38/16 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Liechtenstein
Document Type: Final Report
Date: 2018 Apr
Session: 38th Regular Session (2018 Jun)
Agenda Item: Item6: Universal Periodic Review
GE.18-05611(E)
Human Rights Council Thirty-eighth session
18 June–6 July 2018
Agenda item 6
Universal periodic review
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*
Liechtenstein
* The annex is being circulated without formal editing, in the language of submission only.
United Nations A/HRC/38/16
Introduction
1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance
with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-ninth session from 15 to 26
January 2018. The review of Liechtenstein was held at the 15th meeting on 24 January
2018. The delegation of Liechtenstein was headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Justice
and Culture, Aurelia Frick. At its 18th meeting, held on 26 January 2018, the Working
Group adopted the report on Liechtenstein.
2. On 10 January 2018, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of
rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Liechtenstein: Australia, Ecuador and
Ethiopia.
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 Liechtenstein:
(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with
paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/29/LIE/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.6/29/LIE /2);
(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)
(A/HRC/WG.6/29/LIE /3).
4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Brazil, Germany, Portugal and Spain was
transmitted to Liechtenstein through the troika. These questions are available on the website
of the universal periodic review.
I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process
A. Presentation by the State under review
5. The head of delegation said that the universal periodic review was among the most
obvious successes of the Human Rights Council, which, in itself, was a success story and a
powerful tool that had stimulated internal debate and triggered change in a large number of
countries, including Liechtenstein. The recommendations accepted from previous reviews
had either been integrated into ongoing reform processes and existing measures or separate
processes had been launched for that purpose.
6. The universality of the universal periodic review was of paramount importance, but
without the unhindered and active engagement of civil society, the process lost its
credibility.
7. In 2003, Liechtenstein had issued a standing invitation to the special procedures of
the Human Rights Council, reflecting its clear commitment to cooperating with all special
procedures.
8. At the international level, the commitment of Liechtenstein to multilateralism and its
membership of key international organizations primarily served to promote and support
peace and stability, the rule of law and respect for human rights. Women’s and children’s
rights were long-standing priorities with regard to foreign policy. The same was true of its
support for the International Criminal Court and, more generally, of efforts to strengthen
criminal justice and accountability. The work carried out by Liechtenstein in that regard
demonstrated that even a small State was able to make a valuable contribution to the
progressive development of international law. The establishment of the International,
Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of
Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in
the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 served as an excellent illustration in that
regard.
9. At the national level, as a result of a recommendation accepted in 2008,
Liechtenstein had been conducting human rights dialogues with civil society on an annual
basis since 2009. During the 2017 dialogue, more than 30 representatives of non-
governmental organizations (NGOs), independent institutions and bodies, the private sector
and the newly established national human rights institution, the Liechtenstein Human
Rights Association, had taken part in discussions focusing on the draft universal periodic
review report.
10. The Human Rights Association had recently been set up in line with the principles
relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human
rights (the Paris Principles). After broad consultations with civil society and other
stakeholders, in November 2016, Parliament had adopted, by consensus, a law establishing
a national human rights institution. In order to ensure that the new institution could operate
independently, it had been given the legal status of a common-benefit association. It served
as an Ombudsman’s Office and had a broad mandate to protect and promote human rights.
The Ombudsman’s Office for Children and Young People, which had been established in
2009, had been integrated into the national human rights institution. Civil society had
adopted the statutes of the Association in December 2016 and had elected its board for the
period 2017–2020. The secretariat had been operational since June 2017. The new
institution would generate added value and would further strengthen human rights and
fundamental freedoms.
11. The head of delegation said that the population of Liechtenstein was highly diverse,
with citizens from more than 100 nations. As at the end of 2016, foreigners with permanent
residence had made up 33.8 per cent of the population. The society of Liechtenstein was
proof that diversity and social harmony were not contradictory. Integration was understood
as a reciprocal process that was based on the principle of demanding and promoting respect
and understanding from both immigrants and the locally born population. Economic
success, which had led to a very low rate of unemployment, was another key factor in
successful integration. The education system also played an important role in the
integration of the foreign population and the promotion of tolerance and understanding. The
dual education system had been making an important contribution to the integration of
young people into the labour market for decades. Young persons had the option of either
starting vocational training or entering higher education. The very low youth
unemployment rate was proof of the success of that system. The dual education system was
also regarded as a significant factor in the success of the economy, as it trained the highly
qualified specialists the economy needed. The entire education system was being
continuously developed and improved. Liechtenstein was a proponent of a liberal economic
system, with equal opportunities for all to be successful. Access to the labour market was
key in that respect. Asylum seekers enjoyed broad access to the labour market from day one
onwards. Early integration through language training had been made a priority.
12. The revised Asylum Act had entered into force on 1 January 2017. The aim of the
revision had been to accelerate procedures and shorten waiting periods for decisions on
asylum applications. The Asylum Act was based on the principles of the Convention
relating to the Status of Refugees, including the principle of non-refoulement. It was also a
demonstration of the humanitarian tradition of Liechtenstein. In that regard, at the
international level, Liechtenstein was actively engaged in the discussions and negotiations
regarding a global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration. It supported an
ambitious global compact that was firmly based on international law, in particular human
rights law. It was believed that the global compact should set out a positive vision of safe,
orderly and regular migration and its benefits with regard to social and economic
development.
13. At the national level, there had been improvements with regard to children’s rights,
namely the revision of the Civil Code and, in particular, its provisions on custody following
divorce. The revised law had entered into force on 1 January 2015. As a result of the
revision, joint custody was the norm after separation or divorce. That new rule
corresponded to international legal developments and changes in society.
14. Significant progress had been made in the past two decades in advancing gender
equality. De jure, women were granted full equality with men. However, despite girls
performing better than boys in school, women were still underrepresented in many areas.
That meant that there was still a long way to go in order to achieve de facto equality,
especially with regard to the representation of women in decision-making and leadership
positions in politics and the economy. Liechtenstein also needed to work on ensuring the
compatibility of family and career. Over the past five years, various measures had
continuously been implemented in that domain. A balanced representation of both genders
in political bodies had not yet been achieved. Liechtenstein had achieved a good balance in
the representation of women in the Government, with two women ministers out of five in
total since 2009. Unfortunately, however, the trend in Parliament was negative: there were
currently only 3 women parliamentarians out of a total of 25. That meant that women’s
representation had fallen from 24 per cent, in the previous legislative period, to 12 per cent.
