Human Rights Council Adopts Universal Periodic Review Outcomes of Barbados, United Arab Emirates and Israel

MORNING 3 October 2023

The Human Rights Council this morning adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Barbados, the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

Concerning Barbados, the Vice-President of the Council said out of the 224 recommendations received, 129 enjoyed the support of Barbados, and 86 were noted. Additional clarification was provided on another nine recommendations.

The outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Barbados was adopted.

Speaking in the discussion on the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Barbados were Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, United Nations Women, United Nations Population Fund, Tanzania, Venezuela, Algeria, Bahamas, China, India, Jamaica, Maldives, Nigeria, Peru, Russian Federation and South Africa.

Also speaking were Humanists International, Advocates for Human Rights, and Healthy Caribbean Coalition Inc.

Concerning the United Arab Emirates, the Vice-President of the Council said out of the 323 recommendations received, 198 enjoyed the support of the United Arab Emirates and 125 were noted.

The outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of the United Arab Emirates was adopted.

Speaking in the discussion on the Universal Periodic Review outcome of the United Arab Emirates were Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tunisia, United Nations Women, United Kingdom and Tanzania.

Also speaking were United for Human Rights, Gulf Centre for Human Rights Limited, British Humanist Association, Advocates for Human Rights, International Service for Human Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Villages Unis (United Villages) and Citoyens en action pour la démocratie et le développement.

With regard to Israel, the Vice-President of the Council said out of the 320 recommendations received, 156 enjoyed the support of Israel, and 154 were noted. Additional clarification was provided on another 10 recommendations.

The outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Israel was adopted.

Speaking in the discussion on the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Israel were Tanzania, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Czechia, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Georgia, Hungary, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kenya and Cabo Verde.

Also speaking were Institute for NGO Research, Al-Haq, Law in the Service of Man, International Association of Justice Watch, Conscience and Peace Tax International, World Jewish Congress, Defence for Children International, BADIL Resource Centre for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Human Rights Watch, and Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism.

The webcast of the Human Rights Council meetings can be found here. All meeting summaries can be found here. Documents and reports related to the Human Rights Council’s fifty-fourth regular session can be found here.

The Council will reconvene at 3 p.m. this afternoon to continue the consideration and adoption of the outcome documents of other States examined during the forty-third session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group.

Consideration of Universal Periodic Review Outcome of Barbados

Report

The Council has before it the reports of the Working Group of the Universal Periodic Review of Barbados (A/HRC/54/13), and its addendum (A/HRC/54/13/Add.1)

Presentation

Barbados regretted that it was unable to provide its addendum in time for States to see its progress and responses, which highlighted the capacity constraints that small States like Barbados had. The Universal Periodic Review was important, but it was only one of many critical issues Barbados had on its plate. Barbados had examined all recommendations made, and out of the 224 recommendations received, 129 enjoyed the support of Barbados, and 86 were noted. Nine were supported and noted.

Barbados had amended the nationality laws to ensure women could confer nationality on their children in all circumstances, and repealed or amended all discriminatory provisions in legislation, including by providing equal rights in conferring nationality to an adopted child or foreign spouse. This process had caused Barbados to look carefully at its domestic organisational structure for addressing human rights issues, which was why one of the first steps to be taken would be to recommend the establishment of a national human rights institution. Barbados supported the recommendations to ratify the Convention against Torture,

to consolidate the legal framework on the protection of migrants by ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, to sign and ratify the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

Barbados had taken this process very seriously but there remained work to be done, including on finalising the addendum for submission to this Council. This was a process and capacity building, political will, civil society consultation, legislative changes and institutional strengthening were all part of it. Barbados remained committed to human rights for all within its territory, and looked to partners with the experience and the technical assistance to accompany it on this journey.

Discussion

A number of speakers recognised the efforts being made by Barbados, and the country’s continuing commitment to the strengthening of its human rights architecture, despite challenging resource and capacity constraints. They noted that steps were being taken toward the implementation of additional recommendations through legislative changes, the strengthening of public institutions, and capacity building efforts in areas such as child protection, gender-based violence, migration and the rights of women. Also noteworthy was the intention to establish a national human rights institution. Barbados was encouraged to continue progressing social policies that benefitted the people, with a focus on the most vulnerable sectors. Barbados was congratulated on the ratification of several human rights instruments, and it was urged to take the full steps necessary to abolish the death penalty.

