Human Rights Council
Forty-eighth session
13 September–1 October 2021
Agenda item 6
Universal periodic review
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review *
Niger
Introduction
1.The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirty-eighth session from 3 to 14 May 2021. The review of the Niger was held at the 2nd meeting, on 3 May 2021. The delegation of the Niger was headed by the Minister of Justice, Boubakar Hassan. At its 10th meeting, held on 7 May 2021, the Working Group adopted the report on the Niger.
2.On 12 January 2021, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of the Niger: Argentina, Côte d’Ivoire and the Marshall Islands.
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 the Niger:
(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 Belgium, Canada, Germany, Liechtenstein, Panama, Portugal, on behalf of the Group of Friends on national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to the Niger 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 delegation of the Niger stated that the country had made significant progress in improving the human rights situation and in the area of good governance. In 2020 and 2021, the Niger had held presidential, parliamentary and local elections, which had been judged by many national and international observers to have been free, transparent and credible, to the great satisfaction of the country’s political class and the international community. For the first time in the country’s history, a political transition had taken place between two democratically elected Presidents.
6.Since 2016, more than 20 international legal instruments relating to human rights and the general well-being of the population had been ratified. They included the Amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court on the crime of aggression (the Kampala amendments), the Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption and the Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity; and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) and Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No. 183).
7.At the national level, more than 80 laws and regulations had been adopted in various fields, either to incorporate the provisions of international legal instruments into the domestic legal order or to adapt existing laws to new circumstances and other developments, with a view to ensuring the well-being, tranquillity and security of the population. New structures responsible for the protection of human rights had been set up and existing ones had been strengthened.
8.The Niger had adopted several policies, programmes and strategies, with accompanying action plans, aimed at improving the living conditions of its people. The implementation of the policies, programmes and strategies had helped the country gain more than 10 development points and contributed to reducing the poverty rate from 48 per cent in 2014 to 40.2 per cent in 2019. Extensive reforms to the judiciary had made it possible to significantly increase the rate of court coverage, from 59.70 per cent in 2018 to 64.18 per cent in 2019, an increase of 4.48 percentage points.
9.In terms of cooperation with special procedures, the Niger had received visits from the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants (1–8 October 2018), the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (29 January–4 February 2017) and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (9 and 11 July 2018), which had freely conducted their missions and prepared their reports. The Niger had also overcome all the delays in submitting all its initial and periodic reports to the treaty bodies of the United Nations and the various African entities.
10.The de facto moratorium on the death penalty was still being observed, with no death row inmates having been executed since 2016. The Government was actively pursuing consultations with all national stakeholders with a view to reaching a consensus on the abolition of the death penalty.
11.The new authorities’ political will to combat impunity had been clearly stated, as evidenced by the inaugural speech of the President, who had declared in substance that he would wage a relentless struggle against offenders, whatever their political affiliation, social status or family ties.
12.The gross primary school enrolment rate had risen from 63.5 per cent in 2010 to 73 per cent in 2020. The secondary school enrolment rate had increased from 17.8 per cent in 2010 to 34.4 per cent in 2020. The rate for the vocational and technical education sector had risen from 29.65 per cent in 2010 to 37.65 per cent in 2020. At the higher education level, four new universities had been established and the number of students had increased from 19,784 in 2010 to 89,674 in 2020.
13.Regarding the right to health, efforts had been made to improve access to health care and services, service delivery, preventive care and the availability of products and human resources. The health coverage rate was 52.74 per cent in 2020. The Niger had experienced its first case of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on 19 March 2020 and had taken early measures to effectively manage the crisis, with the adoption of a comprehensive response plan comprising 38 measures and directives, including a state of health emergency. The plan had produced convincing results, resulting in a stable evolution of the pandemic, with a recovery rate of 95 per cent, a transmissibility coefficient that had moved from 5 to 0.17 per cent and a case fatality rate of 5.68 per cent.
14.Despite all the progress made by the Niger during the period covered by the report, many challenges still stood in the way of the effective realization of human rights. These included terrorism, organized crime, environmental issues, the high population growth rate, the status of women, sociocultural constraints and the massive influx of refugees and other migrants.
15.Terrorism, with its attendant killings, arson, destruction of property, displacement and enforced disappearances, was perhaps the most worrying of those challenges.
B.Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
16.During the interactive dialogue, 95 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.
17.Zambia thanked the Niger for its comprehensive national report and made recommendations.
18.Zimbabwe noted that the Niger had adopted several pieces of legislation, including on social protection, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities and the protection of personal data.
19.Algeria commended the Government on its efforts to reduce the poverty rate and the reforms it had undertaken over the past decade, particularly concerning the right to an adequate standard of living.
20.Angola took note of the endeavours of the national authorities to re-establish State authority throughout the country, to promote decent jobs and to fight poverty, leaving no one behind.
21.Argentina commended the Niger for the adoption of the National Nutrition Security Policy (2017–2025) and its efforts to eliminate food insecurity and hunger.
22.Armenia welcomed the Government’s cooperation with human rights mechanisms, its ratification of the Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity, and the introduction of human rights in primary school curricula.
23.Australia congratulated the Niger on its successful transition of power, its active participation in the Group of Five for the Sahel to end extremism in the region and promote stability, and its efforts to promote women’s rights, including its National Gender Policy. Australia was concerned by the high rate of child marriage in the Niger.
24.Azerbaijan welcomed the National Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Strategy, the National Plan of Action to Combat Child Labour, the progress made in terms of ratification of international instruments and efforts to abolish the death penalty.
25.Belgium, welcoming the efforts that had been made since the previous review, stressed that further progress remained to be made.
26.Botswana noted that women and girls continued to be affected by harmful customary practices, including early marriage, female genital mutilation, wahaya and discrimination in inheritance.
27.Brazil encouraged the Niger to prevent all unjustified and disproportionate attacks on freedom of expression under its antiterrorism legislation and urged it to bring that legislation into accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
28.Burkina Faso welcomed the measures the Niger had taken to follow up on the recommendations that it had made during the previous review cycle on strengthening legislation and policy on the rights to education and to health.
29.Burundi congratulated the Niger on its adoption of the Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth Strategy and a national action plan to combat child labour.
30.Canada congratulated the Niger on its National Human Rights Commission having been granted A status.
31.Chad commended the Niger for its efforts to implement the recommendations accepted during the second review cycle, both at the institutional and legislative levels.
32.Chile highlighted the implementation of the national action plan to combat illegal trafficking of migrants and efforts to submit the country’s reports to treaty bodies.
