37/10 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Benin
Document Type: Final Report
Date: 2018 Jan
Session: 37th Regular Session (2018 Feb)
Agenda Item: Item6: Universal Periodic Review
GE.17-23482 (E) 100118 100118
Human Rights Council Thirty-seventh session
26 February–23 March 2018
Agenda item 6
Universal Periodic Review
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*
Benin
* The annex is being issued without formal editing, in the languages of submission only.
United Nations A/HRC/37/10
General Assembly Distr.: General 3 January 2018
English
Original: English/French
2 GE.17-23482
Introduction
1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance
with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-eighth session from 6 to 17
November 2017. The review of Benin was held at the 9th meeting, on 10 November 2017.
The delegation of Benin was headed by the Keeper of the Seals and Minister of Justice and
Legislation, Joseph Fifamin Djogbénou. At its 14th meeting, held on 14 November 2017,
the Working Group adopted the report on Benin.
2. On 13 February 2017, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of
rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Benin: Ethiopia, Panama 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 Benin:
(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with
paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/28/BEN/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.6/28/BEN/2);
(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)
(A/HRC/WG.6/28/BEN/3).
4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Liechtenstein,
Portugal, Slovenia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Uruguay
was transmitted to Benin 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 reaffirmed the commitment of Benin to human rights as a foundation
on which the State was built, stressing that its report had been prepared following a process
of national consultation involving State bodies and civil society actors, with the support of
the specialized agencies of the United Nations system and the International Organization of
la Francophonie.
6. Since 2012, the Government had been working to address the concerns expressed
and recommendations and commitments made during the second cycle of the universal
periodic review, inter alia, by strengthening the legal, programmatic and institutional
frameworks in the area of human rights, although it recognized that further efforts were
needed.
7. In particular, Benin had ratified several international and regional human rights
treaties, such as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the
Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Hague
Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry
Adoption.
8. At the same time, the process of ratifying other human rights instruments was under
way, particularly for:
(a) The amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
relating to the crime of aggression adopted in Kampala;
(b) The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a
communications procedure;
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(c) The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights.
9. An important part of the work undertaken by Benin since 2012 had been the
incorporation of international standards into national law. Several pieces of legislation had
been adopted to that effect, including:
(a) The Children’s Code Act of 25 November 2015;
(b) The Act of 13 April 2017 on the protection and promotion of the rights of
persons with disabilities;
(c) The Act of 16 June 2016 on community service work, which promoted
alternative penalties to deprivation of liberty for certain offences;
(d) The Act of 18 March 2013 on the Code of Criminal Procedure, which helped
Beninese criminal procedure move towards ensuring better protection of human rights, for
example, by allowing persons threatened with deprivation of liberty to challenge their
detention before a judge.
10. In response to questions raised, the delegation clarified the status of the death
penalty in Benin. After the ratification and entry into force of the Second Optional Protocol
to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the
death penalty, the death penalty had been abolished in practice. The Constitutional Court
had ruled that any death sentence would be unenforceable, and the sentences of the 14
persons currently sentenced to death were being commuted. The new Criminal Code, which
would be adopted in the first quarter of 2018 by Parliament, would formally confirm the
abolition of the death penalty in Benin.
11. With regard to the question of the protection of children’s rights, in 2015, Benin had
adopted a Children’s Code that would raise the status of children and afford them
protection in all areas. In 2014, Benin had approved a national child protection policy
document, which specified, inter alia, the resources available to achieve the objectives set
by the State. With a large proportion of the country’s population under the age of 25, it was
vital to protect this sector of the population legally and economically.
12. In this connection, the delegation addressed the issue of child labour. Many children
in Benin were working, often under duress. The Government had put in place instruments
to crack down on the main actors and accomplices in child labour, particularly when it was
organized by groups on the margins of society. This was provided for above all by the
introduction of specific provisions in the draft Criminal Code currently under consideration
by the National Assembly.
13. Aside from the crackdown, the delegation raised the issue of economic and social
support for the people of Benin in order to combat child labour. There were basic economic
and social factors related to access to education, parental employment and social security
which encouraged child labour and that the Government was attempting to address through
the following measures:
(a) Promotion of compulsory schooling and retention of children in school
through the allocation of subsidies and the implementation of a comprehensive school
canteen programme in all primary schools;
(b) Establishment of an insurance system, including social security and universal
health insurance, and support for the poorest families.
14. In concluding its introductory remarks, the delegation reiterated the commitment of
Benin to human rights, stressing that it was the demand for human rights at the 1990
Conference of the Active Forces of the Nations that had enabled the State’s transition to a
democratic regime. The delegation stood ready to answer questions from the members of
the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review.
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B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
15. During the interactive dialogue, 82 delegations made statements. Recommendations
made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.
16. Bangladesh welcomed the establishment of the Human Rights Commission and the
national authority to combat corruption. It noted that the Children’s Code incorporated the
provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Bangladesh congratulated Benin
for having made education accessible for all children and introduced a national fund for
youth employment.
17. Belgium welcomed the adoption of the Children’s Code in 2015. It commended the
comprehensive legal framework to combat impunity and measures to respect the rights of
women. However, it noted the lack of significant impact that the latter had had with regard
to the situation of women.
18. Botswana commended Benin for the adoption of the Children’s Code, the Electoral
Code and a decree on the establishment of powers and functions of the national institute for
women. It commended the cooperation of Benin with the treaty bodies and human rights
mechanisms.
19. China welcomed the adoption of laws to promote and protect the rights of children
and people with disabilities. It praised the national plans formulated to combat racial
discrimination and improve health care. It noted the efforts of Benin to eliminate poverty,
reduce hunger, provide access to drinking water and promote youth employment.
20. Bulgaria commended the enactment of the Children’s Code and the policy on free
education. It welcomed the efforts of Benin to fulfil its obligations following the ratification
of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,
aiming at the abolition of the death penalty and the enactment of the new Criminal Code,
providing for the abolition of the death penalty.
21. Burkina Faso congratulated Benin for the regulatory legislative measures it had
taken since its second review. It regretted, however, the high rate of maternal mortality,
harmful practices, in particular female genital mutilation, and child and forced marriages. It
urged Benin to adopt the law recognizing the same rights for all children. It invited the
international community to support Benin in its efforts.
22. Burundi congratulated Benin for the adoption of its Government Action Programme
2016–2021. It welcomed the adoption of a law to promote and protect persons with
disabilities, the drafting of a national action plan to combat racial discrimination and the
adoption of a national policy on justice. Burundi acknowledged the efforts of Benin in the
area of justice and the incorporation of international treaties in national law.