On the positive side, that result had led to very lively, ongoing discussions about the
reasons for that decline and possible countermeasures. Liechtenstein recognized the need to
double its efforts to increase the share of women in leadership positions in politics and in
the economy and to achieve a balanced representation as soon as possible.
15. In order to achieve the above-mentioned goals, the Government had decided to
prioritize in its programme to improving the compatibility of family and career. Planned
measures in that regard included promoting the further expansion of afterschool
programmes, day-care centres and public schools. Liechtenstein continuously optimized
such facilities with the help of the municipal authorities and the private sector.
16. In addition, the standardization of school timetables throughout the country was
currently being considered. In 2015, after considering a report on the situation of childcare
outside the home, the Government had decided to provide a new basis for the financing of
additional childcare places. A working group was currently developing solutions in that
regard. Furthermore, a comprehensive online survey to assess the needs of young families
regarding reconciliation of family and work life had recently been completed.
17. Various measures had been taken in the past few years to support and empower
persons with disabilities. In November 2017, the tenth anniversary of the Law on the
Equality of Persons with Disabilities, a milestone for the empowerment of persons with
disabilities, had been marked with the holding of an exhibition and workshops attended by
schoolchildren and many other interested parties. Liechtenstein was, however, well aware,
that it had yet to honour its commitment to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities. Liechtenstein fully supported the substance and purpose of the
Convention and discussions had resumed at the national level regarding its signature and
ratification.
18. Changing demographics, particularly the increasing percentage of older persons in
the total population, and their changing demands and needs, would require continuous
attention in the future. The social security and old-age provision system had been designed
to cope with those developments.
19. Policy on older persons was based on the principle that older persons and persons in
need of care should be able to live as autonomously and independently as possible. Thanks
to the excellent health-care system, life expectancy at birth had risen steadily over the past
few decades. The provisions on older persons allowed the inhabitants of the country to
continue to enjoy a high standard of living after retirement. In order to secure the long-term
financial security of the insurance scheme for older persons, Parliament had decided on
major reforms in 2016.
B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
20. During the interactive dialogue, 60 delegations made statements. Recommendations
made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.
21. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the signature, by Liechtenstein, of the Council
of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and
Domestic Violence (the Istanbul Convention), the establishment of the national human
rights institution and the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the
Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. The
Republic of Moldova also commended Liechtenstein for its focus on gender equality and
the steps taken to create equal opportunities to ensure a work-life balance and welcomed
the new law on parents and children prioritizing the welfare of the child.
22. Senegal welcomed the initiatives of Liechtenstein to strengthen and promote human
rights, including the creation of an independent national human rights institution, in line
with the Paris Principles, the measures taken to combat racism and xenophobia and the
efforts made to achieve gender equality, integrate foreign nationals into society, ensure
equal opportunities and reduce discrimination.
23. Sierra Leone noted the ratification by Liechtenstein of the Optional Protocol to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure in 2017 and its
signature of the Istanbul Convention. Sierra Leone commended Liechtenstein for
establishing a national human rights institution and for issuing a standing invitation to the
special procedures of the Human Rights Council.
24. Singapore commended Liechtenstein for establishing a national human rights
institution and for supporting gender equality by promoting female representation in
leadership positions, expanding day-care services, addressing wage disparity and combating
gender-based violence. Singapore also commended the steps taken by Liechtenstein
regarding care for older persons, such as the revision of the Law on Old-Age and
Survivors’ Insurance and the provision of supplementary benefits.
25. Slovenia commended the ratification by Liechtenstein of the Optional Protocols to
the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and
child pornography and on a communications procedure. Slovenia also welcomed the
measures taken by Liechtenstein to close the gender pay gap, but noted that many
challenges persisted, as women continued to be underrepresented in decision-making and
leadership positions in politics and the economy.
26. Spain welcomed the recent ratification by Liechtenstein of two of the Optional
Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the establishment of the prison
commission and the review of the Criminal Code in order to incorporate a definition of
torture that was in line with international law. Spain was, however, concerned at the lack of
a comprehensive prohibition of multiple discrimination in domestic law.
27. The State of Palestine commended the creation by Liechtenstein of an independent
national human rights institution, in accordance with the Paris Principles, and its
ratification, in 2017, of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child
on a communications procedure. The State of Palestine acknowledged efforts to improve
the quality of education, while noting that work remained to be done in that regard,
particularly concerning the provision of inclusive education for children with disabilities.
28. Switzerland commended the long-standing efforts of Liechtenstein in support of the
rule of law and its significant commitment to tackling impunity. In that regard,
Liechtenstein had played a key role in the creation of the International, Impartial and
Independent Mechanism for the Syrian Arab Republic. Switzerland also took note of the
positive measures taken for the promotion of gender equality.
29. The Syrian Arab Republic noted the frameworks and institutional legislative
measures for human rights of Liechtenstein and their impact and compatibility at the
national, regional and international levels.
30. Ukraine commended the creation by Liechtenstein of the Liechtenstein Human
Rights Association. Ukraine also commended the signature and ratification by
Liechtenstein of a number of international and European agreements relevant to human
rights, and the adoption of legislative amendments to domestic laws, the Criminal Code and
the Asylum Act with the aim of developing the existing legal framework.
31. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland recognized the creation
of the Human Rights Association since the country’s previous universal periodic review in
2013 and welcomed its commitment to efforts to disrupt financial chains associated with
human trafficking and modern slavery. The United Kingdom encouraged Liechtenstein to
enact comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that protected all elements of society,
including specific legislation prohibiting racial discrimination.
32. The United States of America commended the commitment of Liechtenstein to
human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic values and the rule of law. The United
States noted, however, that work remained to be done regarding juvenile detainees, the
legal representation of asylum seekers, access to public services for non-citizens, the
employment of, and pay discrimination against, women, discrimination against minority
groups and infrastructure for persons with disabilities.
33. Uruguay highlighted the creation of an independent national human rights
institution, in line with the Paris Principles, the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure and the progress
achieved in the area of women’s rights.
34. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed the creation of the national human
rights institution, in line with the Paris Principles, and the recent ratification of two of the
Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. While the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela noted the efforts of Liechtenstein to achieve gender equality in law,
it remained concerned at persisting challenges related to the right to work and political
participation.