33.China appreciated the formulation and implementation by the Niger of its Economic and Social Development Plan (2017–2021) and commended it for actively combating the COVID-19 pandemic, constantly promoting economic and social development, fighting terrorism and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups.
34.The Congo noted with satisfaction the progress made by the Niger in the ratification of international human rights legal instruments and the harmonization of its national legal framework with those instruments.
35.Costa Rica acknowledged the efforts of the Niger to improve its national human rights mechanisms and to combat corruption.
36.Côte d’Ivoire congratulated the Niger on the progress made in the field of human rights since the second review cycle.
37.Croatia underscored the need to promote religious tolerance through interfaith dialogue and protection of the freedom of religion or belief. It was extremely concerned by the ongoing practice of wahaya,despite the criminalization of slavery in 2003.
38.Cuba thanked the Niger for its national report and wished it success in the implementation of the recommendations it accepted.
39.The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea commended the Niger on its progress in implementing the national development plan for 2017–2021 despite the security, economic, social and cultural constraints it faced.
40.Denmark noted that the legal framework relating to child, early and forced marriages was still inadequate. It was concerned about laws that could penalize peaceful activities linked to the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.
41.Djibouti welcomed the efforts made by the Niger to establish normative and institutional frameworks, and the implementation of its national human rights policies and action plans.
42.Egypt commended the Niger on having ratified international human rights instruments, particularly those concerning the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities.
43.Estonia noted that the security situation in the Niger remained difficult and that there were many challenges to human rights and restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
44.Ethiopia welcomed the ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change, the African Union Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment, and the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area.
45.Fiji commended the Niger for its ratification of the Paris Agreement and for strengthening its National Human Rights Commission, which had regained A status for compliance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles).
46.Finland welcomed the engagement of the Niger in the universal periodic review process.
47.France made recommendations.
48.Gabon recognized the efforts made by the Niger to protect human rights through its legal arsenal and its achievements in the area of the rights of women and children and in improving the living conditions of its population.
49.The delegation of the Niger recalled that the Niger had already ratified the Kampala amendments. The Niger was in the process of ratifying, adopting and approving the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
50.The proposed ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty had been submitted to the National Assembly twice, in 2010 and 2014, and had unfortunately been rejected. However, the Government’s commitment to achieving its ratification was unwavering.
51.Abortion was an offence under the Criminal Code of the Niger, except in two cases; the law allowed women to have an abortion when continuing the pregnancy would endanger the pregnant woman’s life and health and when there was a high probability that the unborn child would have a particularly serious condition.
52.The measures taken by the State to eliminate or reduce the occurrence of child or forced marriages included the adoption of the National Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Strategy, the new National Gender Policy and the decree of 5 December 2017 on protection, support and assistance for girls attending schools. The law on female genital mutilation had been adopted in 2003, and a law on gender-based violence would soon be submitted to the National Assembly.
53.With regard to access for humanitarian organizations to certain parts of the country, the Government was aware of the contribution those organizations made to the country’s development and was doing its utmost to help them to carry out their work in safety.
54.Georgia welcomed the ratification of several international instruments, including the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the creation of new structures for the promotion and protection of human rights.
55.Germany, while commending the Niger for its functioning and strong national human rights institutions, remained concerned about findings regarding extrajudicial killings by security forces.
56.Ghana was pleased to note the ratification of international instruments, the reform of the judicial and penitentiary systems, and the significant progress made with regard to the rights to health, education and food security, as well as to protect persons in vulnerable situations.
57.The Holy See welcomed the establishment of the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Persons and Illegal Trafficking of Migrants and the adoption of the National Plan of Action to Combat Slavery and Similar Practices.
58.Iceland noted the positive steps taken by the Government, such as developing the National Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Strategy.
59.India welcomed the measures taken for the progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights, such as adoption of the National Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Strategy and the Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth Strategy.
60.Indonesia welcomed the inclusion of human rights education in school curricula with a view to raising awareness of human rights among the public in general.
61.The Islamic Republic of Iran hailed progress made in promoting and protecting human rights, in particular in combating human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants, through the development by the relevant national commission of the second action plan.
62.Iraq commended efforts to eradicate food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition. It encouraged the Niger to continue efforts to improve people’s living conditions and promote economic and social development.
63.Ireland was concerned at the situation of human rights defenders and journalists and encouraged the Niger to protect civic space. It was also concerned at the high rates of child marriage and the persistence of female genital mutilation.
64.Italy welcomed the commitment of the Niger to the implementation of the Group of Five for the Sahel Compliance Framework and its efforts to counter trafficking in human beings.
65.Japan commended the consolidation of democracy and the positive steps taken to protect the rights of women and children, including the adoption of the National Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Strategy and a national strategic plan to end child marriage.
66.Kenya applauded the Niger for its dedication to honouring its international commitments and promoting human rights and for its ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
67.Latvia made recommendations.
68.Lesotho noted the steps taken to address all forms of slavery by implementing the National Plan of Action to Combat Slavery and Similar Practices (2019–2021), with a view to reducing the traditional practice of slavery among certain ethnic groups.
69.Libya commended the progress made in various fields towards prosperity, development and improvement of the standard of living, according to the national action plan.
70.Luxembourg noted that, as a long-standing technical and financial partner, it was prepared to cooperate with the Niger to implement the recommendations made.
71.Malawi made recommendations.
72.Malaysia welcomed the efforts the Niger had made since the second review cycle and looked forward to further progress in improving the human rights, well-being and livelihood of its people.
73.Maldiveswelcomed the efforts to improve the human rights situation in the country by aligning the national legal framework with international standards.
74.Mali welcomed the adoption of a law on the protection of internally displaced persons. It called on the international community to support the efforts of the Niger in the fight against violent extremism.
75.Mauritania welcomed the excellent organization of the presidential election, which had resulted, for the first time in the political history of the Niger, in a transition between two democratically elected presidents.
76.Mauritius commended the Niger for its ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change and of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area.
77.Mexico praised the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
78.Montenegro highlighted the ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Kampala amendments to the Rome Statute.
79.Morocco welcomed the reforms carried out in the judicial and penitentiary systems, the efforts to protect the rights to health, food and security, and the progress made in education and public awareness of human rights.
80.Mozambiquepraised the ratification of several international and regional human rights instruments, and the implementation of 80 per cent of the recommendations accepted during the previous review cycle.
81.Namibia commended the Niger on its accession to several international instruments, the adoption of national laws aimed at improving the human rights of citizens, and the non-application of the death penalty since 21 April 1976.
