39/16 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Cuba
Document Type: Final Report
Date: 2018 Jul
Session: 39th Regular Session (2018 Sep)
Agenda Item: Item6: Universal Periodic Review
GE.18-11471(E)
Human Rights Council Thirty-ninth session
10–28 September 2018
Agenda item 6
Universal periodic review
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*
Cuba
* The annex is being circulated without formal editing, in the language of submission only.
United Nations A/HRC/39/16
Introduction
1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance
with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirtieth session from 7 to 18 May 2018.
The review of Cuba was held at the 16th meeting, on 16 May 2018. The delegation of Cuba
was headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla. At its
18th meeting, held on 18 May 2018, the Working Group adopted the report on Cuba.
2. On 10 January 2018, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of
rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Cuba: Egypt, Nepal and Peru.
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 Cuba:
(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with
paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/30/CUB/1);
(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)
(A/HRC/WG.6/30/CUB/2);
(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)
(A/HRC/WG.6/30/CUB/3).
4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Liechtenstein,
Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America was transmitted to Cuba
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 presented the national report, highlighting the fact that it was the
result of a participatory, consultative process involving both government and civil society
entities.
6. Under the governments imposed by the United States until 1959, some 45 per cent
of children had not attended school; 85 per cent of persons had lacked running water;
farmers had lived without rights and in poverty, without ever owning the land they tilled;
and immigrants had been brutally exploited. Extrajudicial executions, enforced
disappearances and torture had been recurrent and discrimination, poverty and exclusion
had been rampant. The Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro Ruz had transformed that
situation and, since then, Cuba had continued to improve its economic and social
development model with the aim of strengthening its political system, which enjoyed the
full support of the people.
7. Cuba had continued to strengthen its legal and institutional framework for the
protection and promotion of human rights and had improved the mechanisms available to
the population to denounce any infringement of their rights. The protection of the right to
life continued to be the highest priority and law enforcement authorities fulfilled their
duties in accordance with the law and were subject to rigorous control processes and
popular scrutiny.
8. Cuba had strengthened people’s participation in government decision-making and
the exercise of lawfully recognized freedoms, including civil and political rights. In Cuba,
there was a plurality of ideas and rich debates about different aspects of the civil, political,
economic, social and cultural life of the nation. Indeed, more than 1.6 million Cubans had
participated in the consultation on the Conceptualization of the Cuban Economic and Social
Model for Socialist Development and the Outline of the National Plan for Economic and
Social Development until 2030.
9. In Cuba, the right to participate in public affairs was not limited to the electoral
process; there was not one single model of democracy or an agreed formula in that regard.
Elections were held periodically and in absolute freedom, in accordance with the electoral
law. They were characterized by the existence of automatic and public electoral registries,
popular appointment of candidates and high turnout levels.
10. At the recent election of deputies to the National Assembly of People’s Power, 86
per cent of those eligible to vote had done so, with 94 per cent of valid ballots. Such results,
which were not achieved in countries usually portrayed as ideal democratic models, showed
the high level of legitimacy and popular support enjoyed by the Cuban political system. The
National Assembly represented Cuban society in all its diversity. Some 53 per cent of
Members of Parliament were women and 41 per cent were black or mulatto; their average
age was 49 years old, and 13 per cent of them were aged between 18 and 35. For 56 per
cent of them, it was the first time they had been elected.
11. Cuba continued to promote the right to full equality. That was a permanent goal that
it would continue to pursue relentlessly. Progress had been made in terms of preventing and
addressing manifestations of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Cuba had also strengthened its programmes aimed at protecting children, young people,
older persons and persons with disabilities.
12. Civil society in Cuba constituted a significant actor on the national scene, with over
2,200 organizations. One of the State’s priorities was to guarantee the exercise of human
rights, and thousands of human rights defenders in every sphere of social life enjoyed
government recognition. However, as in many other countries where the rule of law
prevailed, the legal system in Cuba could not be infringed upon or subverted to satisfy a
foreign agenda that called for a change of regime, the constitutional order and the political
system.
13. Cuba cooperated with the United Nations human rights mechanisms, which were
universal and non-discriminatory. It was a party to 44 of the 61 international human rights
instruments, and was among the States with the highest levels of ratifications. In 2017,
Cuba had received visits from the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially
women and children, and the Independent Expert on human rights and international
solidarity.
14. Despite the achievements it had made, Cuba was aware of the remaining challenges
and was striving to meet them. The people deserved efficient institutions to improve their
well-being and quality of life and to promote social justice. In that regard, as the former
President, Raúl Castro, had indicated in December 2017, more comprehensive and far-
reaching efforts had been made to ensure that, at the same time as the currency system was
unified, the existing distortions in terms of subsidies, prices and wholesale and retail rates
would be eliminated, as they would in terms of pensions and salaries in the State sector. A
Constitutional reform process would begin in the near future, with broad popular
participation.
15. The strengthening of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on
Cuba by the United States, and its extraterritorial implementation, had caused deprivation
and continued to be the main obstacle to the country’s development. That policy, which the
international community rejected, violated the purposes and principles of the Charter of the
United Nations and international law and represented a flagrant, massive and systematic
violation of the human rights of the Cuban people. It thus qualified as an act of genocide
under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948.
The delegation demanded the return to Cuba of the territory usurped by the United States
Naval Base in Guantánamo, where the United States maintained a detention camp in which
serious human rights violations were being committed.
16. The delegation expressed its openness to dialogue and its willingness to provide all
the information requested during the universal periodic review process. There should be no
double standards or politically motivated manipulation during that process. As the President
of the Council of State and Ministers, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, had said in April
2018, there was no room for a transition that ignored or destroyed the legacy of so many
years of struggle. In Cuba, by the decision of the people, there was room only for continuity
of the legacy of the revolution and of the founding generation, without giving in to
pressure, without fear or setbacks, always defending truth and reason, without ever
renouncing sovereignty and independence, development programmes and the dream of
Cubans.
B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
17. During the interactive dialogue, 143 delegations made statements.
Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present
report.
18. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France,
Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland,
India, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia,
Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,
Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia,
Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, the Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, the Russian
Federation, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South
Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, the State of Palestine, the Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, the Syrian
Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,
Uganda, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, the United Republic of Tanzania, the United States of America, Uruguay,
Uzbekistan, Equatorial Guinea, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan,
Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi,
Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, the Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El
Salvador, Morocco, Trinidad and Tobago and Egypt made recommendations. The Bahamas
made a statement. The complete version of the statements can be found in the webcast
archived on the United Nations website.1
19. In response to the questions raised during the interactive dialogue, the delegation of
Cuba said that enforcement authorities acted in strict compliance with the law. If unlawful
violations were committed by official authorities, the penalties were severe. In Cuba, no
one was unlawfully or arbitrarily arrested and no one was prosecuted or convicted, except
by a competent court under laws adopted prior to the commission of the offence concerned.