35. Afghanistan noted with appreciation the establishment by Liechtenstein of an
independent national human rights institution, in accordance with the Paris Principles, and
urged it to strengthen the above-mentioned institution. Afghanistan also commended the
policies and actions of Liechtenstein relating to the improvement of human rights.
36. Albania commended the progress made by Liechtenstein in the field of human rights
protection with the creation of an independent national human rights institution, in
accordance with the Paris Principles. Albania applauded the ratification by Liechtenstein of
a number of Council of Europe instruments and its signature of the Istanbul Convention.
However, Albania wished to know more about measures taken by Liechtenstein regarding
gender equality, the promotion of ethnic and religious tolerance in education and the fight
against gender-based violence.
37. Algeria welcomed the creation of an independent national human rights institution,
in line with the Paris Principles, and the ratification of several international legal
instruments, including two of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child and the Istanbul Convention. It further welcomed the commitment of Liechtenstein to
promoting gender equality, combating violence against women and domestic violence and
improving women’s representation in political life.
38. Andorra acknowledged the efforts of Liechtenstein to ratify the main international
human rights instruments and welcomed the signature, in 2016, of the Istanbul Convention,
and the adoption of the Law on the Equality of Persons with Disabilities.
39. Argentina congratulated Liechtenstein on the adoption of the law on the
Liechtenstein Human Rights Association in November 2016, and noted its actions to ensure
gender equality.
40. Armenia noted the dialogue conducted with NGOs and their active engagement in
the advancement of the human rights framework, the steps taken to promote the rights of
persons with disabilities, the measures implemented to further enhance gender equality, the
preventive policies introduced to combat human trafficking and the ratification of several
international and regional human rights instruments.
41. Australia commended the strong domestic human rights record of Liechtenstein and
its role as an advocate for human rights at the international level. Australia acknowledged
the steps taken to strengthen human rights protections since the previous review, including
through the establishment of a national human rights institution.
42. Azerbaijan noted the institutional reforms undertaken to ensure that human rights
were protected at the national level, in particular through the establishment of the national
human rights institution and the consolidation of different Ombudsman institutions under
its umbrella. Azerbaijan acknowledged the progress made in addressing the challenges
related to discrimination, notably by amending the Criminal Code to include criminal
responsibility for public incitement of hatred and discrimination on various grounds.
43. Benin congratulated Liechtenstein on its level of democracy and the steps taken to
implement previous universal periodic review recommendations. It stressed the importance
of establishing and operationalizing a national human rights institution and ratifying
international instruments for the promotion and protection of human rights. Legislative
measures were needed to strengthen compliance with the gender equality approach.
44. Bosnia and Herzegovina commended Liechtenstein for its long-standing
commitment to fundamental freedoms and human rights and for the steps taken to
strengthen their foundations. It welcomed the country’s signature and ratification of a
number of international and European instruments on the protection of human rights, and
hailed the creation of an independent national human rights institution, in accordance with
the Paris Principles.
45. Brazil invited Liechtenstein to consider becoming a party to the Convention on the
Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. In addition, it commended Liechtenstein
for its comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and related initiatives, especially with
regard to the promotion of vulnerable groups, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
and intersex persons.
46. Bulgaria welcomed the ratification by Liechtenstein of a number of international and
European human rights instruments, and hailed the establishment of the Liechtenstein
Human Rights Association and the Office of Social Services. It commended efforts to
enhance gender equality and empower women, as reflected by the narrowing of the gender
pay gap over the past decade. It praised Liechtenstein for the progress made in protecting
the rights of persons with disabilities and in promoting their integration into professional
and social life. It welcomed the priority given to combating human trafficking.
47. Canada welcomed the establishment by Liechtenstein of a national human rights
institution, in accordance with the Paris Principles.
48. Chile welcomed the creation of the national human rights institution and urged
Liechtenstein to provide it with sufficient resources. It commended the ratification of a
number of international human rights instruments since 2013. Chile welcomed the legal
amendments to, and the inclusion of a broad definition of discrimination in, domestic law.
Chile was concerned at the decreasing representation of women in politics and urged
Liechtenstein to promote gender equality in all spheres of society.
49. China commended the efforts of Liechtenstein to promote and protect human rights.
Liechtenstein strove to eradicate inequality and discrimination and to strengthen the
protection of the rights of vulnerable groups such as women, children, older persons and
persons with disabilities. Nonetheless, gender inequalities persisted, for example, women
were underrepresented in political and public life, the gender pay gap persisted and was
worsening and prison conditions in the country required further improvements.
50. The delegation stated that the Office for Foreign Affairs was the main body in
charge of coordinating the preparation of the national report, in close cooperation with the
relevant ministries and offices responsible for the various issues covered by the report. The
Office also ensured the coordination of the implementation of review recommendations and
the monitoring of progress in that regard. The drafting of the report and the follow-up
process involved dialogue with civil society organizations. In 2017, as a part of the follow-
up to the implementation of the recommendations received relating to the International
Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
Liechtenstein had established a working group to oversee that process. That approach might
possibly serve as a model for future processes, including the universal periodic review
follow-up. Generally, the workload for reporting had intensified in the past few years,
making for quite a challenge, particularly for a small administration such as that of
Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein therefore supported processes at the international level to
strengthen the reporting mechanisms and to make them efficient and effective. Whenever
possible, Liechtenstein used the simplified reporting procedure offered by most of the
United Nations treaty bodies.
51. In response to a number of interventions and advance questions, the head of
delegation stated that legislative and practical measures that were necessary for the
implementation of international treaties were assessed and put into place prior to the
signature and ratification of such instruments. That practice also explained why it often
took some time for Liechtenstein to sign and ratify new instruments. In the past four years,
Liechtenstein had ratified a number of international treaties in the field of human rights.
Discussions on the signature and ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities had resumed. The level of integration of children with disabilities into the
schooling system was extremely high.
52. The Istanbul Convention was a milestone with regard to the fight against gender-
based violence and to efforts to achieve equality between women and men. Liechtenstein
had signed the Convention in 2016. Domestic law was, to a large extent, in line with the
provisions of the Convention. With a number of minor amendments to the Criminal Code
planned for 2018, the necessary preconditions for the ratification of the Convention,
scheduled for 2018, would be fulfilled in the near future.