82.Nepalappreciated the ratification of the Paris Agreement, the adoption of the Water, Hygiene and Sanitation Sector Programme (2016–2030) and the implementation of a national action plan for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security.
83.The Netherlandscommended the significant progress made concerning ratification of international instruments. It was concerned about sexual and reproductive health in the Niger and restrictions imposed on civic space, especially in the run-up to elections.
84.Nigeriacommended the Niger on its efforts to combat terrorism, human trafficking and other transnational organized crimes and its measures to enhance the socioeconomic well-being of its population.
85.Norway commended the Niger on its historic democratic transition following the recent presidential elections.
86.The delegation of the Niger indicated that local and presidential elections had just been held, to the great satisfaction of the country’s political class and the international community. All the legally recognized political parties in the Niger were brought together in the context of the National Council for Political Dialogue. Reforms to the electoral process were carried out within the framework of that dialogue. In terms of access to the media, the High Council for Communication ensured equitable access to the media for the different candidates. The legal and institutional framework ensured freedom of expression and the civil and political rights of citizens.
87.Two attempts had been made to ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol), in 2006 and 2009, without success. With regard to the lifting of the reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Government was conducting awareness-raising campaigns and training sessions to inform people about the text of the instrument, to give those opposed to it a better understanding of its content.
88.A draft revision of the Civil Code aimed to raise the legal age of marriage to 18 years for both girls and boys.
89.In his various messages to the defence and security forces, the President had always urged them to respect human rights and international humanitarian law when fighting the enemy. Any complaint or denunciation was systematically investigated, those responsible were subject to criminal sanctions and victims received assistance and psychological support.
90.Oman highly appreciated the efforts made in preparing the national report in a participatory manner and the reflection in the report of the human rights situation, especially in its normative and institutional contexts.
91.Pakistan commended the Niger for implementing national policies on justice and human rights, criminalizing torture in line with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and strengthening the National Human Rights Commission.
92.Panama made recommendations.
93.The Philippines was pleased to note the steady efforts of the Niger to bring its domestic legislation into line with international and regional instruments and its efforts to strengthen its National Human Rights Commission, which had regained A status in 2017.
94.Portugal welcomed the establishment of an interministerial committee for drafting reports for submission to the treaty bodies and the universal periodic review and the fact that the National Human Rights Commission had regained A status. It noted the development of a National Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Strategy.
95.The Russian Federation noted that a major set of laws was not in line with the Constitution and the international commitments of the Niger in the area of human rights. It also noted that the activities of the leadership of the country to improve the human rights situation deserved support.
96.Rwanda welcomed the evolution of the normative and institutional human rights frameworks, including in the field of environmental protection with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
97.Serbia welcomed the establishment of a national mechanism for the prevention of torture.
98.Sierra Leone welcomed the efforts to respond to terrorist attacks and to establish a national mechanism to prevent torture. It also commended the Niger for passing the decree on protection, support and assistance for girls attending schools.
99.Singapore commended the efforts of the Niger to enhance economic and social rights and to improve poverty indicators. It welcomed the legislative and policy measures taken to promote and protect children’s rights, despite the challenges posed by the security situation.
100.Slovenia welcomed the moratorium on the death penalty and the progress made in the legal framework to protect children’s rights. It was concerned about harmful practices against girls and women, including early marriage and female genital mutilation.
101.Somalia noted the advancement of the status of the National Human Rights Commission through the incorporation of the Paris Principles into the national legal and policy framework.
102.South Africa welcomed the political reforms that had resulted in the National Human Rights Commission regaining A status.
103.South Sudan congratulated the Niger for its cooperation with both regional and international human rights mechanisms.
104.Spain welcomed the moratorium on the death penalty, which had been in place since 2018.
105.Sri Lanka welcomed the implementation of 80 per cent of the recommendations accepted during the previous review cycle and commended the Niger on the measures it had taken to promote the rights of internally displaced persons, integrate persons with disabilities and prevent torture.
106.The State of Palestine commended the progress made on the ratification of international instruments, the rights to health and education and the efforts to reform the judicial system and to include human rights education in school curricula.
107.The Sudan welcomed the steps taken by the Niger to promote and protect human rights and its accession to several regional and international instruments.
108.Sweden noted that the National Commission for Human Rights had reported in September 2020 on the disappearance of more than 100 people in the Tillabéri region. It stressed the need for accountability and to ensure respect for human rights and international humanitarian law in counter-terrorism responses.
109.Switzerland noted that the deterioration of the security situation in the Niger had had serious consequences for the protection of the civilian population. Furthermore, the insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively affected children’s access to education.
110.Timor-Leste welcomed the accession of the Niger to the Paris Agreement on climate change, its efforts to improve access to safe drinking water and its forthcoming submission of a national action plan to combat human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.
111.Togo noted with satisfaction that the Niger had taken institutional and legislative measures to provide its population with an environment that was more conducive to respect of human rights.
112.Tunisia commended the progress made in the protection of the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities and the rights to health, education and food, the reform of the judicial system and the measures taken to combat corruption, human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants.
113.Turkey expressed satisfaction with the recent democratic elections and welcomed the progress made on the inclusion of women in political and economic affairs. It welcomed the cooperation of the Niger with the international community in building resilience for persons with disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers.
114.Ukraine noted the efforts of the Niger to develop the national normative framework for the protection of internally displaced persons, the criminalization of torture and the fight against corruption.
115.The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland recognized the progress made by the Niger on human rights issues, including its success in holding democratic elections and its commitment to improving education for girls. It called on the Government to ensure accountability for any human rights violations.
116.The United States of America applauded the Niger on its first democratic transfer of power in the face ofreprehensible violence by terrorist groups and encouraged it to ensure open and lawful proceedings in dealing with violent extremism and seeking political dialogue with opposition.
117.Uruguay congratulated the Niger on the recent establishment of a national mechanism for the prevention of torture and wished the country success in the implementation of the recommendations it accepted.
118.The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela acknowledged the significant progress the Niger had made in the areas of the penitentiary system, health, education, food and people in vulnerable situations. It welcomed the National Plan of Action to Combat Slavery and Similar Practices and the National Human Rights Commission.
119.Eswatini made recommendations.
120.Senegal welcomed the progress made by the Niger in terms of ratification of international legal instruments, reform of the judicial and penitentiary systems and the enjoyment of human rights, including the rights to health, education, food and security.
121.In conclusion, the delegation of the Niger stressed that all the recommendations received would be implemented through the relevant national mechanisms. It reaffirmed the intention of the Government to respect its international commitments in the field of human rights and urged all stakeholders to strengthen international cooperation to support the Niger in implementing the recommendations.