20. The cultural policy of Cuba had promoted and protected cultural rights. There was a
broad network of cultural institutions in the country that aimed to ensure support for
creators.
21. With regard to the situation of persons deprived of their liberty, Cuba ensured fair
treatment and decent living conditions in penitentiary facilities. Detentions were carried out
in accordance with criminal procedure and in compliance with due process guarantees. In
addition, the Cuban public health system provided universal coverage and free care. Cuba
had 80.2 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants, and 14 communicable diseases had been
eliminated.
22. The Cuban political and electoral systems, the government structures and functions,
human rights, the guarantees for their exercise and the duties of citizens were regulated by
1 Available at http://webtv.un.org/search/cuba-review-30th-session-of-universal-periodic- review/5785774128001/?term=CUBA&sort=date&page=5.
legal provisions. Moreover, Cuban judges were independent in their functions and owed
obedience only to the law.
23. Cuba had strengthened the protection of workers, including non-State actors,
enabled full employment and the incorporation of young people into work, protected
women and strengthened social security and assistance.
II. Conclusions and/or recommendations
24. The following recommendations will be examined by Cuba, which will provide
responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-ninth session of the Human Rights
Council:
24.1 Ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(Austria) (Japan) (Liechtenstein); Consider ratifying the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Côte d’Ivoire); Ratify the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Niger);
Consider ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
respectively (Cyprus); Consider ratifying the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights (El Salvador); Consider ratification of the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Chile); Ratify the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Mexico) (Nepal) (Paraguay) (Slovakia)
(France) (Portugal) (Australia); Ratify the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights, as previously recommended (Poland); Ratify without delay the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Germany); Consider
ratification of the International Covenants on Human Rights (Peru); Finalize
the process of ratification of the main international covenants, including the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Spain);2
24.2 Quickly proceed towards ratification of both the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, without reservations (Norway);
24.3 Consider ratifying the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights (Greece);
24.4 Ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
establish a legal and institutional framework that guarantee the free exercise of
the rights enshrined in it, including the rights to freedom of expression,
assembly and peaceful association, and sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to
the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment (Costa Rica);
24.5 Ratify and implement the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights (Croatia);
2 The recommendation, as read out during the interactive dialogue, was: “Finalize the process of ratification of the main international covenants, including the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, as well as other
instruments, such as the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment”.
24.6 Ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Trinidad
and Tobago);
24.7 Ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Italy);
24.8 Accede to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and
bring national legislation into compliance with these Covenants, including by
ensuring unhindered Internet access (Czechia);
24.9 Consolidate the legal and institutional framework for the promotion
and protection of human rights, among others, through expediting the
ratification process of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
(Indonesia);
24.10 Ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
both its optional protocols (Estonia);
24.11 Ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
its Second Optional Protocol (Lithuania);
24.12 Consider ratifying the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights (Malta);
24.13 Ratify, without delay, the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights (Finland);
24.14 Ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, without
restrictions (Sweden);
24.15 Act in accordance with and ratify the already signed International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, without restrictions to freedom of
expression, freedom of the press or freedom of assembly, and incorporate them
into its national legislation (Netherlands);
24.16 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of
All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Niger); Ratify those
international instruments to which it is not yet a party, in particular the
International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant
Workers and Members of Their Families (Honduras);
24.17 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and
Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (France)
(Portugal); Consider acceding to the Optional Protocol to the Convention
against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment, at the earliest convenience (Ghana); Ratify the main international
instruments, such as the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture
and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Spain);3
24.18 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
(Austria) (France); Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal
Court and fully align national legislation with all obligations under the Rome
Statute (Latvia); Ratify the Rome Statute on the International Criminal Court
in its 2010 version, including the Kampala amendments on the crime of
aggression, and review its national legislation in order to ensure full alignment
with the Statute (Liechtenstein);
3 See footnote 2.
24.19 Ratify the International Labour Organization (ILO) Protocol of 2014
to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) (Portugal);
24.20 Ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as
previously recommended (Romania);
24.21 Ratify the core international human rights treaties, namely the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Slovenia);
24.22 Ratify the core human rights documents: the International Covenant
on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights (Ukraine);
24.23 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
(Greece);
24.24 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and
Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Bosnia and
Herzegovina);
24.25 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and
Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Estonia);
24.26 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
(Georgia);
24.27 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty
(Liechtenstein) (Togo); Consider ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with a view to abolishing
the death penalty, as previously recommended (Uruguay);
24.28 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Bosnia and Herzegovina);
24.29 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Democratic Republic of the
Congo); Accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, as previously recommended
(Liechtenstein);
24.30 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Slovenia);
24.31 Sign the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (El Salvador);
24.32 Consider becoming a party to the International Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their
Families (Sri Lanka);
24.33 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child on a communications procedure (Kenya);
24.34 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child on a communications procedure (Slovakia);
24.35 Issue and implement a standing invitation to all special procedures
(Czechia);
24.36 Respond positively to the pending visit requests by the special
procedure mandate holders of the Human Rights Council and consider
extending a standing invitation to all mandate holders (Latvia);
