39/5 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Cabo Verde

GE.18-11274(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*

Cabo Verde

* The annex is being circulated without formal editing, in the language of submission only.

United Nations A/HRC/39/5

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 Cabo Verde was held at the 3rd meeting, on 8 May 2018. The delegation of

Cabo Verde was headed by the Minister for Justice and Labour, Janine Tatiana Santos

Lelis. At its 10th meeting, held on 11 May 2018, the Working Group adopted the report on

Cabo Verde.

2. On 10 January 2018, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Cabo Verde: Angola, Germany and Republic

of Korea.

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 Cabo Verde:

(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/30/CPV/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/CPV/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)

(A/HRC/WG.6/30/CPV/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Brazil, Germany, Liechtenstein, Portugal,

Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was

transmitted to Cabo Verde 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 Cabo Verde stated that the Penal Code had been reviewed in 2015

in order to criminalize human trafficking, forced prostitution, supporting or facilitating

prostitution of children and slavery and aggravating penalties for sexual crimes.

6. The National Commission for Human Rights and Citizenship, the budget of which

had been progressively augmented, had continued to serve as the public institution chiefly

responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights, citizenship and international

law.

7. The National Human Rights and Citizenship Plan had been approved in 2017 and its

purpose was to implement the national strategy for human rights education and the

dissemination of a human rights culture in the public administration, especially among staff

of the judicial and security sectors.

8. During the period under review, the Government had ratified the Optional Protocol

to the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, the Optional

Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading

Treatment or Punishment and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO) Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Government had also taken all the legislative measures necessary to ratify the

International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

9. Although the Government had not yet ratified the Convention relating to the Status

of Refugees, it had adopted a national law defining the legal regime for asylum and refugee

status.

10. Concerning children’s rights, the revision of the Civil Registry Code had established

that children born in hospitals must be registered before being discharged from the hospital,

whereas those not born in hospitals must be registered within 15 days of birth.

11. Corporal punishment had been prohibited and all situations that endangered the

integrity of children and adolescents, such as maltreatment, abuse, violence or exploitation,

were considered inadmissible as such.

12. The Government had taken preventive measures against child labour, including by

creating a list of occupations considered too hazardous for children and adolescents to

perform, in addition to supervision and accountability mechanisms.

13. The Government had established the National Action Plan for the Prevention and

Eradication of Child Labour and the National Committee to Prevent and Combat Child

Labour.

14. The Government had established free, compulsory and universal education up to the

eighth grade and was considering extending mandatory education into secondary school.

15. The Government had established the Education Strategic Plan (2017–2021) which

aimed to consolidate preschool education. In 2017, the Cabinet of Ministers had approved

Decree Law 47/2017 establishing measures for social and educational support for students

during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

16. Details were provided on the establishment of the Second National Immigration

Action Plan (2018–2020), which focused on the management of migration flows,

integration and institutional development. Moreover, in 2010 and 2015, the Government

had established legal dispositions for the extraordinary regularization of foreign citizens,

including refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. The process had resulted in the

regularization of 1,458 citizens in 2010 and 1,058 in 2015.

17. The Government had granted a non-contributory monthly social pension to senior

citizens who did not have their own means of subsistence.

18. Decree Law 38/2015, which had established procedures for the recruitment and

selection of persons with disabilities in the public administration, had enforced a minimum

5 per cent quota for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, it contained provisions for

telecommuting as an alternative in order to promote the employability of persons with

disabilities and special needs.

19. In April 2015, the National Gender Equality Plan had been approved and, in 2018, a

system of gender indicators related to the State budget had been created to earmark budget

for gender equality purposes. Furthermore, the Second National Plan to Combat Gender-

Based Violence had been developed with measures to raise awareness on equality, a culture

of non-violence and the deconstruction of sexist stereotypes.

20. A gender-based violence law and a gender-based violence support fund had been

established; however, shelters for victims of gender-based violence had not yet been

provided.

21. During the most recent municipal and legislative elections, women’s representation

had increased from 20.8 per cent to 23.6 per cent in legislative elections, and from 22 per

cent to 26.3 per cent in municipal elections.

22. The Law on the entry, stay, exit and removal of foreign nationals in Cabo Verde

included measures to combat, prevent and repress trafficking in persons and authorized

temporary residence for foreign nationals who had been victims of trafficking. Moreover,

the National Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons (2018–2021) had been drafted to that

end.

23. Concerning the rule of law, the Government had adopted measures to accelerate

delayed cases. Torture, cruel, degrading or inhuman treatment or punishment were

prohibited in Cabo Verde and measures had been put in place to provide recourse

mechanisms to victims. The Statute of Prison Security and its Disciplinary Statute had been

amended in 2014 to ensure that breaches of duty by prison guards were investigated

appropriately and that those responsible were held to account. Furthermore, initial training

at the National Police Training Centre now included a module on human rights, including

on the Convention against Torture.

24. Two prisons complied fully with the obligation to have separate cells for minors and

adults, one prison complied partially and the fourth was not yet compliant. Furthermore,

more health professionals had been allocated to prisons. Social security in Cabo Verde

covered almost 40 per cent of the population and unemployment benefits were provided to

families living in poverty.

25. Steps had been taken to improve the provision of health services, including the

National Plan for Vaccination, which had been expanded to include vaccination for 10

different diseases. There was also a new Water and Sanitation Code, which had been

approved in 2015.

26. The Housing for All programme had already assigned 1,967 homes and had

determined that 5 per cent of the homes needed to be made accessible for persons with

disabilities.

27. Measures to stimulate employment had been taken, including incentives for

companies to recruit young people and the increase of the minimal wage from CVEsc

11,000 to CVEsc 13,000.

28. The Government had intensified the production of renewable energies and had

developed strategies to manage the risks posed by climate change as a matter of priority.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

29. During the interactive dialogue, 70 delegations made statements. Recommendations

made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.

30. Azerbaijan appreciated the efforts made by the Government to implement the

recommendations it had received during the second cycle of the universal periodic review.

It commended Cabo Verde on its ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture, and on the issuance of a standing invitation to the special

procedures.