II.Conclusions and/or recommendations
122. The following recommendations will be examined by the Niger, which will provide responses in due time, but no later than the forty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council:
122.1 Ratify the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Armenia);
122.2 Ratify the Kampala amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Estonia);
122.3 Ratify the Kampala amendments to the Rome Statute to bring alleged perpetrators of violations to justice and allow compensation for victims (Malawi);
122.4 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Belgium) (France) (Rwanda) (Timor-Leste);
122.5 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Ukraine);
122.6 Consider ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Argentina) (Nepal);
122.7 Consider ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Latvia);
122.8 Continue taking steps to accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Namibia);
122.9 Continue its efforts aimed at the country ’ s accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Azerbaijan);
122.10 Accelerate accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and revise the Penal Code to abolish the death penalty (Croatia);
122.11 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and take all necessary measures to abolish the death penalty (Iceland);
122.12 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples ’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Togo);
122.13 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, and withdraw its reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Chile);
122.14 Fully cooperate with the United Nations human rights protection system (Luxembourg);
122.15 Pursue efforts to ratify international instruments and cooperate with human rights mechanisms (Morocco);
122.16 Remove the death penalty as a sentencing option and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Australia);
122.17 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure (Slovenia);
122.18 Ratify the International Labour Organization (ILO) Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) (Brazil);
122.19 Ratify the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) (South Sudan);
122.20 Ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples ’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Chad);
122.21 Ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples ’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Namibia);
122.22 Consider ratifying the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples ’ Rights on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa of 2016 (Somalia);
122.23 Lift its reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and ratify the Maputo Protocol, to promote gender equality and women ’ s rights (Norway);
122.24 Lift all its reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and harmonize its national legislation to be in line with the Convention (Finland);
122.25 Withdraw the reservations made to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and strengthen the enforcement of Law No. 2003-025 prohibiting female genital mutilation (Canada);
122.26 Consider the withdrawal of reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Fiji);
122.27 Consider removing all reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Rwanda);
122.28 Expedite the review of all its reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Ukraine);
122.29 Extend a standing invitation to all special procedure mandate holders (Ukraine);
122.30 Cooperate with regional and international human rights mechanisms, by allowing the special procedure mandate holders to carry out an independent assessment of the human rights situation in the Niger and advise the Government (Zambia);
122.31 Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for United Nations treaty body elections (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
122.32 Incorporate into national legislation duly ratified regional and international human rights instruments and take steps to raise awareness about them (Zambia);
122.33 Ensure that the provisions of the Penal Code prohibiting female genital mutilation are strictly enforced (Burkina Faso);
122.34 Adopt legislation regulating the artisanal and small-scale mining sector (Chad);
122.35 Accelerate the process of adoption and promulgation of codes, laws and decrees, in particular the draft children ’ s code, the draft law on the protection of young girls during schooling and the draft decree on approval of the statutes of the special compensation fund for victims of trafficking in persons (Chad);
122.36 Adapt its domestic legislation to bring it into line with the international and regional instruments to which it is party (Zimbabwe);
122.37 Adopt a national strategy and an action plan on the elimination of slavery, assimilated practices and descent-based discrimination (Côte d ’ Ivoire);
122.38 Continue the process of approval and implementation of legislative measures such as the children ’ s code, the law for the protection of the elderly, and the law for the protection of girls in school, among others (Cuba);
122.39 Continue efforts to fulfil its international obligations on the promotion and protection of human rights by further developing and implementing comprehensive national plans and programmes (Democratic People ’ s Republic of Korea);
122.40 Regulate customary and strengthen statutory laws, including article 144 of the Civil Code, to increase the age of marriage for girls to 18 and include criminal sanctions for non-compliance (Denmark);
122.41 Bring its legislation on cybercrime and terrorism in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and narrow the definition of terrorism in Ordinance No. 2011-12 of 2011 (Denmark);
122.42 Accelerate the process of adoption of the bill authorizing the country to accede to and to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, and to abolish the use of death penalty in all circumstances (Finland);
122.43 Accelerate the adoption of the bill on the protection of human rights defenders (Ireland);
122.44 Expedite the adoption of the national law criminalizing torture in line with the Convention against Torture, that the Niger ratified (Japan);
122.45 Adopt all necessary measures to amend its legislation so as to guarantee that all migrant workers and members of their families who are in its territory or under its jurisdiction, whether they are documented or not, will enjoy without discrimination the rights enshrined in the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, in accordance with article 1 (para. 1) and article 7 (Argentina);
122.46 Ensure that the legal framework regarding the fight against terrorism complies with the international human rights obligations and international humanitarian law (Mexico);
122.47 Increase the Government of the Niger ’ s efforts to further mainstream human rights in public policies (Mozambique);
122.48 Scale up efforts in upholding human rights and seek necessary support in this regard (Nigeria);
122.49 Continue efforts to promote the rights of women and girls, enact legislation prohibiting child marriage and amend article 144 of the Civil Code to increase the age of marriage for girls to 18 (Australia);
122.50 Continue efforts to bring national legislation in line with the Niger ’ s international human rights obligations (Russian Federation);
122.51 Bring the national legislation in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Ukraine);
122.52 Allocate sufficient resources for the National Human Rights Commission to enable it to discharge its mandate in full, in accordance with the Paris Principles (Malaysia);
122.53 Strengthen the capabilities of the National Human Rights Commission by allocating the necessary financial, human and material resources (Sierra Leone);
122.54 Continue strengthening the State structures and national institutions for the protection of human rights and the mechanisms for assessing and implementing the universal periodic review recommendations (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
122.55 Take the necessary measures, including legislation, to eliminate existing inequalities and discrimination between men and women, especially in customary inheritance law (Malawi);
122.56 Continue with policy measures for the progressive realization of gender equality (India);
122.57 Continue efforts to eliminate inequalities between men and women in all spheres of life, including in the area of customary inheritance law (Lesotho);
