15/10/2024

The UPR Adoptions at the 57th Session of the HRC: key highlights

At the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council, the outcome reports from the 46th Working Group Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), referred to as Item 6, were adopted.

 

The reports for North Macedonia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Chile, Yemen, Slovakia, New Zealand, The Comoros, Vanuatu, Eritrea, Uruguay, The Dominican Republic, and Cambodia were examined and adopted. 

During the 46th UPR Working Group session, 3634 recommendations were made by UN Member States and 2247 recommendations enjoyed the support from States under Review.

 

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A well-functioning mechanism for examining the human rights situation in all countries. That's why we see the UPR process as a valuable opportunity to deepen the national debate on human rights and create momentum for their strengthening through an open and forward-looking exchange with national stakeholders and relevant international partners”, this is how Mr. Sumbue Antas, the Permanent Representative of Vanuatu to the UN described the UPR during the Adoptions of the Outcomes Reports.

 

As reflected in the quote, each of the 193 member states voluntarily participate in the UPR with the goal of translating these recommendations into meaningful and tangible changes on the ground. Plans for implementing these changes, along with general matters related to the UPR, are discussed during Item 6 of the Human Rights Council session agenda. During this time, States reaffirm their dedication to the UPR process and report on the progress made in implementing the recommendations they have endorsed during the UPR review by facilitating constructive dialogue with relevant stakeholders. 

Good Practices

The states of Chile and New Zealand are taking steps to track their progress on human rights recommendations. Chile has voluntarily implemented a national supervision tool for evaluating such progress. This tool allows Chile to track its advancement on recommendations, such as those accepted during the UPR. Similarly, New Zealand will soon launch an online monitoring tool for human rights follow-up and reporting. This tool will also track the progress of recommendations made through human rights mechanisms, with a focus on transparency. Chile and New Zealand’s voluntary utilisation of such tools demonstrates a commitment to accountability in advancing human rights and exemplifies how states can better ensure the implementation of accepted recommendations.

General Debate

During the general debate on item 6, states praised the UPR’s focus on collaboration and cooperation and emphasised that the process must remain impartial, transparent, and equal, devoid of any favouritism. 

As part of the debate, UPR Info shared a statement on how the UPR relates to the recently drafted Pact for the Future. Accepted during the Summit for the Future, this document outlines the way forward for states to unite and address key issues and challenges.  While welcoming the opportunities from the Pact for the Future, there is significant concern regarding the limited focus on human rights within the pact, which lacks a dedicated chapter and strong human rights language despite being one of the UN's three pillars.

UPR Info encouraged states to utilise the UPR to achieve the actions set out in the pact

“The UPR enables States to advance the 2030 Agenda by aligning national development policies with human rights. It also supports peace and security by addressing systemic human rights violations, often the root causes of conflict, which often affect those living in vulnerable situations,” said Mona M’Bikay, Executive Director of UPR Info. 

To read the full statement, click here. 

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Below you may find more information about each country’s adoption. 

 

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North Macedonia

North Macedonia received 205 recommendations during its review, of which 191 were accepted, 12 noted, and 2 partially accepted. North Macedonia is committed to following up on its Nairobi ICPD25 national commitments, advancing key laws on the rights of vulnerable groups, and strengthening protections for forcibly displaced and stateless individuals. Additionally, the country is working to address gaps in personal documentation, enhance climate change mitigation policies, and ensure universal health coverage, including survivor-centered services for gender-based violence victims and sexual health services. A new criminal code is also in its final stages, aimed at aligning with EU standards and improving protections for children in the justice system. The draft code will criminalize new offenses, address emerging criminal challenges, and enhance safeguards for child suspects and victims. 

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Vietnam

Vietnam received 320 recommendations, accepting 271, with 18 partially accepted. Vietnam aims to implement the accepted recommendations through a comprehensive national plan, which will include mechanisms for coordination, monitoring, and evaluation. A mid-term review is planned to assess progress and address any gaps. Vietnam remains committed to economic growth, poverty reduction, and improvements in maternal and infant mortality, literacy, healthcare, education, and access to safe drinking water. The country also prioritizes ratifying international conventions on migrant workers’ rights and expanding access to quality education, particularly for vulnerable groups, while enhancing human rights training for government officials, civil servants, and youth.

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Afghanistan

Afghanistan accepted 215 out of 243 recommendations, noting 21 and partially accepting 7. Many accepted recommendations centred around putting an end to the violence and extrajudicial killings committed by the Taliban, ceasing the arbitrary detention, arrest, and torture of human rights defenders and journalists, combatting discrimination against those of ethnic and religious minorities, and eliminating the severe restrictions currently hindering the freedom and rights of women and girls. The delegation noted that, despite the human rights abuses occurring under the de facto Taliban regime, Afghanistan was able to participate in this UPR review session, signifying a tremendous achievement. It also emphasised the importance of striving towards a diverse government representative of all those living in Afghanistan in order to mitigate barriers towards fully achieving the human rights of all.

