Human Rights Council
Forty-seventh session
21 June–9 July 2021
Agenda item 6
Universal periodic review
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review *
Lebanon
Introduction
1.The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirty-seventh session from 18 January to 8 February 2021. The review of Lebanon was held at the 2nd meeting, on 18 January 2021. The delegation of Lebanon was headed by H.E. Mr. Salim Baddoura, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Lebanon in Geneva. At its 10th meeting, held on 22 January 2021, the Working Group adopted the report on Lebanon.
2.On 12 January 2021, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Lebanon: Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Bulgaria and Indonesia.
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 Lebanon:
(a)A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a);
(b)A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b);
(c)A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c).
4.A list of questions prepared in advance by Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Panama, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America and Uruguay was transmitted to Lebanon 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 the delegation of Lebanon, H.E. Mr. Salim Baddoura, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations in Geneva, presented the third national report of Lebanon to the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review.
6.The report was prepared under the supervision of the national mechanism for preparing reports and following up on recommendations issued by international bodies. Its content was the result of consultations between the ministries, national institutions, parliamentary bodies, civil society organizations and the national committee concerned with preparing the voluntary national report on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
7.The adherence of Lebanon to the principles of human rights in its Constitution stems from the pluralistic nature of its society, its cultural legacy and its historical role, as a meeting place for cultures and as a point of overlap between the East and the West.
8.Lebanon found itself at a delicate and dangerous juncture. It suffered a set of interlocking crises, the most important of which was a stifling financial and economic crisis, which saw the resignation of two governments within 10 months. The Beirut port explosion disaster caused an enormous loss of life and damage to property, and exacerbated a multidimensional humanitarian problem. Furthermore, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has imposed additional heavy burdens on the State.
9.These pressing conditions were coupled with old challenges, such as the Israeli occupation of parts of southern Lebanon, the continued violation by Israel of Lebanese sovereignty, the ongoing wars in the region and the terrorist threat, and the crises involving Palestinian refugees and the mass displacement of Syrians.
10.The Presidency of the Council of Ministers has been following up on the financial forensics, and the House of Representatives approved a law to lift banking secrecy with respect to those responsible.
11.In the context of civil and political rights, the competent judicial and security agencies endeavoured to maintain a balance between protecting fundamental freedoms in line with national laws and international obligations, and the need to ensure that basic rights are maintained.
12.In the context of the Beirut port explosion disaster, the Ministry of National Defence declared a state of emergency, provided aid and helped with aid distribution. The authorities sought to uncover the truth and circumstances of the explosion. The Council of Ministers referred the crime to the Judicial Council, and the judicial investigator has been proceeding with his investigations, including by interviewing witnesses and arresting and prosecuting suspects.
13.The Government has formed a ministerial committee to address the multifaceted health and economic implications of the lockdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Ministry of Public Health increased the preparedness of government hospitals.
14.The military and security forces – including the army, and internal, public and State security forces – have adopted special measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic in places of detention.
15.In the context of protecting the rights of the most vulnerable groups, the Ministry of Social Affairs approved the national strategy for the protection of women and children. It also established the national plan for response to the crisis of the Syrian exodus to Lebanon. The Ministry carried out the work in cooperation with relevant ministries and civil society and with the support of donors and international organizations.
16.Lebanon worked to secure the basic rights of the displaced, despite the large number of Syrians it hosts, the impact of which exceeds its capacity. The delegation reiterated its readiness to work constructively with the international community to find a solution to the crisis.
17.The Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee sought to improve the working conditions of displaced Palestinians within the available frameworks.
18.In the field of women’s rights, the National Commission for Lebanese Women started implementing the national action plan on Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). On 21 January 2021, the House of Representatives approved the law on criminalizing sexual harassment, rehabilitating its victims and ensuring their reintegration into society, and the law amending the law to protect women and all family members from domestic violence.
19.The Ministry of Justice’s implementation of the plan it prepared helped to reduce overcrowding in prisons and places of detention, especially in the light of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
20.Regarding the right to education, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education developed the Back to School Plan 2020–2021 with the aim of saving the educational sector despite all the challenges, and the Ministry continued to implement the “Reaching all children with education” programme to provide education for displaced Syrians.
21.The Ministry of Labour has focused on the situation of migrant domestic workers and their suffering, and has arranged travel for women who wish to return to their countries of origin. The Ministry of Labour endorsed the revised version of the standard employment contract, which it has drawn up following extensive consultations with governmental and non-governmental organizations.
22.Finally, the Ministry of Economy and Trade has taken emergency measures to organize the process of supporting trade in basic foodstuffs, that is, the expanded consumer basket, and its agricultural and industrial raw materials.
B.Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
23.During the interactive dialogue, 105 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.
24.Algeria appreciated the efforts of Lebanon to strengthen national solidarity in facing the current challenges and protecting human rights.
25.Angola noted initiatives adopted by Lebanon to combat corruption and to ensure the rights of women and girls.
26.Argentina made recommendations.
27.Armenia welcomed the establishment of a national human rights commission with a designated committee on the prevention of torture.
28.Australia welcomed the establishment of the national human rights commission and of the national preventive mechanism against torture.
29.Austria appreciated the positive steps taken, including the registration of refugee children and the introduction of the anti-torture law of 2017.
30.Azerbaijan appreciated progress achieved by Lebanon in the implementation of the recommendations from the previous universal periodic review cycle.
31.Bahrain commended Lebanon for efforts made to implement the recommendations made in 2015 during the second review cycle.
32.Bangladesh commended Lebanon for its endeavours to attain inclusive and equitable quality education and to uplift people from extreme poverty.
33.Belarus noted the renewed dialogue with treaty bodies and improvements to legislation and to institutions on human rights.
34.Belgium welcomed the revision of article 401 of the criminal code to criminalize all acts of torture.
35.Botswana commended Lebanon for its continued cooperation with the United Nations human rights protection mechanisms.
36.Brazil reiterated its solidarity, including that of its community of Lebanese descent, with the victims of the port explosion.
37.Bulgaria praised the adoption of a law against sexual harassment and new legal provisions against domestic violence.
38.Burkina Faso encouraged efforts to combat violence against domestic migrant workers.
39.Cambodia commended Lebanon for its initiative to replace certain penalties with unpaid social work, in order to address prison overcrowding.
40.Canada called upon Lebanon to establish an independent mechanism to investigate allegations of arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment.
41.Chile expressed its solidarity with Lebanon regarding the special circumstances that had affected it during the last two years.
42.China appreciated the adoption of the national strategy for the prevention of violent extremism, aimed at guaranteeing people’s safety.
43.Côte d’Ivoire appreciated the establishment of the national human rights commission, which included the national preventive mechanism against torture.
44.Croatia stated that despite serious challenges, in order to build a more resilient society, recovery efforts must be based on human rights.
45.Cuba appreciated the country’s efforts to improve the mechanisms and procedures to prevent and combat human trafficking.