122.58 Make additional efforts to promote equality between men and women (Russian Federation);
122.59 Adopt measures aimed at guaranteeing the substantive equality of women in legislation and in practice (Spain);
122.60 Decriminalize consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex and move forward towards the elimination of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (Chile);
122.61 Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that addresses direct and indirect discrimination and encompasses all the prohibited grounds of discrimination, including sexual orientation and gender identity (Iceland);
122.62 Decriminalize consensual same-sex relations and combat discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (Italy);
122.63 Decriminalize consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex (Argentina);
122.64 Enact comprehensive legislation on effective protection against discrimination in all domains, including sexual orientation and gender equality (Montenegro);
122.65 Amend article 282 of the Penal Code in order to decriminalize consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex (Portugal);
122.66 Strengthen the legislative and regulatory frameworks and the existing measures taken to protect local communities against the consequences of uranium mining (Zambia);
122.67 Establish a regulatory framework for companies operating in the country to ensure that they will not negatively affect human rights or environmental standards, in accordance with the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (Chile);
122.68 Speed up the adoption of the new mining code (Congo);
122.69 Galvanize regional and international support in the implementation of the Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth Strategy (Ethiopia);
122.70 Ensure that women, children, persons with disabilities, minority groups and local communities are meaningfully engaged in the development and implementation of climate change and disaster risk reduction frameworks (Fiji);
122.71 Strengthen protection and security measures for the exploitation of natural resources in order to protect the environment, health and rights of the population, in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (Libya);
122.72 Take the necessary measures to strengthen policies and programmes to address the human rights impact of climate change and integrate elements of disaster risk reduction into sustainable development policies and planning (Maldives);
122.73 Seek international support and assistance in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change (Pakistan);
122.74 Further strengthen regional and international partnerships to harness technical and financial assistance for development and human rights (Philippines);
122.75 Take measures to strengthen policies and programmes to address the issues of climate change and disaster risk management (South Africa);
122.76 Increase efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change, including by adopting both adaptative and preventive approaches (Sudan);
122.77 Redouble efforts in the fight against terrorism (Burundi);
122.78 Continue to combat terrorism and extremism so as to protect the safety of people ’ s lives and properties (China);
122.79 Further protect human rights in combating transnational organized crime and terrorism (Indonesia);
122.80 Ensure that security forces fighting terrorism do so in strict compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights (Luxembourg);
122.81 Take all measures necessary in order to guarantee full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law in activities to combat terrorism and violent extremism (Switzerland);
122.82 Commit to ensuring humanitarian actors can access those most in need, including ensuring Nigerien military actors and other relevant bodies participate in civilian-military coordination platforms and related training (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
122.83 Maintain the existing moratorium on the death penalty with a view to its abolition (Costa Rica);
122.84 Formally abolish the death penalty and repeal the provisions of the Penal Code relating to the application of this punishment (Côte d ’ Ivoire);
122.85 Continue to cease the application of the death penalty and consider further positive actions towards its complete abolition (Fiji);
122.86 Improve conditions of detention, including by ensuring the separation of detainees by sex and age, and ensure that the national torture prevention mechanism is sufficiently funded (France);
122.87 Improve conditions in detention facilities and limit the time of pretrial detention (Germany);
122.88 Take urgent steps to improve the conditions of detention at police stations and gendarmerie posts (Ghana);
122.89 Formally abolish the death penalty (Angola);
122.90 Improve detention conditions in police stations and gendarmerie stations (Iraq);
122.91 Formally abolish the death penalty and accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Italy);
122.92 Retain the moratorium on the death penalty in all circumstances and work towards its complete abolition (Latvia);
122.93 Redouble efforts to accelerate the processes leading to the abolition of the death penalty (Mexico);
122.94 Intensify its efforts to protect civilians living in areas threatened by violent conflict, including prevention, investigation and prosecution of human rights violations committed by the security forces (Norway);
122.95 Continue to ensure human rights are protected during efforts to counter extremist activity within its territory and work with regional partners to combat terrorism and promote stability in the region (Australia);
122.96 Intensify the efforts for revision of the Penal Code to abolish the death penalty (Slovenia);
122.97 Formally abolish the death penalty (Spain);
122.98 Follow through on legal obligations related to preventing and prosecuting human rights violations and abuses by security forces, including those involving physical and sexual abuse and arbitrary detention, and unlawful killings of unarmed persons ( United States of America);
122.99 Strengthen awareness-raising campaigns on the death penalty and public debates on the matter from a human rights approach, including in its parliament, with a view to making possible the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, as soon as possible (Uruguay);
122.100 Strictly ensure the anti-slavery law and prosecute perpetrators with sentences that are commensurate with the crime and act as a deterrent (Zambia);
122.101 Ensure the prosecution of all reported cases of slavery and adopt a national plan of action to combat slavery (Botswana);
122.102 Undertake investigations into all reports and allegations of gender-based violence against girls, including sexual assault, rape and domestic violence, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice (Botswana);
122.103 Undertake comprehensive investigations into the National Human Rights Commission ’ s findings regarding possible extrajudicial killings by the Niger ’ s security forces, and further strengthen human rights education for security forces (Germany);
122.104 Ensure that allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement officials are thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators prosecuted (Italy);
122.105 Continue its efforts to reform the judicial system and ensure its independence (Libya);
122.106 Allow independent investigations and prosecution of all violations of human rights by security forces and armed opposition groups, including allegations of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detention, by taking the necessary steps to establish independent mechanisms and institutions (Malawi);
122.107 Continue taking steps to address gender-based violence, including through stringent punishments for perpetrators (Malaysia);
122.108 Ensure that the measures adopted in the field of the fight against terrorism and organized crime are fully compatible with international law, guarantee accountability for all deaths caused by drones and compensate the victims or their families, in accordance with the recommendations of the African Commission on Human and Peoples ’ Rights (Panama);
122.109 Carry out impartial and independent investigations into alleged attacks on schools by State forces and non-State armed groups (Panama);
122.110 Reform the judicial and penitentiary systems (Russian Federation);
122.111 Continue steps to improve the quality of training for judges, lawyers and prosecutors (Russian Federation);
