36/9 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

GE.17-11930(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*

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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

United Nations A/HRC/36/9

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 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was

held at the 7th meeting, on 4 May 2017. The delegation of the United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland was headed by the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice, Sir

Oliver Heald. At its 14th meeting, held on 9 May 2017, the Working Group adopted the

report on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

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

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Northern Ireland: Albania, Ethiopia and Mongolia.

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 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:

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

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

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

(A/HRC/WG.6/27/GBR/3 and Corr.1).

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

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

America was transmitted to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic

review.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The delegation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

confirmed that it represented the United Kingdom, the Crown dependencies and the British

Overseas Territories.

6. With regard to the decision to leave the European Union, or “Brexit”, it noted that

the Government had published a white paper on 30 March 2017, on its approach to

converting existing European Union law into domestic law on the day that the United

Kingdom left the European Union. The Government had also made clear that it had no

plans to withdraw from the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and

Fundamental Freedoms (European Convention on Human Rights). The delegation stated

that it was clear that rights and liberties had been protected in United Kingdom law long

before the Human Rights Act had been passed in 1998 and they would continue to be

protected in the future.

7. It indicated that progress had been made since its last universal periodic review in

2012, in several areas. The delegation reaffirmed the commitment of the United Kingdom

to human rights.

8. Regarding the third cycle of the universal period review, the delegation emphasized

that it hoped to make constructive recommendations on modern slavery, a global problem.

9. The delegation stated that in developing its national report, the Government and also

the devolved administrations had consulted with civil society and the national human rights

institutions and the dialogue had been very constructive. The Government had also

reviewed all the recommendations from 2012 and had updated the State’s position to bring

its categorization into line with the Human Rights Council’s accepted classification of

either “supported” or “noted”.

10. Responding to advance questions, the delegation indicated that proposals to make

abortion available to women carrying a fetus with a fatal abnormality had been presented to

the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2016 but the measure had been defeated; it was

anticipated that work on reform of the law would continue after the election and the

formation of a new Northern Ireland Executive. Any legislative reform would, however, be

subject to the will of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Regarding the establishment of a

historical investigations unit, it indicated that the Government would continue to work with

Northern Ireland parties, victims’ groups and other stakeholders to seek a resolution that

would allow the Stormont House Agreement bodies to be established.

11. On corporal punishment, the Government had stated that it did not condone any

violence towards children and had clear laws to deal with it, and that the “reasonable

chastisement” defence could not be used when someone was charged with assault causing

actual or grievous bodily harm, or with child cruelty.

12. Regarding children in the armed forces, the Government saw the recruitment of

individuals between the ages of 16 and 18 as offering a range of benefits to the individual,

and stressed that personnel under the age of 18 were not deployed on any operation outside

the United Kingdom except where the operation did not involve personnel becoming

engaged in, or exposed to, hostilities.

13. The delegation stated that its counter-terrorism legislation and measures complied

with international human rights obligations and were closely scrutinized by the United

Kingdom Parliament.

14. Regarding hate crime, the State had a strong legislative framework to tackle it,

including criminal offences and the Hate Crime Action Plan 2016.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

15. During the interactive dialogue, 94 delegations made statements. Recommendations

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

16. Georgia acknowledged progress achieved in various areas related to children`s

rights, including the adoption of a number of laws and the strengthening of policy

measures.

17. Germany particularly welcomed the lively public discourse on ongoing challenges,

and the active participation of civil society in the universal periodic review process.

18. Ghana encouraged the Government to ratify the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the International Convention

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

19. Greece welcomed in particular the noteworthy efforts to tackle human trafficking

and modern-day slavery.

20. Guatemala was concerned about the reports that Gypsies, Travellers and the Roma

continued to be discriminated against to a large extent and had access to fewer

opportunities.

21. Haiti wished the Government and its people a satisfactory outcome during the Brexit

negotiations.

22. Sierra Leone commended the efforts to tackle domestic violence effectively through

the Modern Slavery Act and the Child Trafficking Protection Fund and expressed its thanks

for the assistance provided during the Ebola crisis.

23. Hungary welcomed the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the Hate Crime Action Plan

2016.

24. Iceland welcomed the Hate Crime Action Plan and the low gender pay gap.

25. India encouraged the continuation of efforts for intercultural understanding and

curbing of the negative stereotyping of minorities, and expressed concern regarding the

scrapping of the Human Rights Act 1998.

26. Indonesia commended improvements in women’s rights, including reducing

domestic violence, but was alarmed at the implementation of the Terrorism Act.

27. The Islamic Republic of Iran was concerned at the continued discrimination against

minorities, women of black origin and migrant domestic workers, and at the new counter-

terrorism measures.

28. Iraq welcomed the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the Hate Crime

Action Plan. It noted the non-incorporation of the International Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination into domestic law.

29. Ireland regretted that the United Kingdom had changed its position on some

recommendations from the previous review. It welcomed the commitment to establish the

comprehensive institutional framework to address the legacy of the troubles in Northern

Ireland.

30. Israel commended the United Kingdom for assigning due importance to the fight

against hate crimes and for undertaking to find the right balance between the fight against

terror and respect for human rights.

31. Italy took note of the human rights framework and welcomed the measures adopted

since the previous review.

32. Japan noted the increase in hate crimes since the June 2016 referendum on leaving

the European Union. It commended the monitoring of detention facilities through the

national preventive mechanism.

33. Kazakhstan expressed hope that the British bill of rights would not weaken the

existing framework and welcomed efforts to combat violence against women, trafficking

and slavery.

34. Kenya requested the United Kingdom to ensure that the provisions of the

Convention on the Rights of the Child would be integrated into national legislation and

policies.

35. Kyrgyzstan noted that race remained the most commonly recorded motivation for

hate crimes, and that following the referendum on European Union membership there had

been an increase in online hate crime and in anti-migrant attacks.

36. Armenia commended the commitment by the United Kingdom to advance gender

equality and combat violence against women, and welcomed measures to tackle

discrimination.

37. Libya appreciated the constructive participation in the review and commended the

efforts of the United Kingdom to improve its human rights record.

38. Liechtenstein welcomed the measures taken to promote positive parenting and

alternative forms of discipline. It noted that the United Kingdom was taking measures to

reform privacy and surveillance laws.

39. Malaysia noted progress in addressing domestic violence and support for victims of

human trafficking under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It noted that racially aggravated

crime was on the increase.

40. Maldives noted the commitment by the United Kingdom on measures taken by the

Government to implement previous universal periodic review recommendations.

41. Mauritius stated that the United Kingdom’s denial of the right of Mauritians,

particularly those of Chagossian origin, to resettle in the Chagos Archipelago which forms

part of the Mauritian territory constituted a human rights violation. Mauritius reiterated its

non-recognition of the so-called “British Indian Ocean Territory”.