46.Cyprus urged Lebanon to introduce reforms and implement existing legislation. It expressed condolences for the explosion on 4 August.
47.Czechia noted that the recommendations it had made in the previous review had not been implemented.
48.Denmark stressed the need for systemic reforms, and expressed concern that religion-based personal status laws discriminated against women.
49.Ecuador noted progress made since the previous review, including the adoption of the strategy to combat corruption.
50.Egypt commended Lebanon for its cooperation with United Nations mechanisms, especially with the special rapporteurs of the Human Rights Council.
51.Estonia stated that it would support the relief of Syrian refugees in Lebanon with humanitarian aid.
52.Fiji noted the progress made in implementing recommendations from the previous review and also noted the various legislative amendments.
53.Finland appreciated the engagement of Lebanon with the universal periodic review mechanism.
54.France noted the ratification of many conventions, but stated that the human rights situation needed to improve.
55.Gabon noted progress made in the protection of human rights, despite inter alia the COVID-19 pandemic.
56.Georgia noted the cooperation of Lebanon with special procedure mandate holders, and the country’s accession to international instruments.
57.Germany expressed concern about the political deadlock, which impedes the realization of economic, social and cultural rights.
58.Greece urged Lebanon to implement the anti-torture law consistently and to ensure justice following the explosion in Beirut.
59.The Holy See recognized that Lebanon welcomed refugees, and encouraged the application of the principle of non-refoulement.
60.Honduras noted the progress made in implementing recommendations from previous reviews.
61.Iceland expressed hope for the continued implementation of steps outlined in the national report.
62.India commended Lebanon for progress made since the previous review.
63.Indonesia commended Lebanon for its commitment to non-refoulement and for efforts to prevent torture, inter alia, through training.
64.The Islamic Republic of Iran stated that the curbing of the COVID-19 pandemic by Lebanon was commendable, despite unilateral coercive measures imposed on the country.
65.Iraq appreciated the approval of the national strategies for preventing violent extremism and for combating terrorism.
66.Ireland noted that the penal code and its implementation still fell short of international norms. It expressed concern about an increase in prosecutions concerning free speech.
67.Israel noted that Hezbollah had tightened its grip on Lebanon with disregard for human life. It was concerned with the use of excessive force.
68.Italy welcomed the voting on General Assembly resolution 75/183 on the moratorium of death penalty and commended the adoption of the law criminalizing torture.
69.The delegation of Lebanon took the floor to repudiate all terrorism accusations made by the occupying power against a Lebanese political party that is part of the Lebanese resistance, particularly since they were made by an occupying power that was attempting to tarnish the image of all those who had resisted and that had an extensive record of violating the human rights of Palestinians and neighbouring Arab peoples.
70.Lebanon adopted Decree No. 6748 for the purposes of choosing, through public tenders, a private institution that would create and finance all the necessary equipment for the inspection and detection of commodities and vehicles at border ports. In 2018, the Ministry of Finance made a comprehensive mapping survey of the public procurement system in cooperation with 18 national institutions.
71.Although the approval of the unified civil service status code was still pending, a number of civil laws had been approved, including the domestic violence law introducing a judicial authority specialized in domestic violence.
72.The Government adopted a bill on the independence of the judiciary, with a view to increasing judicial independence and ending all interference. Moreover, the judiciary consistently followed cases related to torture in order to prosecute perpetrators and nullify confessions coerced through torture.
73.The Ministry of Justice submitted a bill to amend the existing law, in order to criminalize all acts of human trafficking in conformity with international standards. The bill was also designed to step up relevant international cooperation, inter alia, by establishing a national authority to combat human trafficking.
74.As for allegations of excessive use of force against protesters and journalists, the Government adopted legislation to investigate and prosecute allegations of excessive use of force. The Army tried to avoid restricting freedoms, and many demonstrators were able to film actions taken by the Army, including when it had broken up demonstrations. The delegation stated that the Army had resorted to violence only when faced with violence from demonstrators.
75.In cooperation with non-governmental organizations, the Director General of the Ministry of the Interior created a hotline for reporting complaints and provided human rights training for staff receiving complaints and for investigators.
76.The Directorate for Public Safety has taken exceptional measures since 11 March 2020 to allow migrant workers to leave or enter the country, regardless of the validity of their work permits.
77.The delegation stated that a temporary detention facility was established to offer all basic services in respect of human rights, facilitating the entry and exit of Syrian refugees. In 2017, all Syrians listed with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees were exempted from residency taxes.
78.Japan appreciated the efforts of Lebanon to host a large number of refugees who had faced severe humanitarian situations.
79.Jordan appreciated the progress made in implementing recommendations of the universal periodic review despite challenges, urging the international community to provide support in order to overcome those challenges.
80.Kazakhstan welcomed developments in promoting and protecting human rights. It noted the new anti-torture law passed in 2017.
81.Kuwait noted progress in human rights, despite the multiple difficulties Lebanon was facing as a result of the port explosion, which exacerbated the economic crisis.
82.The Lao People’s Democratic Republic commended Lebanon on the progress made, including through its national programme to support the poorest families in the fight against poverty.
83.Latvia welcomed the delegation to the session of the Working Group and thanked it for presenting its national report.
84.Libya appreciated the implementation of many previous universal periodic review recommendations, and commended the country for its tireless endeavour to improve health and education sectors.
85.Luxembourg congratulated Lebanon on the adoption of its first national action plan on women, peace and security.
86.Malaysia commended Lebanon for the implementation of a nationwide programme against the exploitation of street children and welcomed the strategic plan for the protection of women and children.
87.Maldives commended Lebanon for measures taken to promote and protect the rights of its people despite the deteriorating economic situation and on its accession to several international treaties.
88.Malta welcomed the approval of the strategic plan for the protection of women and children, including against gender-based violence.
89.Mauritania appreciated the efforts to confront the tragedy resulting from the port explosion, supporting its request to the international community for reconstruction.
90.Mexico acknowledged the efforts to improve the situation of migrant domestic workers and welcomed the fact that the death penalty had not been applied since 2004.
91.Montenegro encouraged Lebanon to continue the moratorium on and consider the abolition of the death penalty. It urged Lebanon to take additional efforts to host asylum seekers and refugees.
92.Morocco observed the difficult political and social context resulting from the port explosion. It noted the periodic reports submitted to and interaction with special procedures.
93.Mozambique recognized that Lebanon faced challenges that had an impact on human rights, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the tragedy caused by the port explosion.
94.Myanmar noted the commitment of Lebanon to human rights and recognized the efforts made to implement the recommendations of the previous universal periodic review cycle.
95.Nepal appreciated the continuation of the moratorium on the death penalty and noted the measures to protect migrant labour, including domestic labour.
96.The Netherlands encouraged Lebanon to combat violence against women and was concerned about the state of freedom of expression.
97.New Zealand noted the challenges of hosting refugees and that no executions had been carried out since 2004.