31. Benin highlighted the progress Cabo Verde had made since its previous review

cycle. It commended it on the steps taken to harmonize the Penal Code with the Rome

Statute of the International Criminal Court, its ratification of the Optional Protocol to the

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the implementation of

various international treaties, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of

Discrimination against Women. Benin encouraged Cabo Verde to pursue its actions and

initiatives to promote equality of status and non-discrimination, particularly with regard to

the protection of workers against discrimination based on ethnic origin and the creation of a

national mechanism for the promotion of human rights and public freedoms.

32. Botswana welcomed the revision of the Penal Code to criminalize trafficking in

persons and the sexual exploitation of children and slavery. It commended Cabo Verde for

having established and made operational the Office of the Ombudsman, introduced the

Human Rights Citizen Plan, ratified the Convention against Torture and for the 2016

National Plan to Combat Sexual Violence against Children and Adolescents.

33. Brazil congratulated Cabo Verde for having ratified a range of international human

rights instruments. It praised its efforts to establish a national preventive mechanism against

torture in line with the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It encouraged

Cabo Verde to accede to the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the

Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. It highlighted the adoption of the National

Plan to Combat Gender-based Violence.

34. Burkina Faso noted with satisfaction the efforts Cabo Verde had made in the health-

care sector in general and on maternal health care in particular, as reflected by the reduction

in the rate of maternal mortality. It urged Cabo Verde to continue its efforts in that area to

improve access to health-care services and medicine.

35. Burundi praised the concrete actions Cabo Verde had taken to better promote and

protect the rights of children, including the project on birth registration and the creation of a

national committee to combat sexual violence and the exploitation of children and young

people. It welcomed the measures it had taken to improve the rights of the elderly and

persons with disabilities. It commended the policies on gender equality.

36. Canada lauded the efforts Cabo Verde had made to strengthen human rights, in

particular with regard to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community, as

one of the first African members of the Coalition for Equal Rights. It noted that, despite the

lowest rate of early marriage in the region, improvements were still needed in that field, as

the rate had remained unchanged since 2002.

37. Chile praised Cabo Verde on its ratification of the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture and urged it to establish a national preventive mechanism

against torture. It stressed that the implementation by Cabo Verde of the Second National

Human Rights Plan would promote the mainstreaming of human rights in all its public

policies, with a view to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals. Chile expressed

concern over the structural inequalities between men and women and the poverty affecting

vulnerable groups.

38. China welcomed the promotion by Cabo Verde of social and economic rights and its

poverty-reduction strategy. It praised it for its fight against human trafficking. It welcomed

its social security coverage through its various national strategic plans to ensure its

population enjoyed the rights to education, culture, health, employment and housing.

39. The Congo praised Cabo Verde for the strengthening of its legal framework in

accordance with the recommendations that had been made in the second review cycle. It

commended it for the establishment of the National Strategic Plan for Elderly Care. It

congratulated Cabo Verde for the standing invitation it had extended to the special

procedure mandate holders.

40. Côte d’Ivoire noted with appreciation the establishment by Cabo Verde of its

National Plan to Combat Violence against Women (2014–2018) and the creation in 2014 of

support centres for victims of gender-based violence. It also lauded the measures it had

taken in the field of employment and encouraged it to integrate fully the principle of equal

income for all.

41. Cuba praised Cabo Verde for the important measures it had taken in providing

access to high-quality health care, for the improvements it had made in sanitary care and for

having established the National Plan to Combat Human Trafficking (2018–2021), which

had ensured Cabo Verde had the mechanisms necessary to combat that scourge.

42. The Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomed the adoption by Cabo Verde of a

range of legislative texts to promote human rights, including the revision of the Penal Code

in order to harmonize it with the Rome Statute.

43. Denmark expressed concern over the marginalized status of the indigenous

population and the discrimination and exploitative labour conditions they faced. It

highlighted the situation of persons with disabilities and the need to promote, protect and

ensure their full enjoyment of human rights.

44. Djibouti acknowledged measures Cabo Verde had taken to implement the

recommendations it had accepted during the previous universal periodic review, including

the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social

and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It

congratulated Cabo Verde on the progress it had made in revising national legislation with

a view to promoting and protecting human rights, particularly the revision of the Penal

Code and the enactment of the Code on Children’s Rights.

45. Egypt commended Cabo Verde on its adoption of the 2017 Second National Human

Rights and Citizenship Plan and the National Gender Equality Plan, on its efforts to combat

impunity and the abuse of power and on developments in the health, education and housing

sectors. It praised Cabo Verde for its cooperation with the United Nations human rights

mechanisms.

46. Equatorial Guinea lauded the progress Cabo Verde had made in the field of social

protection. It reaffirmed that the International Labour Organization (ILO) had stated in

2015 that Cabo Verde had become one of the leaders in Africa with regard to establishing a

minimum level of social coverage. It praised Cabo Verde for the improvements it had made

on the housing situation and the promotion of that human right through the prominent

Housing for All programme.

47. Ethiopia noted with appreciation the efforts Cabo Verde had made towards changing

the national and international legal and institutional frameworks for the promotion and

protection of human rights. It commended it on the 2016–2021 programme that strategized

several inclusion measures, such as the development of a plan to combat poverty and social

exclusion based on access to income, employment and economic development.

48. France commended the measures it had taken to improve the human rights situation

in the country, in particular to combat poverty and to improve access to housing.

49. Gabon praised the steps Cabo Verde had taken in combating poverty and

vulnerability and promoting gender equality. It referred to the social coverage Cabo Verde

had provided to the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses or disabilities as proof of its

willingness to guarantee the rights of vulnerable people.

50. Georgia appreciated the steps Cabo Verde had taken to implement the

recommendations from previous review cycles. It welcomed the issuance of a standing

invitation to all special procedure mandate holders and the ratification of the Optional

Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the

Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It also welcomed the efforts Cabo

Verde had made to bring the National Commission for Human Rights and Citizenship into

conformity with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the

promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles).

51. Germany commended Cabo Verde on the progress it had made in protecting

children from sexual abuse and exploitation, in particular the revision of the Penal Code. It

welcomed its efforts to improve the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and

intersex persons. Germany remained concerned by the existing discriminatory stereotypes

and patriarchal attitudes in Cabo Verde concerning the roles of women and men in society,

as well as the persistence of violence against women, particularly in the domestic sphere.