42. Mexico expressed concern about the change in the position of the United Kingdom

with respect to some of the recommendations made by Mexico.

43. Mongolia noted the commitment to improve the well-being of children in

disadvantaged situations, increased social welfare for persons with disabilities, and

measures to combat domestic violence. It welcomed the Hate Crime Action Plan.

44. Montenegro welcomed progress in combating domestic violence. It urged

empowering women towards equal participation, and enhancing gender policies,

particularly in respect of black women, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender women, and

women with disabilities.

45. The delegation stated that the United Kingdom was clear about its sovereignty over

the British Indian Ocean Territory and that no international tribunal had ever called its

sovereignty into doubt. The Government strongly refuted Mauritius’ claim that the

Archipelago which the United Kingdom administers as the British Indian Ocean Territory

is part of Mauritius and the United Kingdom expressed disappointment that Mauritius was

requesting a referral by the General Assembly to the International Court of Justice, which

the United Kingdom believes is an inappropriate use of the International Court of Justice

advisory mechanism. The United Kingdom remained committed to good faith bilateral

discussions and was disappointed that Mauritius was not giving serious consideration to the

two proposals that the United Kingdom had put forward.

46. The delegation indicated that the Human Rights Act made most of the rights

contained in the European Convention on Human Rights directly enforceable in United

Kingdom courts. The Equality Act, which prohibited direct and indirect discrimination, had

introduced a public sector equality duty.

47. Regarding concerns about the bill of rights proposals, the Government remained

committed to reforming the human rights framework, and that would be considered once

the arrangements for Brexit were known. The Government stated that it was willing to hear

proposals for a Northern Ireland-specific bill of rights if sufficient consensus could be

reached.

48. Regarding the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from

Enforced Disappearance, the United Kingdom considered that its current domestic

framework already included prevention of arbitrary arrest and prohibition of torture and

degrading treatment, and held the security and intelligence agencies to account, therefore

the Government was unclear about the benefits of ratifying the Convention. It also

considered that the rights of migrant workers were already protected in its domestic

legislation and therefore the Government was unclear about the benefit of ratifying the

Convention on Migrant Workers.

49. The delegation stated that because the United Kingdom had no indigenous or tribal

people, as defined in the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169), in its

territory or in the Crown dependencies or Overseas Territories, the obligations of that

Convention would not have a practical effect in the United Kingdom. It also explained that

the benefits of the individual communications procedures remained unclear, as people in

the United Kingdom had access to the application process to the European Court of Human

Rights.

50. The delegation indicated that the United Kingdom was keeping under review all

reservations on United Nations treaties. It also explained that the United Nations human

rights treaties had not been incorporated into domestic law but that the treaties did not

require States parties to do so. The United Kingdom had put in place a combination of

policies and legislation to give effect to the United Nations treaties that it had ratified. The

United Kingdom had signed the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and

Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul Convention) in

2012 and remained committed to ratifying it. It remained firmly committed to tackling

violence against women and girls, including through new laws to ensure that perpetrators

faced consequences for their actions and by increasing resources for victims.

51. Mozambique commended the implementation of recommendations from previous

universal periodic review cycles which had led to the introduction of the Modern Slavery

Act, and the launching of the Hate Crime Action Plan.

52. Myanmar commended efforts to improve the human rights of women and children.

It urged amending the anti-abortion law in Northern Ireland, as complaints had increased.

53. Namibia commended the United Kingdom for having increased the fight against

hatred, especially racism, by launching the new Hate Crime Action Plan in 2016.

54. Nepal noted measures to combat violence against women, discrimination, hate crime

and modern-day slavery. It was encouraged by the commitment to official development

assistance.

55. The Netherlands noted measures taken to tackle modern slavery. It encouraged

safeguarding access to justice. Improved reporting mechanisms and a review of the

measures taken would contribute to a better understanding of the scale and severity of hate

crimes.

56. Nigeria was encouraged by the domestic human rights framework and

acknowledged the launching of the Hate Crime Action Plan.

57. Pakistan noted with concern that racial discrimination, religious profiling and hate

crimes against vulnerable groups were on the rise and encouraged the United Kingdom to

tackle hate crime.

58. Panama underscored the efforts made by the United Kingdom to incorporate the

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights into national legislation.

59. Paraguay welcomed human rights advances, in a time of changes and renewal for

the United Kingdom.

60. Peru highlighted the introduction of a number of crimes, including criminal

harassment, forced marriage, and omission to protect against female genital mutilation.

61. The Philippines expressed concern about the gender pay gap and about the

reluctance to subscribe to multilateral obligations on migrants and refugees. It requested to

be enlightened about the “safe return review” for refugees.

62. Portugal commended the measures introduced into the Modern Slavery Act 2015,

following recommendations from the previous review.

63. The Republic of Korea underscored the State’s leadership regarding human rights

challenges such as modern forms of slavery, hate crime and sexual discrimination.

64. Romania appreciated the measures taken following the recommendations from the

second cycle review.

65. The Russian Federation regretted that racial hate crimes were the most spreading

ones, and expressed concern about the prosecution of dissent and the low level of

prosecution of crimes connected with human trafficking.

66. Rwanda asked whether the Government had undertaken an assessment of potential

risk factors for atrocity crimes, with a view to their prevention.

67. Serbia was concerned over the lack of safety for inmates and overcrowding in

prisons, and asked whether the United Kingdom was considering raising the minimum age

of criminal liability and about achieving a sustainable reduction in the number of children

in detention.

68. Honduras shared the concerns with respect to the detention of asylum seekers and

the lack of an explicit regulation for the right to family reunification for unaccompanied

minors.

69. Singapore commended the United Kingdom for its holistic efforts to combat hate

crime, and also for tackling poverty and delivering social justice through various measures.

70. Slovakia called for serious consideration of the rights of the child in the

policymaking process. Children should be able to have recourse to the Committee on the

Rights of the Child.

71. Slovenia commended the United Kingdom for adopting the Modern Slavery Act

2015 and appreciated the measures to address gender-based discrimination and violence.

There was room for improvement in the juvenile justice system.

72. Spain welcomed the Modern Slavery Act 2015 although there were still challenges

in its implementation, and expressed concern about increases in hate crimes and hate

speech.

73. Sri Lanka underscored proactive measures in countering terrorism and asked the

United Kingdom about the challenges in implementing those measures.

74. The State of Palestine commended measures to ensure that its antiterrorism

measures complied with its human rights obligations, and welcomed the national action

plan on business and human rights.

75. Sudan commended the launching of the new Hate Crime Action Plan, and was

concerned about racial discrimination against people of African descent.

76. Sweden was concerned that the United Kingdom had not acted on recommendations

concerning its policy regarding child protection, and additionally that the Abortion Act did

not apply in Northern Ireland.