98.Nigeria commended Lebanon for its efforts to combat human trafficking and corruption and to protect the rights of persons in vulnerable situations.
99.Norway welcomed the national preventive mechanism against torture and was concerned about delays in its implementation.
100.Oman appreciated the country’s legislative and structural reforms aimed at enhancing human rights in Lebanese society.
101.Pakistan praised the establishment of the national human rights commission and urged the international community to support Lebanon.
102.Paraguay commended Lebanon for the establishment of the committee for the prevention of torture and was ready to share its experience in cooperation with the system for monitoring of recommendations, known as SIMORE Plus.
103.The Philippines applauded efforts to strengthen the protection of migrant workers and to combat human trafficking.
104.Poland recognized efforts to strengthen the rule of law and encouraged Lebanon to take steps to abolish the death penalty.
105.Portugal welcomed the abolition of article 522 of the Criminal Code and called upon Lebanon to further amend articles 505 and 518.
106.Qatar commended Lebanon for the adoption of legislative measures and the establishment of the national human rights commission.
107.The Republic of Korea praised the establishment of the national human rights commission.
108.Romania welcomed the sectorial plan on child trafficking and was concerned about reports of intimidation of journalists.
109.The Russian Federation commended the country’s cooperation with the special procedures and its efforts to host refugees from the Syrian Arab Republic.
110.Senegal hailed the programme on access to decent work and the efforts to harmonize the employee-employer relationship with the international standards.
111.Serbia commended Lebanon for its cooperation with the human rights mechanisms, in particular the treaty bodies and special rapporteurs.
112.Sierra Leone mourned the Beirut port explosion of 2020.
113.Singapore praised the efforts to adopt the national strategy on gender equality and to eradicate poverty.
114.Slovakia welcomed efforts to host refugees and noted that children who were stateless had limited access to education.
115.The delegation of Lebanon intervened to state that the Ministry of Education was working to realize the right to education for all children, both Lebanese and non-Lebanese, including refugees, despite the challenges.
116.The Ministry of Social Affairs had been building links between social service centres and civil society and had helped families with older persons or persons with disabilities.
117.National strategies had been launched to support older persons, combat child marriage, protect women and children at risk and fight poverty.
118.A COVID-19 committee brought together representatives of various ministries and several international organizations. Over 220,000 polymerase chain reaction tests had been conducted, and a national committee had been set up to manage the rollout of vaccines and acquire 2 million doses.
119.The Ministry of Labour endeavoured to set up mechanisms to protect the health and jobs of Lebanese workers. It also considered the adoption of a unified labour code as a step towards removing the kafalah system for migrant workers and Syrian refugees.
120.The Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee had forged strong ties with the Government of Lebanon to secure the rights of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, despite the country’s current hardships. The Committee had appealed to Arab partner countries in the light of very poor living conditions in the camps, exacerbated by refugee inflows from the Syrian Arab Republic.
121.On 21 December 2020, the parliament adopted the laws of the National Commission for Lebanese Women, namely the law on criminalizing sexual harassment, rehabilitating its victims and ensuring their reintegration into society, and the law amending the law to protect women and all family members from domestic violence. The Commission had urged the authorities to address the consequences of the pandemic and protect women from violence.
122.Slovenia applauded the commitment to the principle of non-refoulement and was concerned about corruption.
123.Somalia encouraged the international community to support Lebanon in its efforts to host a number of refugees.
124.Spain congratulated Lebanon for its contribution to a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
125.Sri Lanka welcomed the adoption of the national strategy for gender equality for the period 2017–2030.
126.The State of Palestine urged Lebanon to continue its efforts to establish a practical mechanism to ensure the promotion of human rights.
127.Sudan commended Lebanon for presenting the national report despite the special circumstances with respect to COVID-19 and the tragedy of the Beirut port explosion.
128.Sweden expressed concern over discrimination against women, girls and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.
129.Switzerland stressed the need for institutional reform and the strengthening of the climate of confidence.
130.Thailand commended Lebanon for hosting refugees, asylum seekers and displaced persons, and applauded the expansion of the health-service provision.
131.Timor-Leste commended Lebanon for adopting a national strategy for women and for repealing article 522 of the Criminal Code.
132.Togo applauded Lebanon for its implementation of the recommendations addressed to it at the end of the second universal periodic review cycle.
133.Tunisia expressed appreciation for the country’s efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism and to promote the empowerment of women and young people.
134.Turkey commended Lebanon for its efforts to implement the national human rights plan for the period 2014–2019.
135.Turkmenistan commended Lebanon for its efforts to implement the national human rights plan for the period 2014–2019.
136.Ukraine commended Lebanon for its efforts aimed at combating child trafficking and at promoting gender equality and the participation of women in public life.
137.The United Arab Emirates welcomed the accession of Lebanon to a number of international conventions and also welcomed its commitment to securing all basic rights.
138.The United Kingdom urged the security forces of Lebanon to strengthen internal investigative mechanisms and ensure full compliance with human rights obligations.
139.The United States expressed concern over discrimination against women under sect-based personal status laws and over the contractual situation of domestic workers.
140.Uruguay welcomed improvement to the human rights situation and the adoption of the national strategy for gender equality for the period 2017–2030.
141.The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela recommended that Lebanon continue consolidation of successful social policies, especially in favour of the most vulnerable.
142.Viet Nam positively noted measures taken to promote the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities.
143.Yemen commended Lebanon for progress made, including through the strengthening of cooperation with humanitarian and human rights organizations.
144.Saudi Arabia commended Lebanon for its cooperation and positive interaction with international human rights mechanisms.
145.In conclusion, the delegation of Lebanon reiterated its accession to 10 conventions against terrorism, and was in the process of joining the remaining conventions against terrorism.
146.The provisions of different conventions regarding enforced disappearances were being implemented. In 2017, a dossier had been submitted to the Government identifying a draft law on the application of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which was under consideration by the new Government.
147.The Government was working with civil society to amend the law on torture, with a view to aligning it with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
148.Concerning article 34 of the Criminal Code, a number of judges had taken the liberty of interpreting that provision flexibly, stating that consensual relations between adults were not classified as a crime, and that the only crime involved certain sexual acts that went against nature. Accordingly, punishment consisted of a fine instead of a prison term.
149.As one of the founding States of the United Nations, Lebanon had itself contributed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and remained deeply committed to the principles contained therein. The delegation was committed to carrying forward those principles, despite the major obstacles it faced, by working hand in hand with friendly countries and OHCHR.