52. Ghana lauded the commitment of Cabo Verde to the promotion and protection of

human rights in many areas, such as the Third Growth and Poverty-reduction Strategy

(2012–2016), the National Migration Strategy and the adoption in 2013 of the National

Immigration Strategy for Development. It noted positively the adoption of the National

Plan (2014–2018) to Combat Gender-based Violence. It welcomed the Strategic Education

Plan (2017–2021) that aimed to mainstream human rights, gender equality and citizenship

into the school curriculum. It encouraged the Government to continue its efforts to revise

basic and secondary school education programmes and curricula.

53. Honduras welcomed the important achievements Cabo Verde had made in

implementing the recommendations it had accepted during its previous review. It welcomed

the significant advances and achievements, in particular the adoption of the National Plan

to Combat Gender-based Violence (2014–2018), the establishment of support centres for

victims, the Third Growth and Poverty-reduction Strategy (2012–2016). It also welcomed

the adoption of the National Strategy on Migration as well as the Plan of Action and

Coordination Unit for the implementation of the Strategy.

54. Hungary recognized the progress Cabo Verde had made in terms of its legal and

institutional framework. It commended the Government for having made social protection a

high priority on the development agenda. Major steps had been taken by the Government to

reduce the level of poverty and vulnerability of the target population. It noted that the

National Plan to Combat Gender-based Violence (2014–2018) did not cover trafficking or

the exploitation of women and children through prostitution and that the amended Penal

Code did not punish persons who promoted the prostitution of children aged between 16

and 18 years.

55. Iceland was concerned about the extremely high rate of early pregnancy among

school-age girls in Cabo Verde, and the fact that many girls in situations of poverty were

forced to discontinue their schooling in order to support their families.

56. India welcomed the entry into operation of the Office of the Ombudsman to prevent

the misuse of public authority and police aggression. It appreciated the announcement by

Cabo Verde of its National Action Plan for the Prevention and Eradication of Child Labour

and the establishment of the National Committee for the Prevention of the Worst Forms of

Child Labour. It encouraged Cabo Verde to ensure effective implementation of the

Government Programme of the IX Legislature (2016–2021) and the National Gender

Equality Plan.

57. Indonesia appreciated the decision by Cabo Verde to accept the two

recommendations it had made during the second review cycle, and the strengthening by

Cabo Verde of measures aimed at ensuring respect for vulnerable groups. Indonesia

acknowledged the progress Cabo Verde had made since the previous review and

commended it on the increasingly proactive role of the National Commission for Human

Rights and Citizenship in advancing human rights causes and the improvement of respect

for and rights of vulnerable groups.

58. Iraq commended Cabo Verde for having adopted the second National Human Rights

and Citizenship Plan (2017–2022) and the National Immigration Action Plan (2018–2020),

as well as the issuance of the standing invitation to the special procedure mandate holders.

59. Ireland welcomed the adoption by Cabo Verde of the Child and Adolescent Statute,

and encouraged it to continue its efforts towards its full implementation. It was concerned

that defamation remained a criminal offence and that there was no legislation on freedom of

information. It appreciated the adoption of the second National Plan to Combat Gender-

based Violence, but shared the concerns of the Committee on the Elimination of

Discrimination against Women regarding the persistence of violence against women,

including domestic violence, in addition to sexual abuse at school and harassment in the

workplace.

60. Israel commended Cabo Verde on the serious effort it had made in following up on

previous recommendations, as exemplified in its exhaustive national report. It took positive

note of some major strides Cabo Verde had made in the areas of gender equality and the

fight against human trafficking.

61. Italy welcomed the commitment of Cabo Verde to the universal periodic review and

its efforts to promote and protect human rights. It welcomed the creation of the National

Action Plan to Prevent and Eliminate Child Labour, the adoption of the National Plan for

Gender Equality and the adoption in 2015 of the new Penal Code, which criminalized

human trafficking, forced prostitution and child prostitution.

62. Lesotho commended Cabo Verde on its efforts in promoting the right to social

security through, inter alia, the provision of basic income for citizens over 60 years of age,

persons with a disability and the children of persons with a disability living in poverty,

thereby reducing the level of poverty and vulnerability of those target populations. It also

recognized the efforts Cabo Verde had made in combating human trafficking and the

establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman.

63. Libya commended Cabo Verde for its commitment to promoting and protecting

human rights and appreciated its ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture. Those measures proved its positive engagement with the

universal periodic review and its continuous commitment to improving human rights.

64. Luxembourg welcomed the fact that Cabo Verde had become one of the most

advanced countries in Africa with regard to the establishment of a social protection floor. It

applauded Cabo Verde for having made access to housing a priority in recent years and

encouraged it to continue those efforts. It noted with concern the persistence of violence

against women and girls, particularly in the family context. Luxembourg was still

concerned about the situation in the prison environment.

65. Madagascar appreciated the actions taken to promote and protect human rights,

including the ratification in 2016 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

and the amendment of the Penal Code to strengthen the provisions on combating violence

against children. It welcomed the consolidation of the rule of law through the adoption in

2016 of the third National Plan to Combat Sexual Violence against Children and

Adolescents, and the revision of the Penal Code to bring national legislation into line with

the Rome Statute.

66. Maldives was encouraged by the numerous legislative and constitutional measures

that had been taken to ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of vulnerable

people and groups. It welcomed the 2017–2019 National Plan to Combat Sexual Violence

against Children and Adolescents and the decree-law that had established procedures for

recruitment and selection in public administration for persons with disabilities.

67. Mexico recognized the efforts Cabo Verde had made to maintain openness to

international scrutiny and fluid cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights through the submission of reports and its willingness to

receive Special Rapporteurs on official visits, and commended it on its efforts to maintain

and expand that collaboration. It congratulated Cabo Verde for its commitment to the

review mechanism and recognized the progress it had made with respect to the previous

cycle, including the adoption of national plans and the ratification of international human

rights instruments.

68. Montenegro welcomed the efforts Cabo Verde had made in improving the human

rights framework, namely, the full prohibition of corporal punishment, simplification of the

birth registration process and improved access to preschool education. It welcomed the

ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, among others.