53. The head of delegation said that equal opportunities for men and women had long
been a priority for the Government. As a part of the coalition agreement and the
government programme for the current term, gender equality, and particularly the
reconciliation of work and family life, ranked high on the agenda of the Government. The
head of the delegation of Liechtenstein stressed her personal commitment to raising those
issues at the national and international levels. Liechtenstein was a member of the
Commission on the Status of Women for the period 2016–2019. The head of delegation
would participate in a 2018 high-level meeting, thus supporting both the Commission and
the United Nations in their important work to bring about equal rights and opportunities and
justice for women and girls globally.
54. In 2011, under the guidance of the head of delegation in her ministerial role,
Liechtenstein had introduced the Law on Registered Partnerships of Same-Sex Couples and
was working to further strengthen equality in that area. In 2017, Liechtenstein had
introduced a reform of the law governing the names of registered partners.
55. The head of delegation said that Liechtenstein had not experienced any major
conflicts between the locally born population and foreign nationals for decades. The foreign
population participated in the economic success of the country and was integrated into its
social structures. Many individuals with foreign nationality had taken up high- or mid-level
positions in the private sector or within the national administration.
56. Refugee children and foreign children were integrated very early on into the
mainstream education system, with specialized teachers helping them to improve their
German language skills, and they received assistance in integrating into society.
57. With regard to questions and recommendations on non-discrimination and the
respect of the human rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, the head of
delegation stated that the principle of equal treatment was effectively implemented through
the Constitution of Liechtenstein, the international human rights conventions ratified by the
country and settled case law. Generally, all inhabitants with a valid residence permit had
equal access to State services. In April 2016, an amendment to paragraph 283 of the
Criminal Code had entered into force, introducing the comprehensive prohibition of
discrimination. Apart from the above-mentioned amendment to the Criminal Code, several
special laws contained concrete provisions protecting against discrimination.
58. Regarding the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in
2016, the Government had established an interdisciplinary working group, which had
performed a gap analysis of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The
Government planned to take a decision about a workplan relating to the Goals in the near
future.
59. Liechtenstein was committed to combating human trafficking and modern slavery. It
planned to focus on identifying and disrupting the illicit financial flows associated with
human trafficking and modern slavery.
60. In 2015, official development assistance as a share of gross national income had
stood at 0.46 per cent and the intention was to improve on that figure in the near future.
61. As to the incorporation into domestic law of a distinct crime of torture, in strict
conformity with article 1 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment, a government working group had recently prepared a
revised version of the Criminal Code. By incorporating the planned new elements into the
Criminal Code, Liechtenstein would be implementing the recommendations of the
Committee against Torture and those made during the universal periodic review.
62. Liechtenstein had signed the International Convention for the Protection of All
Persons from Enforced Disappearance in 2007 and there were no substantial problems
regarding its ratification. The Government was currently working to introduce a definition
of enforced disappearance into the Criminal Code: once that process had been completed,
the Government would both re-evaluate and discuss its position on ratification of the
Convention. Liechtenstein was not, and did not intend in the near future to become, a
member of the International Labour Organization (ILO), therefore, it could not ratify ILO
instruments. Liechtenstein attached great importance to social and economic rights. As a
full member of the European Economic Area, Liechtenstein had been transposing all
relevant European Union legislation, including labour standards, into domestic law. Many
of those labour standards went far beyond what the ILO instruments stipulated. The
Government did not have any plans to sign or ratify the International Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
63. Turning to the advance questions, remarks and recommendations regarding
measures taken to ensure equitable working conditions, including wage indicators, for
immigrants and nationals, Liechtenstein applied the same high labour and social security
standards as all European Union member States. Those standards were applied equally to
all employees in Liechtenstein. Unemployment was very low by international standards.
The annual average in 2016 had been 2.3 per cent. Among foreign nationals, the average
unemployment rate in 2016 had been 3.4 per cent, slightly higher than that for
Liechtenstein citizens, which had been 1.6 per cent. There were more than 15 generally
binding collective bargaining agreements governing minimum wages, working hours and
other employment conditions, to counteract social or wage dumping.
64. De facto equality between men and women remained a challenge. Many measures in
that regard had been implemented based on the Gender Equality Act.
65. The gender wage gap had fallen continuously over the past eight years, from 20 per
cent in 2006 to 16.5 per cent in 2014.
66. In order to ensure the integration of migrant children, a number of language learning
support initiatives had been launched, such as intensive German-as-a-second-language
courses for newly arrived children and adolescents, obligatory school enrolment and early
education, involving the participation of parents.
67. Liechtenstein promoted the integration of immigrants and offered protection to
refugees, in line with the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. There were
no plans to revise the legal framework regarding family reunification issues, as the existing
legislation was compatible with international obligations and the right to family life was
guaranteed. There was a fast track in place for refugee family reunification.
68. All asylum seekers had access to free legal counselling throughout the asylum
process and, should they so desire, to legal aid and representation when appealing against
government decisions.
69. In 2016, an amendment to article 283 the Criminal Code had entered into force,
introducing a comprehensive prohibition on discrimination, including all types of hate
speech. While previously only racial discrimination had constituted a criminal offence,
public incitement to hatred or discrimination on the grounds of language, nationality,
ethnicity, religion, ideology, gender, disability, age, or sexual orientation had been made a
criminal offence, punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment.
70. There had been no cases of violence or of crimes committed by extremists in more
than five years. Extremist groups, such as European Action, had lain dormant since 2014
and no longer spread hate speech in the country to any significant degree.
71. Côte d’Ivoire congratulated Liechtenstein for the progress made since the previous
review, including the establishment of a national human rights institution and the
ratification of several international and European human rights instruments, such as the
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications
procedure. It also appreciated the efforts made in the areas of equality, non-discrimination
and the fight against racism.
72. Ecuador welcomed the 2016 amendment of article 283 of the Criminal Code,
incorporating a broad definition of discrimination that included language, nationality,
ethnic origin, ideology, disability, age and sexual orientation. Ecuador also welcomed the
ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the
sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
73. Estonia hailed the recent ratification of two of the Optional Protocols to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child. While welcoming the ratification by Liechtenstein
of most international human rights instruments, it encouraged the Government to pursue
efforts to reduce the treaty body reporting backlog. It welcomed steps to achieve gender
equality in law and in practice.