II.Conclusions and/or recommendations
150. The following recommendations will be examined by Lebanon, which will provide responses in due time, but no later than the forty-seventh session of the Human Rights Council:
150.1 Ratify the two Optional Protocols to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Slovenia );
150.2 Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Honduras );
150.3 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Honduras) (Iceland) (Italy );
150.4 Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Honduras );
150.5 Envisage the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Senegal );
150.6 Sign and ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Honduras) (Senegal );
150.7 Take further concrete steps towards the ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and towards upholding the rights of migrant workers, in line with the Global Compact for Migration, which Lebanon also joined (Philippines );
150.8 Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for United Nations treaty body elections (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland );
150.9 Advance the ratification of international instruments, and in particular, the adoption of the two Optional Protocols to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Chile );
150.10 Consider ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and signing both the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (Argentina );
150.11 Continue the process of accession to the remaining international legal instruments (Georgia );
150.12 Ratify the main international human rights treaties that are still pending in order to make progress towards Sustainable Development Goals 5, 11, 13 and 16 (Paraguay );
150.13 Ratify the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees (Togo );
150.14 Continue the existing cooperation with the Human Rights Council and its special procedures mechanisms (Tunisia );
150.15 Intensify efforts towards the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, within set timelines (Botswana );
150.16 Implement the anti-torture law and binding international treaties, including by operationalizing the national preventive mechanism (Czechia );
150.17 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (Honduras) (Armenia) (Luxembourg );
150.18 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and formally abolish the death penalty (Australia );
150.19 Strengthen efforts to further promote the rights of children, including by ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (Japan );
150.20 Continue its endeavours to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (Myanmar );
150.21 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure (Slovakia );
150.22 Consider ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and implementing the necessary policies and legislative framework to protect the rights of children with disabilities, with particular regard to children living in poverty, in particular children of Palestinian and Syrian refugees (Argentina );
150.23 Consider ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the earliest time possible (India) (Azerbaijan );
150.24 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol thereto (Mozambique) (Poland );
150.25 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Japan );
150.26 Ratify and implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (New Zealand );
150.27 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and take necessary steps to ensure an inclusive education for children with disabilities (Turkey );
150.28 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the first and Second Optional Protocols to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (Ukraine );
150.29 Ratify the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the Protocol thereto, devoting special attention to children by developing child-appropriate reception procedures and ensuring that no child is placed in detention (Holy See );
150.30 Accelerate the parliamentary discussion for a prompt ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons From Enforced Disappearance (Uruguay );
150.31 Accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Cyprus );
150.32 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Rome Statute (France );
150.33 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Honduras) (Japan );
150.34 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Botswana) (Gabon );
150.35 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, in line with Sustainable Development Goals and targets 1.4, 4.3, 4.6 and 5 (Paraguay );
150.36 Consider lifting reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and review current legislation to bring it into line with the Convention (Bulgaria );
150.37 Lift reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Croatia) (Germany) (Turkey );
150.38 Make further legislative efforts to prevent domestic violence and lift its reservation to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Republic of Korea );
150.39 Withdraw its reservation to article 9, paragraph 2, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and ensure women ’ s rights to pass on their nationality to their spouses and children (Portugal );
150.40 Accede to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (Holy See);
150.41 Lift the reservation to article 9 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and allow women to pass on citizenship to their children and spouses (Norway );
150.42 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (Paraguay );
150.43 Accede to and implement the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in national legislation (Poland );
150.44 Ratify and fully align its national legislation with all the obligations under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Latvia );
150.45 Promote a national solidarity policy and strengthen national cohesion to confront the political, economic and social challenges that Lebanon faces (Algeria );
150.46 Repeal the criminal defamation provisions of the Penal Code, and reform article 317 of the Code to limit criminalization to incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland );
150.47 Continue serious steps towards the reform process and the promotion of human rights (Yemen );
150.48 Implement the anti-torture law and binding international treaties, including by operationalizing the national preventive mechanism (Croatia );
150.49 Amend law No. 62 to ensure that the national preventive mechanism can carry out its mandate effectively and independently, with a sufficient budget and full transparency in its work (Denmark );
150.50 Continue to provide support to the national mechanism for the preparation and follow-up on the implementation of recommendations made by international mechanisms (Jordan );
150.51 Allocate a sufficient budget for both the national human rights institute and the national preventive mechanism to operate effectively and ratify related financial decrees (Kazakhstan );
150.52 Ensure that the national commission for human rights and the national mechanism for prevention of torture are provided with the necessary resources to conduct their work independently (Maldives );
150.53 Continue strengthening national human rights mechanisms to protect the most vulnerable sectors of society (Oman );
150.54 Strengthen further the national human rights commission including through the provision of the requisite resources (Pakistan );
150.55 Provide the national commission for human rights with the necessary resources to enable it to carry out its tasks independently and effectively (Qatar );
150.56 Step up its efforts to fully operationalize the national human rights institution and the committee for the prevention of torture, in order to combat impunity and ensure appropriate judicial procedures (Republic of Korea );
150.57 Continue efforts aimed at developing institutional structures for human rights and international humanitarian law (Bahrain );
150.58 Provide the national human rights committee with the necessary resources to ensure its independence in line with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles) (State of Palestine );
150.59 Adopt a national human rights plan (Timor-Leste );
150.60 Continue taking practical steps aimed at the development of the institutional and human rights infrastructure to better implement its human rights obligations (Turkmenistan );
150.61 Continue efforts aimed at combating corruption in the public sector and promote the role of the national anti-corruption authority (Egypt );
150.62 Make a determined effort to strengthen governmental institutions, pursuing justice and accountability, while combating corruption at all levels (Holy See );
150.63 Improve the multisectoral approach to promote transparency and efforts to combat corruption (Indonesia );
150.64 Scale up efforts in the fight against corruption and poverty (Nigeria );
150.65 Continue making progress towards the more efficient performance of government institutions, including by continuing to combat corruption and enhancing transparency (Oman );
150.66 Intensify efforts aimed at promoting transparency and combating corruption (Bahrain );
150.67 Increase community buy-in and implementation by enhancing its awareness-raising activities at all levels of society on the key aspects of its national strategy for gender equality, working with international partners on these goals as appropriate (Singapore );