69. Morocco commended the efforts Cabo Verde had made to promote and protect

human rights, particularly the appointment of the Ombudsman, the adoption of the Second

National Plan for Human Rights and Citizenship, the adoption of the National Plan to

Combat Gender-based Violence and the reform of the Penal Code to strengthen efforts to

combat human trafficking.

70. Mozambique praised Cabo Verde for the strides it had made in its legal framework,

particularly the revision of the Penal Code to criminalize trafficking in persons and to

introduce international crimes, such as crimes of genocide. It commended Cabo Verde for

its ratification of international human rights instruments and its constructive engagement

with the treaty bodies.

71. The delegation of Cabo Verde stated that the Office of the Ombudsman had been in

operation since 2014 and had received 492 complaints as at 2017, the vast majority of

which had already been accepted.

72. Concerning strategies to combat poverty in rural areas, the Government had created

a programme to fund activities and develop the farming sector. The programme, which had

been created in 2014, focused on the professional capacity-building of women and

guaranteed a minimum income for families in need.

73. The Government was making efforts to ensure that the National Human Rights

Commission complied fully with the Paris Principles in order to guarantee its full

effectiveness and independence. The National Assembly was discussing how to implement

those changes.

74. The delegation reaffirmed that the Government was making significant efforts and

financial commitments to improve prison conditions and new prison guards had been hired

to improve prison safety and reduce the workload of existing prison guards. Work was

being done in Praia prison and prisons on other islands to improve detention conditions,

and steps were being taken to facilitate the social reintegration of prisoners, from education

to vocational training, in order to ensure that prisoners had the option of work in order to

facilitate their reintegration.

75. The delegation reaffirmed the commitment of Cabo Verde to gender equality, stating

that 58 per cent of those who had benefited from the Housing for All project had been

women and that the National Plan to Combat Gender-based Violence included specific

complaint and awareness-raising measures concerning the trafficking of women. The

Government had set up programmes to protect victims and strengthen investigative and

repressive measures. Article 148 of the Penal Code had been altered to provide further

protection for children. Educational programmes had also been updated in order to promote

gender equality.

76. Namibia welcomed the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman and the

revision of the Penal Code to criminalize trafficking in persons and forced prostitution. It

urged Cabo Verde to provide resources to the Office and to implement the provisions of the

Penal Code, calling on the international community to provide its assistance.

77. Nepal lauded the steps Cabo Verde had taken to bring the National Human Rights

Institution in line with the Paris Principles, to adopt the National Gender Equality Plan and

the National Action Plan to Combat Gender-based Violence and to develop social

protection system and initiatives to protect children’s rights.

78. The Netherlands commended Cabo Verde for having issued a standing invitation to

special procedure mandate holders and for its efforts to ensure adequate access to

reproductive health services. It expressed concern about the persistence of violence against

women and prison conditions, noting that it would welcome additional steps to improve

prison conditions.

79. The Niger applauded the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture. It welcomed efforts to adopt the Document for Growth and

Poverty Reduction and the National Immigration Strategy for Development.

80. Nigeria acknowledged the efforts Cabo Verde had made to promote human rights,

particularly the rights of children and persons with disabilities, and commended it on its

cooperation with the human rights mechanisms and the steps it had taken to strengthen

legal frameworks to combat human trafficking and to ensure the rule of law.

81. The Philippines applauded the measures Cabo Verde had taken to criminalize human

trafficking, ensure redress mechanisms for victims of trafficking and align national

legislation with the Rome Statute. It welcomed efforts made under the National

Immigration Action Plan (2018–2020), expressing concern about the high incidence of

poverty, particularly among rural women.

82. Portugal welcomed the efforts Cabo Verde had made to improve human rights,

particularly the adoption of the Second National Human Rights and Citizenship Plan, the

ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and

Cultural rights and measures to strengthen gender equity and equality.

83. Rwanda praised the adoption by Cabo Verde of the National Gender Equality Plan,

the extension of a standing invitation to special procedure mandate holders and

strengthened cooperation with the treaty bodies. Noting progress in combating

discrimination and violence against women, it encouraged Cabo Verde to enhance those

efforts through relevant laws.

84. Senegal welcomed the efforts Cabo Verde had made to ratify international

instruments, particularly the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural

Heritage, to bring the National Commission for Human Rights and Citizenship into line

with the Paris Principles and to adopt national plans, notably to fight human trafficking and

to eliminate child labour.

85. Serbia commended Cabo Verde for the steps it had taken to implement

recommendations from the previous cycle and to cooperate with the human rights

mechanisms, and encouraged it to continue that ongoing cooperation with the United

Nations.

86. Singapore acknowledged the measures Cabo Verde had taken to combat human

trafficking, revise the Penal Code, establish the Interministerial Commission for the

Elaboration of National Reports and build a more inclusive society, particularly through

free school enrolment and by promoting the attendance of persons with disabilities at public

educational establishments.

87. Slovenia commended Cabo Verde for having ratified the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture, its extension of an open invitation to special procedure

mandate holders and the revision of the Penal Code. It was concerned by reports of

discrimination and violence against women, violence and exploitation of children and

human trafficking.

88. South Africa congratulated Cabo Verde for having ratified the Optional Protocol to

the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and noted with

appreciation the reduction of the gender gap in literacy rates.

89. Spain welcomed the achievements of Cabo Verde and the measures it had taken

since the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic,

Social and Cultural Rights.

90. Timor-Leste noted that it shared cultural and historic ties and enjoyed bilateral

cooperation in the area of education with Cabo Verde. It applauded the ongoing efforts of

Cabo Verde to reduce poverty in the country.

91. Togo praised the efforts Cabo Verde had made to revise the Penal Code in order to

combat human trafficking, establish the Office of the Ombudsman, adopt the National

Human Rights and Citizenship Plan and ratify a number of international instruments,

particularly the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and

Cultural Rights.

92. Tunisia acknowledged the steps Cabo Verde had taken to improve the legislative

and institutional framework in line with its international commitments, including increasing

resources for the National Commission for Human Rights, harmonizing national legislation

with the provisions of international conventions and adopting a national plan to combat

violence against women, children and adolescents.

93. Ukraine commended Cabo Verde for the efforts it had made to revise the Penal

Code, establish the Ministry of Family and Social Inclusion, develop the Strategic Plan for

the Justice Sector and approve the National Human Rights and Citizenship Plan. It

encouraged Cabo Verde to take further steps to improve the human rights situation.

94. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland acknowledged the

measures Cabo Verde had taken to prosecute public officials and police officers who had

committed human rights abuses and to create an interministerial commission. Nevertheless,

it urged Cabo Verde to implement as soon as possible the recommendations that had been

made during the universal periodic review.

95. The United States of America expressed appreciation for the decision Cabo Verde

had made to join the Equal Rights Coalition and create its first anti-trafficking national

action plan, for which it recommended that additional funds be allocated. Nevertheless, it

expressed concern that prison conditions continued to remain harsh, and that sexual and

gender-based violence still persisted.

96. Uruguay congratulated Cabo Verde for its wide ratification of international

instruments pertaining to human rights and welcomed the initiatives taken in favour of

gender equality and the empowerment of women. It highlighted, above all, the recent

adoption of the Child and Adolescent Statute, aimed at updating and unifying substantive

laws and procedural rules.

97. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela complimented Cabo Verde for the legal and

institutional reforms it had undertaken, such as the ratification of the Optional Protocol to

the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the endorsement of

the National Human Rights and Citizenship Plan (2017–2022) and the launch in 2015 of the

National Gender Equality Plan.

98. Zambia expressed appreciation for the positive efforts Cabo Verde had made in

ensuring human rights and praised the Government for having ratified the Optional

Protocol to the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in 2014

and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture in 2016.

99. Zimbabwe complimented Cabo Verde on the adoption of the Child and Adolescent

Statute, the National Gender Equality Plan and a number of measures to protect the rights

of vulnerable groups, such as older persons, persons with disabilities and refugees.

100. Afghanistan expressed appreciation for the efforts Cabo Verde had made to

harmonize domestic legislation with the Rome Statute, and for its ratification of the

Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.

101. Algeria complimented it on its adoption of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (2012–

2016), the National Migration Strategy and the adoption in 2013 of the National

Immigration Strategy for Development. Algeria also expressed appreciation for the new

interministerial project to register child births.

102. Angola encouraged the Government of Cabo Verde to continue its policies to

promote and protect human rights, particularly with regard to the ratification of

international instruments in the area. It congratulated Cabo Verde for having ratified the

Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

and its cooperation with United Nations mechanisms.

103. Argentina welcomed the delegation from Cabo Verde and congratulated the

Government on its approval of the National Human Rights and Citizenship Plan and its

efforts to promote education.

104. Australia welcomed the efforts of Cabo Verde to protect and promote the rights of

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons in its national plan and encouraged

the Government to continue its efforts to remove discrimination based on gender identity.

Australia also expressed concern over gender-based violence as well as the treatment of

detainees.

105. The delegation expressed its gratitude to the members of the Council and reiterated

some of the main points that had been raised during its introductory note. It recalled that, on

3 May 2018, the Cabinet had approved the National Plan to Combat Human Trafficking

and other measures to repress human trafficking, with a particular focus on women,

children and migrants. To that end, the Government was strengthening its national

capacities, including through training for law enforcement officers and members of the

judiciary, organized in conjunction with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

106. The National Plan to Combat Gender-based Violence included specific complaint

mechanisms and awareness-raising on the trafficking of women. The Government was

preparing a national inclusion plan for migrants who returned to the country, by

strengthening host capacity and supporting family and social reintegration through

awareness-raising campaigns, and through the prevention of forced returns. The plan should

be approved by December 2018.

107. Cabo Verde had created a national council for migration as a consultative body that

assisted the Government in defining and executing migration policies. Female genital

mutilation was not part of Cabo Verdean culture and was prohibited by law. A number of

cases had been registered among migrant communities and the Government was trying to

hold those responsible to account through criminal procedures.

108. The operation of the justice system in Cabo Verde was a real concern for the

Government. In that regard, the resources requested by the Higher Council of Magistrates

had been allocated by the Government. There was a significant backlog in the prosecutors’

offices, and investigative departments had been created specifically to address that problem.

109. The Government was strengthening the judicial police, making efforts to digitize

criminal information and investing in a fingerprint comparison system and training for the

forensic police. The aim was for the judicial police to act as the forensic police and enable

it to address the most complex crimes. The Government was making efforts to improve the

judicial system, court oversight and procedural goals. Measures had been established to

ensure that cases were dealt with on a first-come-first-served basis.

110. The Government was taking all measures necessary to improve the prison system

and make a qualitative leap forward, including through the introduction of alternative

measures, such as house arrests. It was also developing a plan to combat social exclusion

and poverty, particularly through the establishment of a water and sanitation fund to

provide water to more than 4,000 homes.

111. In conclusion, and in response to some of the recommendations it had received, the

delegation stated that freedom of expression was enshrined in article 48 of the Constitution

and in the Media Law; that the principle of equal pay for work of equal value was enshrined

in article 62 of the Constitution; and that article 16 of the Labour Code stipulated that men

and women who occupied the same position or performed the same task in the public

administration should receive equal remuneration. The delegation also affirmed that article

145-A of the Penal Code had been revised and amended in 2015 in order to criminalize and

punish the promotion of prostitution of children between 16 and 18 years of age.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

112. The following recommendations will be examined by Cabo Verde, which will

provide responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-ninth session of the Human

Rights Council:

112.1 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance (France) (Montenegro) (Democratic Republic of

the Congo) (Portugal) (Ukraine);

112.2 Consider ratifying the International Convention for Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Tunisia);

112.3 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the

Child on a communications procedure (Spain) (Portugal);

112.4 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities (Spain);

112.5 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities (Portugal) (Denmark);

112.6 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Rwanda);

112.7 Ratify the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (Democratic

Republic of the Congo);

112.8 Ratify the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International

Child Abduction and continue efforts to ratify the International Convention for

the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance as recommended

by Brazil in the previous review (Brazil);

112.9 Ratify the Convention against Discrimination in Education (Côte

d’Ivoire) (Honduras);

112.10 Become a party to the Convention against Discrimination in

Education (Togo);

112.11 Consider the ratification of the Convention against Discrimination in

Education (Uruguay);

112.12 Take all necessary steps to ensure the implementation of the content

of the Convention against Discrimination in Education (Afghanistan);

