by UNHRC Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, February 1, 2023. Report presented to 53rd session of UNHRC, June 2023
Video of Sri Lanka’s review, February 1, 2023 – Sri Lanka Review – 42nd Session of Universal Periodic Review | UN Web TV
Video of adoption of the UPR report February 3, 2023 – Sri Lanka UPR Adoption – 42nd Session of Universal Periodic Review | UN Web TV
II. Conclusions and/or recommendations
65. The following recommendations will be examined by Sri Lanka, which will
provide responses in due time, but no later than the fifty-third session of the Human
Rights Council:
65.1 Consider participating in core human rights treaties (Ukraine);
65.2 Ratify and implement the Optional Protocol to the Convention against
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
(North Macedonia);
65.3 Ratify and implement the Optional Protocol to the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Optional Protocol to the
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Second Optional
Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at
the abolition of the death penalty (North Macedonia);
65.4 Consider ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death
penalty (Chile);
65.5 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty
(Argentina) (Brazil) (Colombia) (Ecuador) (Estonia) (France) (Malta) (Mexico)
(Panama) (Spain) (Ukraine);
65.6 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and
Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Latvia);
65.7 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child, with a view to further strengthening child protection (France);
65.8 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (Namibia);
65.9 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities (South Africa);
65.10 Ratify the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, since
there is no national law on asylum (Spain);
65.11 Ratify the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the
1967 Protocol thereto and address refugees’ limited access to personal and civil
documentation, as a first step to ensuring their human rights to housing and
work (Portugal);
65.12 Sign and ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
(Luxembourg);
65.13 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Austria)
(Botswana) (Ecuador) (Estonia) (Timor-Leste);
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65.14 Accede to the additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions and the
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Colombia);
65.15 Ratify the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189), of the
International Labour Organization (Namibia);
65.16 Ratify the International Labour Organization conventions, including
the Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No. 183), the Domestic Workers
Convention, 2011 (No. 189), and the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019
(No. 190) (North Macedonia);
65.17 Ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (Panama);
65.18 Ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (Panama);
65.19 Continue its constructive engagement and cooperation with the
international human rights mechanisms, including through technical
cooperation, in line with its voluntary undertakings (Algeria);
65.20 Extend a standing invitation to United Nations special procedures on
the situation of human rights defenders (Costa Rica);
65.21 Continue to constructively engage and cooperate with United Nations
human rights mechanisms, including through technical cooperation that
supports national initiatives (Philippines);
65.22 Cooperate with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner
for Human Rights and other Human Rights Council-mandated mechanisms and
procedures (Lithuania);
65.23 Strengthen cooperation and constructive engagement with the United
Nations agencies (Kazakhstan);
65.24 Pursue efforts for the decentralization of power (Switzerland);
65.25 Strengthen the efforts in addressing the underlying economic and
financial challenges (Ethiopia);
65.26 Continue actions aimed at strengthening its legislation on
discrimination on any grounds (Cuba);
65.27 Amend the legislation on divorce and the Criminal Code in order to
criminalize sexual corruption as an offence (Burundi);
65.28 Intensify efforts to mainstream the marginalized people and to
practice pluralism and inclusivity (Bangladesh);
65.29 Continue the effective implementation of the national environmental
action plan, 2022–2030 (Kazakhstan);
65.30 Accelerate national efforts to operationalize the 2030 Agenda
framework in order to progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development
Goals by 2030 (Lebanon);
65.31 Step up efforts to domesticate the Sustainable Development Goals and
implement them nationally (Saudi Arabia);
65.32 Strengthen its efforts aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development
Goals, including by expanding access to health, education and drinking water,
and continue the endeavours to improve livelihoods (Sudan);
65.33 Strengthen and ensure the independence of the national Human Rights
Commission (Ukraine);
65.34 Ensure that adequate resources are provided for the Human Rights
Commission of Sri Lanka in order to continue its work (Zambia);
65.35 Undertake a broad-based consultative process to advance
constitutional reforms that will guarantee the independence of key institutions,
including the judiciary and the Human Rights Commission (Croatia);
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65.36 Provide the necessary resources for the national Human Rights
Commission to enable it to carry out its tasks effectively, in accordance with the
principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and
protection of human rights (the Paris Principles) (Qatar);
65.37 Ensure that adequate resources are provided for the Human Rights
Commission in order for it to carry its work (Lebanon);
65.38 Expand the powers of the Human Rights Commission to enable it to
exercise its mandate (Jordan);