77. Switzerland stated that the Government was finding it difficult to provide the

necessary means to the Historical Investigations Unit to allow it to carry out its mission.

78. The Syrian Arab Republic recalled the principle of the inadmissibility of acquisition

of land by force and the right to self-determination as enshrined in both international human

rights covenants and the United Nations Charter.

79. Thailand was concerned with hate-related crimes motivated by racial and

xenophobic discrimination, and expressed concern about the proposal for repeal of the

Human Rights Act 1998.

80. Timor-Leste commended the Hate Crime Action Plan 2016, and welcomed the

Modern Slavery Act 2015.

81. Tunisia commended the United Kingdom’s inter-State cooperation to strengthen

human rights nationally and internationally. It welcomed progress in combating hate speech

and modern slavery.

82. Turkey welcomed the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act and the launching of

the Hate Crime Action Plan. It encouraged further improvement of the working conditions

of migrants.

83. Uganda noted that domestic violence remained the most pervasive form of violence

against women and stated that this required a more consistent and coherent human rights-

based approach.

84. Ukraine welcomed the adoption of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the

establishment of a new task force to accelerate progress in tackling slavery.

85. The delegation indicated that it had introduced the Modern Slavery Act to tackle

modern slavery, and the anti-slavery strategy of 2014. It was piloting the recommendation

of the November 2014 review of the National Referral Mechanism, and highlighted a

number of efforts against human trafficking, modern slavery and exploitation, including

legal and institutional measures by the devolved administrations.

86. The delegation indicated that the arrangement on child asylum seekers was fully

compatible with international standards, and the best interest of the child was a primary

consideration in every decision taken about him or her. The strict limit of 24 hours’

detention for an unaccompanied child liable for removal from the United Kingdom had

been introduced in 2014.

87. The delegation emphasized that the United Kingdom ensured that sufficient support

remained available to cover the needs of asylum seekers and their children. Fully furnished

equipped accommodation with all utilities was provided to asylum seekers and their

families who would otherwise be destitute, and all asylum seekers had access to health care

and schooling for their children. The delegation pointed out that there was no statutory time

limit on detention of asylum seekers in the United Kingdom but that it was not possible to

detain them indefinitely, based on the presumption of liberty and the principle that

detention was a last resort.

88. The delegation recognized that overseas domestic workers were a potentially

vulnerable group, and stated that policies had been adjusted to have a better balance

between enabling the workers to escape abuse and enabling them to report abuses so that

abusers could be identified.

89. The delegation indicated that the United Kingdom had overseen a major programme

of reform of stop and search, in order to ensure that it was fair, effective and transparent.

90. Regarding the minimum age of criminal responsibility, the Government believed

that children aged 10 were able to differentiate between right and wrong, and they should

be held accountable for their actions, although it noted that prosecution was not always

appropriate for youth offending. In Scotland, the minimum age would be raised to 12, with

safeguards.

91. Young offenders who were convicted of the most serious crimes could receive a

sentence of detention for life, but that did not mean that they would automatically be in

custody for life, as the person could be released on licence.

92. The Government continued to consider that its counter-terrorism legislation and

measures complied with its international human rights obligations, and terrorism legislation

was regularly reviewed by an independent reviewer.

93. The delegation stated that the United Kingdom was committed to improving safety

and decreasing violence in prisons and referred to a number of measures taken.

94. On hate crime, the United Kingdom provided a strong legal framework to convict

those who did incite hatred, but it also tried to protect freedom of speech. The Government

had established two cross-party all-parliamentary groups, one focusing on anti-Semitism

and one on anti-Muslim hatred, to help understand the issue better. The Government had

recently launched its Hate Crime Action Plan 2016 — a comprehensive plan to which the

Government was committed. Measures had also been taken in Northern Ireland, Scotland

and Wales.

95. The United States of America expressed concern about unsafe and deteriorating

prisons and continued reports of societal discrimination against minority groups.

96. Uruguay welcomed advances in combating domestic violence and encouraged the

United Kingdom to strengthen efforts to eradicate it.

97. Noting the findings of several United Nations treaty bodies and non-governmental

organizations, Uzbekistan made recommendations.

98. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela encouraged the establishment of a human

rights national plan of action that included measures to implement United Nations

mechanisms’ recommendations.

99. Albania applauded the commitment by the United Kingdom to maintaining its

strong global role in relation to human rights.

100. Algeria welcomed the strengthening of the legal framework on contemporary forms

of slavery and racism.

101. Andorra encouraged the United Kingdom to pursue its efforts to promote and protect

children’s rights.

102. Angola welcomed the strategy to combat domestic violence and the modernization

of the prison system.

103. Argentina welcomed the adoption of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

104. Lebanon appreciated the continued engagement of the United Kingdom abroad and

cooperation with the United Nations to enhance human rights despite the decision taken on

Brexit in June 2016.

105. Australia commended the leadership on human trafficking and modern slavery, and

acknowledged the investigations of deaths in Northern Ireland, prevention of violence

against women and girls and creation of domestic violence protection orders.

106. Bahrain commended the launching of the action plan to combat hate crime and the

measures taken to combat human trafficking, noting difficulties of victims in accessing

medical services and legal assistance.

107. Bangladesh reminded the State of its moral responsibility resulting from the colonial

past to ensure that its immigration policies remained transparent, humane and accessible,

and was concerned about escalating racial profiling, xenophobia and hate crimes.

108. Belarus regretted that the Government had not given ample attention to some of the

recommendations from the previous cycles.

109. Bosnia and Herzegovina recognized the commitment of the United Kingdom to the

universal periodic review, its efforts to promote equality and the new Hate Crime Action

Plan.

110. Botswana noted concerns by special procedures on the measures taken by the United

Kingdom to fight extremism and terrorism and on the draft investigatory powers bill.

111. Brazil believed that despite the challenge imposed by the current migration and

refugee crisis, a human rights approach was needed when addressing the issue.

112. Bulgaria commended the efforts in combating violence against women and girls, and

noted the roll-out of domestic violence protection orders and the introduction of female

genital mutilation protection orders.

113. Canada emphasized the importance of maintaining existing standards and legal

protections for human rights, with the United Kingdom preparing to exit the European

Union.

114. Chile was concerned about the impact that the exit by the United Kingdom from the

European Union would have on its human rights legislative framework.

115. China welcomed human rights progress and noted with concern serious problems of

racism and xenophobia against ethnic minorities, while the rights of refugees and migrants

had not been guaranteed.

116. Côte d’Ivoire encouraged the Government to strengthen the measures taken to fight

all forms of discrimination, and violence against vulnerable groups, and to support and

protect victims.

117. Croatia welcomed the steps taken by the United Kingdom regarding the

implementation of recommendations from the second universal periodic review.

118. Czechia acknowledged the determination of the United Kingdom to prevent and

eradicate modern slavery at both the domestic and international levels.