150.68 Strengthen the capacity of law enforcement officers on the principles of human rights (Somalia );
150.69 Continue to mainstream human rights and international humanitarian law in the public sector, including through the creation of human rights units in different government ministries and the conduct of capacity-building for armed and civilian personnel (Philippines );
150.70 Intensify efforts to eradicate all forms of discrimination based on gender and consider revising the nationality law of 1925 to bring it into line with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Uruguay );
150.71 Promote equal rights for men and women regarding marriage, inheritance, divorce and transmission of nationality to their children (Brazil );
150.72 Introduce legislation that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, sexual identity or gender expression (Canada );
150.73 Decriminalize relationships between persons of the same sex (Chile );
150.74 Revise article 534 of the Penal Code so that its scope is clearly defined and it does not discriminate against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity (Czechia );
150.75 Incorporate into its legal framework the prohibition and punishment of acts of discrimination or inciting hatred for any reason, including national or ethnic origin, and sexual orientation and gender identity (Ecuador );
150.76 Continue with efforts to strengthen the legal framework to ensure that it contains a comprehensive list of grounds for discrimination, including sexual orientation and gender identity (Fiji );
150.77 Modify the existing legal framework on non-discrimination, especially on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and nationality (Argentina );
150.78 Fight against harassment and intimidation of journalists, lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and intersex persons and human rights defenders, and ensure strict respect for the right to peaceful protest (France );
150.79 Pass legislation to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and repeal article 534 of the Penal Code (Germany );
150.80 Adopt the draft law criminalizing sexual harassment and develop a national action plan to prevent sexual harassment both within and outside the workplace (Iceland );
150.81 Decriminalize consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex and expand its anti-discrimination legislation to include a prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (Iceland );
150.82 Continue the efforts to ensure gender equality, including through the implementation of the 2019 action plan on women, the implementation of Law No. 293/2014 on domestic violence and the reform of relevant provisions in family law (Italy );
150.83 Abolish legal provisions that criminalize homosexuality and combat all forms of discrimination (Italy );
150.84 Repeal article 534 of the Penal Code and enact legislation to protect the rights of lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and intersex persons (Australia );
150.85 Take all necessary measures both in law and in practice to combat inequality and discrimination based on sex, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation (Latvia );
150.86 Prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (Luxembourg );
150.87 Guarantee universal access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, particularly for persons with disabilities, lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and intersex persons, migrants and refugees (Mexico );
150.88 Repeal article 534 and other articles of the Lebanese Penal Code that are used to criminalize same-sex relations and nonconforming gender identities and expression (Netherlands );
150.89 End discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, including by repealing the Penal Code ’ s article 534 (Norway );
150.90 Decriminalize consensual same-sex relations by repealing article 534 of the Criminal Code (Spain );
150.91 Continue to introduce law reforms where applicable and implement programmes to ensure gender equality (Sri Lanka );
150.92 Pass comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity and give victims access to an effective remedy (Sweden );
150.93 Adopt a unified law on the personal civil status guaranteeing equal treatment of citizens and eliminating gender-based discrimination (Switzerland );
150.94 Urge the international community and United Nations agencies to work with the Lebanese authorities to reduce the impact of the economic and financial crises on the Lebanese people (Algeria );
150.95 Continue efforts aimed at promoting economic, social and cultural rights (Saudi Arabia );
150.96 Intensify efforts to develop and strengthen the necessary legislative frameworks, address cross-sectoral environmental challenges, including climate change adaptation and mitigation frameworks, and ensure that women, children, persons with disabilities and indigenous and local communities are meaningfully engaged in this implementation (Fiji );
150.97 Create specific policies to boost economic activities and implement social safety-net programmes (Indonesia );
150.98 Continue to coordinate with States and international organizations to provide assistance and support to Lebanon (Jordan );
150.99 Intensify international efforts to establish safe mechanisms to support the Lebanese economy (Kuwait );
150.100 Implement national policies to reduce poverty with a human rights-based approach focusing on Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 10 (Paraguay );
150.101 Pursue ongoing efforts in order to enhance economic, social and cultural rights (Turkmenistan );
150.102 Continue efforts aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremism (Saudi Arabia );
150.103 Continue to take robust measures against violent extremism and terrorism that have long afflicted the region and the country ’ s vicinity and have caused massive human rights violations and humanitarian catastrophes (Islamic Republic of Iran );
150.104 Activate international mobilization to provide support in combating terrorism in Lebanon (Kuwait );
150.105 Uphold the principle of non-refoulement as per commitments under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Netherlands );
150.106 Strengthen the protection of rights and freedom of refugees, including by respecting non-refoulement obligations (Norway );
150.107 Establish a legal moratorium on the death penalty and commute the sentences still in force, with a view to their definitive abolition (Uruguay );
150.108 Continue efforts to uphold the moratorium on the death penalty and work for its abolition (Burkina Faso );
150.109 Eliminate the death penalty as a sanction applicable under national law, commuting the sentences of those already convicted to other alternative penalties (Chile );
150.110 Maintain the moratorium on executions and consider abolishing the death penalty (Côte d ’ Ivoire );
150.111 Establish an official moratorium on executions (Cyprus );
150.112 Maintain the current moratorium on executions and take positive steps to abolish the death penalty (Fiji );
150.113 Consider establishing an official moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty (Argentina );
150.114 Abolish de jure the death penalty (France );
150.115 Take further steps towards the legal abolition of the death penalty (Georgia );
150.116 Maintain the moratorium on executions, working towards the legal and permanent abolition of the death penalty (Holy See );
150.117 Continue to improve the living conditions of prisoners and meet their demands and essential needs (Libya );
150.118 Complete the process of abolition of the death penalty (Mozambique );
150.119 Take steps towards the complete abolition of the death penalty, including through establishing a moratorium on executions and by ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (New Zealand );
150.120 Abolish the death penalty in all cases and circumstances (Portugal );
150.121 Continue advancing towards the complete abolition of the death penalty (Romania );
150.122 Abolish the death penalty (Spain );
150.123 Establish a pre-deportation adjudication mechanism within the judicial system for individuals who fear persecution or torture in order to prevent refoulement (United States of America );
150.124 Bring the anti-torture law into compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and ensure its full implementation (Estonia );
150.125 Adopt a comprehensive anti-torture law in full compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, eliminating statutes of limitation, providing a comprehensive definition of torture, and ending the practice of military courts having jurisdiction over some civilian cases (Ireland );
150.126 Fully implement the 2017 anti-torture law (Italy );
150.127 Comply with domestic and international anti-torture obligations, including by increasing oversight and investigative capabilities (Australia );
150.128 Continue the necessary steps to consistently implement the anti-torture law (Romania );
150.129 Amend Law No. 65/2017 by including a complete law against torture, based on the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, aiming at guaranteeing an appropriate definition, suppressing statutory periods of limitation and providing adequate assistance to victims (Switzerland );
150.130 Continue efforts to address the problem of missing and forcibly disappeared persons (Cyprus );