74. France stated that Liechtenstein had implemented a number of important
recommendations made in 2013, including the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child
pornography and the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
75. Georgia welcomed the creation of an independent national human rights institution.
It noted with appreciation that Liechtenstein was a signatory to most international
conventions and welcomed the ratification of several international human rights
instruments since the previous universal periodic review, including the recent ratification of
two of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It commended
effective policies to decrease consumption of addictive substances, urging Liechtenstein to
purse those efforts.
76. Germany welcomed the ratification of two of the Optional Protocols to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child. It commended Liechtenstein for establishing and
sufficiently funding an independent national human rights institution and urged that body to
seek accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. It
encouraged Liechtenstein to further promote gender equality.
77. Ghana welcomed the establishment of an independent national human rights
institution, in accordance with the Paris Principles, and hailed the ratification of various
international and European human rights instruments. It further lauded the ongoing efforts
of Liechtenstein to achieve balanced gender representation in the political process and in
the labour market.
78. Honduras welcomed the establishment of an independent national human rights
commission, in accordance with the Paris Principles, and the ratification of the Optional
Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child
prostitution and child pornography and of the Istanbul Convention.
79. Iceland commended Liechtenstein on progress regarding the rights of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. It welcomed projects aimed at raising awareness
of the gender pay gap and at empowering and encouraging women to participate in political
processes and public debate. It hailed the leadership role adopted by Liechtenstein in
promoting accountability in the Syrian Arab Republic via the drafting of General Assembly
resolution 71/248.
80. Indonesia commended Liechtenstein on the creation of an independent national
human rights institution, in accordance with the Paris Principles. It noted concrete efforts to
integrate foreign nationals and migrants into society and measures taken to promote gender
equality.
81. Iraq welcomed the consultative process leading to legislative reforms, direct
democratic rights and the establishment of a national human rights institution, in line with
the Paris Principles.
82. Ireland hailed the strong commitment of Liechtenstein to protecting and promoting
human rights at home and abroad. It welcomed the creation of an independent national
human rights institution, in accordance with the Paris Principles, the ratification of human
rights treaties and the standing invitation issued to the special procedures of the Human
Rights Council. It commended Liechtenstein for its commitment to tackling gender equality
issues, highlighting the signature of the Istanbul Convention.
83. Italy welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the
Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and of
the Istanbul Convention, and measures to promote gender equality and to combat violence
against women.
84. Kyrgyzstan welcomed efforts to promote the rights of women and children, and
supported the steps taken to improve the compatibility of family life and work. Kyrgyzstan
also praised measures to combat violence against women and domestic violence, and to
protect children from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.
85. Libya welcomed the engagement of Liechtenstein with the universal periodic
review, which reflected its interest in a positive dialogue, and commended the progress
made relating to human rights. It commended Liechtenstein for its ratification of the
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications
procedure.
86. Madagascar commended Liechtenstein for acceding to several international and
European human rights instruments and for ratifying the Optional Protocol to the
Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child
pornography. It noted with satisfaction the amendment to article 238 of the Criminal Code
expanding the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination, and the narrowing of the wage
gap between men and women. It encouraged Liechtenstein to continue those efforts.
87. Malaysia welcomed the establishment of a national human rights institution, in line
with the Paris Principles, and the amendment of the Criminal Code to include a broad
definition of racial discrimination covering discrimination based on race, religion and
nationality. It applauded Liechtenstein for integrating mutual understanding into, and
addressing xenophobia through, the school curriculum.
88. Maldives welcomed the creation of an independent national human rights institution
and the enactment of the law on the Liechtenstein Human Rights Association. It
commended the progress made in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities,
including the Law on the Equality of Persons with Disabilities, and the related networking
support group Sichtwechsel, which organized activities and raised awareness.
89. Mexico welcomed the signature of several human rights instruments, the openness
of Liechtenstein to the special procedures of the Human Rights Council, the establishment
of the independent national human rights institution, in line with the Paris Principles, and
the amendment of article 283 of the Criminal Code to punish incitement to hatred or
discrimination on all grounds.
90. Mongolia commended the adoption of the law on the Liechtenstein Human Rights
Association and the establishment of an independent national human rights institution, in
compliance with the Paris Principles. Mongolia welcomed measures taken to ensure gender
equality in the labour market and encouraged Liechtenstein to continue its efforts to fully
implement the relevant legislation.
91. Montenegro welcomed the establishment of an independent national human rights
institution, in accordance with the Paris Principles. It appreciated efforts to ensure equality
between women and men. However, Montenegro noted the concerns of some treaty bodies
and encouraged Liechtenstein to intensify its efforts to eliminate stereotypes in the family
and in society, and to increase the representation of women in political and decision-
making positions. It urged Liechtenstein to enhance implementation of the Law on the
Equality of Persons with Disabilities, in order to ensure that their rights were fully
protected. Montenegro commended Liechtenstein for its continuous support to OHCHR.
92. Mozambique commended Liechtenstein for the progress made in implementing the
recommendations from the previous review, in particular the creation of an independent
national human rights institution, in line with the Paris Principles, and the signature and
ratification of several international and European human rights instruments, such as two of
the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It noted with
appreciation the improvement of women’s representation in the Government and the launch
of the “Women Decide” project.
93. Myanmar applauded the positive engagement of Liechtenstein with the United
Nations human rights treaties, and encouraged it to continue implementing the conventions
to which it had become a party. However, Myanmar expressed concern about reports of
unequal career opportunities for women, low representation of women in political life and
domestic violence against women.
94. Namibia commended Liechtenstein for the legislative initiatives relating to human
rights launched since the previous review, including the establishment of a national human
rights institution. It encouraged Liechtenstein to redouble its efforts to combat racism,
discrimination and gender inequality, and to ensure the protection of the rights of
vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, migrants, refugees, asylum seekers
and stateless persons.
95. The Netherlands commended Liechtenstein for its active and leading role in
establishing an International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for the Syrian Arab
Republic. It also welcomed the creation of an independent national human rights institution,
in line with the Paris Principles.
96. New Zealand commended Liechtenstein for its recent creation of an independent
national human rights institution, in accordance with the Paris Principles.
97. The Philippines commended Liechtenstein for its adoption of the law on the
Liechtenstein Human Rights Association and the Victims Assistance Act. It urged
Liechtenstein to do more to develop a national gender equality strategy to address issues
such as the low level of women’s participation in public and political life. It supported the
efforts of Liechtenstein to prevent racism, to promote tolerance and mutual understanding
and to further integrate foreign nationals into society.