23. Cabo Verde welcomed the ratification by Benin of the Convention on Protection of
Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption and the Protocol to the
African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa. It
encouraged Benin to share the results of the implementation of its national action plan to
eliminate the worst forms of child labour.
24. Canada commended the adoption of the Children’s Code in 2015, establishing a
legal framework to protect children against sexual exploitation, and encouraged its effective
implementation. However, Canada remained concerned that violations of those rights,
particularly regarding freedom of expression and assembly, persisted.
25. The Central African Republic congratulated Benin for its broad consultations with
civil society while drafting its national report for the universal periodic review and
welcomed the adoption of several legal instruments strengthening the promotion and
protection of human rights.
26. Chad praised the 2014 national action plan against racism and racial discrimination,
xenophobia and intolerance. It noted with satisfaction the Government Action Programme
2016–2021, the adoption of the Children’s Code and the law to prevent and prohibit
domestic violence.
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27. Brazil commended the development of national action plans to combat racial
discrimination and the worst forms of child labour. It welcomed the ratification of the
Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in
Africa. It encouraged Benin to expedite the ratification of other relevant human rights
instruments.
28. Congo commended the adoption of the Children’s Code. It encouraged the effective
implementation of its provisions to eliminate any risk of death or abandonment of children
with disabilities at birth, or those so-called “witch children”, and to protect children from
sale, trafficking and economic and sexual exploitation. Congo welcomed the cooperation of
Benin with the treaty bodies and special procedures.
29. Côte d’Ivoire congratulated Benin for the regulatory and legislative measures it had
taken to follow up on the recommendations from its second review, particularly the
Government Action Programme 2016–2021 and the laws on the Human Rights
Commission, the Electoral Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure.
30. Croatia welcomed the adoption of the Children’s Code and the ratification of the
Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption.
It supported the efforts of Benin to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the
Rights of the Child on a communications procedure. Croatia expressed concern at the
socioeconomic and regional disparities in children’s access to education. It encouraged
Benin to address impunity regarding children’s rights.
31. Guatemala regretted reports according to which the Human Rights Commission was
still not operational, as well as reports of harmful practices against women and girls, in
particular female genital mutilation.
32. Djibouti congratulated Benin for the measures it had taken since its last universal
periodic review, notably the creation of a national authority to combat corruption, the
adoption in 2015 of the Children’s Code and the establishment of a national policy to
protect children.
33. Egypt commended Benin for the progress it had made on human rights by enhancing
legislative structures to ensure the harmonization of national legislation with international
standards. It praised the country’s submission of its periodic reports to the treaties bodies.
34. Ethiopia commended Benin for its protection and promotion of human rights. It
praised its commitment to make education accessible to all, which, in its opinion, had been
fulfilled gradually over the past 10 years.
35. France praised the adoption of the Children’s Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure
and the text on the creation of the Human Rights Commission. It commended the policies
on the protection of children, the development of the justice system and combating violence
against women. It was, however, concerned at the situation of vulnerable persons.
36. Georgia praised the ratification of several international agreements and conventions
by Benin, including the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights and the adoption of the Children’s Code. While welcoming the
establishment in 2013 of the Human Rights Commission, it regretted that it was still not
operational.
37. Germany expressed appreciation for the efforts undertaken by Benin to implement
the recommendations it had received during its second review and the constructive way in
which it was dealing with them. However, Germany remained concerned at the continuing
human rights violations.
38. Ghana welcomed the ratification of international treaties by Benin and the national
plan to combat racial discrimination, the National Health Development Plan (2009–2018),
the national policy to protect children and the national policy on the development of the
justice system. Ghana urged Benin to ratify the Convention on the Protection of the Rights
of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
39. Cuba noted that Benin had taken measures to harmonize its national legislation and
adopt policies on human rights. Cuba praised the commitment by Benin to apply a new
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policy on social security to improve access to social services for all citizens, especially for
the poorest.
40. Haiti commended recognition by Benin of the competency of the African Court of
Human and Peoples’ Rights to receive complaints from non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) and individuals. It welcomed the decision by Benin to exempt girls from paying
school fees for secondary education and the adoption of the Children’s Code.
41. The Holy See noted the legislative progress in Benin and the initiatives to foster
protection, education and health-care services for children, and the birth registration
programme to help to combat child trafficking and other forms of slavery. It mentioned the
efforts to eradicate the killing of so-called “witch children”.
42. Honduras commended the adoption of the national action plan against racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. It also noted the decision of Benin to
exempt girls from paying school fees for secondary education.
43. Iceland welcomed the progress made by Benin since its second review, including the
adoption of the Children’s Code. However, it noted that there was room for improvement.
44. India welcomed the establishment of a national authority to combat corruption. It
noted the measures taken by Benin to combat poverty, strengthen the justice system,
generate employment, combat violence against women and children, and implement the
right to health. India encouraged Benin to complete the process of setting up its Human
Rights Commission and ensuring its independence.
45. Indonesia commended the commitment of Benin to make education accessible to all
and the adoption of the Children’s Code. It welcomed the establishment, in 2016, of a
national framework, through a national charter for social dialogue, to prevent and manage
social conflicts, strengthen the democratic process and promote good governance.
46. Iraq welcomed the strengthening of the legal framework for the protection of
children, the adoption of the Information and Communication Code and the adoption of the
action plan against racial discrimination.
47. Ireland commended Benin for the abolition, in practice, of the death penalty.
However, it noted that the sentences of death-row inmates had not yet been commuted. It
welcomed the adoption of the Information and Communication Code, although it noted
reports of restrictions and suspension of independent media outlets, and that some media
offences were still punishable by prison sentences or heavy fines.
48. Italy commended Benin for the adoption of the Information and Communication
Code, the Children’s Code and the new Code of Criminal Procedure, and for the ratification
of the Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry
Adoption.
49. Kenya commended Benin for the efforts it had made in the implementation of the
recommendations from previous universal periodic reviews and its engagement with human
rights mechanisms, and encouraged it to maintain its efforts in implementing the outcome
of the present review.
50. Libya welcomed the progress achieved in strengthening the judiciary and
harmonizing national legislation with international standards, and the ratification of a
number of international and regional instruments.
51. Madagascar welcomed the measures adopted to combat poverty, strengthen the
judiciary, reduce prison overcrowding and combat violence against women and children. It
commended the ratification of several international and regional instruments.
52. Malaysia welcomed the efforts made to harmonize the national legislation with
international standards, and advancements made in the field of health, education, women’s
rights, children, housing and land management. It commended the new policy on social
protection and access to basic social services, but it noted that infant, neonatal and maternal
mortality rates remained high.
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53. The Maldives welcomed the Government Action Programme 2016–2021, extension
of the free education policy to higher education, steps towards universal access to drinking
water and adoption of the Children’s Code, the national policy to protect children and the
national action plan incorporating the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the
Child.