65.39 Ensure that adequate resources are provided for the Human Rights
Commission of Sri Lankato continue its work (Hungary);
65.40 Reinforce the impact of the Human Rights Commission (Cameroon);
65.41 Consider providing adequate resources to the national Human Rights
Commission in order to support it in continuing its work (Egypt);
65.42 Institutionalize a focal point ministry as the national mechanism for
reporting and follow-up, as a domestic mechanism to coordinate the
implementation of the universal periodic review recommendations, with
assistance from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights (Malaysia);
65.43 Establish a permanent national mechanism for implementation,
reporting and follow-up, regarding human rights recommendations, considering
the possibility of receiving cooperation for this purpose (Paraguay);
65.44 Consolidate its policy of national reconciliation by setting up a genuine
system of prevention and repression to combat hate speech and discrimination
(Togo);
65.45 Promote interfaith dialogue, spread religious tolerance, prevent hate
speech against ethnic and religious minorities, hold perpetrators accountable
and combat any discrimination against these minorities (Jordan);
65.46 Take concrete steps to combat any form of discrimination in law and
practice against persons belonging to religious minorities and promote interfaith
dialogue (Italy);
65.47 Take effective measures to ensure the full and effective implementation
of existing legal provisions prohibiting racial discrimination (Turkmenistan);
65.48 Enhance measures to promote equality and eliminate all forms of
discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, caste and any other grounds
(Georgia);
65.49 Continue the process of constitutional reforms in order to ensure nondiscrimination on any grounds (Kuwait);
65.50 Continue the process of constitutional reforms with a view to ensuring
non-discrimination on any grounds (Algeria);
65.51 Continue furthering the process of constitutional reforms with a view
to ensuring non-discrimination on any grounds (Hungary);
65.52 Continue the process of institutional reforms to ensure nondiscrimination on any grounds (Azerbaijan);
65.53 Consider adopting a de jure moratorium on capital executions (Italy);
65.54 Maintain its de facto moratorium on the use of the death penalty and
take steps towards its abolition, including the ratification of the Second Optional
Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at
the abolition of the death penalty (New Zealand);
65.55 Establish a moratorium on the use of, with a view to abolishing, the
death penalty (France);
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65.56 Establish a moratorium on executions and commute all death
sentences to prison sentences (Belgium);
65.57 Consider abolishing the death penalty (Timor-Leste);
65.58 Abolish the death penalty and consider ratifying the Second Optional
Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at
the abolition of the death penalty (Latvia);
65.59 Promote the effective abolition of the death penalty by, among other
things, ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty
(Paraguay);
65.60 Transform the death penalty moratorium into definitive abolition and
ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Portugal);
65.61 Reform the Penal Code to formally abolish the death penalty (Brazil);
65.62 Abolish the death penalty (Iceland) (Slovenia);
65.63 Commute the 1,300 death sentences still in force, despite the fact that
they have not been executed since 1976 (Spain);
65.64 Prevent and combat all forms of torture, enforced disappearances and
arbitrary detention and ensure accountability for human rights violations and
abuses (Italy);
65.65 Work to reduce prison overcrowding to ensure respect for
international standards regarding the treatment of prisoners (Libya);
65.66 Provide answers and reparations to families of the disappeared in a
transparent manner, keeping in mind their precarious situation (Finland);
65.67 Allow the immediate investigation of extrajudicial killings and
excessive use of force committed by the security forces (Czechia);
65.68 Properly investigate and prosecute allegations of torture and
extrajudicial killings by the police (Costa Rica);
65.69 Adopt a global policy to search for the disappeared and amend the
Enforced Disappearances Act to include provisions on the protection of family
members and witnesses (Colombia);
65.70 Reform the emergency legislation that allows for the deprivation of
liberty in a wide variety of situations, leading to arbitrary detentions, as stated
by the United Nations office in the country (Colombia);
65.71 Fully align legislation relating to the prevention and combating of
terrorism with international human rights standards (Mexico);
65.72 Repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and ensure that any
replacement legislation conforms to the best practices of international human
rights standards (Australia);
65.73 Review its counter-terrorism legislation, in particular the Prevention
of Terrorism Act, to bring it into line with international human rights standards
(Austria);
65.74 Repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and release those detained
under the Act (Belgium);
65.75 Repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and ensure that any
replacement legislation is compliant with the international human rights
obligations of Sri Lanka (Canada);
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65.76 Impose a moratorium on the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act
and revise the legislation by 2025 to comply with international human rights law
(Czechia);
65.77 Repeal the current Prevention of Terrorism Act and ensure that all
new legislation is in line with international obligations and does not infringe upon
freedom of assembly and speech (Germany);
65.78 Apply an immediate moratorium on the use of the Prevention of
Terrorism Act until its provisions are in full compliance with international