122.112 Put in place a specialized mechanism aimed at investigating allegations of gender-based violence and other human rights violations against women and girls with effective reparation and rehabilitation measures (Spain);
122.113 Ensure accountability and conduct transparent and impartial investigations into alleged violations and abuses of human rights committed during counter-terrorism operations in accordance with article 96 of the Constitution of 1996 (Sweden);
122.114 Prioritize the fight against impunity and guarantee reparation for victims of human rights violations and abuses (Switzerland);
122.115 Ensure that the defence and security forces comply with international human rights laws and standards, paving the way for independent investigations into allegations of excessive use of force and for prosecution of alleged perpetrators (Belgium);
122.116 Guarantee, in law and in practice, the right to freedom of opinion and expression, in civic space and online, in particular of journalists and human rights defenders (Canada);
122.117 Finalize the adoption of the law on the protection of human rights defenders as soon as possible, in collaboration with civil society (Canada);
122.118 Adopt all necessary measures to protect Christians and other religious minorities from all forms of violence and discrimination (Croatia);
122.119 Ensure the freedom of the media both online and offline, the safety of journalists and peaceful demonstrations (Estonia);
122.120 Guarantee freedom of expression, association and assembly and end the detention of civil society actors, human rights defenders and journalists (France);
122.121 Lift restrictions on freedom of assembly and demonstration and ensure open access to information, including through the Internet (Germany);
122.122 Ensure full respect for the right of freedom of expression and media freedom by preventing all harassment and undue detention of journalists (Ghana);
122.123 Promote the peaceful coexistence of members of different religions through interreligious dialogue as well as introduce educational programmes that encourage the culture of encounter and prevent radicalization (Holy See);
122.124 Promote and protect the right to freedom of expression and media freedom (Latvia);
122.125 Take measures to foster a safe, respectful and enabling environment for civil society and human rights defenders, especially women human rights defenders, free from persecution, intimidation and harassment (Latvia);
122.126 Protect civil and political rights, in particular the rights to freedom of expression and opinion, freedom of the press as well as freedom of association and of peaceful assembly (Luxembourg);
122.127 Release detained human rights defenders and journalists and take measures to protect civic space, in particular by adapting the 2019 Law on the punishment of cybercrime to the Niger ’ s human rights protection obligations (Luxembourg);
122.128 Ensure that freedom of expression, as enshrined in the Constitution as well as in relevant international human rights conventions, is fully respected in practice, including for those who wish to express dissenting views (Malawi);
122.129 Encourage a safe and enabling environment for civil society by protecting it from harassment, restrictions and undue detention, and by removing obstacles to freedom of assembly, in particular by revising Ordinance 84-06 of 1 March 1984 to include the principle of declaration instead of authorization (Netherlands);
122.130 Implement the antiterrorism law in accordance with international standards, guaranteeing freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as well as the legitimate work of human rights defenders and journalists (Spain);
122.131 Strengthen protections for civic actors, including by ending arbitrary arrests of journalists and civil society activists who criticize the Government ( United States of America);
122.132 Strengthen the fight against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, in particular by providing victims with the necessary assistance for their rehabilitation (Brazil);
122.133 Fight effectively against all forms of slavery and human trafficking (Congo);
122.134Specifically criminalize the practice of wahaya, with the same penalties as other forms of slavery (Croatia);
122.135 Strengthen its legal arsenal and apply it strictly in order to definitively eradicate slavery and discriminatory practices, as well as female genital mutilation and early marriages (Gabon);
122.136 Redouble the efforts in the fight against human trafficking and other forms of modern-day slavery, with particular attention to the practice of descent-based slavery of children (Holy See);
122.137 Further strengthen the implementation of anti-slavery laws, national action plans to prevent slavery, as well as educational measures to eliminate discriminatory practices (Indonesia);
122.138 Enhance the institutional and operational capacity of the agencies responsible for preventing and combating trafficking in persons, including with possible bilateral and international human rights training (Indonesia);
122.139 Take creative measures to step up the fight against cross-border human trafficking (Angola);
122.140 Take further efforts to eliminate all forms of slavery (Islamic Republic of Iran);
122.141 Continue its efforts to combat human trafficking and criminal gangs (Islamic Republic of Iran);
122.142 Continue efforts to combat human trafficking (Iraq);
122.143 Continue the efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings and slavery (Italy);
122.144 Expedite the finalization of the action plan to combat trafficking in persons, especially illegal trafficking of migrants (Kenya);
122.145 Develop a national plan of action in line with international standards to combat slavery which includes effective measures to free victims of traditional slavery practices and provides children with rehabilitation, psychological recovery services and assistance for reintegrating into their families (Malaysia);
122.146 Strengthen measures to combat human trafficking and eradicate all practices of slavery, including those based on descent (Mexico);
122.147 Investigate effectively cases of child trafficking, child prostitution and child pornography, and punish and prosecute the perpetrators with appropriate sanctions in accordance with the gravity of their crimes (Montenegro);
122.148 Strengthen measures for the fight against terrorism, human trafficking and other transnational organized crimes (Nigeria);
122.149 Ensure the allocation of adequate resources for measures to combat slavery and trafficking in persons and for programmes to rehabilitate victims (Philippines);
122.150 Provide the National Mechanism for Combating Trafficking in Persons and Illegal Trafficking of Migrants with the necessary human and financial resources for its effective operation (Somalia);
122.151 Continue to strengthen actions aimed at combating trafficking in persons as well as all forms of slavery (South Africa);
122.152 Redouble efforts to put in place a national strategy and action plan on the eradication of slavery (South Sudan);
122.153 Step up measures against human trafficking by adopting and implementing the new action plans on combating trafficking in persons and illegal trafficking of migrants (Sri Lanka);
122.154 Continue its efforts to strengthen its institutional mechanism to combat trafficking in persons and to ensure that all cases of slavery and trafficking in persons, including those involving children, are investigated and perpetrators are held to account (State of Palestine);
122.155 Continue promoting progress made in combating trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling (Tunisia);
122.156 Strictly enforce anti-slavery laws and combat discrimination against descendants of former slaves (Ukraine);
122.157 Set out a plan for improving the implementation of the 2003 law criminalizing slavery, ensuring judges across the Niger are more aware of the law and better able to implement it, including through training (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
122.158 Guarantee the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child and the Human Rights Committee, by adopting the necessary measures to eradicate all forms of slavery, including those based on descent and other forms of child slavery, as well as to disseminate legislation criminalizing slavery and ensure that those responsible for such practices are prosecuted by courts in accordance with the law (Uruguay);
122.159 Continue to promote poverty reduction and to improve people ’ s living standards (China);
122.160 Keep up the efforts to improve security and the economic and sociocultural problems faced by the country (Cuba);