112.13 Adopt a law on implementation of the Convention against

Discrimination in Education (Niger);

112.14 Ratify the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169)

of the International Labour Organization (Denmark);

112.15 Accede to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees

(Togo);

112.16 Accelerate efforts to ratify the 1951 Convention relating to the Status

of Refugees (Georgia);

112.17 Consider acceding to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of

Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness

(Philippines);

112.18 Submit overdue reports to treaty bodies (Ukraine);

112.19 Adopt an open, merit-based selection process when selecting national

candidates for United Nations treaty body elections (United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland);

112.20 Consider offering a standing invitation to the Human Rights Council

special procedures (Uruguay);

112.21 Adopt legislation and public policies to ensure participation of civil

society in the implementation and evaluation of measures adopted in the field of

human rights (Chile);

112.22 Speed up the process of bringing the national human rights

institution into conformity with the Paris Principles (Georgia);

112.23 Step up its efforts to strengthen its national human rights institution

with the view to become Paris Principles compliant (Philippines);

112.24 Step up its efforts to ensure that the Human Rights Commission is in

full conformity with the Paris Principles (Portugal);

112.25 Accelerate the adoption of the draft statute to establish the Human

Rights Commission in line with the Paris Principles in terms of independence

and autonomy (Democratic Republic of the Congo);

112.26 Bring the National Human Rights Commission in line with the Paris

Principles (Burkina Faso);

112.27 Bring the National Commission on Human Rights and Citizenship in

line with the Paris Principles (Togo);

112.28 Expedite plans to reform the National Commission on Human Rights

and Citizenship in order to comply with the Paris Principles and to strengthen

its independence (Germany);

112.29 Make further efforts towards implementation of the National Human

Rights and Citizenship Plan (Azerbaijan);

112.30 Continue Cabo Verde’s strong cooperation and engagement with

national and international human rights mechanisms (Indonesia);

112.31 Establish a national preventive mechanism against torture in line

with the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (Montenegro);

112.32 Continue efforts to further strengthen the national human rights

institution and related mechanisms (Nepal);

112.33 Consider the establishment of a national coordination mechanism for

the elaboration of reports, follow-up and implementation of the

recommendations, in line with the elements of the 2016 guide on national

mechanisms for reporting and follow-up, published by OHCHR (Uruguay);

112.34 Consolidate efforts in the sphere of combating discrimination

(Morocco);

112.35 Continues to work with national bodies and non-governmental

organizations to promote and protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex persons through programmes such as the United

Nations Free and Equal campaign (Australia);

112.36 Take effective measures to facilitate the reintegration of former

detainees, by inter alia improving access to education, vocational training or

other activities for detainees (Germany);

112.37 Take appropriate measures to ensure that juvenile offenders are held

separately from adults in detention facilities at all times (Ghana);

112.38 Ensure the reduction of pretrial detention (Botswana);

112.39 Provide sufficient resources to justice system in order to enable better

resolving of legal cases to avoid over extended pretrial detention (Spain);

112.40 Take all necessary measures to remedy the situation in the prison

environment, in particular the overcrowding of prisons and the exposure of

prisoners to infectious diseases or violence (Luxembourg);

112.41 Strengthen efforts in the field of education and human rights

training, in particular for the benefit of the law enforcement officials

(Morocco);

112.42 Reduce prison overcrowding by resorting more to alternative

sanctions to imprisonment (Senegal);

112.43 Improve conditions in prisons by reducing overcrowding and ensure

separation between children and adults (Spain);

112.44 Redouble efforts to improve prison conditions (Burundi);

112.45 Improve prison conditions by increasing the number of corrections

officers, ensuring the separation of inmates by sex, age and status and by

appointing a prison ombudsman (United States of America);

112.46 Investigate and hold to account those responsible for human rights

abuses in the country’s prisons (Australia);

112.47 Strengthen the judiciary system, by providing more resources and

ensuring a better internal work flow, to improve response time to cases

(France);

112.48 Promote transparency and plurality of information (France);

112.49 Decriminalize defamation and place it within a civil code that is in

accordance with international standards, and adopt a freedom of information

law in accordance with international standards (Ireland);

112.50 Adopt comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation and a national

action plan on trafficking with measurable indicators and targets (Hungary);

112.51 Intensify efforts to restrict human trafficking in persons (Iraq);

112.52 Finalize and approve the recently draft National Action Plan to

Combat Trafficking in Persons (2018–2021), and ensure its implementation

(Israel);

112.53 Take steps to expeditiously approve and implement the National Plan

to Combat Trafficking in Persons (2018–2021) that is under development and

to allocate adequate resources for the establishment and maintenance of

shelters for victims of violence and trafficking (Singapore);

112.54 Continue to strengthen the National Plan to Combat Trafficking in

Persons (2018–2021) in terms of raising awareness and preventing this crime

(Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

112.55 Adopt further measures to prevent and combat episodes of human

trafficking and child sexual exploitation (Italy);

112.56 Take measures to prevent human trafficking and increase services

for the protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of trafficking

(Mexico);

112.57 Step up efforts to combat trafficking in persons by adopting

comprehensive legislation prohibiting and criminalizing trafficking in persons,

including trafficking of women and girls for the purposes of exploitation in

prostitution and domestic servitude (Netherlands);

112.58 Sustain and scale up its efforts in combating trafficking in persons

(Nigeria);

112.59 Strengthen the priority already given to human trafficking, and

contemplate adopting additional legislation and measures which will be

comprehensive and ensure increased efficiency (Portugal);

112.60 Continue preventing human trafficking, particularly of children

(Senegal);

112.61 Take efforts to prevent and eliminate human trafficking, including

improving services to protect, rehabilitate and reintegrate victims (Timor-

Leste);

112.62 Pursue efforts to combat the phenomenon of human trafficking

(Tunisia);

112.63 Continue taking steps towards the adoption of the comprehensive

anti-trafficking legislation, which would cover the exploitation of women and

children (Ukraine);

112.64 Renew the national action plan with specific reference to trafficking

and exploitation of women and children through prostitution (United Kingdom

of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

112.65 Strengthen the investigation and prosecution of trafficking offences

by training officials to better identify trafficking victims, developing a

mechanism to refer victims to services and prosecuting traffickers (United

States of America);