24.37 Extend invitations to the United Nations Special Rapporteurs on the
promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, on
the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and on the
situation of human rights defenders (Finland);
24.38 Issue a standing invitation to all special procedures, including those
working in the field of civil and political rights (Norway); Extend an open and
permanent invitation to the special procedure mandate holders (Spain);
24.39 Issue a standing invitation to the special procedures of the Human
Rights Council, including all Special Rapporteurs (Sweden);
24.40 Extend a permanent invitation to all special procedures of the
Human Rights Council (Switzerland);
24.41 Continue constructive cooperation with the United Nations human
rights mechanisms (Tajikistan);
24.42 Cooperate closely with human rights monitoring mechanisms
(Ukraine);
24.43 Fully cooperate with human rights mechanisms and grant them
unhindered access to Cuba, including to government officials, civil society
organizations and human rights defenders, to prisons and detention centres
(Germany);
24.44 Recognize the competence of treaty bodies to consider individual
complaints (Ukraine);
24.45 Consider ratifying the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of
Refugees (Lesotho);
24.46 Continue to strengthen the country’s institutional and legal
frameworks to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights
(Zimbabwe);
24.47 Continue moving forward in the study of legislative amendments or
new legislation necessary to achieve even better results in the promotion and
protection of human rights (Angola);
24.48 Continue on the very encouraging trajectory of progress made with
respect to its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights
(Barbados);
24.49 Continue to strengthen the democratic, popular and representative
nature of the social order, State institutions and laws that ensure social justice
for the whole population (Belarus);
24.50 Further strengthen legal and institutional frameworks for the
protection of human rights (Bhutan);
24.51 Maintain the political will to promote the broadest possible
enjoyment of civil and political rights, the protection of which is recognized by
the Constitution and laws (Plurinational State of Bolivia);
24.52 Strengthen the legislative framework to protect and promote human
rights for all citizens (Egypt);
24.53 Continue to strengthen the principle of legality in the actions of the
law enforcement authorities (Kuwait);
24.54 Strengthen measures aimed at implementing the country’s
commitments derived from international instruments on human rights
(Kyrgyzstan);
24.55 Continue the efforts to improve and strengthen human rights
protection arrangements (Ethiopia);
24.56 Continue its efforts to encourage the participation of domestic legal
institutions in international organizations with the aim to promote cooperation
in the area of human rights protection (Myanmar);
24.57 Continue adopting measures for additional harmony between
national legislation and the international treaties to which Cuba is a party
(Oman);
24.58 Strengthen national mechanisms for follow-up and implementation of
international human rights recommendations received by the State, through
the establishment of a broad inter-institutional consultation mechanism that
promotes the participation of civil society (Paraguay);
24.59 Incorporate the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment into its domestic law
(France);
24.60 Continue efforts to strengthen the mechanisms and procedures to
prevent and address human rights violations (State of Palestine);
24.61 Continue efforts to promote the integral and full development of
human rights (Tunisia);
24.62 Ensure that the national institutions mandated to promote and
protect human rights are given adequate resources to carry out their mandates
(Uganda);
24.63 Fully implement all the international treaties it has ratified
(Ukraine);
24.64 Continue to expand the framework of guarantees necessary for the
exercise of civil and political rights, in conformity with national laws and the
international instruments to which Cuba is a party (United Arab Emirates);
24.65 Continue measures to strengthen the capacity of national
mechanisms for human rights protection (Uzbekistan);
24.66 Step up efforts to develop a system of human rights training
(Uzbekistan);
24.67 Take steps towards establishing an independent national human
rights institution in line with the principles relating to the status of national
institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris
Principles) (Botswana);
24.68 Create a national human rights institution in accordance with the
Paris Principles and take legal and institutional measures to guarantee the
independence of the judiciary (Costa Rica);
24.69 Establish a national human rights institution in conformity with the
Paris Principles (Mongolia);
24.70 Establish an independent national human rights institution in
compliance with the Paris Principles (Montenegro);
24.71 Establish an independent national human rights institution in
accordance with the Paris Principles (Mexico) (Nepal) (Togo) (Portugal);
Establish a national human rights institution in conformity with the Paris
Principles (Uruguay); Put in place a national human rights institution in
compliance with the Paris Principles (Niger); Establish a national human rights
institution in accordance with the Paris Principles and end the restrictions
imposed on associations (France);
24.72 Establish an effective, public complaint handling system and a fully
independent institution of the Ombudsman (Poland);
24.73 Establish an independent national human rights institution in
accordance with the Paris Principles (Zambia);
24.74 Intensify awareness campaigns to fight against racial stereotypes
(Angola);
24.75 Continue actions to prevent manifestations of discrimination based
on sexual orientation and gender identity (Plurinational State of Bolivia);
24.76 Maintain awareness-raising campaigns on the right to freedom of
sexual orientation and gender identity (Plurinational State of Bolivia);
24.77 Continue developing actions to contribute to the prevention of and
fight against racial discrimination from a cultural perspective (Burundi);
24.78 Continue to implement appropriate measures to ensure the equality
of all its citizens (Cambodia);
24.79 Continue to take steps aimed at preventing and combating
discrimination from a cultural point of view (Djibouti);
24.80 Continue to work towards better integration of Cubans of African
descent in the political, social, cultural and economic life of the country (Haiti);
24.81 Continue training public and law enforcement officials on preventing
and combating racism (Egypt);
24.82 Strengthen the application of the existing legal framework, which
prohibits and punishes discrimination that affects human dignity and values
(India);
24.83 Continue its efforts in the fight against racism and racial
discrimination (Mali);
24.84 Continue efforts to combat racial discrimination (Peru);
24.85 Pursue efforts aimed at combating discrimination and at raising
awareness among the Cuban population of its African heritage (Senegal);
24.86 Continue to develop the legal and institutional framework to fight
against discrimination and racial prejudices and further advocate at
international fora on the eradication of racism, hate speech and the promotion
of supremacist ideologies (South Africa);
24.87 Continue efforts to combat racism and racial discrimination and
encourage more discussion about the topic in the media (Tunisia);
24.88 Continue efforts to counteract all forms of racial discrimination
(Turkey);
24.89 Continue with the fight against all forms of racial discrimination
(United Republic of Tanzania);
24.90 Continue to support the work of the International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement (Afghanistan);
24.91 Continue to promote initiatives on international platforms on the
compliance of economic, social and cultural rights and third-generation human
rights that reflect the interests of developing countries (Belarus);
24.92 Continue to promote economic and social development according to
national development plans, to better promote and protect human rights
(China);
24.93 Maintain activities aimed at guaranteeing low levels of mortality as a
result of natural disasters (Dominican Republic);