119. Ecuador was concerned at the frequent cases of hate crimes, the restrictions on

granting refugee status and the possible repeal of the Human Rights Act 1998.

120. Egypt was concerned about United Kingdom policies making it a sanctuary for

extremists and fertile ground for terrorism, hate crimes and discrimination, and was

concerned about policies against migrants.

121. Estonia urged the involvement of all relevant stakeholders when replacing the

Human Rights Act 1998 with a British bill, and called for the application of international

human rights principles to all under its jurisdiction to be ensured.

122. Finland encouraged the Government to continue working to prevent the growth of

intolerance and xenophobia in society and to report on the implementation of the relevant

action plan.

123. France welcomed the efforts of the United Kingdom to continuously improve the

internal human rights situation.

124. Gabon welcomed the law against violence against women and girls and the

establishment of the crimes of forced marriage and non-protection against female genital

mutilation.

125. Morocco appreciated the efforts to fight discrimination, in consultation with civil

society, the strengthening of laws on racial equality, and measures to combat hate speech

and hate crime.

126. Regarding equality and social rights, the delegation stated that the Government of

the United Kingdom remained committed to achieving gender equality and the

empowerment of all women. From March 2017, the Government had extended the

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

additional British Overseas Territories. The gender pay gap was at its lowest level ever and

the measures taken included gender pay gap reporting.

127. Tackling child poverty was a priority for the Government, and it recognized that the

root causes were not just financial and that it was necessary to go beyond the safety net

provided by welfare. The delegation referred to the Child Poverty Strategy in Northern

Ireland, the Fairer Scotland Action Plan and the 2010 Children and Families (Wales)

Measure, which would help to tackle child poverty.

128. The delegation referred to announced resources for a package of measures to protect

children and young people from sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking, and to crack

down on offenders. Measures taken in the devolved administrations were also mentioned.

129. The delegation noted that the United Kingdom had strengthened the powers and

level of independence of the Children’s Commissioner, making it more accountable to the

United Kingdom Parliament and children.

130. Regarding Roma, Gypsies and Travellers, the delegation referred to the existence of

established frameworks against racial and other forms of discrimination and hate crime, and

pointed to increased resources for housing.

131. On business and human rights, concrete measures had been taken, including through

the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the Companies Act 2006 and guidance to specific sectors.

The Government had also funded business and human rights projects in other countries. It

continued to encourage wide adoption of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human

Rights.

132. The United Kingdom had always been a proud and proactive member of the United

Nations. The delegation stated that the country was a confident, strong and dependable

partner internationally, committed to maintaining its strong global role in relation to human

rights and to complying with its international human rights obligations, which included its

active participation in and advocacy of the universal periodic review.

133. The United Kingdom had engaged in the universal periodic review session in a spirit

of openness and had listened with interest to the viewpoints and perspectives that had been

expressed. It was clear that some of the following themes were of real importance to the

Human Rights Council: ensuring the ongoing protection of equality and human rights as the

United Kingdom left the European Union; a desire for the Government to focus on

strengthening its approach to international treaties; a keen interest in the impact of changes

to welfare benefits, particularly in relation to vulnerable people, and also access to justice

changes, including legal aid and employment tribunal fees; a desire to see continued

monitoring of those changes and also for Government to look at the cumulative impact of

such reforms; the continued importance of tackling modern slavery and human trafficking,

improving safety in prisons, and issues around immigration detention; and the importance

of counter-terrorism measures being human rights-compliant.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

134. The following recommendations will be examined by the United Kingdom of

Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which will provide responses in due time, but no

later than the thirty-sixth session of the Human Rights Council:

134.1 Further consider its position on accepting the right of individual

petition to the United Nations beyond the Optional Protocol to the Convention

on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the

Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

(Mozambique);

134.2 Accede to the human rights conventions and protocols to which is not

yet party in order to facilitate the harmonization of the national human rights

legislation across its territories (Paraguay);

134.3 Consider ratifying those international human rights instruments that

the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has not yet ratified

(Uganda);

134.4 Step up the process of reviewing the reservations made to the

international human rights treaties (Belarus);

134.5 Lift the reservation on article 4 of the International Convention on

the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Libya);

134.6 Ratify the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189)

(Philippines);

134.7 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

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

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

International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced

Disappearance (Portugal);

134.8 Consider ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of

All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Albania) (Chile);

134.9 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Albania);

134.10 Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of

the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Chile);

134.11 Ratify the First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights (Panama) (Estonia);

134.12 Take necessary steps to allow individual complaints mechanisms

under United Nations human rights treaties such as the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,

the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on

the Rights of the Child (Czechia);

134.13 Ratify promptly the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant

on Civil and Political Rights, on a communications procedure (Guatemala);

134.14 Consider ratification of the First Optional Protocol to the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Romania);

134.15 Withdraw reservations from the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Pakistan);

134.16 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Spain);

134.17 Ratify the third optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of

the Child on a communications procedure as it reinforces and complements

national and regional mechanisms (Slovakia);

134.18 Consider the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention

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

134.19 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);

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

Child on a communications procedure (Montenegro);

134.21 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Right of the Child on a communications procedure (Croatia);

134.22 Withdraw its interpretative declaration to article 1 of the Optional

Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of

children in armed conflict and unconditionally forbid children from taking part

in hostilities (Czechia);

134.23 Ratify promptly the International Convention on the Protection of

the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families

(Guatemala);

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

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Kyrgyzstan)

(Philippines) (Algeria) (Egypt);

134.25 Consider ratifying those international human rights instruments it

had not yet ratified, including the International Convention on the Protection

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

(Nigeria);

134.26 Accede to the International Convention on the Protection of the

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

134.27 Accede to the International Convention on the Protection of the

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

practice of arresting immigrants for unspecified periods (Syrian Arab

Republic);

134.28 Sign and ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the

Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Turkey);

134.29 Continue considering adhering to the International Convention on

the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families, as

previously recommended (Uruguay);

134.30 Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of

the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families

(Bangladesh);

134.31 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance (Germany) (Panama) (France);

134.32 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance (Tunisia);

134.33 Sign and accede to the International Convention for the Protection of

All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Sierra Leone);

134.34 Accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Iraq);

134.35 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance as an expression of its commitment to addressing

this issue (Japan);

134.36 Consider ratification of the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Sudan);

134.37 Continue considering adhering to the International Convention for

the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and recognizing the

competence of its supervisory body, as previously recommended (Uruguay);

134.38 Continue its work on accession to the International Convention for

the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Bosnia and

Herzegovina);

134.39 Ratify promptly the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989

(No. 169) of the International Labour Organization (Guatemala);

134.40 Ratify the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189)

(Panama);

134.41 Consider ratifying the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No.

189) (Uruguay);

134.42 Ratify the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of

Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (the Lanzarote

Convention) (Slovenia);