98. Portugal welcomed the delegation of Liechtenstein, thanked it for the presentation of
the comprehensive national universal periodic review report and made a number of
recommendations.
99. Qatar commended the creation of an independent national human rights institution,
in accordance with the Paris Principles, and applauded the ratification of the Optional
Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child
prostitution and child pornography and efforts made to protect children.
100. The Republic of Korea stated that Liechtenstein had made significant progress in
many areas since the previous review, in particular by creating an independent national
human rights institution, in accordance with the Paris Principles, and by ratifying the
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child
prostitution and child pornography.
101. Morocco appreciated the efforts made by Liechtenstein in the area of gender
equality, including through the increased representation of women in leadership positions.
It welcomed the revision of the law on parents and children regulating joint custody, the
efforts made to take care of, and to empower, older persons and the revision of the Law on
Old-Age and Survivors’ Insurance.
102. The head of the delegation of Liechtenstein thanked all the delegations that had
participated in the universal periodic review for their valuable comments and
recommendations.
103. Although there was no Islamophobia or discrimination against Muslims in
Liechtenstein, the Government would continue to monitor the situation in that regard.
104. The Government had adopted draft amendments to legislation on political funding,
in line with the recommendations of the Council of Europe Group of States against
Corruption, and public consultations were ongoing in that regard.
105. Liechtenstein was committed to the International, Impartial and Independent
Mechanism for the Syrian Arab Republic, the International Criminal Court and the
Amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court on the crime of
aggression, which it had been the first country to ratify, in 2012.
106. In the very near future, the competent authorities would examine the universal
periodic review recommendations in detail, in order to make proposals to the Government
on how to follow up the process concretely. Maintaining the highest standards of human
rights was of the utmost importance to the Government. The recommendations formulated
during the interactive dialogue had shown Liechtenstein that work remained to be done.
107. The head of delegation stated that she was personally committed to ensuring an
ambitious follow-up process to the recommendations, in which Liechtenstein planned to
involve civil society.
II. Conclusions and/or recommendations
108. The following recommendations will be examined by Liechtenstein, which will
provide responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-eighth session of the
Human Rights Council:
108.1 Accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All
Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Sierra Leone); Ratify the International
Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance
(Spain) (Iraq) (Honduras) (Ukraine); Ratify the International Convention for
the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, signed in 2007
(Germany);
108.2 Consider ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of
All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Senegal);
108.3 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of
All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Senegal) (Honduras);
108.4 Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of
the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
(Afghanistan) (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) (Philippines);
108.5 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Spain) (Montenegro);
108.6 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Namibia);
108.7 Sign and ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (Italy); Sign and ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities by Liechtenstein’s next universal periodic review (United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
108.8 Consider ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (Philippines) (Namibia) (Qatar) (Republic of Moldova);
108.9 Consider ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (Albania);
108.10 Become a party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (Canada); Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (Netherlands) (Montenegro) (Iceland) (France) (Chile) (Côte
d’Ivoire) (Spain) (Sierra Leone) (Honduras);
108.11 Ratify and fully implement its obligations under the Convention on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (New Zealand);
108.12 Consider ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities and its Optional Protocol (Ghana);
108.13 Step up efforts to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities and its Optional Protocol (Brazil);
108.14 Consider signing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities and its Optional Protocol (Andorra);
108.15 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and
its Optional Protocol (Estonia) (Mongolia) (Ukraine);
108.16 Continue the efforts made in the area of ratification of international
instruments, such as ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (Morocco);
108.17 Speed up ratification process of the Council of Europe Convention on
Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence
(the Istanbul Convention) (Georgia);
108.18 Ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and
Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul
Convention) (Andorra) (Bosnia and Herzegovina) (Slovenia) (Estonia);
108.19 Ratify the amendments to the Rome Statute of the International
Criminal Court on the crime of aggression (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
108.20 Ratify the Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory
Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity (Armenia);
108.21 Contribute to the efforts deployed by other States to combat systems
to evade taxes and taxation abuses taking into account their impact on human
rights, in particular, by ensuring that private foundations are bound by such
measures (Ecuador);
108.22 Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national
candidates for United Nations treaty body elections (United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland);
108.23 Envisage the possibility of becoming a member State of the
International Labour Organization, and of ratifying its fundamental
conventions, as previously recommended (Uruguay);
108.24 Strengthen its existing constructive cooperation with the United
Nations human rights mechanisms, including the treaty bodies (Myanmar);
108.25 Proceed with obtaining accreditation for its national human rights
institution from the Subcommittee on Accreditation of the Global Alliance of
National Human Rights Institutions (Qatar);
108.26 Enact policies to ensure the adequate and independent resourcing of
its national human rights institution, in accordance with its obligations under
the Paris Principles (Australia);
108.27 Continue efforts to provide adequate resources for the work of the
national human rights institution of Liechtenstein (Qatar);
108.28 Encourage Liechtenstein’s national human rights institution to
actively engage with similar mechanisms from other regions (Indonesia);
108.29 Consider establishing, or strengthening the existing, national
mechanism for coordination, implementation, reporting and follow-up, in line
with the elements arising from good practices identified in the 2016 OHCHR
guide on national mechanisms for reporting and follow-up (Portugal);
108.30 Adopt a new National Action Plan on Violence against Women in
follow-up to the Plan that had been adopted in 2006 (Kyrgyzstan);
108.31 Continue taking measures towards creating comprehensive anti-
discrimination legislation that would include all prohibited grounds for
discrimination (Ukraine);
108.32 Consider putting in place overarching anti-discrimination legislation
covering all aspects of discrimination (Senegal);
108.33 Put in place the necessary means to enable the effective
implementation of the provisions related to the fight against discrimination
based on colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or language (Algeria);
108.34 Take appropriate steps to fully implement the National Action Plan
against Racism (Namibia);
108.35 Consider further measures to monitor and report on the human