150.131 Consider taking additional steps to increase capacity-building training for detention-centre officials (Cambodia );
150.132 Continue taking steps aimed at improving the functioning of the penitentiary system (Russian Federation );
150.133 Ensure that civilians are tried in civilian courts and that authorities transparently investigate reports of the use of torture in security force facilities and allegations of excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators by security forces, and stop prosecuting protesters, journalists and bloggers under criminal anti-defamation laws for exercising the right to freedom of expression (United States of America );
150.134 Combat official corruption and increase transparency, including by appointing independent judges free from political influence, establishing an independent electoral commission and ensuring transparency, including through robust civil society engagement, in the allocation of public resources (United States of America );
150.135 Ensure adequate investigation into all attacks against journalists, media professionals, bloggers and human rights defenders and ensure full implementation of the rule of law (Estonia );
150.136 Guarantee the independence of the judiciary, in particular by adopting a law to this end, and fight against impunity, by completing an independent and credible investigation into the causes of and the assignment of responsibility in the explosion of 4 August 2020 (France );
150.137 Ensure transparent and independent investigations into the blast in Beirut and hold those responsible to account (Germany );
150.138 Strengthen the rule of law, including by ensuring the independence of the judiciary (Latvia );
150.139 Establish an independent complaints mechanism empowered to investigate acts of torture and ill-treatment (Luxembourg );
150.140 Ensure that all reported acts of torture and ill-treatment against law enforcement officers are investigated promptly and impartially (Montenegro );
150.141 Investigate unresolved cases of disappeared and missing persons that occurred during the civil war (Montenegro );
150.142 Investigate all allegations of use of excessive force by security forces while handling protests and demonstrations (Austria );
150.143 Approve and implement laws to strengthen the independence of the judiciary in accordance with international standards (Norway );
150.144 Redouble its efforts to improve the provision of public services including through measures aimed at ensuring increased efficiency and accountability in public services delivery (Azerbaijan );
150.145 Continue thoroughly investigating reports of violence, harassment and intimidation of journalists, media professionals, bloggers, human rights defenders and activists, and take appropriate measures (Romania );
150.146 Continue making an effort to investigate open cases of missing persons (Serbia );
150.147 Conduct an investigation into the excessive use of force during demonstrations in 2019 and hold accountable those responsible for the 4 August explosion (Slovakia );
150.148 Continue efforts made to ensure the independency of the judiciary in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (State of Palestine );
150.149 Strengthen the independence of the judiciary and guarantee the right to fair trial by adopting laws to regulate the judiciary, and the administrative and financial powers, in line with international norms (Switzerland );
150.150 Protect the right of media professionals to freedom of expression (Canada );
150.151 Review the legislation on defamation and bring it into conformity with international standards (Estonia );
150.152 Safeguard the right to peaceful protest at all times (Germany );
150.153 Take additional measures to further enhance the safety of journalists, and implement the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity (Greece );
150.154 Decriminalize blasphemy, and fully decriminalize defamation, including insult and criticism of public officials (Ireland );
150.155 Uphold the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including by ending detention of people for expressing views critical of the government and ensuring security forces exercise restraint in response to protests (Australia );
150.156 Promote and protect the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, including media freedom (Latvia );
150.157 Ensure unimpeded access for all people in Lebanon to both local and foreign media, including during protests (Latvia );
150.158 Take measures to foster a safe, respectful and enabling environment for civil society and human rights defenders, free from persecution, intimidation and harassment (Latvia );
150.159 Lift all restrictions on freedom of expression (Luxembourg );
150.160 Promote and uphold the right to freedom of expression, including press freedom, and to ensure that legislation and State practice are brought into line with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Netherlands );
150.161 Respect, protect and fulfil fully the right to freedom of expression and association, and take action to protect journalists and activists, and to fully enable non-governmental organizations and civil society to conduct their activities freely and safely (New Zealand );
150.162 Ensure freedom of expression and assembly, and prevent violence against peaceful demonstrators (Norway );
150.163 Take necessary steps to ensure the safety of journalists and peaceful protesters as a way of guaranteeing freedom of expression and assembly (Republic of Korea );
150.164 Guarantee the freedom of expression and opinion and conduct investigations into attacks against journalists (Slovakia );
150.165 Ensure that the new media law is amended in accordance with its international obligations (Switzerland );
150.166 Guarantee freedom of expression and opinion online and offline (Ukraine );
150.167 Take measures to further promote interreligious dialogue and tolerance of religious diversity (Malta );
150.168 Step up efforts to combat trafficking in human beings, including considering the possibility of the adoption of a strategy or an action plan in this sphere, as well as additional measures to identify victims of trafficking, especially among children, and to ensure their comprehensive protection and rehabilitation (Belarus );
150.169 Continue laudable efforts in combating human trafficking, as emphasized by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (Morocco );
150.170 Adopt further measures to combat human trafficking, and ensure the protection of the rights of victims, as well as the rights of migrant workers (Nigeria );
150.171 Make legislative amendments to protect and ensure support for the victims of human trafficking, particularly boys, girls and women, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8 and others (Paraguay );
150.172 Continue efforts to strengthen equality between men and women and to counter human trafficking (Russian Federation );
150.173 Adopt a uniform personal status law by removing all discriminatory provisions against women (Belgium );
150.174 Adopt a unified personal status act, applying to all persons regardless of gender or religious affiliation, allowing for civil marriages (Denmark );
150.175 Establish a law on personal civil status with the purpose of ensuring gender equality as regards nationality of children, marriage, dissolution of marriage and responsibilities as regards children, as well as equal rights provisions between husband and wife (Spain );
150.176 Ensure that the Standard Unified Contract enters into force without delay and introduce a system of effective oversight and enforcement (Austria );
150.177 Amend the labour code to ensure the same protection for domestic workers as afforded to other workers, and in line with the International Labour Organization Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) (Sweden );
150.178 Continue to consolidate its successful social policies in favour of its people, especially the most vulnerable sectors (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela );
150.179 Continue efforts to overcome the current and emerging challenges in order to further promote the enjoyment of human rights of its people, especially the rights of women, children and persons from other vulnerable groups (Viet Nam );
150.180 Continue to promote sustainable economic and social development, and further promote poverty reduction (China );
150.181 Continue the process of improving the living conditions of people deprived of their liberty, with an emphasis on rehabilitation and social reintegration programmes (Cuba );
150.182 Continue and intensify its efforts to extend comprehensive social protection to all sections of the population (Gabon );
150.183 Promote economic, social and cultural rights for all citizens of Lebanon (Iraq );
150.184 Enhance national response efforts to face economic and social challenges (Jordan );
150.185 Continue its efforts in realizing the national programme to support the poorest families so as to alleviate and eradicate poverty in the country (Lao People ’ s Democratic Republic );
150.186 Work in solidarity with the families of the victims of the explosion in the Port of Beirut and use all available resources to alleviate the suffering, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic period (Libya );
150.187 Continue to take steps to overcome socioeconomic challenges (Pakistan );