134.43 Ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and

Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul

Convention) (Italy);

134.44 Ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and

Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Montenegro);

134.45 Ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and

Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Spain);

134.46 Ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and

Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul

Convention) (Turkey);

134.47 Pursue its efforts towards ratification to become a State party to the

Istanbul Convention in the near future (Bosnia and Herzegovina);

134.48 Make the necessary legal, policy and practice-related changes to

enable the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and

Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul

Convention) and dedicate sufficient resources to central, devolved and local

authorities to ensure its effective implementation (Finland);

134.49 Ratify the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of

Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Andorra);

134.50 Ratify the Convention of the Council of Europe on the Protection of

Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Bulgaria);

134.51 Consider accepting the Kampala Amendments to the Rome Statute of

the International Criminal Court on the crime of aggression (Andorra);

134.52 Ratify the Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory

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

134.53 Implement the 1954 Convention on statelessness to ensure that

stateless persons in Britain access British nationality (Kenya);

134.54 Pursue cooperation with the international human rights mechanisms

(Côte d’Ivoire);

134.55 Take into consideration the opinion of civil society and its role in

supporting the decision-making process, particularly with regard to the

implementation of recommendations presented to them during the universal

periodic review session, additionally, listen to the British human rights

organizations and support their role, in particular, in the light of the interest of

the Government in the situation of organizations in other States (Egypt);

134.56 Guarantee the applicability of the principles and doctrines of the

International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial

Discrimination in its national legislation of the United Kingdom regions (Iraq);

134.57 Align its norms to the human rights based approach in light of the

new challenges faced (Peru);

134.58 Further incorporate the International Convention on the Elimination

of All Forms of Racial Discrimination into domestic law (Greece);

134.59 Establish effective coordination and monitoring structures to ensure

Convention on the Rights of the Child implementation across national and local

governments (Kazakhstan);

134.60 Integrate fully the principles and provisions of the Convention on the

Rights of the Child into its domestic law (Slovakia);

134.61 Incorporate the International Convention on the Elimination of All

Forms of Racial Discrimination into the domestic law to ensure direct and full

application of the principles and provisions of the Convention (Uganda);

134.62 Ensure that all laws and policies adopted are in conformity with

international human rights law and standards, including on the fight against

terrorism (Botswana);

134.63 Continue to be engaged in open and inclusive public debates on

ensuring the most effective domestic implementation of international and

regional human rights standards, with full account of universally guaranteed

rights and freedoms (Serbia);

134.64 Ensure that the principles and provisions of the International

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination are

directly and fully applicable under domestic law in all territories of the United

Kingdom (Kyrgyzstan);

134.65 Speed up the adjustment of national legislation to the Convention on

the Rights of the Child, both at State and autonomous regions levels (Chile);

134.66 Ensure the inclusion of all stakeholders in the drafting and adoption

of the British Bill of Rights, in particular representatives of the poor, minorities

and vulnerable groups (Haiti);

134.67 Provide reassurance that any proposed British Bill of Rights would

complement rather than replace the incorporation of the European Convention

on Human Rights in Northern Ireland law and acknowledging this is a primary

matter for the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly — that a Bill of

Rights for Northern Ireland to reflect the particular circumstances of Northern

Ireland should be pursued to provide continuity, clarity and consensus on the

legal framework for human rights there (Ireland);

134.68 Ensure that the legislative changes, if adopted, keep the same level of

human rights protection as provided by the Human Rights Act, as advised by

the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations treaty

bodies (Kazakhstan);

134.69 Maintain the legal effects, scope and effectiveness of the Human

Rights Act in the adoption of new legislation (Kenya);

134.70 Ensure that any legislative modification, such as the enactment of the

Bill of Rights, maintains the level of protection that the current Human Rights

Act guarantees (Mexico);

134.71 Ensure that the proposed new Bill of Rights to replace the Human

Rights Act, if adopted, does not remove or weaken any human rights protection

granted under the current Act (Namibia);

134.72 Take all necessary steps to prevent the new British Bill of Rights

from leading to a decreased level of human rights protection (Portugal);

134.73 Ensure that any possible reform of the 1998 Human Rights Act has

no impact on the scope of protection or the access to the remedies under the

European Convention on Human Rights (Switzerland);

134.74 Continue its commitment to international human rights obligations

and standards and ensure that the new bill of rights is drafted through broad-

based consultations and embraces no less protection of human rights

(Thailand);

134.75 Make sure that, in case the proposals for a British Bill of Rights are

realized, the current level of human rights protection provided by the Human

Rights Act of 1998 is maintained and improved (Ukraine);

134.76 Carry out extensive consultations with civil society related to the

repeal of the 1998 Human Rights Act. In view of the process of leaving the

European Union, ensure that any new legislation aims at strengthening human

rights in the entire jurisdictions of the country (Uzbekistan);

134.77 Ensure that changes in the national legislation affecting the Human

Rights Act do not result in weakening human rights protection mechanisms in

the country (Belarus);

134.78 In the context of the withdrawal from the European Union, ensure

that human rights achievements are preserved in the future framework of

human rights protection in the United Kingdom and the future status of

European citizens residing in the United Kingdom (France);

134.79 Adopt a national action plan on human rights (Sudan);

134.80 Intensify its efforts to provide oversight over British companies

operating abroad with regard to any negative impact of their activities on the

enjoyment of human rights, particularly in conflict areas, which includes

situations of foreign occupation, where there are heightened risks of human

rights abuses (State of Palestine);

134.81 Further reinforce measures to combat all forms of discrimination and

inequality (Georgia);

134.82 Exert all its efforts, in law and practice, to combat racism,

xenophobia and Islamophobia, and to eliminate all forms of discrimination

against migrants, and to avoid subjecting asylum seekers and stateless persons

to prolonged and/or repeat unlawful detention (Islamic Republic of Iran);

134.83 Ensure equality and non-discrimination in the current legislation

through due compliance with measures to fight against prejudices, xenophobia

and violence against women and girls (Paraguay);

134.84 Dedicate more resources to fight against negative stereotypes in the

media, against the most affected minority groups (lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex persons, Gypsies, Muslims, refugees and persons

granted asylum) (Spain);

134.85 Tackle advocacy of religious hatred including that which constitutes

incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence in political discourse and in

the media (Malaysia);

134.86 Stop the pressure on mass media, including by closing their bank

accounts (Russian Federation);

134.87 Review and strengthen current policies and initiatives to combat

societal discrimination against members of racial, religious and ethnic minority

groups (United States of America);

134.88 Take further measures to combat racism and xenophobia and

incorporate the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of

Racial Discrimination into domestic laws (China);

134.89 Elaborate a general strategy, in consultation with members of the

Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities, to ensure a systematic and coherent

approach to address the problems that such communities continue to face,

including discrimination and stigmatization (Guatemala);