24.94 Strengthen cooperation and solidarity with the Caribbean
Community Member States by providing technical assistance to strengthen
capacity, particularly with a view to universal social protection and universal
health care (Haiti);
24.95 Promote the necessity of eliminating politicization and
contextualization of human rights issues at various fora (India);
24.96 Continue to update its economic and social model, in order to
preserve and strengthen social justice and solidarity (Namibia);
24.97 Continue to strengthen early warning systems for natural disasters to
increase the perception of risk in the population (Nigeria);
24.98 Continue advocating in the international fora for the need to combat
Islamophobia and discriminatory stereotypes based on religion, particularly in
the context of the fight against terrorism (Saudi Arabia);
24.99 Continue to modernize the legislative basis governing the civil
defence system and regulate the preparedness and recovery functions for
natural disasters (Syrian Arab Republic);
24.100 Keep denouncing the negative impact of the criminal economic,
commercial and financial embargo imposed on Cuba by the United States of
America, which affects the enjoyment of human rights (Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela);
24.101 Continue to protect its population against the effects of the embargo
imposed by the United States of America (Plurinational State of Bolivia);
24.102 Continue condemning in international fora the unilateral coercive
measures against developing countries, such as the blockade imposed by the
United States against Cuba, as instruments which violate the peoples’ human
rights (Nicaragua);
24.103 Pursue its national agenda against the imposed embargo, which
should be fully lifted to allow Cuba to build on its extraordinary record on
socioeconomic rights (South Africa);
24.104 Continue to modernize the Cuban model of economic and social
development in the face of the illegal American embargo that violates the
human rights of the Cuban people (Syrian Arab Republic);
24.105 Continue to provide humanitarian assistance, particularly in the
health field, to countries affected by disasters and major epidemics and share
the experience of the Henry Reeve International Contingent (Algeria);
24.106 Maintain current South-South cooperation programmes with other
Caribbean countries, including sharing the Cuban model of Risk Reduction
Management Centres (Jamaica);
24.107 Continue to encourage dialogue and cooperation with other States in
the field of human rights, based on the principles of mutual respect, sovereign
equality, self-determination and the right to independently determine their
political system (Russian Federation);
24.108 Continue fostering the development of values at all levels in society to
help fight corruption (Kuwait);
24.109 Expand and share experiences with other countries in the prevention
and treatment of diseases such as cholera, dengue and HIV (Mozambique);
24.110 Share at the international level, with the support of the United
Nations, its experiences of bilateral cooperation in the promotion of the right to
health, especially in the areas of training of human resources and of support to
health services throughout the world (Tajikistan);
24.111 Promote and participate in the exchange of experience and good
practice in the treatment of inmates and in detention conditions (Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea);
24.112 Stop arbitrarily arresting people, before, during and after peaceful
demonstrations and release those who have been arbitrarily arrested (Iceland);
End arbitrary detention of political activists (Australia);
24.113 Continue to implement the necessary measures to ensure public
safety and maintain the atmosphere of tranquility, internal order and
confidence of the population in the authorities (Islamic Republic of Iran);
24.114 Guarantee that all detainees have access to a lawyer of their choice
from the outset of the deprivation of liberty (Ireland);
24.115 Take concrete measures to promote the fair justice principles
consistent with international standards, especially by reviewing the legislation
on and implementation of pretrial detention (Italy);
24.116 Continue to provide assistance and counselling in prisons to
applicants (Lebanon);
24.117 End arbitrary detention and harassment of human rights defenders
as well as media workers (Lithuania);
24.118 Enable independent human rights monitoring at all detention sites
(Lithuania);
24.119 Promote inmates’ access to culture and sports, as part of educational
work programmes that are implemented in prisons (Malaysia);
24.120 Take measures to put an end to arbitrary detentions by ensuring that
persons under arrest have immediate access to a defence counsel and are
promptly brought before an independent judge for a hearing (Netherlands);
24.121 Immediately and unconditionally release all prisoners of conscience
who have been imprisoned solely for the peaceful exercise of their rights to
freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly (New Zealand);
24.122 Continue to strengthen the mechanisms, channels and resources
provided for prisoners to have timely access to legal assistance in prisons
(Nigeria);
24.123 Continue to strengthen the measures to guarantee the right of all
persons deprived of liberty to access the immediate remedies that allow them to
challenge the legality of their detention (Nigeria);
24.124 Ensure that prisoners are treated with dignity and humanity
(Poland);
24.125 Release all those who have been arrested on politically motivated
charges (Slovakia);
24.126 Encourage less use of pretrial detention as a precautionary measure
and ensure its use only for the most serious crimes (Sudan);
24.127 Continue to ensure that prisoners and detainees are treated with the
dignity inherent to the human condition, in compliance with the United Nations
Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Sudan);
24.128 Strengthen the implementation of programmes that favour the
preventive approach and social reintegration of inmates to avoid the
reproduction of patterns and criminal behaviour (Sudan);
24.129 Intensify efforts aimed at improving detention conditions in prisons
(Georgia);
24.130 Continue to improve the prison system, particularly in the area of
infrastructure development and living conditions in these facilities (Syrian
Arab Republic);
24.131 Encourage the inclusion of a larger number prison inmates in the
training and education process, to provide them with employment
opportunities (Syrian Arab Republic);
24.132 End measures to restrict freedom of expression and assembly
including short-term detentions and the use of broad criminal charges such as
“dangerousness” (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
24.133 Ensure full compliance with the United Nations Standard Minimum
Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and allow independent human rights
monitors access to prison and detention centres (Zambia);
24.134 Consider including forced disappearance in its national legislation as
a separate offence and a crime against humanity (Argentina);
24.135 Formally abolish the death penalty (Australia); Abolish the death
penalty for ordinary crimes as a first step towards the complete abolition of the
death penalty (Belgium); Adopt the necessary measures for the abolition of the
death penalty (Brazil); Legally abolish the death penalty (Cabo Verde); Give
due consideration to the legal abolition of the death penalty (Liechtenstein);
Abolish the death penalty (France) (Portugal);
24.136 Include enforced disappearance in domestic law as a stand-alone
crime and make it a crime against humanity (Democratic Republic of the
Congo);
24.137 Maintain the moratorium on executions and consider moving
towards the abolition of death penalty (Italy);
24.138 Abolish the death penalty including through ratification of the
Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights (New Zealand);
24.139 Consider imposing a de facto moratorium on the use of the death
penalty with a view to its total abolition (Rwanda);
24.140 Abolish the death penalty for all crimes (Switzerland);
24.141 Strengthen the penal protection afforded by national legislation
against violations of civil and political rights, in particular when they are
committed by public officials or law enforcement officers (Algeria);
24.142 Maintain the head-on fight against corruption, as a means of