150.188 Consider improvement of the social protection system that would comprise all categories of people, targeting the most vulnerable (Serbia );
150.189 Increase financial support to families in situations of poverty, with a view to reducing the institutionalization of children (Sierra Leone );
150.190 Continue efforts to combat poverty and improve the lives of vulnerable groups, in particular women, young girls and older persons (Somalia );
150.191 Consider expanding the “ Graduating out of poverty ” pilot programme to include the largest possible number of low-income people (United Arab Emirates );
150.192 Amend the provisions of the Social Security Act to ensure equal access to the national social security fund (Maldives );
150.193 Tackle unemployment, especially among young people and women (Malaysia );
150.194 Promote, as much as possible, measures targeting vulnerable groups, including, in particular, support for access to social security (Morocco );
150.195 Continue efforts to improve the quality of health and social services for older persons (Saudi Arabia );
150.196 Increase investment in health and education, and further guarantee people ’ s right to health and education (China );
150.197 Continue to adopt measures aimed at expanding the scope, availability and impact of health services at all levels, paying special attention to the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies (Cuba );
150.198 Continue to strengthen the measures aimed at providing health-care services to all segments of society (Egypt );
150.199 Strengthen the protection of the human rights of older persons, particularly in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic (Argentina );
150.200 Adopt a holistic approach in devising the post-COVID recovery plan in order to safeguard economic and social rights, with a particular focus on education (Islamic Republic of Iran );
150.201 Strengthen its health-care services, including through cooperation with international organizations, to ensure access to good quality health-care services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic for all persons, including persons without insurance (Lao People ’ s Democratic Republic );
150.202 Ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation to all (Malaysia );
150.203 Continue working to ensure that those affected by the blasts are provided access to adequate housing, food, water and health care, with all aid distributed fairly and impartially (Malta );
150.204 Continue to work with relevant stakeholders to finalize a social protection plan, considering especially the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on those living in poverty (Singapore );
150.205 Enhance measures aimed at promoting the right to health and provide universal access to health care (Sri Lanka );
150.206 Continue efforts to guarantee the rights of migrants and refugees and provide necessary health care to the most vulnerable groups among them, in particular women, children and persons with disabilities (Sudan );
150.207 Expedite the process to achieve universal health coverage and ensure that all citizens, including migrants, benefit from this scheme (Thailand );
150.208 Enshrine the right to education for all, without discrimination, in the Constitution (Côte d ’ Ivoire );
150.209 Integrate comprehensive sexuality education into the national education curriculum, develop resources and conduct training for educators in order to ensure its effective implementation (Iceland );
150.210 Continue efforts to provide quality, equitable and inclusive education for all (Qatar );
150.211 Continue efforts to improve education in schools and not restrict access to education on the basis of nationality or immigration status (State of Palestine );
150.212 Continue efforts to ensure the provision of basic education, compulsory and free of charge for all (Sudan );
150.213 Continue its awareness-raising and training activities on human rights for State officials and the general public to raise legal awareness across the country (Turkmenistan );
150.214 Take additional measures to put an end to forced marriages of women and girls (Angola );
150.215 Take effective measures in order to accelerate the increase in the representation of women in all spheres of public and political life and amend its legislation so that it treats equally all women and men with respect to marriage, divorce and inheritance rights, as well as conferring citizenship to their children and spouses (Czechia );
150.216 Introduce legislation to ensure equal treatment of women in case of marriage, inheritance, divorce, and custody and nationality of their children (Germany );
150.217 Continue its efforts to achieve an equitable representation of women in the public and political spheres, including in legislative and executive bodies (Greece );
150.218 Further strengthen national laws to prevent gender-based exploitation and discrimination (India );
150.219 Continue to implement legislation to empower women in decision-making and create economic independence (Indonesia );
150.220 Continue strengthening women ’ s rights in the participation of political and public life (Iraq );
150.221 Enhance measures to protect women and children from all forms of violence, including domestic violence (Kazakhstan );
150.222 Criminalize domestic violence, marital rape and sexual harassment (Latvia );
150.223 Explicitly criminalize in legislation domestic violence, marital rape and sexual harassment, and adopt strategies for the effective application of that legislation (Mexico );
150.224 Further strengthen its efforts to eliminate all kinds of discrimination against women (Myanmar );
150.225 Continue necessary efforts to empower women economically, politically and socially, and take all necessary measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women (Nepal );
150.226 Take further measures to ensure the empowerment of women in all spheres (Azerbaijan );
150.227 Continue progress in increasing the participation of women in public life, including in elected government positions, the judiciary and the armed services (Philippines );
150.228 Promote progress in devoting economic and social rights to the Lebanese and empowering women and young people (Tunisia );
150.229 Increase its efforts in curbing discrimination against women and children (Turkey );
150.230 Reform its current domestic violence law in line with international standards (Turkey );
150.231 Ensure greater inclusion of women in the various public administration structures and update the laws that support them (United Arab Emirates );
150.232 Adopt legislation criminalizing all forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, marital rape and sexual harassment, and put in place an action plan to ensure its implementation (Belgium );
150.233 Repeal the provision of article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code criminalizing “ sexual acts against nature ” (Austria );
150.234 Strengthen the efforts aimed at combating violence against women (Romania );
150.235 Take practical steps to implement the laws on violence against women and domestic violence, and raise awareness among the wider public (Bulgaria );
150.236 Take measures to effectively combat domestic violence against women, in particular migrant domestic workers (Burkina Faso );
150.237 Take concrete measures to advance in the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and their rights, especially in areas such as marriage, child custody, inheritance and the right to property (Chile );
150.238 Strengthen efforts towards criminalizing domestic violence, marital rape and sexual harassment (Fiji );
150.239 Introduce legislation to criminalize marital rape and child marriage (Canada );
150.240 Intensify training and awareness programmes on the principles of and human rights values for children, women and older persons (Algeria );
150.241 Take steps to prohibit child marriage and adopt a national strategy to address this issue (Brazil );
150.242 Consider intensifying further efforts to safeguard, protect and rehabilitate child victims of human trafficking and those at risk of being trafficked (Cambodia );
150.243 Strengthen measures to combat child labour by ensuring more effective legal protection (Angola );
150.244 Prohibit corporal punishment of children in all settings and raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 18 (Croatia );
150.245 Ban child marriages and amend Law No. 422 of 2002 on the protection of minors in conflict with the law in order to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility in compliance with international standards (Czechia );
150.246 Establish a comprehensive plan of action on childhood, which includes measures to prevent the recruitment of children by armed groups, combat early marriage and sexual exploitation and eliminate child labour (Ecuador );
150.247 Prohibit all corporal punishment of children in all settings and accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, as previously recommended (Estonia );
150.248 Ensure the promotion and protection of all rights of the child, including to end all forms of violence, and to ensure access to affordable quality education for all children, especially for children in the most vulnerable situations (Finland );
150.249 Take necessary steps to prohibit child marriages and combat the worst forms of child labour (India );
150.250 Set the minimum legal age for marriage at the national level (Italy );