54. Mali congratulated Benin for the adoption of the Children’s Code and the
Information and Communication Code, the creation of the Human Rights Commission, the
programmes of the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment, the facilitation of
access to credit and the microcredit programmes for the poorest people, the national fund to
promote youth employment and the establishment of a national corps of young volunteers
to boost development. It encouraged the international community to support the efforts of
Benin.
55. Mauritania commended Benin for the strengthening of its legal framework for the
promotion and protection of human rights, and for progress made towards employment of
young people, better access to basic social services and health care, and improving the
quality of health-care services.
56. Mauritius congratulated Benin for the adoption of its Government Action
Programme 2016–2021, the Children’s Code and the child protection policy and related
action plan. It welcomed measures to improve access to drinking water, health services and
housing, provide free higher education and support the economic empowerment of women
and the nationwide birth registration campaign.
57. Mexico acknowledged the progress of Benin in the area of freedoms of expression
and opinion, and measures to improve access to justice and the prison system. Mexico
welcomed the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights and the approval of the Code of Persons and Family and a
national action plan to combat racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia.
58. Montenegro welcomed the adoption of the action plan against racial discrimination
and the law on the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, but
noted the concerns of the Committee on the Rights of the Child concerning the exclusion of
children with disabilities. It regretted that a new Criminal Code abolishing the death penalty
had not yet been adopted.
59. Morocco commended the adoption of the Children’s Code and a national policy to
protect children, the establishment of standards applicable to children’s shelters and
protection centres and the development of an action plan to eliminate the worst forms of
child labour. It welcomed the creation of the Human Rights Commission and provisions in
the Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure to criminalize torture.
60. The delegation of Benin thanked the Member States for the recommendations made
and gave assurances that they would be taken into account.
61. On the question of the suspension, qualified as arbitrary, of certain media outlets, the
delegation referred to the recent adoption of an Information Code and the need to observe
the rule of law; it also referred to the Audiovisual and Telecommunications Authority, an
independent body established under the Constitution.
62. The delegation also stressed that the security forces had not used excessive force
while policing recent demonstrations. It indicated that the Government would have applied
sanctions in the event of police abuse.
63. With regard to the recommendation to register the births of all citizens, a registration
mechanism for registering the Beninese population had been set up to ensure that every
citizen was provided with biometric and digital civil-status records so that they could assert
their civil, economic, social and political rights.
64. As for strengthening the judicial system, the process of providing resources and
recruiting 118 young trainee judges, in addition to the 150 members of the judiciary already
employed, continued.
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65. Concerning the prison population, the delegation indicated that the number of
prisoners had decreased from 7,247 in 2012 to 6,297 in 2017 (out of a national population
of more than 10 million). There were 119 minors, including 7 girls, and 243 women,
including 26 mothers of young children, held in prisons in Benin. The separation between
the male/female and adult/minor quarters had been ensured thanks to the organizations and
strategic partners that had provided assistance to Benin on separation measures.
66. Of these prisoners, 60 to 70 per cent were incarcerated on a temporary basis and few
would be subject to criminal sanctions. Benin had just adopted a decree to separate prisons
from correctional facilities. A prison agency had recently been created to deal exclusively
with prison establishments.
67. The delegation added that the Beninese Human Rights Commission was also being
set up.
68. In addition, the Beninese Criminal Code, currently under consideration by the
National Assembly, would contain material relating to crimes against humanity and torture.
69. The delegation then recalled that the Second Optional Protocol to the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, had
been ratified. The Supreme Council of Justice was going to adopt a decree commuting the
death penalty to appropriate penalties.
70. Also on the subject of the ratification of treaties, the delegation recalled that the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women had been
ratified.
71. The delegation affirmed that prosecutions had been carried out and sentences handed
down for impermissible actions against vidomegon children.
72. With regard to cultural or ritual mutilation and infanticide, the Government was not
aware of any cases that had not resulted in prosecutions. In addition, an awareness-raising
campaign had been launched in traditional places of worship where children were provided
with education and health care, and irregularities observed were punished.
73. Namibia commended Benin for the progress it had made in implementing the
recommendations of its second review, despite the various challenges regarding capacity
faced by the country, and encouraged it to continue implementing the Government Action
Programme 2016–2021 with emphasis on its third pillar on improving the living conditions
of the population.
74. Nepal welcomed the adoption of the law creating the Human Rights Commission
and encouraged Benin to make it operational as early as possible. It commended Benin for
the launch of a national policy to protect children and related action plan, steps taken
towards the abolition of the death penalty and protecting women’s rights and economic,
social and cultural rights.
75. The Netherlands welcomed the efforts to improve prison conditions and abolish the
death penalty. It encouraged Benin to develop a concerted strategy to reduce prison
overcrowding and remove the death penalty from all national legislation.
76. Nigeria welcomed the creation of the Human Rights Commission, a national
authority to combat corruption and the regional offices of the Ombudsman. It also
welcomed the improvements in prison conditions and the efforts made to bring national
legislation into line with international standards.
77. Pakistan welcomed the efforts made towards the eradication of poverty, ensuring
women’s rights and combating violence against women. It appreciated the adoption of the
Children’s Code and the national policy to protect children and its action plan.
78. Portugal thanked Benin for its report and welcomed the establishment of a
programme of “child-friendly” courts.
79. Qatar welcomed the ratification by Benin of a range of international instruments and
the setting up of human rights bodies. It commended initiatives that had been undertaken to
facilitate the population’s access to health services.
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80. The Republic of Korea commended Benin for its 14-point national implementation
plan following its second review, and for the adoption of the Children’s Code and of the
new Code of Criminal Procedure, guaranteeing the right to a fair trial.
81. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the strengthening of the legal protection of
children, the justice system development policy, the action plan against racial
discrimination, the adoption of a document on the standard operating procedures to be
followed in combating violence against women, the recognition of the competence of the
African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to receive cases from NGOs and individuals.
It asked whether the rights of children to be heard and participate in public life were
ensured in the legislation.
82. Rwanda commended the efforts that had been made to improve the social and
economic status of the population and to accede to the Convention on the Prevention and
Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It encouraged Benin to remove provisions pertaining
to the death penalty from its Criminal Code.
83. Saudi Arabia praised the measures that had been taken by Benin to encourage the
employment of young people, especially through programmes carried out by the National
Agency for the Promotion of Employment and the facilitation of credit and microcredit.
84. Senegal welcomed the adoption of a national action plan against racial
discrimination, the signing of a national charter on social dialogue by the Government, the
National Employers Council and trade unions, and the adoption of the Government Action
Programme 2016–2021.