guaranteeing legality and trust in the Government and judicial institutions
(Azerbaijan);
24.143 Continue to improve the judicial system, in all areas (Burkina Faso);
24.144 Improve transparency and due process in the justice system by
ensuring that arrested individuals are promptly informed of the reasons, have
access to legal representation of their choosing, are afforded public hearings
within a reasonable timeframe, and are presumed innocent until proven guilty
(Canada);
24.145 Continue fostering a greater culture of rejection of corruption
(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea);
24.146 Study and adopt measures that favour a faster process of criminal
proceedings (Jordan);
24.147 Strengthen the provisions and legal rules guaranteeing due process
before the judiciary (Lebanon);
24.148 Continue raising the levels of specialization of judges, prosecutors
and lawyers, as well as their professional ethical training (Malaysia);
24.149 Strengthen the juvenile justice system for the treatment of children
and adolescents who are in conflict with the law (Pakistan);
24.150 Take relevant steps to guarantee the independence and impartiality
of the judiciary (Poland);
24.151 Continue to promote the principles of justice and the independence of
judges and lawyers, in accordance with the provisions of national legislation
and in conformity with Cuba’s international obligations (Qatar);
24.152 Advance in the revision of article 121 of its Constitution and
implement measures that ensure the independence and impartiality of the
judiciary (Spain);
24.153 Continue taking further steps for the strengthening of the judicial
system (Tajikistan);
24.154 Ensure the right to a fair trial and improve prison conditions through
ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,
adherence to the Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary, the
Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, and the United Nations Standard
Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland);
24.155 Redouble efforts to perfect people’s power at the local level, as a
genuine expression of its democratic model (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
24.156 Continue actions to ensure that citizens know the ways and means for
the protection of human rights (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
24.157 Continue to expand Internet services throughout the country,
especially in households (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
24.158 Recognize human rights monitoring as a legitimate activity, provide
legal status to local human rights groups, cease using tactics that intimidate
them, and allow human rights defenders and civil society to engage with the
United Nations and its mechanisms (Australia);
24.159 Remove Internet access restrictions and relax control of the broader
media environment (Australia);
24.160 Bring the framework on freedom of association and assembly into
line with international law and standards (Austria); Adopt concrete measures
aimed at eliminating restrictions to the right of association and to freedom of
expression that are inconsistent with international human rights law (Brazil);
24.161 Take effective measures to guarantee that Internet access
corresponds to international regulations that protect the right to seek, receive
and disseminate information and ideas (Austria);
24.162 Promote greater participation of public institutions, the population,
social and mass organizations in the fight against corruption (Azerbaijan);
24.163 Improve the climate for freedom of expression by taking steps to
develop independent and pluralist media (Belgium); Consider promoting a
more pluralist and independent mass media environment (Chile);
24.164 Publicly acknowledge the role and work of members of civil society
and take the necessary steps to ensure that human rights defenders and
members of civil society organizations can exercise their rights to peaceful
freedom of expression, assembly and association, in conformity with Cuba’s
international obligations (Belgium);
24.165 Continue its efforts to expand access to information and culture to its
people (Bhutan);
24.166 Increase the Internet penetration rate and the use of broadband
Internet (Plurinational State of Bolivia);
24.167 Abstain from all forms of harassment, intimidation and repression
against social activists, human rights defenders and journalists (Brazil);
Guarantee freedom of expression, assembly and association and put an end to
the harassment, intimidation, persecution and arbitrary detention of human
rights activists, journalists and members of the opposition (France);
Immediately stop arbitrary detention, imprisonment and harassment of
activists who peacefully exercise their rights to freedom of expression,
association or peaceful assembly (Germany);
24.168 Facilitate creation of a more pluralistic media environment in
conformity with international standards (Bulgaria);
24.169 Increase the knowledge of the population, from an early age, about
the political system in the country, the ways to participate in the conduct of
public affairs and the mechanism of accountability (Cambodia);
24.170 Adopt legislation providing legal status for non-governmental
organizations and independent journalists (Canada);
24.171 Immediately eliminate harassment and intimidation of activists,
including arbitrary short-term and pretrial detentions as well as house arrest
(Canada);
24.172 Take the necessary measures to ensure the right of all people to
freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and peaceful association (Chile);
Respect everyone’s rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and
association (Iceland); Respect everyone’s rights to freedom of expression and to
peaceful assembly and association (Slovakia); Establish measures that
guarantee freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of the
press (Spain); Review all legal provisions, including article 62 of the
Constitution which unduly restricts the rights to freedom of expression,
peaceful assembly and association, to bring them in line with international law
and standards (Germany);
24.173 Maintain and improve existing measures and mechanisms to
encourage young people to participate in all social affairs (China);
24.174 Remove legislative and practical obstacles for the functioning of civil
society (Croatia);
24.175 Implement legal safeguards protecting civil society and media
workers against abuse of provisions for criminal prosecution, including by
repealing articles 72, 73 and 74 of the Criminal Code as well as the Law No. 88
(Czechia);
24.176 Continue to foster good relations with the different religious
institutions (India);
24.177 Continue to improve the Cuban political system, upholding the values
of the society and the national unity, and promoting democracy (Islamic
Republic of Iran);
24.178 Ensure that civil society members, human rights defenders and
journalists can operate free from hindrance and insecurity, including by
repealing legislation relating to so-called “pre-criminal social dangerousness”
(Ireland);
24.179 Guarantee freedom of opinion and expression, online and offline,
including dissenting political opinions, and safeguard the activity of human
rights defenders and journalists (Italy);
24.180 Ensure Internet accessibility with the aim of improving the quality of
education and social development (Japan);
24.181 Ensure everyone’s rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly
and association and to freedom of movement, including for civil society
representatives, journalists and human rights defenders (Estonia);
24.182 Adopt a freedom of information law in accordance with international
standards (Estonia);
24.183 Decriminalize defamation and include it in the Civil Code in
accordance with international standards (Estonia);
24.184 End measures restricting the rights to freedom of expression and to
peaceful assembly and association, including short-term detentions of political
opponents, human rights activists and members of civil society organizations,
as well as intimidation and arrests of journalists (Latvia);
24.185 Improve the possibilities of using Internet in rural and low-income
areas (Lebanon);
24.186 Enable and promote the work of civil society by discontinuing
restrictive laws and practices (Lithuania);
24.187 Guarantee freedom of peaceful assembly and association for all
citizens in accordance with international standards (Lithuania);