150.251 Allocate adequate resources to ensure rehabilitative services to street children, and enforce legislation to address child labour (Malaysia );
150.252 Speed up the process in order to prevent early marriages (Mozambique );
150.253 Enhance its measures for total elimination of child labour (Myanmar );
150.254 Redouble efforts to prevent child marriages (Timor-Leste );
150.255 Strengthen implementation of the national plan of action to prevent and address the involvement of children in armed violence in Lebanon (Timor-Leste );
150.256 Continue efforts aimed at tackling the problem of early marriage (Ukraine );
150.257 Address the issue of child labour by allocating more resources for protective, preventive and rehabilitative purposes (Islamic Republic of Iran );
150.258 Strengthen the implementation of the national plan of action to prevent and address the involvement of children in armed violence (Sierra Leone );
150.259 Further strengthen support to caregivers of children with disabilities (Greece );
150.260 Develop a national strategy on education of children with disabilities (Ukraine );
150.261 Afford migrant workers full legal protections in line with Lebanon ’ s international commitments on forced labour and discrimination (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland );
150.262 Extend the protection of labour rights to migrant domestic workers in order to guarantee respect for their rights (Belgium );
150.263 Implement and enforce the new Standard Unified Contract to protect migrant domestic worker rights, as a key step towards dismantling the work sponsorship system (Canada );
150.264 Take specific measures to strengthen protection for domestic workers, including migrant women (Angola );
150.265 Promote access to means of subsistence and improve the living conditions of Syrian and Palestinian refugees (France );
150.266 Reinstate the ability of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to issue registration certificates for refugees (Germany );
150.267 Continue to work with partners in protecting the rights of displaced persons to fulfil their basic needs (Indonesia );
150.268 Provide support to enable Lebanon to alleviate the suffering of refugees and displaced persons resulting from the Israeli occupation of Arab territories and the war in the Syrian Arab Republic (Kuwait );
150.269 Combat discrimination against migrant workers and refugees (Luxembourg );
150.270 Reform the sponsorship system for migrant workers, guaranteeing that the migratory situation of said workers does not depend on their employers, and promoting the use of a standard contract that includes protections for migrant domestic workers (Mexico );
150.271 Take necessary measures to ensure that effective protection against discrimination in all aspects of their employment is provided to all migrant domestic workers (Nepal );
150.272 Allow refugees legal residence and freedom of movement (New Zealand );
150.273 Intensify efforts to expand labour law protection to domestic workers and provide access to effective legal remedies for migrant domestic workers (Sri Lanka );
150.274 Intensify efforts to promote the human rights situation of Palestinian refugees (State of Palestine );
150.275 Continue efforts to further improve the well-being of female migrant workers, including through strengthening social protection measures for them (Bangladesh );
150.276 Continue to work with the international community to find durable solutions to the displacement crisis and to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their own country (Bangladesh );
150.277 Facilitate access to employment for Palestinians by removing discriminatory restrictions in all professional fields and amend legislation limiting Palestinian refugees from owning property (Sweden );
150.278 Continue efforts to ensure the rights of displaced persons and the right to quality education for children of migrant workers, refugee children and children with disabilities, and consider utilizing alternative measures to detention for children (Thailand );
150.279 Take rigorous measures to regulate domestic work, prohibit the exploitation of migrant domestic workers, investigate the information contained in the death reports of migrant domestic workers, according to which these deaths are due to unnatural causes, and prosecute and punish the authors, if applicable (Togo );
150.280 Continue its efforts to support Syrian refugees and to improve their living conditions (Turkey );
150.281Abolish the kafalah system with regard to migrant workers (Finland );
150.282Abolish the so-called kafalah system and introduce a modern legal framework for migrant workers in accordance with International Labour Organization standards (Germany );
150.283Protect the rights of foreign workers by abolishing the kafalah system (Italy );
150.284Abolish the kafalah system and include domestic workers in their labour laws (Sierra Leone );
150.285Expand labour law protection to domestic workers, provide access to effective legal remedies for domestic migrant workers and abolish the kafalah system (Slovenia );
150.286 Ensure that Lebanese women have the right to pass on their citizenship to their spouses and children (Cyprus );
150.287 Amend the nationality law to ensure that Lebanese women married to foreigners can pass on their citizenship to their children and spouses on an equal basis with men without delay (Finland );
150.288 Guarantee equality between women and men and allow women to transmit Lebanese nationality to their children (France );
150.289 Enact a unified personal status law, amend the nationality law to afford women the same rights as men, and adopt a comprehensive legal framework to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and harassment (Australia );
150.290 Repeal or amend Decree No. 15 of 1925 on Lebanese nationality and adapt or adopt legislation to ensure women ’ s equal right with men to pass on their nationality to their foreign spouses and children (Austria );
150.291 Take measures towards reducing and preventing statelessness (Mozambique );
150.292 Amend the national law to allow women to transfer their nationality to their children (Sierra Leone );
150.293 Work to amend the nationality law to ensure the right of children to acquire nationality from the mother ’ s side (Sudan );
150.294 Amend the nationality law to allow women to pass on citizenship to their children (Sweden).
151. Lebanon rejects the recommendations below:
151.1 Adopt all necessary steps to ensure the safety of peaceful protests and provide an environment void of fear, intimidation and violence (Israel );
151.2 Immediately end the recruitment of child soldiers by armed groups and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Committee on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (Israel );
151.3 Immediately implement Security Council resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006) by disbanding and disarming all militias and terrorist entities, in particular Hezbollah, so that security and stability can be restored (Israel).
152. Lebanon rejects the recommendations, because Lebanon does not recognize Israel, and considers that they are submitted by an occupying power to part of the Lebanese territories. The recommendations are politically motivated and outside the scope of the universal periodic review. The recommendations furthermore defame a Lebanese political party, which is part of the Lebanese resistance. Lebanon also strongly rejects and repudiates the accusation of terrorism contained in the recommendation 151.3.
153. 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 Lebanon was headed by H.E. Mr. Salim BADDOURA, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Lebanon in Geneva, and composed of the following members:
H.E. Ms. Caroline ZIADE, Director of the Department of International Organisations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants;
H.E. Mr. Rayan SAID, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Lebanon in Geneva;
Mr. Fadi YARAK, Director General, Ministry of Education;
Judge Abadallah AHMAD, Director General, Ministry of Social Affairs;
Mr. Fadi SINAN, Acting Director General, Ministry of Public Health;
Judge Ayman AHMAD, Ministry of Justice;
Judge Angela DAGHER, Ministry of Justice;
Mr. Ahmad SOUIDAN, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Lebanon in Geneva;
Mrs. Aya ALZAIN, Prime Minister Office;
Colonel Nabil ALDANCHADLI, Ministry of Defence;
Commandant Housam ABOU HADIR, Ministry of Defence;
Commandant Talal YOUSSEF, General Directorate of General Security;
Major Rabieh AL GOUSAINI, Head of Human Rights Office at General Directorate of Internal Security Forces;
Major Imad SALOUM, General Directorate of State Security;
Ms. Denise DAHROUJ, Ministry of Labor;
Dr. Manal SOUAID, Ministry of Economy and Trade;
Dr. Najat Gergous GEDOUN, Ministry of Education;
Mrs. Pamela ZOUGHEIB, Ministry of Public Health;
Mrs. Sana AWADA, Ministry of Social Affairs;
Ms. Rana EL KHOURY, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants;
Mr. Nabil FERZLI, Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Lebanon in Geneva;
Ms. May ELHAYEK, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrant;
Ms. Nourma ABI KARAM, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants;
Mrs. Micheline Elias MASAD, National Commission for Lebanese Women;
Mr. Abdel Nasser ALAI, the Lebanese-Palestine Dialogue Committee.