human rights law (Ireland);
65.79 Develop comprehensive legislation on counter-terrorism, taking into
account best practices on human rights (Japan);
65.80 Revise counter-terrorism legislation so that it is fully compliant with
international human rights standards (Lithuania);
65.81 Continue to adapt the Prevention of Terrorism Act so that it is fully in
line with international standards for the protection of human rights
(Luxembourg);
65.82 Uphold its commitment to a de facto moratorium on the use of the
Prevention of Terrorism Act and work to replace it in line with the international
human rights obligations of Sri Lanka (New Zealand);
65.83 Repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and, in the interim, establish
a moratorium on its use (Norway);
65.84 Continue its policy to bring its national legislation in line with its
international obligations (Russian Federation);
65.85 Replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act, cease arbitrary detentions
for freedom of expression and ensure that legislation is aligned with international
human rights standards (United States of America);
65.86 Avoid the abusive use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 1979 as a
pretext to carry out arbitrary arrests, repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act
and enact a new law in line with international standards (Spain);
65.87 Consider amending the Prevention of Terrorism Act to ensure the
right to a fair trial, including regular access to legal counsel at all stages of the
legal process (Malta);
65.88 Ensure respect for the human rights of all persons detained under the
Prevention of Terrorism Act, ensure fair trials and immediately release all those
arbitrarily detained (Switzerland);
65.89 Step up articulated measures conducive to structural reforms in key
areas critical for economic growth, social stability and the rule of law, while
keeping the respect for human rights at their core (Romania);
65.90 Work on advancing the independence and integrity of the judicial
system (Estonia);
65.91 Expedite the investigation of cases of abduction, unlawful detention,
torture and sexual violence by the security forces of Sri Lanka to ensure that
perpetrators are brought to justice (Botswana);
65.92 Promptly conduct independent and impartial investigations and
prosecutions in all cases of human rights violations, including those perpetrated
by law enforcement and military personnel (Canada);
65.93 Ensure that a new human rights national action plan is drafted, in
follow-up to the previous one, and that commitments not yet met are pursued
and implemented, particularly those meant to protect against gross violations of
human rights (Romania);
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65.94 Carry out an inventory of the lands occupied by the military during
the war, enact legislation establishing procedures for dispossessed and displaced
persons to recover their lands and create a judicial accountability mechanism
and a truth search mechanism (Colombia);
65.95 Pursue an inclusive national dialogue with all relevant stakeholders to
advance the protection of human rights and revive the vital work on the truth
and reconciliation and transitional justice processes (Ireland);
65.96 Pursue an effective transitional justice process to hold the perpetrators
of gross human rights violations and abuses accountable and to uphold victims’
rights to truth, justice and reparations (Austria);
65.97 Relaunch, as soon as possible, a general victim-focused strategy on
transitional justice and accountability in relation to serious human rights
violations committed during the conflict, with a plan with brief timelines to meet
pending commitments, including the adoption of measures regarding the
establishment of a credible truth-seeking mechanism and a special ad hoc court
(Argentina);
65.98 Continue efforts to establish a truth and reconciliation commission, in
cooperation with various stakeholders (Japan);
65.99 Continue the process to establish an independent and credible truth
and reconciliation commission (Kenya);
65.100 Establish a truth commission and a judicial mechanism to advance
investigations and prosecute perpetrators of atrocity crimes (Lithuania);
65.101 Ensure an effective transitional justice process to hold perpetrators of
gross human rights violations and abuses accountable and to uphold victim’s
rights to truth, justice and reparations (Montenegro);
65.102 Ensure the Office on Missing Persons prioritizes, respects and
facilitates the families’ rights to truth, justice and reparations without exerting
pressure on them to close the cases on their missing relatives (South Africa);
65.103 Ensure that the establishment of a national truth commission is done
through an inclusive process of affected communities in accordance with
international standards for dealing with the past (Switzerland);
65.104 Engage with all stakeholders in a participatory process to advance the
country’s ongoing process of reconciliation (Thailand);
65.105 Allow all communities to freely commemorate and memorialize
victims of the civil war (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
65.106 Further strengthen efforts towards national reconciliation, while
engaging constructively with all stakeholders (Viet Nam);
65.107 Continue efforts to achieve national reconciliation and guarantee
public freedoms (Yemen);
65.108 Continue pursuing efforts aimed at national reconciliation, including
through national initiatives (Algeria);
65.109 Fully implement a credible transitional justice and reconciliation
mechanism consistent with Human Rights Council resolution 51/1 and renew
commitments made under Council resolution 30/1 (Australia);
65.110 Fully leverage assistance provided by the Office of the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights to support the national reconciliation
process (France);
65.111 Ensure the effective and independent operations of the Office on
Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations, paying due regard to the
demands and needs of those affected (Montenegro);
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65.112 Implement Human Rights Council resolutions 30/1, 46/1 and 51/1
promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka
(Kingdom of the Netherlands);
65.113 Continue pursuing efforts towards national reconciliation, including
through national initiatives and by engaging constructively with all stakeholders
(Nigeria);
65.114 Continue pursuing efforts aimed at national reconciliation, including
through national initiatives (Pakistan);
65.115 Continue efforts aimed at achieving national reconciliation (Qatar);
65.116 Intensify peacebuilding and social reconciliation efforts (Sudan);
65.117 Continue to make further progress on reconciliation, taking into
account domestic priorities and policies, including through engagement with the
Sri Lankan diaspora (Hungary);
65.118 Effectively implement the Cabinet-approved national policy on
reconciliation and coexistence in Sri Lanka (Türkiye);
65.119 Continue advancing national reconciliation through the
implementation of the adopted national mechanisms (Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela);
65.120 Continue the cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights, support the accountability project and ensure
the independent work of the Office of Missing Persons and the Office for
Reparations (Germany);
65.121 Continue efforts to promote the process of national reconciliation
(Iraq);
65.122 Further strengthen efforts towards national reconciliation, while
engaging in a constructive manner with all stakeholders (Niger);
65.123 Sustain efforts aimed at meaningful and sustainable national
reconciliation, including by providing resources to the Office on Missing Persons,
the Office for Reparations and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation
(Philippines);
65.124 Continue to engage constructively with all parties concerned in order
to achieve national reconciliation (China);
65.125 Implement fully the recommendations in Human Rights Council
resolution 51/1 and take steps to implement an inclusive transitional justice
process in the country (Norway);
65.126 In accordance with resolution 51/1, constructively promote postconflict reconciliation, domestic accountability and human rights (New
Zealand);
65.127 Establish a comprehensive and victim-centred strategy on transitional
justice and accountability, including an independent investigation and
prosecution of international crimes committed during the civil war (Belgium);
65.128 Prepare and implement a comprehensive strategy on transitional
justice and accountability and ensure the independence and effectiveness of the
Office on Missing Persons and Office for Reparations (Croatia);
65.129 Allow the investigation and prosecution of those who may have
committed violations of international humanitarian law and of human rights,
guaranteeing access to truth, justice and reparation for the victims (Ecuador);
65.130 Prepare and implement a comprehensive strategy on transitional
justice and accountability for alleged violations of human rights law and
humanitarian law, with clearly defined timelines (Finland);
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65.131 Allocate resources and technical means to the Office on Missing
Persons and the Office for Reparations (Chile);
65.132 Provide adequate resources to the Office on Missing Persons and the
Office for Reparations in order for them to perform their respective mandates
efficiently and effectively (Islamic Republic of Iran);
65.133 Continue its efforts to build national unity and meaningful
reconciliation, through robust and all-embracing activities that include training
programmes and curricula for school children on understanding the cultural and
religious values of different communities and on peace and reconciliation
(Bahamas);
65.134 End impunity for human rights violations, abuses and harassment,
especially against members of ethnic and religious minority communities, by
holding those responsible to account, including security forces and government
officials, and implementing commitments under Human Rights Council
resolutions (United States of America);
65.135 Ensure impartial and effective investigations into attacks against
minorities and strengthen policies that further protect their rights (Malaysia);
65.136 Ensure that any amendment to the Voluntary Social Service
Organizations Act does not impede the ability of civil society organizations and
non-governmental organizations to operate freely, independently and safely
(Canada);
65.137 Cease the surveillance of journalists and human rights defenders by
the intelligence services, the military and the police (Czechia);
65.138 Ensure that law enforcement authorities’ use of force in response to
protests is used as a last resort, proportionately and only when necessary and
that any officials suspected of using unlawful force are brought to justice
(Denmark);
65.139 Refrain from imposing undue limitation on non-governmental
organizations and ensure that the planned non-governmental organization law
is in line with international obligations (Germany);
65.140 Continue to take measures to ensure that the fundamental freedoms
and human rights of all its citizens, in particular all Tamil-speaking citizens, are
fully protected (India);
65.141 Continue efforts to protect the right of freedom of religion and belief
for all persons in Sri Lanka, including the religious practice and expression
(Indonesia);
65.142 Work to provide a propitious environment for the work of civil society
organizations (Iraq);
65.143 Guarantee freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association
and ensure a safe environment for civil society, including human rights defenders
and journalists (Italy);
65.144 Ensure that the rights to freedom of expression, association and
peaceful assembly are guaranteed and that everyone, including journalists and