Some speakers acknowledged the response of Barbados to the COVID-19 pandemic and recognised the steps it had taken to protect persons with disabilities, including through the accession to the Marrakech Treaty. Barbados had promoted economic growth, advanced equal employment, combatted gender-based violence and human trafficking, and ensured sexual and reproductive health services and education for adolescents and youth. Speakers also commended the efforts made by the Government of Barbados to catalyse gender quality and women’s empowerment, including the determination to eliminate workplace discrimination by passing the Employment Prevention of Discrimination Act 2020. One speaker said the Government needed to work to destigmatise sexual and gender minorities. It was hoped there would be legislation to prohibit discrimination based on gender and sexual identity, particularly in employment.

Speakers noted that the Government of Barbados had supported 126 recommendations from Member States and had already commenced work on their implementation. This demonstrated the seriousness that Barbados attached to meeting its international human rights obligations, particularly in view of the capacity constraints as a small island developing State. Speakers drew attention to the importance of technical assistance and capacity building in this regard.

The Vice-President of the Council said of the 224 recommendations received, 129 enjoyed the support of Barbados and 86 were noted. Additional clarification was provided on another nine recommendations, indicating which parts of the recommendations were noted.

Concluding Remarks

Barbados said the State was committed to human rights both globally and domestically. Every person deserved to live a life of self-determination, free of harassment and fear, and with access to healthcare, education and the full enjoyment of human rights. Barbados was pleased to see the increased recognition of how the climate crisis, debt burdens and inequalities between States were major impediments to the collective commitment to equal rights for all. Barbados was on a journey. One that some of the countries in this room may have already travelled. The destination was not yet reached, but all were facing and walking in the right direction. Barbados called on all partners to work with it as it continued to invest in and improve its human rights ecosystem.

The Council adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Barbados.

Consideration of Universal Periodic Review Outcome of the United Arab Emirates

Report

The Council has before it the reports of the Working Group of the Universal Periodic Review of the United Arab Emirates (A/HRC/54/15), and its addendum (A/HRC/54/15/Add.1)

Presentation

United Arab Emirates said it received 323 recommendations, and consequently, the Committee on Human Rights carefully studied these recommendations, taking into account national legislation and international conventions to which the State had acceded. The United Arab Emirates had accepted 198 recommendations, a large number of which had already been implemented on the ground. The rest would be implemented in the coming years, in conjunction with the launch of the National Human Rights Plan. The United Arab Emirates had taken note of 125 recommendations, with many requiring further studies or a legislative environment in line with international standards.

During the Universal Periodic Review session of its fourth national report last May, the United Arab Emirates announced its intention to accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and was currently considering withdrawing some of its reservations to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. On issues related to the protection and promotion of women's rights, empowerment and gender equality, most of the recommendations received State support. With regard to issues related to labour rights, all the recommendations received had been supported. In recent years, the United Arab Emirates had undertaken a wide range of legislative and regulatory reforms for workers to ensure the protection of their rights in the country.

The State had received several recommendations related to combatting human trafficking, all of which had received the support of the State, in particular concerning strengthening and developing legislative frameworks and supporting victims. Legislation had also been adopted in relation to access to justice, the protection of inmates in penal institutions, the promotion of freedom of opinion and expression, religious freedom, and the right to nationality. All recommendations related to environmental protection, food security, and climate change were accepted. The United Arab Emirates would continue its national efforts aimed at reducing emissions and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, as it prepared to host the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at its twenty-eighth session.

Discussion

A number of speakers noted positively the United Arab Emirates’ establishment of the national human rights institution, the legislative and regulatory reforms for the protection of the rights of workers, as well as the adopted national legislation affecting women, and the national strategy for the empowerment and advancement of women. Speakers further welcomed the adoption of the national family policy and the family protection policy.

The steady progress made by the United Arab Emirates on several facets of human rights, including its cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanisms and the Universal Periodic Review, were noted. Speakers welcomed the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to further strengthen national human rights frameworks through institutional, legislative and policy steps, including the National Programme for Tolerance and the Gender-Balance Strategy. Also welcomed was the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to further enhance measures to combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children.

Some speakers commended the United Arab Emirates’ continued efforts to ratify and withdraw reservations to international human rights treaties, encouraging the United Arab Emirates to reconsider the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture. The United Arab Emirates was encouraged to continue its efforts to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights of its people, in a manner best suited to its national context and circumstances. Such a tailored approach would best guarantee tangible and sustainable outcomes for the wellbeing of its citizens.