112.66 Combat human trafficking, in particular through the adoption of a

general law in the field, the development of protection services and services for

the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims and access to recourse

mechanisms (Algeria);

112.67 Step up efforts to eradicate human trafficking, in particular of

women and children, including through the implementation of the 2015 law

amending the criminal code in connection with human trafficking (Canada);

112.68 Incorporate the principle of equal pay for work of equal value in the

labour laws in line with the ILO Conventions (Lesotho);

112.69 Fully incorporate into the Labour Code the principle of equal pay for

work of equal value between men and women (Zambia);

112.70 Reduce the wage gender gap between males and females (Iraq);

112.71 Continue to endeavour to eliminate gender-based pay gaps and

consider incorporating the principle of equal pay for equal work into its

Labour Code (South Africa);

112.72 Ensure equality of men and women by combating deep-rooted gender

stereotypes, tackling harmful practices and eliminating gender-based pay gaps;

consider incorporating the principle of equal pay for equal work into its

Labour Code (Namibia);

112.73 Guarantee the protection of workers against discrimination on the

grounds of national origin (Mexico);

112.74 Intensify ongoing efforts towards the fulfilment of its human rights

obligations (Nigeria);

112.75 Intensify its poverty-alleviation efforts (Philippines);

112.76 Take effective measures for inclusive socioeconomic development of

the people (Nepal);

112.77 Continue to make progress on the economic activities aimed at

reducing the level of poverty in the country (Ethiopia);

112.78 Include measures aimed at ensuring transparent, efficient and

accountable delivery of public services into its national development strategy

(Azerbaijan);

112.79 Ensure access and the right to water and sanitation, particularly as

part of its development policy (France);

112.80 Continue to implement existing policies and action plans to remedy

water and sanitation deficiencies in urban and rural areas (Luxembourg);

112.81 Step up its efforts to combat poverty and promote social inclusion by

implementing rural development strategies and mainstreaming human rights in

public policies in rural areas, with particular attention to vulnerable groups

and women (Brazil);

112.82 Continue to consolidate its social programmes in order to improve

the quality of life of its people, in particular of those most in need, with the

international assistance and cooperation the country requires (Bolivarian

Republic of Venezuela);

112.83 Finalize the development of the plan to combat poverty and social

exclusion (Zimbabwe);

112.84 Step up measures to combat poverty and to integrate the most

vulnerable groups (Angola);

112.85 Continue to promote economic and social sustainable development

and to raise the living standards of its people (China);

112.86 Ensure that vulnerable groups, such as women and persons with

disabilities, also benefit from the “Housing for All” programme (Equatorial

Guinea);

112.87 Continue efforts to guarantee the access by children, girls, women

and persons with disabilities to health, education and water and sanitation

services (Mexico);

112.88 Step up acts and efforts to guarantee access of the population,

particularly disadvantaged people, to drinking water and sanitation, putting

into practice those measures included in the Water and Sanitation Fund

(Spain);

112.89 Implement the National Strategy Plan for Elderly Care (2017–2021)

(Cuba);

112.90 Expedite the process of establishing a Unified Social Registry of

Beneficiaries of Social Protection, to enable the registration of vulnerable

families and benefits provisions they can receive under different vulnerability

situations (Indonesia);

112.91 Provide all assistance necessary to facilitate the social and economic

integration of forced returnees (Afghanistan);

112.92 Step up measures to expand access to public health-care system for

better access to primary care for the population (Djibouti);

112.93 Continue efforts to develop the health sector (Egypt);

112.94 Undertake extra measures to address the challenges of illiteracy

among all in the rural and urban areas (Lesotho);

112.95 Continue its current efforts to expand the scope of free education to

include secondary education level (Libya);

112.96 Continue efforts to implement the National Strategy for Human

Rights Education at all levels (Burkina Faso);

112.97 Strengthen adult literacy programmes, especially for women in rural

areas (Iceland);

112.98 Continue to introduce measures to improve access to education

(South Africa);

112.99 Prevent, punish and eradicate all forms of violence against women

and girls in educational institutions (Iceland);

112.100 Implement in all instances the policy allowing pregnant girls to

continue and return to school during and after pregnancy (Iceland);

112.101 Establish strategies to facilitate access to education for women in

rural areas (Senegal);

112.102 Continue to ensure that its Education Strategic Plan (2017–2021) is

adequately resourced to provide quality education for all children, in particular

those from poor households and children with disabilities (Singapore);

112.103 Bolster implementation of measures taken to guarantee access to

education for women and girls, in particular for girls with disabilities and those

living in rural areas (Argentina);

112.104 Step up the struggle against violence against women (France);

112.105 Ensure implementation of the regulations for the shelters of victims

of sexual violence in accordance with the norms (Gabon);

112.106 Further continue to combating any discrimination against women in

socioeconomic activities, including in the field of employment and occupation

(Ethiopia);

112.107 Ensure implementation of the legislative provisions towards

elimination of all forms of violence against women (Gabon);

112.108 Take the necessary measures to investigate and sanction those

responsible for the de facto polygamy and female genital mutilation

(Argentina);

112.109 Strengthen its efforts to prevent gender-based violence by conducting

awareness and education campaigns to facilitate a better understanding of the

concept of gender equality (Canada);

112.110 Continue to strengthen women’s rights and work to eliminate

violence against women (Australia);

112.111 Adopt cross-cutting public policy to combat gender-based violence

that ensure psychosocial rehabilitation of women and girls who are victims of

domestic, sexual violence, trafficking or exploitation (Chile);

112.112 Ensure better implementation of the existing legislation and action

plans for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women

(Ukraine);

112.113 Provide adequate training for law enforcement and judicial

professionals to appropriately respond to sexual and gender-based violence and

increase public education on the harms it causes to individuals and to society as

a whole (United States of America);

112.114 Continue to intensify efforts to eradicate all forms of violence and

discrimination against women and girls, in particular by putting an end to the

harmful and discriminatory traditional practices on gender-based grounds

(Uruguay);

112.115 Implement the existing legislation and action plans for the prevention

and elimination of all forms of violence against women (Zambia);