134.90 Ensure that the Government of the United Kingdom takes all

necessary steps to prevent all kinds of discrimination directed at minorities in

the community namely the Roma community (Indonesia);

134.91 That the State and devolved governments collaborate in the approval

of an integration strategy for Gypsies, Travellers and Roma people in all the

United Kingdom (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

134.92 Strengthen and activate existing laws and legislation in the field of

combating discrimination and all forms of racism and make further efforts to

combat discrimination against Gypsies, nomads and Roma (Lebanon);

134.93 Develop a plan of action to implement the activities of the Decade of

People of African Descent, which would, inter alia, address concerns of racial

profiling of people of African Descent (Sierra Leone);

134.94 Develop a comprehensive strategy to address inequalities experienced

by ethnic minorities (Sierra Leone);

134.95 Take effective measures to address inequalities experienced by ethnic

minority groups and combat discrimination (Kazakhstan);

134.96 Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination measures, to promote

equal political, social and economic rights of women of ethnic minorities

(Republic of Korea);

134.97 Take effective measures to prevent manifestations of intolerance on

the grounds of nationality and race (Russian Federation);

134.98 Take the necessary measures to deepen awareness with regard to

minorities and foreigners in order to prevent them from suffering acts of

violence and discrimination (Argentina);

134.99 Adopt measures to condemn racist rhetoric and hate speech, and

apply specific measures on the integration and inclusion of migrants aimed at

the population at large (Guatemala);

134.100 Ensure efficient implementation of the new “Hate Crime Action

Plan” in order to reduce racially and religiously aggravated crimes (Israel);

134.101 Continue to implement measures such as promoting cultural

understanding toward the eradication of hate crime against social minorities

(Japan);

134.102 Take additional serious measures to eliminate race enmity on the

ground, which leads to hate crimes (Kyrgyzstan);

134.103 Take appropriate measures against the sharp increase in all hate-

related violent crimes especially involving young people (Maldives);

134.104 Improve the systems of identification of potential targets and

vulnerable communities, enhance surveillance and implement protection

measures to address hate crimes (Maldives);

134.105 Continue to strengthen data collection to better understand the scale

and severity of hate crimes, in order to assess the impact of the Hate Crime

Action Plan (Netherlands);

134.106 Prosecute perpetrators of hate crimes against vulnerable groups

(Pakistan);

134.107 Take steps to curb incitement of hatred by some British tabloid

newspapers, in line with the country’s obligations under national and

international law (Republic of Korea);

134.108 Continue to closely monitor the hate crime and discrimination cases,

following the implementation by the United Kingdom Government of the newly

launched Hate Crime Action Plan of 2016 (Romania);

134.109 Take measures to curb incitements of hatred in the British mass

media, in line with international standards (Russian Federation);

134.110 Continue to refine its policies to counter hate crimes in communities,

particularly those motivated by race and religion, and to share its best practices

with other Member States (Singapore);

134.111 That the United Kingdom Government, parliamentarians, human

rights institutions and civil society organizations continue to work closely

together in order to ensure that vulnerable groups such as ethnic and religious

minorities, refugees and migrants are better protected against hate speech and

hate-related crime and that they are provided with greater certainty and legal

protection (Thailand);

134.112 Continue efforts towards combating racism and hate speech against

foreigners through disseminating a culture of dialogue and cooperation among

religions and civilizations (Tunisia);

134.113 Prepare a report on the impact of the “Hate Crime Action Plan” with

the view to assess concrete results (Turkey);

134.114 Take further steps to halt and reverse the increase in the number of

violent hate crimes (United States of America);

134.115 Adopt effective measures to combat crimes based on religious hate

and facilitate access to justice to minority groups (Angola);

134.116 Redoubling efforts and measures to combat hate crimes and

xenophobia (Lebanon);

134.117 Continue working to improve the services given to the victims of

discrimination and hatred, especially religious hatred, and continue in raising

awareness about this crime (Bahrain);

134.118 Address racial discrimination, xenophobia and hate crimes by

further strengthening effective legislative and judicial measures (Bangladesh);

134.119 Conduct a full review of the effectiveness of the 2016 Hate Crime

Action Plan, and review approaches by criminal justice agencies under the

current legal framework in order to address reports of increasing hate crime in

the United Kingdom (Canada);

134.120 Continue strengthening measures to combat prejudices and punish

crimes motivated by xenophobia (Chile);

134.121 Effectively guarantee the rights of refugees and migrants and make

substantive progress in the fight against hate crime (China);

134.122 Adopt measures aimed at combating racism and hate crimes, in

addition to strengthening and ensuring access to fair and effective mechanisms

for reparation for the victims of such violence (Ecuador);

134.123 Take effective and quick measures to combat hate speech,

Islamophobia, racial aggressive acts that are on the increase in the society, and

commit to addressing the long-term consequences (Egypt);

134.124 End discrimination against same-sex couples in Northern Ireland by

bringing the relevant law into line with other parts of the United Kingdom

(Iceland);

134.125 Review its Equality Act in relation to gender identity and the rights

of intersex persons in the context of rights to health services (Australia);

134.126 Adopt a rights-based approach to its forthcoming Emissions

Reduction Plan (Maldives);

134.127 Enact legislation to ensure accountability on human rights violations

and environmental damages resulting from global operations of United

Kingdom companies (Philippines);

134.128 Review counter-terrorism measures which target individuals or

groups based on race, ethnic background or religion, including Muslims or

Muslim communities (Malaysia);

134.129 Establish an evaluation mechanism of the antiterrorist strategy that

takes into account the observations made by special procedures and treaty

bodies, and that evaluates its human rights implications (Mexico);

134.130 In the context of the fight against terrorism, that the use of force be in

line with the United Nations Charter and international human rights law and

with due respect for the necessity and proportionality criteria (Peru);

134.131 Ensure that the planned counter-extremism bill is in compliance with

international law and does not single out certain organizations on the

stereotypical assumption, based on general characteristics such as religion and

the predominant race of the membership of the organization (State of

Palestine);

134.132 In the context of the defence of the right to life, carefully assess the

transfer of arms to those countries where they are likely to be used for human

rights abuses and violations (Peru);

134.133 Consider including in its next universal periodic review report

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

atrocity crimes including through utilizing the United Nations Framework of

Analysis for Atrocity Crimes (Rwanda);

134.134 Train public officials in human rights, in particular the police and the

military, including on the excessive use of force (Ecuador);

134.135 Expedite investigation and take action on allegations of complicity of

British military personnel in the ill-treatment of civilians and detainees

overseas (Kenya);

134.136 Enact a complete prohibition of all forms of torture into the 1988

Criminal Justice Act, including removals of so-called “escape clauses”

(Republic of Korea);

134.137 Adherence to international standards for respect for detainees’ rights

and the conditions of detention (Egypt);