85. Sierra Leone commended the adoption of a national action plan against racial
discrimination, the Children’s Code and the Government Action Programme 2016–2021. It
also commended Benin for hosting the African symposium for human rights defenders in
2017.
86. Slovenia noted with appreciation the adoption of the Children’s Code and a national
policy to protect children, and the accession of Benin to the Second Optional Protocol to
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It expressed concern at the
prevalence of, and impunity for, female genital mutilation and early and forced marriages,
especially in rural areas, and at prison overcrowding and the conditions of detention. It
encouraged Benin to bring its Criminal Code into line with its international commitments.
87. South Africa welcomed the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the illegality of the
death penalty, and commended Benin for the Children’s Code and the promotion of youth
employment. It also welcomed the improvement of the screening and care of people living
with HIV/AIDS, as well as the setting-up of integrated support centres for victims of
gender-based violence.
88. South Sudan commended Benin for ratifying several regional and international legal
instruments. It noted with satisfaction that Benin had adopted several laws during its second
review, and the incorporation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child into the
Children’s Code.
89. Spain welcomed the creation of the Human Rights Commission and the ratification
of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol.
90. The State of Palestine commended Benin for the adoption of the Children’s Code
and echoed the recommendation to adopt a comprehensive strategy with local protection
mechanisms accessible to children. It welcomed the acceptance by Benin of the
recommendation made during its second review to provide free education.
91. Sudan commended the ratification and/or adoption of several regional and
international conventions and strategic plans. It encouraged Benin to improve women and
children’s rights and the situation in prisons. It encouraged Benin to take the necessary
measures to fight poverty and support social and economic rights.
92. Switzerland welcomed the adoption of the 2015 Children’s Code. However, it noted
that numerous challenges persisted in that area. It also noted that the health system was still
fragile and that emergency care was not accessible to all.
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93. Timor-Leste commended the adoption of the action plan against racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the Government’s decision in 2015
to exempt girls from fees for secondary schools.
94. Togo commended Benin for the improvements it had made in the field of human
rights and the various positive legislative changes, and the creation of a national institution
to promote women’s rights and of a national authority to combat corruption. Togo called on
the international community to continue supporting Benin in its efforts to improve the
situation of vulnerable persons.
95. Tunisia welcomed the steps taken by Benin to implement recommendations from the
previous cycle. It commended the cooperation of Benin with UNHCR and the
establishment of the Human Rights Commission.
96. Turkey welcomed the adoption of the Children’s Code in 2015 and the decision to
exempt girls from fees at secondary schools. It appreciated the legislative progress in Benin
and the national action plans in the area of human rights.
97. Ukraine welcomed the adoption of the Children’s Code, the Information and
Communication Code and the law on the establishment of the Human Rights Commission.
Ukraine recognized the commitment of Benin to eliminate torture and the steps taken in
that regard, including the adoption of new laws and the organization of related training
programmes.
98. The United Kingdom welcomed the decision of the Constitutional Court to abolish
the death penalty. It urged Benin to implement recommendations regarding prison
conditions. It remained concerned at the continued practice of ritual infanticide and urged
Benin to work closely with experts and NGOs to eradicate it. It supported recommendations
from the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children and sexual exploitation of children,
including child prostitution, child pornography and other child sexual abuse material. While
welcoming the measures taken in the security sector, it remained concerned at the lack of
independence of the judiciary.
99. The United States recognized the efforts of Benin to protect children from human
trafficking. However, it remained concerned at the lack of sufficient measures and that the
penalties for trafficking crimes were weak. It applauded the launch of a national authority
to combat corruption and the collaboration between the Government and civil society actors
on good governance and transparency initiatives. It noted that early and forced marriage
continued to be a major problem in Benin.
100. Uruguay, while welcoming the measures that had been taken by Benin to eliminate
gender imbalance, it shared the concern of OHCHR at the absence of a national mechanism
for monitoring the rights of women and the lack of related data. Uruguay welcomed the
advances regarding birth registration further to the creation of the General Direction of the
Civil Registry. It was concerned at the observations made by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization regarding the accessibility and quality of
education.
101. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed the legislative progress that had
been made in Benin, including the adoption of the law on community work in 2016 and the
Children’s Code in 2015. It highlighted the implementation of the Government Action
Programme 2016–2021, aimed at strengthening democracy.
102. Viet Nam welcomed the results of Benin in implementing the recommendations
made during the second cycle, and the public policies to promote and protect economic,
social and cultural rights, in particular the adoption of laws on promoting and protecting the
rights of persons with disabilities and the Children’s Code. It noted the challenges faced by
Benin regarding food security, access to drinking water and housing.
103. Zambia noted with satisfaction the measures taken to combat poverty, strengthen the
justice system, reduce prison overcrowding, combat violence against women and children
and promote economic, social and cultural rights, including improving prison conditions.
104. Zimbabwe welcomed the creation of the Human Rights Commission, the adoption
of the Children’s Code and the development of the national action plans to combat and
GE.17-23482 11
eliminate the worst forms of child labour and racial discrimination. It also noted the
measures that had been taken by Benin to promote youth employment, and the rights to
water, food, housing, health and education.
105. Algeria noted that the legislative framework had been reinforced regarding the rights
of children, communication and information, elections and justice. It welcomed the
ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the
Establishment of an African Court on Human and People’s Rights, and the creation of a
national institute to promote the rights of women, a national authority to combat corruption
and shelters for children.
106. Angola welcomed the ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human
and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and People’s
Rights and the adoption of the Human Rights Commission and a national action plan on the
elimination of the worst forms of child labour.
107. Argentina thanked Benin for the submission of its national report and made
recommendations.
108. Armenia, while welcoming progress made at the legislative level, remained
concerned at the persistence of discrimination against women. It welcomed the decennial
plan on education and encouraged Benin to ensure free education for all and increase
school enrolment for girls. It also encouraged Benin to improve access to birth registration.
109. Australia commended Benin on the removal of provisions for the death penalty from
its Code of Criminal Procedure and on its contribution to the launch of the African Union
Campaign to End Child Marriage and its related national campaign. Australia was
concerned at the reportedly poor conditions in prisons in Benin.
110. Azerbaijan welcomed the establishment of a national authority to combat corruption
and the fact that Benin had started to organize competitive recruitment of civil servants. It
also commended the efforts of Benin to implement the right to education, in particular its
policy on free education.
111. The delegation thanked all speakers and confirmed that their expressions of
encouragement would be taken into account.
112. On issues relating to forced labour and forced marriage, the delegation promised that
such acts would be prosecuted and that responses to the recommendations would be
provided.