human rights defenders, is allowed to express their opinion without fear of
repercussion, through the disproportionate use of legal instruments or repressive
actions (Kingdom of the Netherlands);
65.145 Work to protect its vibrant democracy by safeguarding freedom of
expression and peaceful protest and continuing to hold timely elections as
scheduled in law (New Zealand);
65.146 Promote interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance (Nigeria);
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65.147 Uphold the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and
release all individuals who have been detained for participation in peaceful
protests (Norway);
65.148 Ensure a climate in which all citizens are able to freely express their
opinions and beliefs without fear of reprisals and retribution (Austria);
65.149 Continue its policy of zero tolerance of any act of hate or religious
intolerance (Cuba);
65.150 Step up measures to avoid the disproportionate use of force against
peaceful demonstrators by the military and security forces in the context of the
current situation of large citizen mobilizations (Argentina);
65.151 Adopt and implement legislation to safeguard the rights to freedom of
expression, opinion, association and peaceful assembly of human rights
defenders, including journalists, environmentalists, women and religious leaders
(Costa Rica);
65.152 Ensure, in line with international human rights law, the protection of
women human rights defenders, including through human rights training of the
police (Finland);
65.153 Adopt a public policy that promotes interreligious dialogue and
tolerance and prevents radicalization, to counter hostility against religious
minorities, especially Tamils (Costa Rica);
65.154 Fully implement the national action plan to combat human trafficking,
2021–2025 (Bangladesh);
65.155 Continue efforts to combat human trafficking (Georgia);
65.156 Enhance efforts to combat trafficking in persons (Nepal);
65.157 Increase efforts on strengthening the protection of children’s rights in
the areas of child labour, domestic violence and trafficking (Tajikistan);
65.158 Prohibit discrimination in hiring, enshrine in law equal pay for equal
work and establish a minimum wage (Luxembourg);
65.159 Take up targeted action in protecting the rights of women, addressing
the concern about the absence of legislation prescribing equal pay for work of
equal value and of a legal prohibition of discrimination in hiring (Slovenia);
65.160 Review and repeal the discriminatory laws and policies which restrict
equal access to the right to work for women (Romania);
65.161 Intensify efforts to eliminate the wage gap between women and men
(Iraq);
65.162 Continue to strengthen measures to ensure access to social protection
for vulnerable groups (Kuwait);
65.163 Further strengthen measures to guarantee effective access to social
protection for vulnerable groups (Niger);
65.164 Continue reinforcing measures to ensure vulnerable groups access to
social security (Saudi Arabia);
65.165 Continue strengthening measures that ensure effective access to social
protection for vulnerable groups (Singapore);
65.166 Continue working with the government programme on social
protection measures directed, especially, at the most vulnerable groups in society
(Oman);
65.167 Speed up efforts to implement social protection measures to eradicate
poverty, particularly to safeguard the most vulnerable groups in society,
including women and children (Kenya);
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65.168 Strengthen measures to protect the economic and social rights of all
without discrimination, including social protection for vulnerable groups
(Thailand);
65.169 Continue to promote economic and social development to improve
people’s living standards and strengthen the social protection system (Syrian
Arab Republic);
65.170 Step up efforts and continue introducing measures to reduce poverty
and unemployment among its population, further aggravated since the beginning
of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic (Serbia);
65.171 Continue efforts to promote social and economic development, with
the aim of increasing the quality of life of people and eliminating poverty (Nepal);
65.172 Pursue the efforts made in the fight against poverty, through the
implementation of national reforms in the education and health sectors
(Morocco);
65.173 Continue efforts to combat poverty and strengthen the social security
system for the most vulnerable groups (Libya);
65.174 Intensify efforts towards achieving poverty reduction and the
Sustainable Development Goals (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);
65.175 Enhance efforts to reduce poverty and guarantee sustainable
development (Kuwait);
65.176 Continue its efforts to promote economic and social sustainable
development and poverty reduction for the entire population (Islamic Republic
of Iran);
65.177 Take all necessary measures to create and implement economic
policies that prioritize the eradication of poverty throughout the country
(Indonesia);
65.178 Continue with policy measures to strengthen the Sri Lankan economy
and combat poverty and its impact on the vulnerable segments of the population,
including Indian-origin Tamils (India);
65.179 Continue to create a well-functioning and well-established structure
for livelihoods, social protection and alleviating poverty (Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea);
65.180 Continue to promote economic and social development, to raise
people’s living standards and to strengthen the social security system (China);
65.181 Continue its efforts to promote sustainable economic and social
development and reduce poverty for all of the population (Cameroon);
65.182 Continue its efforts to alleviate poverty and promote economic and
social sustainable development (Cambodia);
65.183 Continue efforts to combat extreme poverty, within the Sustainable
Development Goals framework (Brunei Darussalam);
65.184 Continue implementing programmes to provide social support to