134.138 Adopt a comprehensive national framework to prevent trafficking in

women and girls, and allow victims of trafficking to access a fair trial (Islamic

Republic of Iran);

134.139 Adopt a victim-centred comprehensive national framework against

trafficking in persons, especially women and girls (Philippines);

134.140 Investigate thoroughly incidents of trafficking in human beings and

ensure that the perpetrators are subject to proportionate punishment (Russian

Federation);

134.141 Reinforce the National Referral Mechanism to identify and assist

victims of human trafficking (Spain);

134.142 Adopt a comprehensive national framework to combat trafficking in

women and girls (Timor-Leste);

134.143 Strengthen the national framework to combat human trafficking and

ensure adequate support and protection to victims of trafficking (Uganda);

134.144 Strengthen national mechanisms to combat human trafficking,

specifically of women and girls, and to support and rehabilitate its victims

(Lebanon);

134.145 Monitor the implementation of the 2015 modern slavery legislation,

including its effectiveness in combating trafficking in women and girls

(Australia);

134.146 Continue strengthening the positive measures taken to combat the

crime of trafficking in persons and particularly those measures concerning the

protection of child victims (Bahrain);

134.147 Continue efforts to fight human trafficking and all forms of slavery

(Morocco);

134.148 Strengthen the protection of citizens and the right to privacy in the

Investigatory Powers Bill of 2016 (Haiti);

134.149 Bring all legislation concerning communication surveillance in line

with international human rights standards and especially recommends that all

communications surveillance requires a test of necessity and proportionality

(Liechtenstein);

134.150 Ensure that the regulation on surveillance does not violate the right

to privacy, intimacy and freedom of expression of its citizens (Paraguay);

134.151 Consider the revision of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 with a

view to protecting the right to privacy, including by prohibiting mass

surveillance activities and the collection of communications data without

warrants (Brazil);

134.152 Provide protection to the family as a natural and fundamental unit to

the society (Egypt);

134.153 Consider aligning its corporate criminal liability regime with

international human rights law in order to ensure accountability and effective

remedy for victims of serious human rights abuses involving the operations of

United Kingdom companies abroad (Namibia);

134.154 Ensure the accessibility of appropriate legal aid to safeguard access

to justice for all, particularly for the most marginalized groups in society

(Netherlands);

134.155 Continue to intensify efforts and take necessary measures with a view

to carrying out the repatriation of illicit funds and proceeds of corruption to

their countries of origin and to ensure cooperation with requesting States

(Nigeria);

134.156 Increase the necessary resources to the service of the Coroner to

allow him to carry out impartial, swift and effective investigations on all the

deaths linked to the conflict in Northern Ireland (Switzerland);

134.157 Continue negotiations on transitional justice issues and implement

transitional justice elements of the Stormont House Agreement (Australia);

134.158 Take concrete measures to reduce the current and future prison

population, as well as to improve prisoner safety (Serbia);

134.159 Initiate a prison reform plan to improve the deteriorating conditions

in United Kingdom prisons, including addressing the increase in homicides and

assaults (United States of America);

134.160 Review current prison safety and conditions and consider developing

an action plan to address increases in self-harm and suicide as well as

overcrowding in prisons in the United Kingdom (Canada);

134.161 Revoke the blanket ban on prisoners’ exercise of their right to vote,

in order to comply with the rulings of international courts on this matter

(Czechia);

134.162 Continue its efforts to improve treatment of inmates (Japan);

134.163 Ensure the welfare of all segments of society in an inclusive manner,

including those of migrants (Nepal);

134.164 Provide more targeted social policies to help disadvantaged families,

and in particular their children, so as to boost social mobility (Singapore);

134.165 Simplify, harmonize and reinforce the current legal norms on

equality in favour of those most vulnerable (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

134.166 Strengthen measures to foster access of vulnerable populations to

public services and social and health services (Côte d’Ivoire);

134.167 As a follow-up to the recommendations contained in A/HRC/21/9,

paras. 110.39 and 110.103, consider along with stakeholders the possibility of a

universal basic income to replace the existing social protection system

(recommendations 110.39 and 110.103 of the second cycle) (Haiti);

134.168 Develop clear national strategies for the eradication of the poverty of

about four million children, as indicated in the United Kingdom universal

periodic review summary report of the stakeholders’ submissions (Syrian Arab

Republic);

134.169 Further strengthen its ‘Equality Act’, in particular, to provide better

health services to groups in vulnerable situations including migrants (Sri

Lanka);

134.170 Ensure that the law governing access to abortion in Northern Ireland

fully complies with international human rights law, by decriminalizing abortion

and ensuring access to abortion in cases of severe and fatal fetal anomalies and

where the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest (Iceland);

134.171 Take necessary measures to provide reproductive health-care

services for women and girls in line with its Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Discrimination against Women obligations (Myanmar);

134.172 Ensure that the law governing access to abortion in Northern Ireland

fully complies with international human rights law, by decriminalizing abortion

and ensuring access to abortion in cases of severe and fatal fetal anomalies and

where the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest (Sweden);

134.173 Encourage the devolved government of Northern Ireland to align its

legal framework on sexual and reproductive health and rights, and its

reproductive health services, with the rest of the United Kingdom (Canada);

134.174 Step up efforts to promote racial equality and social inclusion in the

education system in Northern Ireland (Botswana);

134.175 With regard to the reporting mechanism on the gender pay gap,

consider efficient means of following up on the reports made by the employers

(Israel);

134.176 Address the problem of discrimination against women, particularly

in the labour market, with regard to the gender-based wage gap (Libya);

134.177 Address more effectively entrenched discriminatory practices against

women in the political, economic and social spheres, particularly in terms of the

gender pay gap and social security (Malaysia);

134.178 Pay priority attention to gender equality and discrimination against

women, as well as on the grounds of race and ethnicity, and ensure the

application of the principles and provisions of the International Convention on

the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in the domestic

legislation of the country (Uzbekistan);

134.179 Take necessary measures to eliminate discriminatory practices in the

labour market with respect to women (Algeria);

134.180 Exert more efforts to combat or to counter violence against women

and girls (Libya);

134.181 Adopt national legislation, especially in Northern Ireland, on

domestic violence protection, that ensures all cases of domestic violence are

thoroughly investigated and that perpetrators are prosecuted (Maldives);

134.182 Ensure a holistic approach to the prevention of violence against

women and girls, including harmful practices (Slovenia);

134.183 Combat violence against women and girls, in particular domestic

violence (Sudan);

134.184 Continue efforts to combat discrimination on any ground and

violence against women and girls (Bosnia and Herzegovina);

134.185 Continue its positive efforts to reduce domestic violence throughout

the country (Indonesia);

134.186 Effectively fight violence against women and take substantive

measures to combat sexual exploitation and sexual crimes against children

(China);