rights of older persons (Australia);
108.36 Ensure that the Equal Opportunities Office is adequately resourced
to implement the National Action Plan against Racism (Sierra Leone);
108.37 Ensure the dissemination to the public of information on the new
provisions of the Criminal Code on the fight against discrimination, train
lawyers in their implementation and continue efforts aimed at combating
discrimination (France);
108.38 Adopt legislative and political measures in order to establish a legal
and institutional framework against all forms of discrimination (Honduras);
108.39 Continue to address the problems of racial discrimination and
xenophobia, particularly when directed against Muslims (Malaysia);
108.40 Do more to prevent and combat racial discrimination (Mozambique);
108.41 Adopt educational measures to foster equality and non-
discrimination and implement diversity programmes that promote ethnic and
religious tolerance (Portugal);
108.42 Include in its domestic legislation a comprehensive prohibition of all
forms of discrimination and effective mechanisms to sanction any violation of
this prohibition (Spain);
108.43 Continue its efforts to combat instances of discrimination against
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, and to improve social
inclusion (Australia);
108.44 Repeal the Foreigners Act, in particular article 49, and amend the
legislative framework to provide comprehensive protection from all forms of
discrimination and hatred based on colour, origin, nationality, religion and
language, in particular in the area of education (Syrian Arab Republic);
108.45 Exercise due diligence before registering business entities that are
involved in illegal economic activities and human rights violations in
uncontrolled, conflict-affected territories (Azerbaijan);
108.46 Increase official development assistance, with a view to meeting the
international commitment of 0.7 per cent of gross national income (Sierra
Leone);
108.47 Move forward in establishing a public policy framework that binds
companies to comply with international human rights standards and
environmental regulations at the international level (Mexico);
108.48 Ensure that private foundations based in Liechtenstein are subject to
the necessary regulations, in order to contribute to efforts to combat corruption
and tax evasion and tax abuse schemes (Portugal);
108.49 Ensure its policies, legislation, regulations and enforcement measures
effectively serve to prevent and address the heightened risk of business
involvement in abuses with regard to conflict situations, including situations of
foreign occupation (State of Palestine);
108.50 Halt the policy of employing coercive, unilateral measures in respect
of other countries, and lift these measures immediately, given that they are
punishment measures, taken by internal government decision, which have
exceeded the borders of Liechtenstein and which have violated the rights of the
people in the countries concerned, in flagrant contravention of the provisions of
article 1 (2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and of
article 1 (2) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights (Syrian Arab Republic);
108.51 Continue working to harmonize domestic legislation with the
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment (Chile);
108.52 Adopt effective measures to improve conditions in prisons (China);
108.53 Incorporate into domestic criminal law a distinct crime of torture, in
conformity with article 1 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Ghana);
108.54 Incorporate into the Criminal Code the prohibition of torture, in line
with article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(Spain);
108.55 Repeal the articles contained in the Code on the Execution of
Sentences providing for the detention of children in solitary confinement
(Syrian Arab Republic);
108.56 Continue to build capacity and resilience among law enforcement
personnel and the criminal justice system in support of target 7 of Sustainable
Development Goal 8 (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
108.57 Change investigative procedures to ensure prompt access to legal or
other appropriate assistance for juvenile detainees, in order to preclude
questioning without a lawyer or trusted person being present (United States of
America);
108.58 Guarantee legal protection measures for all persons who are the
subject of a judicial placement decision (Algeria);
108.59 Initiate the application of innovative approaches and technological
innovations for the efficient, accountable and transparent delivery of public
services (Azerbaijan);
108.60 Amend legislation to improve the respect of the rights of defendants,
by creating a custody registry at Vaduz police station, by systematically
ensuring access to a lawyer, and by guaranteeing the confidentiality of
discussions between lawyers and their clients in detention (France);
108.61 Harmonize the domestic legislation on communication surveillance
with international human rights standards and, in particular, ensure that every
case of communication surveillance is justified, necessary and proportionate
(Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
108.62 Take the necessary measures to guarantee that the operations of
intelligence bodies are subjected to scrutiny by an independent monitoring
mechanism (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
108.63 Decriminalize defamation and include it in the Civil Code, in
accordance with international standards (Estonia);
108.64 Introduce adequate accounting rules and forms applying to the
funding of all political parties and election campaigns (Germany);
108.65 Adopt special measures, such as a gender parity system, for
nominations for government bodies, to increase the representation of women in
decision-making positions in elected and appointed political bodies (Portugal);
108.66 Encourage the political participation of women by adopting, where
needed, special temporary measures, such as the setting of quotas, in order to
increase the participation of women in political decisions-making positions
(Chile);
108.67 Ensure a balanced representation of both genders in political bodies
(Ukraine);
108.68 Continue efforts to achieve balanced gender representation in
leadership and decision-making positions in elected and appointed political
bodies (Republic of Korea);
108.69 Continue to take measures against human trafficking by adopting a
gender-sensitive asylum procedure that responds to the specific needs of women
and girl victims of trafficking (Maldives);
108.70 Strengthen measures to develop an effective and comprehensive
policy to overcome the gap regarding the functions and responsibilities of
women and men in the labour sphere (Argentina);
108.71 Further step up efforts to achieve gender equality by encouraging
enterprises to take positive measures to narrow the gender pay gap, including
regarding women’s access to managerial positions (Ireland);
108.72 Continue with the efforts to effectively address the gender pay gap,
including by strengthening the availability of childcare services and by
providing paternity leave and paid parental leave (Slovenia);
108.73 Continue efforts to improve the compatibility of work and family life
by increasing the availability of, and access to, services such as childcare, and
by exploring the establishment of paid parental leave (Canada);
108.74 Take measures to further promote the compatibility of work and
family life, inter alia, by increasing the number of day-care facilities for
children and by introducing paid parental leave (Germany);
108.75 Continue to improve the availability and quality of day-care services,
in order to better support women in the labour market and to encourage
greater women’s participation in the workforce (Singapore);
108.76 Promote training for women in non-traditional fields and in areas
that will provide them with equal career opportunities (Kyrgyzstan);
108.77 Take active measures to ensure that older persons are aware of the
new services and benefits to which they are entitled as a result of the ongoing
reform of old-age policies (Singapore);
108.78 Ease the very strict legislation on abortion (France);
108.79 Develop strategies to encourage greater school attendance among
migrant children at the higher levels of learning (Sierra Leone);
108.80 Adopt measures aimed at promoting gender equality, diversity and
non-discrimination in the area of education (Madagascar);
108.81 Enshrine the right to education in the national legal framework,