24.188 Promote the effective use of mass media, mobile technologies and the
Internet to increase awareness about disaster reduction (Malaysia);
24.189 Continue strengthening the space of national non-profit associations
in the country (Maldives);
24.190 Continue to strengthen the right of access to information for citizens
in the areas of management of government and public institutions (Ethiopia);
24.191 Continue guaranteeing the right of everyone to freedom of worship
and not to profess any religion, in accordance with the Constitution
(Mozambique);
24.192 Review all legal provisions which restrict the rights to freedom of
expression, peaceful assembly, and association, to ensure compliance with
international human rights law and standards (New Zealand);
24.193 Continue to remove unlawful limitations on the right to access
information and on the freedom of opinion and expression under international
human rights law (New Zealand);
24.194 Develop and implement specific laws, policies and mechanisms that
recognize and protect the work of civil society, human rights defenders and
journalists (Norway);
24.195 Continue adopting measures to further increase the participation of
young people in the most important decision-making processes in the country
(Pakistan);
24.196 Redouble efforts to strengthen the rights to peaceful assembly and
association and to guarantee to independent journalists the free exercise of
their profession without discrimination on political grounds (Peru);
24.197 Strengthen measures to achieve public and political participation
while respecting plurality (Peru);
24.198 Take effective measures to ensure freedom of expression, of the press
and of association, as well as affordable and unrestricted access to the Internet
for all (Poland);
24.199 Ensure low-priced access to Internet facilities and complete freedom
of expression online (Romania);
24.200 Continue to expand the space and create mechanisms for the
population to express its opinion on the main issues of national and
international interest (Russian Federation);
24.201 Review legal provisions that restrict the rights of freedom of
expression, peaceful assembly and association, and bring them in line with
Cuba’s international human rights obligations (Sweden);
24.202 Bring its electoral legislation in line with international law and
standards (Sweden);
24.203 Take the necessary measures in order to guarantee the rights to
freedom of peaceful assembly and association, in conformity with international
law, particularly human rights (Switzerland);
24.204 Increase the use of e-government as a method to improve the
interrelation between citizens and the Government at all levels (Turkey);
24.205 Take measures to improve the participation of special groups,
including the elderly and persons with disabilities, in the electoral and decision-
making processes (Uganda);
24.206 Eliminate all restrictions on the right to freedom of opinion and
expression and the right to free access to information (Ukraine);
24.207 Continue to promote the full right to freedom of religion (United
Arab Emirates);
24.208 Reform its one-party system to allow for genuinely free and fair
multiparty elections that provide citizens with real choices regarding their
government (United States of America);
24.209 Cease the practice of arbitrarily detaining journalists, opposition
members, and human rights defenders, including pre-emptively, and adopt a
legal framework that ensures judicial independence (United States of America);
24.210 Release individuals who were arbitrarily detained and imprisoned for
peaceful assembly, investigating and reporting on government activity, or
expressing political dissent, and allow them to travel freely both domestically
and internationally without limitation (United States of America);
24.211 Update standards and procedures to prosecute all manifestations of
human trafficking and ensure that the penalties reflect the gravity of the crime,
in conformity with international obligations and the operating modes and
forms of this unlawful activity (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
24.212 Increase information and training on trafficking in persons among
professionals and workers of entities responsible for prevention of this
phenomenon (Bangladesh);
24.213 Establish a specific protection mechanism for victims of trafficking
and provide, as necessary, medical and psychological assistance, legal advice,
material support and social reintegration (Bangladesh);
24.214 Continue and expand the current efforts at tackling all aspects of
trafficking in persons (Guyana);
24.215 Continue taking measures to fight against forced prostitution and
trafficking of women for sexual exploitation (Côte d’Ivoire);
24.216 Introduce public awareness programmes on trafficking in persons
(Trinidad and Tobago);
24.217 Adopt comprehensive legislation and policy to prevent and combat
trafficking in persons, which includes measures to protect the victims
(Honduras);
24.218 Continue efforts to combat trafficking in persons (Iraq);
24.219 Consolidate the investigations of alleged cases of trafficking of
persons, reinforce the means and human resources to combat it, and vigorously
prosecute those involved to avoid impunity (Jordan);
24.220 Disseminate the knowledge and experiences acquired and capitalize
upon them in order to continue strengthening the perception of risk in society,
and correspondingly, improve the mechanisms to prevent, combat and protect
victims of trafficking (Kuwait);
24.221 Continue taking measures to implement the 2017–2020 national
action plan to prevent and combat trafficking in persons and protect victims
(Kazakhstan);
24.222 Maintain the policy of “zero tolerance” against trafficking in persons
and strengthen the mechanisms for detecting this crime (Kyrgyzstan);
24.223 Ensure that trafficking and sexual exploitation of children is properly
sanctioned through normative and judicial measures (Madagascar);
24.224 Increase the participation of civil society organizations, communities
and families in actions aimed at stopping, disseminating information, alerting
and denouncing human trafficking to the corresponding State institutions, as
well as in the identification of cases or persons vulnerable of being victims of
this crime (Nicaragua);
24.225 Continue efforts in preventing the consumption and trafficking of
illegal drugs and maintain a policy of zero tolerance (Philippines);
24.226 Establish measures aimed at preferential attention to victims of
trafficking who are in situations of greater vulnerability (Philippines);
24.227 Continue its efforts to combat trafficking in persons, including by
consolidating joint coordination among relevant institutions, and paying due
attention to victims, especially women and children (Qatar);
24.228 Implement a zero-tolerance policy against trafficking and sexual
exploitation of children (Senegal);
24.229 Continue efforts to increase public awareness about trafficking in
persons (Turkey);
24.230 Criminalize all forms of human trafficking in line with the Palermo
protocols, and address reportedly coercive elements of Cuban labour practices
and foreign medical missions (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland);
24.231 Strengthen actions to increase the perception of risk in the population
and increase its participation in alerts and complaints against trafficking in
persons (Viet Nam);
24.232 Consider setting the same age limit for girls and boys in exceptional
cases of marriage below the age of 18 (Jamaica);
24.233 Continue its efforts aimed at an effective equality of opportunities in
access to work (Cabo Verde);
24.234 Pursue the strengthening and improvement of the national legal
framework governing labour law (Morocco);
24.235 Ensure equal opportunities for women in the labour market
including by adopting provisions on the principle of equal pay for work of
equal value (Iceland);
24.236 Continue strengthening the development of legislation to protect
labour and social rights (Eritrea);
24.237 Increase the knowledge of workers in different sectors of the
economy of their labour and social security rights, and the mechanisms, ways
and resources to strengthen them (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);
24.238 Include in the Labour Code the prohibition of sexual harassment and
criminalize domestic violence and femicide (Paraguay);
24.239 Continue to accept all necessary measures to protect workers’ rights