vulnerable groups of the population, reduce poverty and overcome other
negative consequences of the economic crisis (Belarus);
65.185 Continue to implement more programmes to eradicate poverty and
implement further mechanisms to improve combating human trafficking
(Bahrain);
65.186 Accelerate efforts towards poverty reduction and sustainable
development (Azerbaijan);
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65.187 Continue to promote economic and social development to raise
people’s living standard and strengthen the social protection system
(Viet Nam);
65.188 Continue consolidating its successful social welfare measures in the
fight against poverty to empower the most vulnerable and increase the quality of
life of its people (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
65.189 Address concerns around land expropriation in the north and east by
government departments, including the archaeological department, and related
restrictions on access to land (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland);
65.190 Continue its efforts in promoting and protecting the rights to health,
education, food and an adequate standard of living (Bhutan);
65.191 Strengthen efforts to protect and fulfil the right of an adequate
standard of living, particularly for older persons and persons with disabilities
(Indonesia);
65.192 Provide adequate resources to advance the quality of health services
and health infrastructure to ensure access to basic medical services for all,
especially vulnerable groups (United Arab Emirates);
65.193 Continue developing the health infrastructure to guarantee access for
its population to basic health services (Cuba);
65.194 Put in place suitable mechanisms to prevent major health crises by
sourcing essential medical supplies and medicines and ensuring the availability
of immediate and essential life-saving medical care (South Africa);
65.195 Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and
reproductive rights for women and girls (Iceland);
65.196 Strengthen measures to guarantee access for girls, adolescents and
women to adequate sexual and reproductive health services, including modern
contraceptive methods (Mexico);
65.197 Implement the commitment made at the twenty-five-year review of the
implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on
Population and Development to strengthen sexual and reproductive health
education in schools and adolescent and youth-friendly health services, with the
partnership of the Ministries of Health, Education, Vocational Training and
Youth Affairs (Panama);
65.198 Take appropriate measures to ensure access to mental health services
and conduct mental health awareness-raising campaigns to educate communities
(Maldives);
65.199 Decriminalize abortion and legalize it in cases of rape (Iceland);
65.200 Further strengthen efforts in human rights training and education and
improve awareness of human rights in the educational system (Tajikistan);
65.201 Continue efforts to provide equal access to quality education for all
(Serbia);
65.202 Further strengthen training and education efforts in human rights
(Burundi);
65.203 Continue to raise awareness of human rights among all groups,
particularly the younger generations, through education and public training
(Turkmenistan);
65.204 Continue human rights education and capacity-building programmes
to ensure the strengthening of the investigative skills of prosecutors and police
officers (Türkiye);
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65.205 Ensure equal access to education for women, children and persons
with disabilities (United Arab Emirates);
65.206 Further ensure access to education for all children, including children
with disabilities and children in rural areas (Syrian Arab Republic);
65.207 Continue guaranteeing access to education for all children, including
those living in rural areas and those with disabilities (Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela);
65.208 Step up efforts to ensure access to quality education for all children,
including children with disabilities and children in rural areas (Qatar);
65.209 Guarantee equality of access to education for women, children and
people with disabilities (Cameroon);
65.210 Continue strengthening its policies to ensure access to education for all
children, including those with disabilities and in rural areas (Singapore);
65.211 Continue efforts to ensure that all children have access to adequate
education, including children with disabilities and children in rural areas
(Egypt);
65.212 Ensure equal access to education for women, children and persons
with disabilities (Nigeria);
65.213 Further strengthen programmes to ensure access to education for all
children, especially those with disabilities (Pakistan);
65.214 Strengthen further measures to ensure equal access to education for
all children including children with disabilities and children in rural areas (Lao
People’s Democratic Republic);
65.215 Continue efforts to strengthen human rights, particularly within the
framework of the environment and climate change (Bahrain);
65.216 Continue efforts to address the impacts of climate change and ensure
the effective implementation of the national environmental action plan, 2022–
2030 (Bhutan);
65.217 Continue working on the national environmental action plan, 2022–
2030, which has been adopted in order to respond more effectively to emerging
challenges to the environment (Oman);
65.218 Integrate the considerations related to climate change into the
implementation of its national policies and plans of action (Burundi);
65.219 Implement policies aimed at overcoming challenges faced by climate
change, in line with global targets (Maldives);
65.220 Continue the efforts to streamline personal laws, particularly for
women and girls, with equality and end discrimination provisions of the
constitution (Ethiopia);
65.221 Enhance women’s participation in political, economic and public life
(Egypt);
65.222 Reinforce mechanisms to address obstacles to the equal participation