113. With regard to the independence of the judiciary, Benin stated that it was making
every effort to strengthen its judicial system by extending the judicial map and recruiting
clerks and more judges.
114. In a difficult national and global context, satisfying the economic, social and cultural
rights of citizens was proving difficult to achieve. However, the Government of Benin
remained focused on the human rights situation.
115. In addition, Benin had undertaken to follow up on all the comments it had accepted,
including those relating to the establishment and functioning of the Beninese Human Rights
Commission.
116. The delegation appealed to technical and financial partners to continue to support
Benin in implementing development programmes, including for the promotion and
protection of human rights.
117. In conclusion, the delegation reiterated its appreciation to the troika, Council
members, Member States and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights for their support.
II. Conclusions and/or recommendations
118. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue listed below
have been examined by Benin and enjoy the support of Benin:
12 GE.17-23482
118.1 Speed up the ratification process of the International Convention on
the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their
Families (Burundi); Step up efforts to ratify the International Convention on
the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their
Families (Indonesia); Promptly ratify the International Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their
Families (Guatemala);
118.2 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child on a communications procedure (Montenegro) (Portugal);
118.3 Speed up the ratification process of the Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which
establishes a communication procedure (Burundi);
118.4 Promptly ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Guatemala);
118.5 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons
from Enforced Disappearance (Iraq);
118.6 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights (Mexico);
118.7 Accelerate the process of ratification of the international instruments
listed in the national report (see para. 13) (Madagascar);
118.8 Ratify the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169)
of the International Labour Organization (Guatemala);
118.9 Sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (Guatemala);
118.10 Ratify the Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory
Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity (Armenia);
118.11 Intensify efforts to submit national reports to the various treaty
bodies (Iraq);
118.12 Adopt an open, merit-based selection process when selecting national
candidates for treaty body elections (United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland);
118.13 Take specific and effective measures to make the Human Rights
Commission fully operational, and also to guarantee the Commission’s
independence by ensuring adequate resources and financial autonomy as
recommended by the Human Rights Committee (Bangladesh);
118.14 Speed up the process of selecting the members of the Human Rights
Commission to make it operational (Côte d’Ivoire);
118.15 Appoint the members of the Human Rights Commission and provide
the necessary means for its functioning and independence (France);
118.16 Appoint the members of the Human Rights Commission and ensure
their independence by providing them with financial autonomy and sufficient
human and material resources to carry out their mandate, in accordance with
the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion
and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles) (Guatemala);
118.17 Continue efforts to make sure that the Human Rights Commission
functions in an effective and independent manner (Georgia);
118.18 Make the national Human Rights Commission operational
(Germany);
118.19 Continue the establishment of the Human Rights Commission (Iraq);
GE.17-23482 13
118.20 Take the necessary measures to ensure that the national Human
Rights Commission is fully functional and equipped with the necessary
mandate and resources in accordance with the Paris Principles (Nepal);
118.21 Undertake the necessary steps to ensure that the national Human
Rights Commission operates in accordance with the Paris Principles,
particularly in terms of its financial independence and with sufficient human
and material resources to enable it to effectively exercise its mandate
(Netherlands);
118.22 Ensure that the national Human Rights Commission operates in
compliance with the Paris Principles, particularly in terms of its financial
independence (Republic of Korea);
118.23 Finalize the set-up of the Human Rights Commission and ensure its
functioning in accordance with the Paris Principles (Republic of Moldova);
118.24 Enhance its efforts to strengthen the effectiveness of its human rights
institution to bring it fully into line with the Paris Principles (Rwanda);
118.25 Set up the Human Rights Commission, which was created in 2013
(Senegal);
118.26 Expedite the functionality of its national human rights institution
(Sierra Leone);
118.27 Expedite the setting up of the Human Rights Commission (South
Africa);
118.28 Continue to build up the national human rights institutional
framework, in particular the Human Rights Commission, and ensure its
effective functioning (Ukraine);
118.29 Fully capacitate and empower the national institute for women
(South Africa);
118.30 Continue efforts to harmonize nation legislation with international
conventions to which Benin is a party (Qatar);
118.31 Take all necessary measures to ensure that national human rights
instruments are rigorously implemented (Burkina Faso);
118.32 Speed up the process of adoption of the new Criminal Code
(Georgia);
118.33 Expedite the adoption of the draft law on trafficking in persons in
accordance with international law (Iceland);
118.34 Promulgate the adopted texts in order to make them effective and
operational (Madagascar);
118.35 Adopt the various legislative recommendations, including the act on
gender and women’s participation in political life, and a national monitoring
mechanism for women’s rights (Namibia);
118.36 Expedite legislation to criminalize torture and bring perpetrators to
justice, in accordance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Republic of Korea);
118.37 Adopt the new Criminal Code so as to finally exclude the death
penalty from its legislation (Republic of Moldova);
118.38 Expedite the adoption of the draft law on trafficking in persons, in
accordance with international law (Timor-Leste);
118.39 Speed up the adoption of the new Criminal Code (Zambia);
118.40 Ensure that Parliament adopts all the pending legislation (Zambia);
14 GE.17-23482
118.41 Bring its national legislation into conformity with the provisions of
the international human rights instruments to which it is a party (Zimbabwe);
118.42 Pass legislation as soon as possible to ensure that the Second Optional
Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is
implemented in domestic law as soon as practicable (Australia);
118.43 Continue efforts to combat discrimination (Morocco);
118.44 Continue to promote economic and social sustainable development,
raise people’s standard of living and lay a solid foundation for the enjoyment of
all human rights by its people (China);
118.45 Continue to establish policy to support the creation of income-
generating activities through the provision of ongoing training, the promotion
of entrepreneurship and the granting of credit to specific projects (Ethiopia);
118.46 Implement pillar 3 of the Government Action Programme 2016–2021,
which focuses on improving the living conditions of the population (Cuba);
118.47 Continue to mobilize resources and the necessary technical support to
further enhance its capacity to fulfil its human rights obligations (Nigeria);
118.48 Sustain and scale up the ongoing efforts to attain the Sustainable
Development Goals, such as access to drinking water, food security, access to
health care and education (Nigeria);
118.49 Consider adopting development plans to improve the living
conditions of the vulnerable populations, especially women and children
(Pakistan);
118.50 Further strengthen its efforts to combat poverty for provision of
equitable access and resources to all its people (Pakistan);