in the non-public sector in the light of ongoing economic reforms in the country
(Russian Federation);
24.240 Expand jobs in the non-State sector, as an alternative to employment,
taking into account the new organizational forms and services that have been
established (State of Palestine);
24.241 Further enhance the implementation of all the ILO Conventions to
which Cuba is a State party (Thailand);
24.242 Continue efforts to combat discrimination against women and create
equal opportunity in the context of employment (Tunisia);
24.243 Improve the means of protecting people in situations of vulnerability
or at risk of not accessing their right to food (Algeria);
24.244 Pursue its efforts and achievements to broaden the application of
information and communication technologies to activities in various sectors of
economic and social life (Benin);
24.245 Intensify the development of initiatives linked to the health and social
welfare of older persons (Guinea);
24.246 Maintain efforts to guarantee the full protection of elderly people
(Congo);
24.247 Continue improving benefits and protection guaranteed by the social
security system and continue providing assistance to older persons, in order to
ensure a better quality of life (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea);
24.248 Consolidate programmes that benefit the elderly (Islamic Republic of
Iran);
24.249 Improve and strengthen the national network of institutions to
benefit and protect elderly persons (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);
24.250 Continue strengthening programmes granting lands in usufruct to
young people as part of the strategies aimed at agricultural development and
maintain as a priority the care for young inhabitants in rural areas
(Nicaragua);
24.251 Continue efforts in the realization of economic, social and cultural
rights (South Africa);
24.252 Continue to work towards the full realization of the right to food by
implementing the national plan for the prevention and control of anaemia,
especially among children (Thailand);
24.253 Continue its efforts to create environments that facilitate the mobility
of older persons (Timor-Leste);
24.254 Redouble its efforts to preserve and improve progress in the areas of
health, education and the fight against discrimination and social inequalities
(Togo);
24.255 Strengthen specialized training programmes for health and social
work personnel who are responsible for serving older persons (Viet Nam);
24.256 Continue to implement the “Operación Milagro” programme for the
treatment of ophthalmological diseases (El Salvador);
24.257 Improve access to health-care services and social benefits for all
persons (Trinidad and Tobago);
24.258 Redouble efforts to guarantee access to sexual education and
reproductive health (Honduras);
24.259 Take measures to ensure that mother-to-child transmission of HIV
and syphilis remains eradicated in Cuba (Jamaica);
24.260 Intensify its approach to curtailing teenage pregnancies by making
greater use of Cuba’s comprehensive expertise in health and youth
development (Jamaica);
24.261 Maintain and continue to develop the implementation of policies for
the access of the population to quality medical services (Kazakhstan);
24.262 Improve the health sector especially through the training of health
personnel, promoting awareness on HIV and AIDS and the rights of those
suffering from this disease (Kenya);
24.263 Continue to consolidate the quality of the health-care system
(Lesotho);
24.264 Continue ensuring free and universal access to public health
(Maldives);
24.265 Continue studying and addressing the negative impact of the
consumption of illicit drugs on health and the quality of life of people (Saudi
Arabia);
24.266 Endeavour to build sufficient nursing homes, day-care centres and
geriatric hospitals in time to cater to Cuba’s ageing population in future
(Singapore);
24.267 Strengthen medical and social services at the community level,
including collaborating with relevant community actors, to allow older persons
to age in place (Singapore);
24.268 Increase access to and use of effective and high quality contraceptive
methods to improve the quality of sexual and reproductive health services
(Equatorial Guinea);
24.269 Promote human rights education on all levels, especially within law
enforcement (Austria);
24.270 Increase the content related to gender equality and human rights in
masters’ studies and courses for public officials and law enforcement
authorities (Guinea);
24.271 Continue ensuring universal and free access to quality education for
all at different levels of education (Brunei Darussalam);
24.272 Continue improving the national system of artistic education at all
levels (Brunei Darussalam);
24.273 Continue making progress in raising the quality and rigour of the
teaching-learning process (Burundi);
24.274 Continue to give priority to the promotion, protection and realization
of the right to education for all (China);
24.275 Continue strengthening the training and qualification of teaching
personnel (Congo);
24.276 Continue to make progress in improving the quality and rigour of the
teaching and learning process (Djibouti);
24.277 Continue promoting the “Yo sí puedo” and “Yo sí puedo seguir”
literacy programmes as a contribution to the efforts to combat illiteracy (El
Salvador);
24.278 Continue to implement policies aimed at fostering a greater culture of
respect, tolerance, non-violence and non-discrimination in the education sector
(Indonesia);
24.279 Strengthen the technical professional education system as a quality
educational alternative for the development of the country (Eritrea);
24.280 Continue taking efforts to ensure equal opportunity to education for
women and girls (Iraq);
24.281 Strengthen the link between universities and research institutions
with productive centres, as a contribution of education and science to the
development of the country (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);
24.282 Continue to promote the use of information and communications
technology penetration at all levels of education and skills developments from
the early age (Myanmar);
24.283 Continue efforts aimed at improving the structural framework and
the quality of services of cultural institutions (Oman);
24.284 Continue to strengthen the special education system and its
institutions throughout the country to ensure quality education for children,
adolescents and youth with disabilities (Pakistan);
24.285 Continue evaluating and adopting measures to increase the number
of children, adolescents and youth with disabilities in the different levels of
education of the national education system (Timor-Leste);
24.286 Further strengthen schools and educational programmes in remote
and inaccessible areas (United Arab Emirates);
24.287 Continue to improve, update and expand the scope of human rights
training for civil servants and the general public (Zambia);
24.288 Continue with the efforts to promote equality between men and
women (Ghana);
24.289 Continue making progress in the empowerment of women in all
sectors (Ghana);
24.290 Continue to implement a gender perspective in its national policies
aimed at achieving equality for women (Zimbabwe);
24.291 Improve the measures taken to reduce gender stereotypes in relation
to the roles and responsibilities of women in the family and society
(Afghanistan);
24.292 Consider including in its national legislation a law on violence against
women that criminalizes it in all its forms (Argentina);
24.293 Intensify efforts to empower women politically and economically
(Bahrain);
24.294 Pursue its efforts to promote the status of women and gender equality
(Benin);
24.295 Endeavour to promote racial harmony through improvement of
equality for women of African descent (Botswana);
24.296 Take further measures to improve the access of elderly women, rural
women and women with disabilities to health-care services, social benefits and
public participation (Bulgaria);
24.297 Continue and increase the current efforts and awareness-raising
actions to combat traditional and cultural attitudes to combat any perceived
discrimination against women (Guyana);
24.298 Adopt a comprehensive strategy on combating discrimination against
women (Cyprus);
24.299 Take special temporary measures to speed up the process of
establishing real equality for women, in particular women of African descent,