namely the Constitution and the School Act (Republic of Korea);
108.82 Enshrine the right to education in its national legal framework, in the
Constitution and in the School Act (Kyrgyzstan);
108.83 Implement measures to achieve, in practice, the equality defined in
the country’s legislation (Uruguay);
108.84 Increase efforts to combat discrimination against women in all areas
of national life (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
108.85 Continue implementing policies aimed at eliminating discrimination
against women and at promoting gender equality, including in political and
economic life, and address the wage gap between men and women (Namibia);
108.86 Continue to take effective measures to guarantee equality between
men and women in terms of political representation and in the workplace
(Indonesia);
108.87 Continue concerted efforts to ensure equality between men and
women (Libya);
108.88 Continue implementing policies in the area of gender equality, with a
focus on increasing women’s participation in public and political life (Republic
of Moldova);
108.89 Ensure the provision of adequate funding for important institutions
working to prevent violence against women and providing services to victims of
violence, such as the Liechtenstein Women’s Home (Canada);
108.90 Take the necessary measures to prevent violence against women and
ensure the effective protection of victims of domestic violence (Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela);
108.91 Take further measures to promote the representation of women in
leadership and decision-making positions (Iceland);
108.92 Intensify its efforts to increase the participation of women in the
public and private sectors, especially in decision-making positions (Uruguay);
108.93 Take further steps to promote gender equality and to increase
women’s representation in political and public life (China);
108.94 Continue its efforts to increase the representation of women in
leadership and decision-making positions, as well as to promote their political
participation (Ecuador);
108.95 Continue its efforts to improve the representation of women in
politics and to ensure equality in the labour market (Maldives);
108.96 Encourage the representation of women in leadership positions in the
economic and public sectors (Mexico);
108.97 Continue its efforts to promote women’s rights and gender equality,
especially in the labour market, and to increase the representation of women in
decision-making positions in elected and appointed political bodies (Germany);
108.98 Promote training for women in non-traditional fields and in areas
that will provide them with equal career opportunities (Ghana);
108.99 Continue its work to even out the inequality in wages between men
and women (Iceland);
108.100 Combat gender-based violence through awareness-raising and
education-based programmes (Malaysia);
108.101 Take concrete steps to ensure equal job opportunities, to combat
negative gender roles and stereotypes of women and men and to increase the
representation of women in political and decision-making positions
(Myanmar);
108.102 Take appropriate steps aimed at fully funding and strengthening the
Equal Opportunities Office (Namibia);
108.103 Develop a strategy to even out inequalities in wages between men and
women and continue its efforts to increase the representation of women in
decision-making positions (New Zealand);
108.104 Continue efforts to tackle violence and discrimination against women,
and promote their inclusion in decision-making bodies and positions in political
and economic areas (Morocco);
108.105 Continue its efforts relating to, and adopt a national strategy on,
gender equality and women’s rights, the implementation of which would allow
for, inter alia, the increased participation of women in political and public life,
an adequate balance between work and private life, less restrictive access to
abortion and the reduction of domestic violence (Switzerland);
108.106 Take further steps to ensure the equal treatment of minorities and
the integration of all into society, including through targeted legislative
measures (New Zealand);
108.107 Adopt the necessary measures to combat discrimination against
persons with disabilities in the exercise of their rights (Madagascar);
108.108 Ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities to access justice,
education and employment are guaranteed and respected (Madagascar);
108.109 Take the necessary steps to ensure that all children with disabilities
are given equal opportunities in education (State of Palestine);
108.110 Take meaningful steps to ensure that all public buildings and schools
are made accessible to persons with disabilities (United States of America);
108.111 Continue pursuing appropriate policies, including awareness-raising
campaigns, in order to prevent the marginalization of persons with disabilities,
and ensure the protection of their rights (Bulgaria);
108.112 Provide legislative protection for migrant women and girls, asylum
seekers and victims of trafficking (Syrian Arab Republic);
108.113 Enhance knowledge and awareness among State officials of the
importance of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of
All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Indonesia);
108.114 Remove legal obstacles to the permanent residence of migrants,
refugees and asylum seekers in the territory of Liechtenstein, especially
obstacles related to the knowledge of the German language and to non-reliance
on social benefits as preconditions to the issuance of permanent residence
permits (Brazil);
108.115 Ensure full implementation of the 1951 Convention relating to the
Status of Refugees (Afghanistan);
108.116 Ensure that exclusion from refugee status is limited in law and in
practice to the reasons exhaustively laid down in the 1951 Convention relating
to the Status of Refugees, and ensure that asylum seekers have full access to an
effective remedy against the first instance decision on their asylum claim (Côte
d’Ivoire);
108.117 Facilitate legal representation for asylum seekers (United States of
America);
108.118 Further reinforce measures for the inclusion of a gender-sensitive
approach in asylum procedures (Georgia);
108.119 Guarantee that all persons in need of international protection
effectively have access to family reunification, by eliminating administrative
obstacles (Argentina);
108.120 Revise its asylum procedure taking into account gender issues, in
order to adopt specific measures that ensure an effective response to the
specific protection needs of women and girls who could become victims of
trafficking (Honduras);
108.121 Improve special procedures concerning asylum seekers (Iraq);
108.122 Establish comprehensive protection mechanisms, in order to
strengthen the protection and promotion of the rights of migrants and asylum
seekers in the country (Mexico);
108.123 Ensure a gender-sensitive approach during the refugee status
determination procedure that enables victims of sexual or gender-based
violence to be identified (Netherlands);
108.124 Introduce a subsidiary protection status for those in need of
international protection who fall outside the scope of the 1951 Convention
relating to the Status of Refugees (Portugal);
108.125 Provide training to authorities involved in asylum procedures on
identifying and dealing with victims of trafficking and gender-specific violence,
in order to protect asylum-seeking female migrants who may be overlooked
and risk becoming victims of trafficking (Republic of Korea);
108.126 Grant nationality to children born in Liechtenstein who would
otherwise be stateless (Sierra Leone).
109. 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 Liechtenstein was headed by Ms. Aurelia Frick, Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture and composed of the following members:
• Mr. Martin Frick, Ambassador, Director of the Office for Foreign Affairs;
• Mr. Peter Matt, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Principality of
Liechtenstein to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in
Geneva;
• Ms. Karin Lingg Giorgetta, Head of the Unit for Human Rights and International
Humanitarian Law, Office for Foreign Affairs;
• Ms. Kathrin Nescher-Stützel, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs;
• Mr. Hugo Risch, Director of the Office of Social Services;
• Mr. Andreas Schädler, Head of the Crime Investigation Division, National Police;
• Mr. Christian Blank, Head of the Asylum Division, Migration and Passport Office;
• Ms. Eva-Maria Schädler, Office of Education.