112.116 Combat gender-based violence, improve assistance to victims, create

shelters and adopt measures which promote greater participation of women in

economic and political life (Spain);

112.117 Continue to promote the rights of women and children, with an

emphasis on combating violence (Timor-Leste);

112.118 Adopt and implement appropriate measures to combat violence

against women, including sexual and domestic violence by, inter alia,

establishing an adequate number of shelters for victims and providing

systematic training on combating gender-based violence to judges, prosecutors,

lawyers, police officers and health professionals (Germany);

112.119 Ensure that cases of violence against women and girls, particularly

domestic violence, are investigated and that perpetrators are prosecuted

(Luxembourg);

112.120 Include in its National Plan to Combat Gender-based Violence,

trafficking and sexual exploitation through the prostitution of children and

women (Honduras);

112.121 Adopt a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate stereotypes

that cause discrimination against women as well as harmful practices,

particularly among migrant communities (Honduras);

112.122 Enhance efforts to combat all forms of discrimination and violence

against women (Italy);

112.123 Establish a strong legislative framework prohibiting and punishing

all forms of discrimination against women, especially women with disabilities,

older women, women heads of households and migrant women (Madagascar);

112.124 Continue efforts to combat gender-based violence, social

discrimination and the economic discrimination of women (Portugal);

112.125 Strengthen implementation of legislation and policies aimed at the

prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and to

ensure that reports of domestic and sexual violence against women and girls are

effectively investigated and perpetrators prosecuted (Rwanda);

112.126 Ensure that violence against women, such as domestic violence and

sexual violence, is punishable by law (Madagascar);

112.127 Strengthen and fully implement existing legislation and action plans

aimed at eliminating all forms of gender based violence by ensuring that

reports of domestic and sexual violence are more effectively investigated

(Netherlands);

112.128 Step up measures to expand access to education, the empowerment of

women and socioeconomic development (Côte d’Ivoire);

112.129 Accelerate the implementation of the Parity Law to boost the

participation of women in political and public life (Zimbabwe);

112.130 Pursue efforts by taking the necessary measures to improve women’s

participation in political and public life (Djibouti);

112.131 Intensify efforts to address discrimination of women in society, in

particular by approving a new parity law to help promote equal rights for

women in the economic and political spheres (Germany);

112.132 Provide adequate resources to the Institute for Gender Equality and

Equity in order to strengthen its ability to better promote gender

mainstreaming at all levels of government (Ghana);

112.133. Continue efforts to incorporate a gender perspective in public policies

and budgets (Cuba);

112.134 Ensure that single parent families headed by women have equal

access to services and support as two-parent families (Iceland);

112.135 Increase its efforts to ensure equal pay for women, gender parity in

public office and gender mainstreaming in public policy (Israel);

112.136 Step up efforts to promote the educational and health rights of

women and the girl child by improving their access to education and health

care, especially maternal health care (Botswana);

112.137 Effectively implement existing legislation and action plans for the

prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women, in addition

to victim protection programmes (Ireland);

112.138 Continue efforts to promote gender equality and non-discrimination

(Maldives);

112.139 Continue to adopt and implement measures to promote gender

equality in all areas, including education and health (Portugal);

112.140 Strengthen the implementation of existing legislative and policy

measures on gender equality and protection of women (Slovenia);

112.141 Ensure the equality of women and men by combating deep-rooted

gender stereotypes and tackling harmful practices (South Africa);

112.142 Pursue efforts towards gender equality and combat discrimination

against women (Tunisia);

112.143 Continue to adopt effective measures to promote gender equality and

to better protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children

and persons with disabilities (China);

112.144 Undertake the necessary awareness and education efforts to stop the

practice of early marriage and early pregnancy (Canada);

112.145 Pursue efforts for the advancement of women’s status (Egypt);

112.146 Intensify efforts to comply with national plans to combat sexual

exploitation and child labour, upholding the right of all children and

adolescents to rehabilitation and access to justice (Chile);

112.147 Increase the protection of children from violence, exploitation and

abuse, especially from sexual exploitation and abuse, trafficking and corporal

punishment, by implementing effectively existing legislation and protection

measures put in place in recent years (Slovenia);

112.148 Further amend the Criminal Code in order to criminalize and punish

the promotion of prostitution of children between 16 and 18 years of age

(Namibia);

112.149 Amend the Criminal Code to prohibit the promotion of prostitution

of children between 16 and 18 years of age (Hungary);

112.150 Intensify efforts aimed at putting an end to corporal punishment of

children in all settings (Namibia);

112.151 Continue efforts to harmonize national legislation with the

Convention of the Rights of the Child in order to combat child labour (Angola);

112.152 Bolster the combating of child labour (France);

112.153 Continue to work on strengthening the comprehensive vision of the

preventive measures and rehabilitation for the benefit of persons with

disabilities (Libya);

112.154 Design, adopt and implement a national strategy on the situation of

persons with disabilities that would be in compliance with the Convention on

the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Serbia);

112.155 Update its legislation in accordance with recognized norms for

migrant protection (Congo);

112.156 Consider enhancing coordination between institutions and services

that deal with migration-related issues to aid in the effective implementation of

rights under the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All

Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Ghana);

112.157 Adopt an immigration law and an asylum law (Honduras);

112.158 Take necessary measures to ensure that migrant workers are

protected against discrimination on the grounds of national origin (Zambia);

112.159 Take necessary steps to put an end, in law and in practice, to cases of

statelessness (Algeria).

113. 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 Capo Verde was headed by Her Excellency Madame Janine

Tatiana Santos Lelis, Minister of Justice and Labour, and composed of the following

members:

• Her Excellency Madame Maria de Jesus Veiga Miranda, Ambassador and

Permanent Representative of Cabo Verde to the United Nations Office and other

international organizations in Geneva;

• Mr. Alcides Barros, Advisor to the Permanent Mission of Cabo Verde to the United

Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva;

• Madame Nandixany de Lurdes Souto Amado Alves Vierira Andrade, Advisor to the

Minister of Justice and Labour;

• Madame Mónica Cristina Pereira Soares Rosa Furtado, Director General of Social

Inclusion in the Ministry of Family and Social Inclusion;

• Madame Dionara Amparo Dos Anjos Graça, Advisor with the National Commission

of Human Rights.