The Vice-President of the Council said out of the 323 recommendations received, 198 enjoyed the support of the United Arab Emirates, and 125 were noted.

Concluding Remarks

United Arab Emirates thanked all those who had participated in the session for the adoption of the United Arab Emirates fourth Universal Periodic Review report, including the Troika, the Secretariat, States and non-governmental organizations. The standing Committee on Human Rights would ensure the follow-up for the recommendations accepted, in collaboration with all stakeholders and national mechanisms. The United Arab Emirates would also submit a mid-term report on the measures taken to implement the recommendations.

The Council adopted the Universal Periodic Review outcome of the United Arab Emirates

Consideration of Universal Periodic Review Outcome of Israel

Reports

The Council has before it the reports of the Working Group of the Universal Periodic Review of Israel (A/HRC/54/16), and its addendum (A/HRC/54/16/Add.1)

Presentation

Israel said since its establishment, Israel had endeavoured to foster a democratic society where the rights of all individuals were upheld, and where co-existence, comprised of a multitude of cultural, religious, racial and ethnic groups, was a cornerstone of its society. Israel had done so in the face of serious security challenges, including rampant acts of terrorism, which threatened the lives of the population on a daily basis. Israel extended great efforts to finding the delicate and proper balance between its commitments to human rights and its obligation to defend its population.

Israel recognised the critical role of international mechanisms in the promotion and protection of human rights at the national level. Nevertheless, the one-sided and ongoing discriminatory treatment to which Israel was subjected by this Council could not be ignored. This institutional bias had been manifested, for example, in Israel being the only country in the world with a dedicated Human Rights Council agenda item, the infamous item seven; a disproportionate number of condemnatory resolutions and special sessions; and the only country subjected to a permanent Commission of Inquiry with an effectively unlimited mandate. Israel took this opportunity to place on record the urgent need for its discriminatory treatment in the Human Rights Council to end.

Israel remained committed to engaging with international human rights mechanisms as part of its unwavering support for the promotion and protection of human rights, both domestically and globally. Israel was fully engaged in combatting and preventing racism, sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment through all United Nations organizations, agencies and programmes. Israel was here today with a firm belief that this dialogue could provide Israel with an important instrument to further improve its mechanisms for a better implementation of human rights, and had been able to support 171 recommendations, in whole or in part. These included, among others, recommendations to develop and implement public policies and social awareness campaigns to eliminate violence; hate speech; discrimination based on birth, race or religion; and discrimination against minority groups and on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Discussion

Some speakers said they appreciated Israel's active cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms, civil society and academia. This was a clear commitment to an open and democratic society guaranteeing the protection and promotion of human rights and peaceful coexistence between different cultural, religious, racial and ethnic groups. Israel’s steps to safeguard the rights of children and persons with disabilities were highly valued. Speakers noted Israel's renewed commitment to addressing existing challenges in the fight against discrimination, racism and ethnically motivated violence. The State was congratulated on reforms undertaken to close social gaps and to promote the rights of the elderly, and the steps taken to empower women, including within the judiciary.

Some speakers were concerned about systematic human rights violations taking place in the occupied Palestinian territory by Israel. They noted that Israel had rejected numerous recommendations to end the expansion of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory; to stop the use of force and killing of innocent civilians; and to prohibit ongoing blockades, among others. Speakers said approximately half of the recommendations proposed to Israel had not been accepted. Israel should conduct systematic, credible and transparent investigations into the excessive use of force by Israeli security forces against civilians, including children, in order to prevent security forces from acting with impunity.

A number of speakers encouraged Israel to intensify its efforts to strengthen the respect, protection, realisation and promotion of human rights on the ground. The presence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, as mandated by the Council, was essential to monitor and report publicly on the human rights situation and possible violations by all parties. Speakers wished Israel success in implementing the accepted recommendations and recommended that the Council adopt its report by consensus.

The Vice-President of the Council said out of the 320 recommendations received, 156 enjoyed the support of Israel, and 154 were noted. Additional clarification was provided on another 10 recommendations.

Concluding Remarks

Israel said the State appreciated the opportunity to participate in the Universal Periodic Review process, to share Israel’s efforts in a constructive dialogue and not in a political one.

The Council adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Israel.

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