of women in political, economic and public life (Pakistan);
65.223 Step up efforts to enhance participation by women in political and
public life (Malaysia);
65.224 Pursue measures that strengthen social protection of households
headed by women and girls (Nigeria);
65.225 Proceed promptly with Cabinet approval of the national action plan
on women and peace and security (Japan);
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65.226 Further intensify measures to advance women’s rights, to promote the
empowerment of women and their participation in the public and political life
(Georgia);
65.227 Consider taking additional steps to increase women’s representation
at decision-making levels (Cambodia);
65.228 Strengthen efforts to protect women’s rights, including by setting a
quota to increase women’s representation in leadership roles, in both the public
and private sectors, as well as step up efforts to increase investment in gender
equality and women’s empowerment (Timor-Leste);
65.229 Continue to create favourable conditions for women to participate
equally in political, economic and public life (China);
65.230 Continue its efforts to make progress in achieving gender equality and
women’s advancement in social, economic and political settings (Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea);
65.231 Put an end to forced conversions and marriages of women and girls
belonging to religious minorities, ensuring that those responsible are brought to
justice (Spain);
65.232 Continue to economically and socially empower women to prevent all
forms of gender-based violence and to contribute to the development of Sri
Lankan society (Türkiye);
65.233 Adopt concrete initiatives to eradicate all types of gender-based
violence and discrimination and implement fair reparation mechanisms for
victims (Uruguay);
65.234 Continue strengthening institutions to intensify the fight against
gender-based violence and educational prevention programmes in this area (
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
65.235 Continue efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence,
including through gender-sensitization and training (Zambia);
65.236 Ensure that the police properly investigate all acts of gender-based
violence, including marital violence (Costa Rica);
65.237 Put in place mechanisms to strengthen the laws prohibiting sexual and
gender-based violence against women (Gambia);
65.238 Continue to ensure the prosecution of all forms of gender-based
violence (Gambia);
65.239 Ensure the protection of women and men, girls and boys, from sexual
harassment and gender-based violence, for example by adopting the Violence
and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), of the International Labour
Organization (Germany);
65.240 Take measures to criminalize marital rape and to prevent and punish
domestic violence against women, including awareness-raising campaigns, legal
services, support and shelter for survivors (Israel);
65.241 Remove all marital rape exceptions from laws criminalizing rape and
require police to investigate and appropriately prosecute all acts of gender-based
violence, including against a woman by her husband (Latvia);
65.242 Redouble efforts for the protection of women victims of gender-based
violence in all its forms and manifestations (Paraguay);
65.243 Strengthen measures to eliminate all forms of violence against women,
among other things, by criminalizing marital rape (Belgium);
65.244 Adopt a law prohibiting all forms of female genital mutilation and
establish a national plan of action to eradicate the practice throughout the
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country, including by allocating sufficient resources for prevention and
education (Costa Rica);
65.245 Ensure investigation, punishment and reparations for cases of rape
and sexual violence, including marital rape (Mexico);
65.246 Amend the legal definition of rape to include marital rape without
exception (Costa Rica);
65.247 Recognize female genital mutilation as a violation of the rights of
women and girls by strengthening its legislative framework, by creating
multisectoral coordination mechanisms and adopting policies to prevent and
eliminate all harmful practices (Burkina Faso);
65.248 Enhance efforts by law enforcement authorities to eradicate the
practice of female genital mutilation (Israel);
65.249 Reform the Penal Code to protect against all forms of rape, including
marital rape, and remove gender restrictions on the perpetrator and victim of
rape (Iceland);
65.250 Strengthen measures to protect the rights of children, particularly to
prevent child labour, hazardous forms of employment and violence against
children (Zambia);
65.251 Take further measures to protect children from abuse, exploitation
and child marriage (Bangladesh);
65.252 Continue ongoing initiatives in the protection of the rights of children
(Brunei Darussalam);
65.253 Further strengthen measures, aiming to reinforce the rights of the
child and the social protection of women (Burundi);
65.254 Take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational
measures to protect children from all forms of physical and mental violence,
including sexual abuse, and ban the corporal punishment of children in all
situations (Croatia);
65.255 Improve the protection of children, taking measures to prevent forced
and early marriage and eliminate child labour (Israel);
65.256 Set the minimum age for marriage at 18 years without exception
(Costa Rica);
65.257 Adjust the minimum age of criminal responsibility so that it is at least
14 years and take legal measures to ensure that children faced with criminal
charges are guaranteed the right to legal representation (Denmark);
65.258 End all forms of violence and discrimination against women, including
domestic violence, and child, early and forced marriage (Italy);
65.259 Explicitly prohibit the corporal punishment of children in law in all
settings (Estonia);