118.51 Continue and further expand its microcredit programme for the
poorest people and ensure loan allocations to women (Pakistan);
118.52 Develop infrastructure in rural areas to enable better access for
people to basic social services (Senegal);
118.53 Continue strengthening its social programmes to improve the quality
of life of its people, in particular the most in need, with the assistance and
cooperation that the country requests (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
118.54 Take further proper legislative measures to abolish the death penalty
(Ukraine);
118.55 Commute the sentences of the last individuals to be sentenced to
death and work to improve the detention conditions in the country’s prisons
(Canada);
118.56 Complete the process aimed at the abolition of the death penalty
(Central African Republic);
118.57 Adopt, as soon as possible, the Criminal Code containing the
provisions on the abolition of the death penalty and the criminalization of
torture, and adopt the law criminalizing all forms of trafficking and the decrees
of application of the Children’s Code (France);
118.58 Approve the Criminal Code and, in particular, the abolition of the
death penalty (Holy See);
118.59 Reflect the abolition of the death penalty in its legislative framework
and commute existing death sentences to prison sentences (Ireland);
118.60 Commute the sentences of the inmates currently sentenced to death
and, having already acceded to the Second Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, speed up the adoption of
the new Criminal Code to abolish the death penalty (Namibia);
GE.17-23482 15
118.61 Take appropriate measures to fight against so-called acts of popular
justice (Congo);
118.62 Undertake investigations on extrajudicial killings in order to bring
the perpetrators to justice and to provide reparation to the victims or to their
families (Montenegro);
118.63 Make torture a criminal offence in accordance with the Convention
against Torture (Zambia);
118.64 Conduct prompt and impartial investigations into allegations of
torture and ensure that anyone committing such a crime receives a punishment
commensurate with the gravity of the act (Zambia);
118.65 Launch the human rights educational programmes for law
enforcement officers on combating torture and respect for human rights
(Ukraine);
118.66 Strictly apply the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, in
particular those relating to the maximum period of detention on remand
(France);
118.67 Take steps to reform the prison system and to ensure the protection
of the rights of detainees (Italy);
118.68 Continue improving the often still precarious conditions in Benin
prisons (Germany);1
118.69 Continue its efforts aimed at improving detention conditions (Central
African Republic);
118.70 Take all necessary measures for the strict separation of detainees
according to their age, sex and status, with the aim of improving prison
conditions, as follow-up to paragraphs 108.34, 108.36, 108.37 and 108.38 of the
recommendations from the second cycle (Haiti);
118.71 Redouble efforts to improve the conditions of the detention facilities,
with particular consideration for women and children, and expedite trials
(Holy See);
118.72 Improve prisons and the living and health conditions in detention
facilities and, in particular, end overcrowding and the lack of sanitation, enable
easy visits by the relatives of children and prohibit and punish prison officers
for acts of torture and ill-treatment (Kenya);
118.73 Take further steps to conclude the ongoing prison modernization
(Nigeria);
118.74 Continue to improve prison conditions, enhancing measures already
adopted to avoid overcrowding, malnutrition and poor sanitation, and end the
abusive use of pretrial detention (Spain);
118.75 Continue efforts to improve prison conditions, prison capacity and
find alternative solutions to imprisonment (Angola);
118.76 Address the overcrowding of prisons, including through actions to
minimize long pretrial detention periods (Australia);
118.77 Guarantee the poorest people access to legal aid (France);
118.78 Support the efforts of the judiciary to effectively implement the
adopted reforms by ensuring adequate financial support from the Ministry of
Justice as foreseen in the national development plan in the area of justice
(Germany);
1 The recommendation as read during the interactive dialogue was: “Continue improving the often still miserable conditions in Benin prisons” (Germany).
16 GE.17-23482
118.79 Significantly strengthen the cooperation between the different actors
of the judiciary to avoid long pretrial detention and to ensure every citizen’s
right to a fair trial in due time (Germany);
118.80 Finalize the ongoing judicial reforms, in particular on the Criminal
Code (Senegal);
118.81 Continue to strengthen efforts to provide better legal protection for
vulnerable groups, especially women, children and youth, by increasing the
number of specialized judges and providing free legal services for those who
seek it (Netherlands);
118.82 Sustain and strengthen nascent anti-corruption and transparency
initiatives, in consultation with civil society, including through follow-on
discussions to the national anti-corruption forum held in June (United States of
America);
118.83 Revise the bill on freedom of association, freedom of expression and
freedom of assembly, submitted in 2012, which is currently pending review by
the Supreme Court, with a view to adopting legislation that will protect the
rights of civil society (Canada);
118.84 Continue its efforts to establish efficient and transparent public
services (Azerbaijan);
118.85 Take the necessary measures for the adoption of laws on the new
Criminal Code, trafficking in persons and the prison system (Côte d’Ivoire);
118.86 Continue efforts to put an end to human trafficking and sexual
exploitation of children (Iraq);
118.87 Legislate to counter human trafficking and protect victims (South
Africa);
118.88 Take all necessary steps to enforce laws on forced labour, modern
slavery and human trafficking, in particular on child trafficking (United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
118.89 Finalize and enact legislation to criminalize all forms of human
trafficking, as defined in international law, with sufficiently stringent penalties
(United States of America);
118.90 Continue strengthening the action plan on the trafficking of human
beings in order to prevent this crime, providing protection to victims and
punishing the perpetrators (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
118.91 Seek to legislate minimum standards for the elimination of people
trafficking, including the trafficking of women and girls (Australia);
118.92 Continue applying effective measures for the promotion of
employment among young people that allow fair and satisfactory labour
conditions (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
118.93 Continue its efforts to further promote the integration of young
people into the labour market (Viet Nam);
118.94 Adopt integrated local development plans to improve the living
conditions and living standards of vulnerable populations (Congo);
118.95 Continue to step up investment in agriculture and ensure food
security (China);
118.96 Continue its efforts in the fight against hunger, in order to achieve
food security and ensure that all people, at all times, have physical, social and
economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary
needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life (Brazil);
GE.17-23482 17
118.97 Take all necessary measures to reduce the proportion of populations
suffering from hunger (Saudi Arabia);
118.98 Seek technical assistance to address food security challenges in order
to mitigate the negative effects of malnutrition and poverty (Sierra Leone);
118.99 Set up strategies to support and strengthen the progress recently
achieved in the area of food security (Viet Nam);
118.100 Take all necessary measures to promote access to clean drinking
water for all (Saudi Arabia);
118.101 Continue efforts to ensure better access of the population to drinking
water and sanitation (Algeria);
118.102 Continue to develop its health-care undertakings to better guarantee
people’s right to health (China);
118.103 Strengthen the public health system to ensure better access to