122.161 Further strengthen its efforts to fight against poverty and promote full access to health and sanitation in cooperation with the relevant United Nations agencies and other departments (Democratic People ’ s Republic of Korea);
122.162 Pursue the implementation of economic and social development programmes in order to reduce disparities (Algeria);
122.163 Pursue its efforts to guarantee access to drinking water, particularly in rural areas (Gabon);
122.164 Adopt a law specifically addressing the right to food in order to combat food insecurity (Gabon);
122.165 Increase public access to safe drinking water and health services (Islamic Republic of Iran);
122.166 Continue to work with the international community to strengthen the capacity of government bodies, civil society organizations and national human rights institutions to address economic and social issues in the country (Maldives);
122.167 Continue efforts to improve the living conditions of the population and promote economic and social development, in particular the completion of the implementation of the Economic and Social Development Plan (2017–2021) (Mauritania);
122.168 Adopt further measures to improve the socioeconomic well-being of the people, and ensure the protection of the rights of persons in vulnerable situations (Nigeria);
122.169 Continue work to reduce poverty (Oman);
122.170 Continue taking steps towards sustainable development and countering pandemic-related socioeconomic challenges (Pakistan);
122.171 Make additional efforts in the systematic reduction of malnutrition among the population and to strengthen social policy through strategic measures in order to stabilize the food supply of the endangered part of the population (Serbia);
122.172 Assess the impact of COVID-19 on the goals of the Economic and Social Development Plan and take this into account in the follow-up to the Plan, including any subsequent iterations (Singapore);
122.173 Step up efforts to fight poverty and hunger, as well as to ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation (Sudan);
122.174 Continue to provide basic social services to the majority of its citizens and to increase the school enrolment rate for children, particularly for young girls, as much as possible (Turkey);
122.175 Take the necessary measures to facilitate the access of low-income populations to decent housing (Senegal);
122.176 Continue to increase investment in the health sector to better protect the right to health (China);
122.177 Pursue the necessary measures to expand access to health insurance and quality health services for all citizens without discrimination (Djibouti);
122.178 Implement the commitment made at the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development to promote sexual and reproductive health and empowerment of women and girls (Iceland);
122.179 Continue to improve health infrastructure, including by enhancing international cooperation and increasing qualified medical personnel to enable the necessary provision of health services throughout the country (Indonesia);
122.180 Strengthen efforts to ensure the right to health for all, including through adequate health facilities, personnel and services (Malaysia);
122.181 Implement measures and allocate adequate resources to improve adolescents ’ access to sexual and reproductive health services, information and contraceptives, as part of the national Health Development Plan 2022–2026 (Netherlands);
122.182 Continue the Government ’ s efforts to increase health coverage and bring it closer to citizens, especially pregnant women, infants and children (Oman);
122.183 Take concrete measures to tackle stigma and discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their families and to ensure them timely and adequate access to health services (Portugal);
122.184 Continue national efforts towards achieving universal health coverage (Sri Lanka);
122.185 Ensure access to adequate sexual and reproductive health-care services (Ukraine);
122.186 Extend State services – including security, justice, education, and health services – to all its citizens, including access to a well-managed family planning programme ( United States of America);
122.187 Continue ensuring that all citizens have access to health (Eswatini);
122.188 Redouble efforts and take all measures to strengthen the right to quality education for all, in particular by implementing measures to promote increased access for girls to school (Djibouti);
122.189 Continue efforts to spread the culture of human rights, aiming at overcoming social and cultural obstacles in order to end all forms of discrimination against women and children (Egypt)
122.190 Secure the protection of educational institutions against attacks (Estonia);
122.191 Pursue major efforts in terms of schooling and literacy for nomadic populations (Algeria);
122.192 Consider efforts in furtherance of free, equal and non-discriminatory access to quality education for all (India);
122.193 Pursue efforts in order to reform and develop the education sector, to include all groups of society, including people with special needs, in all cities in the Niger (Libya);
122.194 Invest further in the education system of the country, and give special consideration to the needs of girls and women to make them more autonomous (Mauritius);
122.195 Ensure that girls and women are enrolled in school through awareness-raising campaigns (Armenia);
122.196 Strengthen measures to ensure truly inclusive education and prioritize mainstream education over special institutions (Armenia);
122.197 Promote the right to education by further improving school enrolment and completion rates (Sri Lanka);
122.198 Consider amending legislation on education to make primary and secondary education free and to ensure that everyone is guaranteed a legal right to education (State of Palestine);
122.199 Strengthen access to education by ensuring a safe and protective environment for all children, particularly in conflict zones, including for young girls and children of nomadic populations (Switzerland);
122.200 Continue improving education, especially for all children in rural settings (Eswatini);
122.201 Expand efforts for social change on early and forced child marriages, female genital mutilations and other discriminatory practices against women and girls, particularly through opinion leaders and the media (Canada);
122.202 Adopt a rule that strictly prohibits child marriage, with criminal and administrative sanctions for non-compliance. Along the same lines, provide employment and training opportunities to women and girls so that they have alternatives to marriage (Costa Rica);
122.203 Promote the participation of women in peace processes and conflict prevention, especially through training activities for women on mediation, conflict management and peace mechanisms (Costa Rica);
122.204 Increase women ’ s participation in political life (Egypt);
122.205 Promote women ’ s human rights, including their sexual and reproductive rights, prevent early marriage and enhance the fight against sexual violence (Estonia);
122.206 Step up efforts to increase the enrolment of women and girls in schools (Ethiopia);
122.207 Protect the rights of women and girls, including by lifting the reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (France);
122.208 Step up efforts to improve the promotion and protection of women ’ s rights (Georgia);
122.209 Raise the minimum legal age of marriage for girls to 18 years, as is already the case for boys, and take decisive steps to prevent child marriages (Germany);
122.210 Strengthen efforts to protect women and girls from all forms of violence and implement a strategy to eliminate negative cultural practices that are harmful and discriminate against women and girls (Ghana);
122.211 Put an end to the practice of female genital mutilation, which is an “ unacceptable custom ” , through the promotion of policies that empower young women to resist such violence and pave the way for a cultural transformation (Holy See);
122.212 Combat harmful practices against women and girls, including female genital mutilation and child, early and forced marriage (Ireland);
122.213 Reinforce gender equality in law and in practice and continue to implement the 2017 Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Strategy (Italy);
122.214 Eliminate all harmful practices such as child marriage, forced marriage and female genital mutilation (Japan);
122.215 Scale up measures to empower women, including promoting their employment and that of young people, as well as enhancing awareness and training of women for public office positions in the Niger (Kenya);