65.260 Prohibit the corporal punishment of children in all forms and in any
sphere of society, including the home and educational centres, and promote nonviolent alternatives as disciplinary measures (Uruguay);
65.261 Abolish corporal punishment in law and in practice (Israel);
65.262 Take all necessary measures, both in law and in practice, to eliminate
child, early and forced marriage, female genital mutilation and other harmful
practices (Latvia);
65.263 Implement fully the national human rights action plan to prevent child
abuse and to end corporal punishment (Lithuania);
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65.264 Continue efforts to provide efficient social protection to low-income
households and vulnerable groups, as well as equal access to quality education
for all children (Malaysia);
65.265 Review the domestic laws that are discriminatory against women and
prevent gender equality, in particular by establishing a minimum age of 18 years
for marriage (Norway);
65.266 Undertake awareness-raising campaigns, targeting the tourism sector
and the general population, on the prevention of the sexual exploitation of
children in travel and tourism, with a wide dissemination of the Global Code of
Ethics for Tourism of the World Tourism Organization (Panama);
65.267 Enact laws to eradicate the sexual exploitation of girls, boys and
adolescents in the context of tourism (Ecuador);
65.268 Pursue the development of various policies to ensure the full enjoyment
of the rights of persons with disabilities (Turkmenistan);
65.269 Develop policies and programmes that promote and protect persons
with disabilities and ensure their integration into society (Jordan);
65.270 Strengthen the national and local resources allocated to the required
facilities for children with disabilities and enhance employment opportunities for
persons with disabilities (Gambia);
65.271 Take administrative, legislative and other measures to guarantee
Indigenous Peoples their fundamental rights, including the recognition of their
legal status, access to land, linguistic identity, access to health, education and
other fundamental rights (Paraguay);
65.272 Repeal sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code, end the
criminalization of same-sex conduct and ensure equality and non-discrimination
in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity (United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland);
65.273 Ensure that the rights of LGBTQI+ persons are respected and take
steps to end discrimination and harassment of LGBTQI+ communities, including
by amending the Penal Code to decriminalize same-sex relations (United States
of America);
65.274 Amend the Penal Code in order to decriminalize sexual conduct
between consenting persons of the same sex and take concrete measures to
combat discrimination and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
and intersex persons (Uruguay);
65.275 Repeal the regulatory framework and administrative acts that
criminalize, restrict and stigmatize relationships between people of the same sex
and/or gender, with a view to guaranteeing respect for the rights and
fundamental freedoms of all members of the LGBTIQ community (Argentina);
65.276 Amend laws and policies to guarantee the equal rights of women and
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals, including by
decriminalizing consensual same-sex conduct (Australia);
65.277 Decriminalize same-sex relations, by repealing Sections 365 and 365A
of the Penal Code (Canada);
65.278 Continue efforts to guarantee the rights of LGBTIQ+ people, by
considering a ban on conversion therapies and repealing laws that criminalize
homosexuality (Chile);
65.279 Repeal all legal provisions criminalizing homosexuality (Costa Rica);
65.280 Repeal section 365A of the Penal Code, criminalizing homosexuality,
and introduce legislation to prevent criminal and hateful behaviour towards
LGBTQI persons (Czechia);
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65.281 Receive the visit requested by the Independent Expert on protection
against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender
identity (France);
65.282 Decriminalize and legalize same-sex relations between consenting
adults (Iceland);
65.283 Ensure that all persons can obtain or amend identity documents as per
their self-perceived gender identity, free from medical or diagnostic
requirements (Iceland);
65.284 Decriminalize same-sex activities in accordance with international
human rights standards (Israel);
65.285 Increase steps taken to end discrimination based on sexual orientation
and sexual identity, including through relevant legislation (Israel);
65.286 Repeal all laws that criminalise same-sex relations between consenting
adults (Latvia);
65.287 Repeal articles 365 and 365A of the Penal Code and specific articles of
other laws that criminalize homosexuality (Mexico);
65.288 Amend the Penal Code, particularly sections 365 and 365A, to
decriminalize consensual same-sex conduct and displays of affection, and repeal
the Vagrants Ordinance (Kingdom of the Netherlands);
65.289 Take further steps to eradicate all forms of discrimination and violence
against minority communities, including women, girls, disabled people and the
LGBTQI+ communities (New Zealand);
65.290 Repeal sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code and sections of other
laws that criminalize homosexuality (Norway);
65.291 Review legislation to fully guarantee the right to equality and nondiscrimination, particularly concerning decriminalization and nondiscrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity (Brazil);
65.292 Introduce legal provisions that ensure that all rape and non-consensual
sexual acts are recognised in law as illegal regardless of sexual orientation or
gender (Malta);
65.293 Strengthen measures to protect the rights of migrants and refugees
(Morocco);
65.294 Ensure the socioeconomic growth of, and address the marginalization
faced by, the formerly stateless Tamils of Indian origin in the country
(South Africa)