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Cyprus

Cyprus accepted 199 out of 236 recommendations, noting 37. Accepted recommendations pertained to addressing the rights of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, and mitigating gender-based violence, trafficking in persons, and discrimination. Cyprus reported that many recommendations are currently being implemented. Once such measure is the creation of the Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection established in June to aid migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.

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Chile

Chile accepted 324 out of 329 recommendations, noting 4 and partially accepting one, resulting in a 98% acceptance rate. Chile’s accepted recommendations focused on human rights and business, torture prevention, climate change initiatives (with a focus on becoming carbon neutral), improving the national health system, protection of children, the rights of indigenous peoples and those of African descent, protecting environmental defenders, measures to combat police brutality, and gender equality. Throughout the review process, Chile collaborated with civil society, and the delegation reported that it has responded to more than 100 requests by mandate holders.

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Yemen

Yemen accepted 201 recommendations and noted 55. The delegation highlighted ongoing efforts to secure the release of humanitarian workers who were wrongfully detained and to investigate those cases. Additionally, Yemen has developed a national human rights strategy to combat human trafficking. Despite ongoing challenges, including the conflict and humanitarian crisis, the government is focused on providing food, shelter, electricity, and other essential services to its citizens while working toward ending the coup and restoring stability.

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Slovakia

Slovakia accepted 192 out of 242 recommendations, noting 47 and partially accepting 3. Slovakia’s accepted recommendations included measures to mitigate violence against women, enhance Roma inclusion, and combat discrimination. NGOs and NHRIs contributed to Slovakia’s review process, and some recommendations are already in the process of being implemented.

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New Zealand
New Zealand

New Zealand accepted 168 out of 259 recommendations, noting 91. The accepted recommendations addressed family and sexual violence, criminal justice, child poverty reduction, the cost-of-living crisis, inclusive education, and the rights of indigenous peoples. New Zealand reported that it is considering agreeing to the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearances and the Optional Protocol for the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

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The Comoros

The Comoros accepted 194 out of 237 recommendations, noting 43. Areas of focus included improving health access, non-discrimination in education, and prevention of smuggling and trafficking in persons. The Comoros reported that it engaged in an inclusive UPR process that sought input from a commission made up of state, parliament, and civil society actors.

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Vanuatu
Vanuatu

Vanuatu accepted 169 out of 209 recommendations and noted 40. The delegation highlighted initial steps taken toward establishing a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), a key recommendation. Vanuatu is focused on strengthening civil and political rights, including protecting journalists from intimidation and improving judicial structures to better implement anti-corruption measures. Significant efforts are also being made to eradicate gender-based violence, with a policy of zero tolerance for violence against women. Further, Vanuatu is committed to the empowerment of women and girls, strengthening legal protections for children, and enhancing education and health systems.

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Eritrea

Eritrea received 293 recommendations, accepting 126 while noting 160, and rejecting 5. The delegation emphasized its integrated, multi-sectoral approach to human rights, highlighting the establishment of a national working committee on UPR to strengthen cooperation across government ministries and stakeholders. Eritrea has made significant strides in education, raising literacy rates to 85%, constructing new schools, and implementing school feeding programs. The government continues to enhance its healthcare system, with progress in maternal and newborn health, routine vaccinations, and efforts to address child marriage. Eritrea is also focused on empowering women, ensuring their eligibility for decision-making roles, and implementing poverty reduction programs that prioritize women’s access to basic services.

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Uruguay

Uruguay received 274 recommendations, accepting 260 and noting 14. The country has a strong history of implementing recommendations, with many already in progress or completed. The country has taken significant steps to address discrimination against persons with disabilities, hate speech, and hate crimes. Uruguay’s commitment to gender equality is evident in its policies to combat gender-based violence, promote women’s participation in politics, and end child marriage by raising the legal marriage age to 18. Additionally, the adoption of a national integration plan for migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, along with its 2023-2027 National Human Rights Plan, demonstrates Uruguay's dedication to enhancing human rights protection across all sectors.

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Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has received a total of 256 recommendations, of which it accepted 182 and noted 74. The country is currently considering legislative reforms aimed at eradicating gender-based violence and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. The Dominican Republic is also pursuing reforms within the national police, enhancing human rights training for public security forces, and encouraging independent judicial procedures to combat corruption. The launch of a strategic plan for a violence-free life for women underscores its commitment to advancing women's rights. Additionally, they have accepted recommendations to combat gender-based discrimination effectively, increase investments in health services to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, and strengthen laws against child labor and trafficking. 

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Cambodia

Cambodia accepted 232 out of 275 recommendations, noting 43. Cambodia’s priorities include peace and stability, poverty reduction, economic growth, rights of women, children, and those with disabilities, combatting human trafficking, and expanding healthcare. These priorities were reflected in the recommendations it accepted. Specific goals include aspirations for universal healthcare coverage, vocational training for 1.5 million youth living in poverty, expanding internet services to all schools, communes, and health facilities by 2027, and implementing an electricity connection grid covering all communes by 2030.