primary care for all, especially through universal health coverage (Djibouti);
118.104 Continue the implementation of health services through policies
aimed at strengthening infrastructure in urban and rural areas (Ethiopia);
118.105 Improve health-care infrastructure, access to emergency obstetric
care, midwife training and health-care access for women from both rural and
urban backgrounds (Holy See);
118.106 Adopt a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health policy for
adolescents (Iceland);
118.107 Improve the health-care infrastructure, particularly by paying
special attention to enhancing access to health care for women in poor and
rural areas (India);
118.108 Improve health-care infrastructure in general to enable access to
health care for all and especially access to emergency obstetric care, midwife
training and resources devoted to maternal health (Kenya);
118.109 Increase efforts to reduce infant, neonatal and maternal mortality,
through systematic prevention and treatment mechanisms and accessible
maternal and infant health-care services (Malaysia);
118.110 Extend the access and improve the quality of services of prenatal,
postnatal and obstetrics health care, in order to reduce the maternal mortality
rate (Mexico);
118.111 Improve access for everyone to quality health services (Qatar);
118.112 Fully fund implementation of the new national plan to combat HIV-
related stigmatization and discrimination (South Africa);
118.113 Set up an inclusive health policy to ensure that, in particular,
emergency care is more effective and more accessible for all (Switzerland);
118.114 Continue efforts in order to provide health and education services to
a larger part of the population and continue initiatives related to social housing
(Libya);
118.115 Continue addressing illiteracy, particularly in rural areas
(Indonesia);
118.116 Accelerate the implementation of the policy on free education, in
order to ensure that all children, particularly those from disadvantaged
households, are not deprived of their right to education (State of Palestine);
118.117 Continue providing human rights training within the municipalities
and in schools providing general education (Cuba);
18 GE.17-23482
118.118 Provide free primary education, create a safe and protective
environment for all children to keep them in the education system, especially
those in rural and remote areas (Kenya);
118.119 Continue the measures to reinforce access to education (Morocco);
118.120 Strengthen school infrastructure, taking into account the concerns of
women and girls, particularly as regards access to appropriate sanitation
facilities (Portugal);
118.121 Ensure that sexual and reproductive health education is mandatory
for all adolescents, irrespective of their gender (Portugal);
118.122 Improve hygiene conditions, nutrition and access to drinking water in
schools (Portugal);
118.123 Strengthen literary programmes for women and girls living in rural
communities (Sierra Leone);
118.124 Implement measures to reduce the high drop-out rate among girls
from schools, ensuring free primary education (Uruguay);
118.125 Continue its efforts to increase the quality and availability of
education at all levels and all over the country (Azerbaijan);
118.126 Continue efforts to stop violence against women (Egypt);
118.127 Step up efforts to disseminate information on the existence of new
legislative provisions related to the prevention and prohibition of violence
against women, ensuring women are duly informed of all the legal channels
available to them (Belgium);
118.128 Ensure that cases of violence against women and children are
thoroughly investigated, perpetrators are prosecuted and sentenced and victims
receive reparation (France);
118.129 Strengthen efforts to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination
and violence against women and children, in particular, practices such as
female genital mutilation and child and early forced marriage. Ensure that
victims of such violence receive appropriate help and that perpetrators are
brought to justice (Italy);
118.130 Strengthen and implement measures to promote gender equality and
equity, address the underrepresentation of women in decision-making bodies,
gender-based violence and elimination of harmful traditional practices
(Rwanda);
118.131 Redouble its efforts to significantly reduce the rates of neonatal and
maternal mortality, harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation, child
marriage and forced marriage (Burkina Faso);
118.132 Step up efforts to more efficiently implement the prohibition of
female genital mutilation in all areas of the country and among all groups of
citizens (Germany);
118.133 Ensure that cases of violence against women are investigated,
perpetrators prosecuted and victims awarded reparation (Iceland);
118.134 Continue taking steps to reduce gender-based violence and
promoting gender equality (Indonesia);
118.135 Implement a coordination strategy between the heath and justice
authorities to prevent and punish acts of female genital mutilation (Mexico);
118.136 Establish a mechanism to facilitate victim identification and ensure
prosecution and punishment of all acts of female genital mutilation (Slovenia);
118.137 Continue its efforts to reduce the prevalence of female genital
mutilation in the country (South Sudan);
GE.17-23482 19
118.138 Make progress in eradicating violence against women, stepping up
actions such as awareness-raising campaigns and the creation of shelters, and
implementing measures to contribute to the eradication of female genital
mutilation and child marriage (Spain);
118.139 Step up actions in the area of gender equality, including the
implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda to guarantee the
participation of women in all areas of decision-making (Spain);
118.140 Implement measures and awareness-raising campaigns to eradicate
female genital mutilation and other harmful practices against women
(Uruguay);
118.141 Continue the measures already undertaken to strengthen the fight
against harmful practices and violence against women (Armenia);
118.142 Continue efforts to combat discrimination against women and
eliminate all forms of discrimination against them, especially domestic violence
(Tunisia);
118.143 Take the necessary measures in law and in practice to put an end to
discrimination between men and women regarding nationality (Algeria);
118.144 Adopt the draft law establishing quotas for women in elections,
putting them in an advantageous position, as follow-up to paragraphs 108.42,
108.50 and 108.87 of the recommendations from the second cycle (Haiti);
118.145 Continue its efforts to promote women’s rights by increasing the
representation of women in both the public and private sectors (Maldives);
118.146 Continue the implementation of policies to encourage the sustainable
economic empowerment of women, in particular in rural areas (Bulgaria);
118.147 Establish a national mechanism for the advancement of women in
accordance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Honduras);
118.148 Continue efforts to protect the rights of women and children, as well
as other vulnerable groups (Nepal);
118.149 Strengthen the literacy programmes for women and girls, in
particular in rural areas (Turkey);
118.150 Take practical measures to ensure the full and proper
implementation of the Children’s Code, as recommended by the Committee on
the Rights of the Child in 2016 (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland);
118.151 Ensure the effective implementation of the Children’s Code with a
view to protect the rights of this vulnerable group (Belgium);
118.152 Establish a national institution for the monitoring of children and the
collection and analysis of the data concerning children (Cabo Verde);
118.153 Fast-track the implementation of the Children’s Code in order to
curb harmful practices against children, including child, early and forced
marriages, the sale of children and the killing of so-called “sorcerer’s children”
(Namibia);
118.154 Ensure respect for the rights and fundamental freedoms of children
through sanctioning the authors of all exploitation and forced labour practices
(Argentina);
118.155 Carry out investigations into cases of harmful practices against
children, ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted and remove children