elderly women, women with disabilities and rural women (Democratic Republic
of the Congo);
24.300 Continue awareness-raising campaigns to combat patriarchal and
gender stereotypes (Dominican Republic);
24.301 Adopt a comprehensive strategy to modify or eliminate patriarchal
attitudes and stereotypes that discriminate against women (Honduras);
24.302 Continue efforts to combat all forms of violence against persons,
including domestic violence (Libya);
24.303 Review the national legal framework to include violence against
women as a crime in all its forms, and develop a plan of action for the
prevention of all forms of violence against women, assistance and protection of
victims, as well as the sensitization of the population and public officials
(Mexico);
24.304 Continue efforts to combat gender-based and domestic violence
(Nepal);
24.305 Strengthen measures to combat violence against women and domestic
violence, including through enhancing existing legislation to better ensure
accountability for victims (Rwanda);
24.306 Establish a national mechanism to regularly monitor the impact of
social and economic policies on disadvantaged groups of women such as women
of African descent, elderly women, rural women and women with disabilities
(Serbia);
24.307 Step up efforts to prevent violence against women (Georgia);
24.308 Continue to improve the legal and governmental mechanisms in the
field of promotion and protection of women’s rights and enhance their
participation in all development fields (Syrian Arab Republic);
24.309 Increase the efforts that have been made to combat violence against
women, and strengthen mechanisms of prevention, protection and attention to
the phenomenon of violence against women (Timor-Leste);
24.310 Continue to implement measures to eliminate gender stereotypes in
the national idiosyncrasy (Turkey);
24.311 Continue to encourage and promote greater access for women to
leadership positions in all sectors of society (Viet Nam);
24.312 Take the necessary steps to highlight the activities of young people in
the different sectors of society and their contribution to the country’s
development efforts (Algeria);
24.313 Continue adopting the necessary measures to promote the best
interest of the child (Dominican Republic);
24.314 Continue efforts to promote the rights of children and the elderly
(Morocco);
24.315 Ensure that national legislation is in accordance with the Optional
Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children,
child prostitution and child pornography (Madagascar);
24.316 Pursue ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the provisions of the
Convention on the Rights of the Child (Mauritania);
24.317 Revise current legislation in order to explicitly prohibit corporal
punishment of children in all settings, including at home (Montenegro);
24.318 Continue applying and improving the cooperation project on
disseminating the rights of children and adolescents, particularly at the local
level (Nicaragua);
24.319 Finalize the process of elaboration and adoption of a national plan for
children for the period 2015–2030 (Gabon);
24.320 Continue to implement the national plan of action for children,
adolescents and the family with regular monitoring (Sri Lanka);
24.321 Continue giving particular attention to the protection of the rights of
the child (Turkey);
24.322 Guarantee the protection of girls, boys and adolescents against all
forms of economic and sexual exploitation (Turkmenistan);
24.323 Continue the preventive assistance related to drug consumption in
the field of education of children and youth (Turkmenistan);
24.324 Continue harmonizing national laws, including criminal justice, with
the provisions established in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its
Optional Protocols (Uruguay);
24.325 Continue to support the participation of Cuban Paralympic athletes
in national, regional and world sports events (Algeria);
24.326 Take further steps to protect the rights of persons with special needs
(Bahrain);
24.327 Assess and improve, when necessary, the legal framework on the
rights of persons with disabilities and promote their participation in national
development (Belarus);
24.328 Continue to support the work, activities and programmes of Cuban
organizations of persons with disabilities (Guinea);
24.329 Strengthen measures to improve the accessibility of persons with
disabilities to buildings and other public spaces (Burkina Faso);
24.330 Continue the efforts to expand the access of persons with disabilities
to literature in accessible formats, according to the different types of disabilities
(Democratic People’s Republic of Korea);
24.331 Continue improving comprehensive protection and social welfare
programmes benefiting persons with disabilities and their families, including in
the field of education (Ecuador);
24.332 Continue providing protection and social welfare to the mothers of
children with severe disabilities, so that they can dedicate attention and care to
their children as a remunerated activity which accumulates working time for
their social security (Ecuador);
24.333 Prioritize public policies aimed at meeting the special needs of
persons with disabilities (Islamic Republic of Iran);
24.334 Continue efforts to implement actions to strengthen the access of
persons with disabilities to information and communications technology
(Tunisia);
24.335 Continue its efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy
equal access to employment (Yemen);
24.336 Continue applying immigration policy reforms that have equally
benefited Cuban emigrants and Cubans travelling abroad (Namibia);
24.337 Maintain the current fair and dignified treatment of refugees and
asylum seekers in the country (Namibia);
24.338 Continue to work with bilateral and multilateral partners for better
protection of the rights of migrants (Philippines);
24.339 Continue taking further measures aimed at reducing cases of
statelessness (Namibia).
25. 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 Cuba was headed by H.E. Mr. Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, and composed of the following
members:
• H.E. Mr. Oscar Manuel Silvera Martinez, Vice-President of the Popular Supreme
Court;
• H.E. Mr. Eldys Baratute Benavides, Member of the Cuban Parliament, President in
Guantanamo of the “Asociacion Hermanos Saiz”, Ministry of Culture;
• H.E. Mr. Pedro Luis Pedroso Cuesta, Ambassador, Permanent Representative,
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other
international organizations in Switzerland;
• H.E. Mr. Rodolfo Reyes Rodriguez, Director General of the Multilateral Affairs and
International Law Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
• H.E. Mrs. Alba Soto Pimentel, Director, Europe and Canada Division, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs;
• H.E. Mrs. Barbara Elena Montalvo Alvarez, Chief of Cabinet, Office of the Minister
of Foreign Affairs;
• Mr. Rafael Angel Soler Lopez, Chief of the Citizen Services Division, Attorney
General’s Office;
• Mr. Luis Emilio Cadaval San Martin, Official, Ministry of the Interior;
• Mrs. Olga Lidia Perez Diaz, Director of Notary’s offices, Ministry of Justice;
• Mrs. Miriam Lau Valdes, Director for International Relations and Communication,
Ministry of Labour and Social Security;
• Mr. Jorge Juan Delgado Bustillo, First Deputy Director, Central Medical
Cooperation Unit, Ministry of Public Health;
• Mr. Juan Antonio Quintanilla Roman, Chief of the Social and Humanitarian Affairs
Department, Multilateral Affairs and International Law Division, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs;
• Mrs. Claudia Perez Alvarez, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United
Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland;
• Mr. Pablo Berti Oliva, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United
Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland;
• Mrs. Ena Domech More, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United
Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland;
• Mr. Alejandro Gonzalez Behmaras, Adviser, Multilateral Affairs and International
Law Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
• Mrs. Heidy Laura Villuendas Ortega, Adviser, Press, Communication and
Information Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
• Mrs. Belkis Romeu Alvarez, Third Secretary, Permanent Mission of Cuba to the
United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in
Switzerland.