress in fighting and preventing xenophobic violence (China);

131.184 Strengthen and standardize measures with a view to ensuring better

protection of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers throughout its entire

territory (Côte d’Ivoire);

131.185 Consider the use of alternative measures to detention for migrants

and refugees by ensuring that vulnerable persons and children never remain

detained (Chile);

131.186 Prioritize the use of alternative measures to detention of migrants

and ensure that the detention of vulnerable persons is avoided (Guatemala);

131.187 Reduce immigration detention and promote alternatives to such

detention (Kenya);

131.188 Make progress in the use of alternative measures to the detention of

migrants (Uruguay);

131.189 Deepen measures so that unaccompanied children and asylum-

seeking family groups are not deprived of liberty (Argentina);

131.190 Consider reviewing policies on the detention of migrants that might

imply their criminalization based on their migration status and promoting the

creation of regular pathways for the admission and regularization of

undocumented migrants (Brazil);

131.191 Ensure high transparency and oversight by civil society over

detention conditions and in the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers

(Russian Federation);

131.192 Stop arresting migrants in isolated cells and in solitary confinement

(Syrian Arab Republic);

131.193 Introduce additional measures to reduce the practice of detaining

individuals solely for immigration purposes and consider using alternatives

when possible (Sweden);

131.194 Take measures to address cases of detention whose length goes

beyond the limit established by the European Union return directive

(Portugal);

131.195 Process expeditiously requests by refugees for family reunification to

ensure that unaccompanied minors are able to reunite with their families

(Mexico);

131.196 Provide due access by migrants, asylum seekers and refugees to

health care and other protection systems, such as education and employment

services (Portugal);

131.197 Expedite efforts to introduce a statelessness determination procedure

and provide persons recognized as stateless with legal status and access to basic

human rights, in full consultation with key stakeholders (Haiti);

131.198 Ensure that a national human rights institution compliant with the

Paris Principles covers all parts of the Netherlands, whether through extension

of the mandate of the existing national human rights institution or

establishment of similar but separate institutions in the Caribbean territories

(Ireland);

131.199 Seek to harmonize the human rights norms in the four countries of

the Kingdom according to the international standards (Peru);

131.200 Continue to protect and promote human rights in the Caribbean

Netherlands by reducing poverty, providing a minimum of social security and

establishing legal offices to provide legal advice and referrals to increase access

to justice (Kenya);

131.201 Provide technical assistance to enable the authorities in Aruba,

Curaçao and Sint Maarten to educate prison officers and improve prison

facilities in compliance with international human rights standards (Republic of

Korea);

131.202 Continue the process of eliminating the differences between the

Caribbean and the European parts of the Netherlands as soon as possible

(Romania);

131.203 Eradicate significant gaps in the realization of human rights in the

European and oversees parts of the Kingdom (Russian Federation).

132. 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 Netherlands was headed by the Minister of the Interior and

Kingdom Relations, Ronald Plasterk, and composed of the following members:

• H.E. Mr. Juan David Yrausquin, Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba;

• H.E. Mr. Rafael Boasman, Minister of Justice, Saint Martin;

• Ms. Miloushka Sboui-Racamy, Senior Policy Officer, Directorate of Foreign

Relations Curaçao;

• H.E. Mr. Reinout Vos, Chargé d’affaires, Permanent Representation of the Kingdom

of the Netherlands, Geneva;

• Mr. Paul van Sasse van Ysselt, Deputy Head Constitutional Affairs Division,

Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations;

• Ms. Marjolijn Smith-Molenaar, Legal Adviser, Ministry of the Interior and

Kingdom Relations, the Netherlands;

• Ms. Marije Graven, Legal Adviser, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations;

• Mr. Edmond Messchaert, Spokesperson, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom

Relations, the Netherlands;

• Mr. Roeland Böcker, Senior Legal Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the

Netherlands;

• Ms. Félicienne Muijtjens, Legal Adviser, Ministry of Security and Justice, the

Netherlands;

• Mr. Time Kaptein, Senior Policy Officer, Ministry of Security and Justice, the

Netherlands;

• Mr. Charles de Vries, Senior Policy Officer, Ministry of Education, Culture and

Science, the Netherlands;

• Ms. Natasja Moritz, Senior Policy Officer, Ministry of Social Affairs and

Employment, the Netherlands;

• Ms. Olivia Croes, Senior Legal Adviser, Department of Foreign Affairs, Aruba;

• Mr. Levinus Dijkstra, Chief of Cabinet, Saint Martin;

• Mr. Patrice Gumbs, Policy Officer, International Affairs Department, Saint Martin;

• Ms. Kirsten Hommes, Second Secretary Permanent Representation of the Kingdom

of the Netherlands, Geneva.