from environments in which such practices are carried out (Belgium);
118.156 Provide legal aid to child victims and their guardians to strengthen
their access to courts (Botswana);
20 GE.17-23482
118.157 Launch awareness-raising campaigns aimed at changing the attitude
and practices related to ill-treatment and the abuse of children (Bulgaria);
118.158 Investigate and prosecute all persons responsible for harmful
practices against children, following the adoption of the new Children’s Code
(Croatia);
118.159 Strengthen awareness and education programmes, prevent harmful
traditional practices against women and girls and ensure that victims have
access to resources and protection and rehabilitation mechanisms (Guatemala);
118.160 Pursue efforts by taking the appropriate measures favourable to the
schooling of girls and their retention at school, in particular by fighting the
practice of vidomegons (Djibouti);
118.161 Take further steps to design policies and programmes to address the
ill-treatment and abuse of children and institute mandatory reporting
procedures regarding child abuse (Iceland);
118.162 Strengthen its efforts to combat ill-treatment of and violence against
children, and provide street children with the necessary protection, as well as
the housing, medical services, education and access to social services they need
(Mauritania);
118.163 Develop a strategic framework for the comprehensive protection of
children as regards trafficking and sexual exploitation (Sierra Leone);
118.164 Make efforts to design and adopt policies and programmes to raise
awareness concerning the ill-treatment and abuse of children (State of
Palestine);
118.165 Guarantee the implementation and the effectiveness of the Children’s
Code, particularly making accessible the relevant public services and providing
the necessary human and financial resources (Turkey);
118.166 Combat the exploitation of and violence against children (Turkey);
118.167 Continue efforts to strengthen the rights of the child, protect children
from sexual exploitation and combat trafficking in children and early marriage
(Tunisia);
118.168 Continue its efforts to combat child, early and forced marriages by
addressing their causes through the effective implementation of the action plan
for its national child protection policy (Canada);
118.169 Take appropriate and robust measures for the elimination of
practices, such as the placement of children, early marriages and child
trafficking (Central African Republic);
118.170 Implement the recently adopted Children’s Code and prosecute all
crimes and offences against children, including child marriage, sexual
exploitation, female genital mutilation and trafficking in children (Brazil);
118.171 Adopt measures to put an end to harmful practices, such as early and
forced marriages and genital mutilation, in line with the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development (Honduras);
118.172 Establish a national mechanism for the protection of the rights of
children, and allocate human and financial resources for its functioning
(Honduras);
118.173 Take the necessary measures to protect children from early
marriage, trafficking and infanticide (Republic of Korea);
118.174 Continue efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the
Children’s Code to guarantee that those cases of ritual infanticide, sexual child
abuse, trafficking in children and early marriage are prosecuted and
sanctioned (Switzerland);
GE.17-23482 21
118.175 Strengthen information campaigns against early and forced marriage
and enforce laws already in place (United States of America);
118.176 Adopt effective measures against child exploitation and trafficking,
including raising public awareness, combating impunity and protecting victims
(Spain);
118.177 Raise awareness among the communities on the prohibition of child
labour, particularly in relation to the common social practice whereby a child,
usually a daughter, is sent to live as a servant with a wealthier family, which
lends itself to acts of human trafficking (Botswana);
118.178 Strengthen control mechanisms to prevent and combat the economic
exploitation of children (Chad);
118.179 Strengthen the efforts to effectively fight child labour and child
trafficking by taking more preventive measures and implementing more
punitive measures (Germany);
118.180 Take additional measures on social, economic and legal protection to
combat child labour (Angola);
118.181 Keep improving the system of child registration at birth and avoid
any form of violence against children (Holy See);
118.182 Create a system of easy access for the registration of newborns
(Honduras);
118.183 Intensify efforts to raise awareness among the public of the
importance of birth registration and the birth registration process (Turkey);
118.184 Continue to step up efforts to guarantee that all births of children are
registered, especially in rural areas (Uruguay);
118.185 Continue in its efforts to promote the rights of the child and consider
setting up a centralized civil registration system (Mauritius);
118.186 Pursue its awareness-raising efforts on the importance of birth
registration, provide birth certificates and protect persons from the
consequences of non-registration (Sudan);
118.187 Improve the situation of persons with disabilities (Egypt);
118.188 Step up efforts to address prejudice against children with disabilities
to ensure that such children have access to health care and inclusive education
(Bulgaria);
118.189 Adopt the necessary policies to ensure that children with disabilities
are given equal opportunities in education and ensure that they are fully
integrated into school systems, free from discrimination of any kind (State of
Palestine);
118.190 Ensure that children with disabilities have access to health care and
combat the stigmatization of and prejudice against children with disabilities
(Timor-Leste);
118.191 Accelerate the promulgation of the law on the promotion and
protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and human trafficking
(Zimbabwe).
119. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below
have been examined by Benin and have been noted by Benin:
119.1 Strengthen efforts to prevent and combat arbitrary detentions,
extrajudicial executions and excessive use of force by the security forces (Italy);
119.2 Set specific, measurable, achievable and relevant goals, in
consultation with all stakeholders, in order to reduce bureaucracy (Haiti);
22 GE.17-23482
119.3 Ensure that all national legislation complies with international
standards on freedom of expression and media freedom, and take steps to
prevent arbitrary suspension of media outlets (Ireland);
119.4 Resist calls to further liberalize abortion and instead implement laws
aimed at protecting the right to life of the unborn, and recognize that life starts
at conception (Kenya);
119.5 Take urgent measures to investigate and sanction before justice
harmful practices, such as forced marriage, female genital mutilation,
widowhood practice, levirate and sororate, and purification rites for adulterous
women (Argentina);
119.6 Adopt measures against child activities in convents dedicated to
voodoo, where child abuses take place. Additionally, take measures to sanction
and prevent the practice of infanticide of so-called “witch children”
(Honduras).
119.7 As almost 90 per cent of children in Benin have unfortunately been
victims of violence at school, organize a national campaign for raising
awareness against these unacceptable offences (Croatia).
120. 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.
GE.17-23482 23
Annex
Composition of the delegation
The delegation of Benin was headed by H.E, Joseph Fifamin DJOGBENOU, Garde
des Sceaux, Ministre de la Justice et de la Législation, and composed of the following
members:
• Son Excellence M. Eloi LAOUROU, Ambassadeur, Représentant Permanent;
• Son Excellence M. Boniface YEHOUETOME, Deuxième Vice-Président de
l’Assemblée Nationale du Bénin;
• Mme A. Inès Laurenda HADONOU épouse TOFFOUN, Directrice de
l’Administration Pénitentiaire et de la Protection des Droits Humains;
• M. Maurille BIAOU, Deuxième Conseiller;
• M. Jimy AGONGBONON, Premier Secrétaire;
• M. Pierre FANDY, Premier Secrétaire;
• M. Boris Pierre TOKPANOU, en service à la Direction de l’Administration
Pénitentiaire et de la Protection des Droits Humains;
• Mme Fifamè GOUSSOUEMEDE épouse DOVONOU, Attachée.