122.216 Improve women ’ s access to the formal labour market and ensure that all women are covered by a social protection scheme (Turkey);
122.217 Take all necessary measures, both in law and in practice, to combat female genital mutilation, as well as child, early and forced marriage (Latvia);
122.218 Beef up measures to fight early child marriage and female genital mutilation (Lesotho);
122.219 Increase efforts to eliminate all harmful and discriminatory practices against women and girls, such as child and forced marriage and female genital mutilation (Argentina);
122.220 Pursue efforts for the empowerment and employability of women (Morocco);
122.221 Take further action to ensure gender equality and women ’ s rights, including access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as girls ’ right to education, with a view to preventing child marriages and premature pregnancies and promoting girls ’ and women ’ s freedom of choice and autonomy (Norway);
122.222 Develop and adopt a family code in accordance with international human rights standards in order to raise the minimum age for marriage to 18 years, recognize the equal rights of women in inheritance and divorce matters, as well as the equal legal status and protection of children born out of wedlock (Panama);
122.223 Take steps to strengthen data collection on gender-based violence against women and girls to ensure informed and responsive policy interventions (Philippines);
122.224 Ensure universal access to quality and inclusive education and health, including in rural areas, and combat all forms of discrimination in the access to those rights, in particular against women and girls (Portugal);
122.225 Repeal all discriminatory legislation against women and girls, including that related to early and forced marriage (Sierra Leone);
122.226 Consider prioritizing the National Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Strategy and its five-year action plan for the period 2017 to 2021 (South Africa);
122.227 Implement the amendment of 2019 to the law establishing the quota system to increase the rate of female representation from 15 per cent to 25 per cent for elected positions and from 25 per cent to 30 per cent for appointed positions (South Sudan);
122.228 Continue stepping up efforts to promote women ’ s and children ’ s rights through the effective implementation of the new policies (Azerbaijan);
122.229 Continue to take measures to increase the representation of women in the National Human Rights Commission (Timor-Leste);
122.230 Continue awareness-raising campaigns and open and inclusive public debates with the participation of all relevant stakeholders on the importance of a comprehensive and coherent legal reform to achieve effective equality between men and women (Togo);
122.231 Continue efforts to prevent gender-based violence, empower women, promote gender equality, and address early and child marriages (Tunisia);
122.232 Raise the legal minimum age of marriage to 18 for girls and boys, as well as prohibit, including under customary law, harmful practices associated with child marriage (Belgium);
122.233 Strengthen awareness-raising campaigns and education on the importance of gender equality from a human rights approach, including in its parliament, with a view to making possible the withdrawal of national reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women as soon as possible (Uruguay);
122.234 Redouble efforts to increase the representation of women in decision-making positions, particularly in legislative, executive and judicial institutions (Senegal);
122.235 Accelerate ongoing awareness campaigns to eliminate child, forced and early marriages (Zimbabwe);
122.236 Pass a law that strictly prohibits child marriage and increase the age of marriage to 18 for girls (Côte d ’ Ivoire);
122.237 Ensure the protection of children ’ s rights in practice (Estonia);
122.238 Continue and intensify efforts to protect children from violence, ensure their safety, and facilitate the enjoyment of their rights (Fiji);
122.239 Fight against child labour and the practice of forced marriages, including by promoting access to education, especially for girls (France);
122.240 Continue efforts to eliminate child labour (Georgia);
122.241 Adopt a law strictly prohibiting child marriage and raise the legal age of marriage for girls to 18 (Iceland);
122.242 Put in place specific measures with the help of all stakeholders to ensure the continuity of education of children in rural areas, especially for girls (Angola);
122.243 Sustain the endeavours to implement the national strategic plan to combat child, early and forced marriage, and raise the minimum legal age for marriage to 18 years (Italy);
122.244 Continue the progress made in promoting the rights of the child (Mauritania);
122.245 Review the Civil Code observing the principle of the best interests of the child, establish 18 years as the minimum age for marriage, and allow the registration of births of children at risk of statelessness (Mexico);
122.246 Reinforce technical cooperation in order to implement all instruments ratified by the country since 2016, especially those related to the rights of the child (Mozambique);
122.247 Carry out effective measures to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates (Nepal);
122.248 Advance the implementation of the programme to protect children from sexual exploitation, child labour and the use of children in armed conflict (Oman);
122.249 Continue its efforts to ensure that the rights and well-being of children are protected, including through the introduction of national and cross-cutting policies in key areas such as health and education (Singapore);
122.250 Enact a law prohibiting child marriage, guarantee its implementation, as well as effective awareness-raising campaigns (Spain);
122.251 Continue efforts to protect children from violence, exploitation and the phenomenon of child labour (Tunisia);
122.252 Strengthen the policy framework for the rights of persons with disabilities (India);
122.253 Intensify efforts to ensure the integration and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all public service, including health and education (Sudan);
122.254 Continue strengthening its laws on statelessness, human trafficking and people smuggling (Eswatini).
123. 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 de la délégation
•La délégation du Niger était présidée par S.E Dr. Boubakar Hassan, Ministre de la Justice, Garde des Sceaux et composée des membres suivants:
•SEM. Laouali LABO, Ambassadeur, Représentant Permanent de la République du Niger auprès de l’Office des Nations Unies et des autres Organisations Internationales à Genève;
•M. Oumaria Mamane, Conseiller principal du Premier Ministre;
•Mme Hassane Aïssa, conseillère du Ministre de la Santé publique, de la Population et des Affaires Sociales;
•M. Ousseini Djibagé Maman Sani, Secrétaire Permanent du Comité interministériel chargé de la rédaction des rapports aux organes des Traités et de l’EPU;
•M. Moumouni Hamidou, Président de la Commission Nationale de Coordination de Lutte contre la Traite des Personnes;
•M. Moussa Waziri, inspecteur des services judiciaires et pénitentiaires;
•Mme Gazibo Kadidia, Directrice Générale des Droits de l’Homme et de la Protection Judiciaire Juvénile au Ministère de la Justice;
•M. Mahaman Sani, Secrétaire Général de l’Initiative 3N;
•Mme Rabiou Assétou, Directrice des Droits de l’Homme au Ministère de la Justice;
•Mme Lailatou Alfari, Directrice des Normes Internationales au Ministère de l’Emploi, du Travail et de la Protection Sociale;
•Mme Tamponé Safiatou, Directrice du Leadership féminin au Ministère de la Promotion de la Femme et de la Protection de l’Enfant;
•Mme Sourghuia Mariama, Directrice de l’Organisation des Soins au Ministère de la Santé Publique, de la Population et des Affaires Sociales;
•M. Saidou Dogon Guida, Substitut du Procureur de la République près le Tribunal de Grande Instance de Niamey;
•M. Adamou Harouna, Chef de Division au Ministère des Affaires Etrangères et de la Coopération;
•M. Ada Rabiou, Chef de division à la Direction de la Protection de l’Enfant au Ministère de la Promotion de la Femme et de la Protection de l’Enfant;
•M. Nahantchi Garba, Chef de Division au Ministère de l’Education Nationale;
•M. Amadou ISSAKA, Deuxième Conseiller à la Mission Permanente de la République du Niger à Genève;
•M. Mahamane Bachir ISSA DJATAW, Premier Secrétaire à la Mission Permanente de la République du Niger à Genève.