134.187 Step up its efforts in fighting domestic violence and take measures to

prevent secondary victimization and the negative impact of domestic violence

on children (Czechia);

134.188 Strengthen its legislative framework by including penal sanctions for

perpetrators of acts of forced marriage and non-protection against female

genital mutilation (Gabon);

134.189 Place children’s rights at the centre of climate change adaption and

mitigation strategies by mainstreaming child-sensitive risk and vulnerability

reduction strategies into its National Adaptation Programme (Maldives);

134.190 Reviewing the laws on immigration in Britain in order to comply with

the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Syrian Arab Republic);

134.191 Increase efforts to eliminate child poverty and bring domestic

legislation in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Hungary);

134.192 Increase government efforts to eradicate child poverty, and in this

regard undertake an assessment of the impact of the welfare reform on

children from disadvantaged families (Kazakhstan);

134.193 In all devolved administrations, overseas territories and Crown

dependencies, prohibit all corporal punishment in the family, including

through the repeal of all legal defences, such as “reasonable chastisement”

(Liechtenstein);

134.194 Ensure that corporal punishment is explicitly prohibited in all schools

and educational institutions and all other institutions and forms of alternative

care (Liechtenstein);

134.195 Prohibit corporal punishment in all settings, including the family

(Ireland);

134.196 Reconsider its position on the legality of corporal punishment of

children (Mongolia);

134.197 Ban corporal punishment of children to ensure the full protection

and freedom from violence for all children (Sweden);

134.198 Consider prohibiting corporal punishment against children and

ensure that it is explicitly prohibited in all schools and educational institutions,

and all other institutions and forms of alternative care (Croatia);

134.199 Take further actions in protecting the rights of the child by

prohibiting all corporal punishment of children as required by the Convention

on the Rights of the Child (Estonia);

134.200 Develop and implement comprehensive multisectoral strategies on

child exploitation and abuse (Timor-Leste);

134.201 Complete the investigation on numerous cases of sexual violence

against children perpetrated by the high-level officials and bring the

perpetrators to justice (Russian Federation);

134.202 Take more measures to fight against sexual exploitation of children

and violence against them (Algeria);

134.203 Abolish the life sentence for minors, in conformity with the

Convention on the Rights of the Child (Paraguay);

134.204 Consider abolishing the mandatory imposition of life imprisonment

for offences committed by children under the age of 18 (Greece);

134.205 Raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility in accordance with

acceptable international standards and abolish the mandatory imposition of life

imprisonment for offences committed by children under the age of 18

(Albania);

134.206 Consider revising the minimum age of criminal responsibility (Peru);

134.207 In line with the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of

the Child, consider the possibility of increasing the age of criminal

responsibility in line with accepted international standards (Belarus);

134.208 Raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility in accordance with

acceptable international standards (Bulgaria);

134.209 Implement measures in support of enhanced participation of people

with disabilities in the workforce (Israel);

134.210 Enable indigenous peoples in the territories they occupy to exercise

their right to self-determination, in conformity with the Charter of the United

Nations (Syrian Arab Republic);

134.211 Respect the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United

Nations (Syrian Arab Republic);

134.212 Stop the forced evictions of indigenous peoples in the territories

under occupation (Syrian Arab Republic);

134.213 Review the 2016 Immigration Act in order to ensure its compatibility

with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Honduras);

134.214 Develop social integration policies, especially for migrants and

refugees (Lebanon);

134.215 Take steps to revise the legislation on immigration by introducing

time limits for the detention of migrants and asylum seekers, as well as

considering revising the changes introduced to visas for foreign spouses based

on income criteria (Brazil);

134.216 Continue and strengthen the promotion of the rights of migrants

residing in the United Kingdom (Morocco);

134.217 Introduce a general statutory time limit on immigration detention

and ensure such detention is not used in the case of vulnerable individuals or

groups (Germany);

134.218 Incorporate a prohibition to indefinite detention of migrants in the

2016 Declaration on Immigration and search for alternatives to detention

(Mexico);

134.219 Like other European countries, set a statutory time limit for

immigration detention and ensure that children are not subjected to such

detention (Bangladesh);

134.220 Revise its regulation and administrative practices in order to protect

the human rights of female domestic migrant workers, in particular when their

work permits are linked to the employer and they have been victims of human

trafficking and work exploitation (Honduras);

134.221 Improve on the United Kingdom’s Immigration Act 2016 dealing

with refugees to be compatible with United Nations Human Rights

Conventions, particularly the Convention on the Rights of the Child

(Indonesia);

134.222 Reform its directive on family reunification to establish specifically

family reunification for child asylum seekers relocated to the United Kingdom

or who have been recognized as refugees (Honduras);

134.223 Take the necessary measures to guarantee the exercise of the right to

family reunification of unaccompanied children recognized as refugees or

resettled (Argentina);

134.224 Implement the recommendations of the Working Group on Arbitrary

Detention and the Human Rights Committee regarding the detention of asylum

seekers, including political asylum, and guarantee the full enjoyment of their

right to freedom of movement and full and immediate access to independent

medical personnel and legal representation (Ecuador);

134.225 Categorize statelessness as a protection status and provide stateless

persons expedited and affordable access to British nationality (Hungary);

134.226 Urge the United Kingdom to take appropriate measures, including

completion of the decolonization process of Mauritius and respect the

legitimate right of resettlement of the Chagossians, aimed at bringing the

United Kingdom into full compliance with its human rights obligations

(Mauritius);

134.227 Apologize to the peoples and the countries it colonized or it attacked

and provide financial compensation to the peoples of these countries (Syrian

Arab Republic).

135. 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 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was

headed by H.E. The Rt Hon Sir Oliver Heald QC, Minister of State, Ministry of Justice, and

composed of the following members:

• H.E. Julian Braithwaite, Ambassador, Permanent Representative, Permanent

Mission of the United Kingdom, Geneva;

• Matthew Forman, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom, Geneva;

• Bob Last, Deputy Head Policy and Human Rights, Permanent Mission of the United

Kingdom, Geneva;

• Rob Linham OBE, Assistant Director, Human Rights and Intergovernmental

Relations, Ministry of Justice;

• Emma Hindley, Private Secretary to Sir Oliver Heald, Ministry of Justice;

• Alison Stradling, Head of United Nations Treaties Team, Human Rights and

Intergovernmental Relations, Ministry of Justice;

• Sergio Moreno, Senior Policy Adviser, United Nations Treaties Team, Human

Rights and Intergovernmental Relations, Ministry of Justice;

• Naomi Sephton, Legal Adviser, Government Legal Department;

• Peter Neill, Policy Advisor, Equality and Human Rights Unit, The Executive Office,

Northern Ireland Executive;

• Duncan Isles, Head of Human Rights, Scottish Government;

• Paul Dear, Head of Equality, Welsh Government.