40/15 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Chad

GE.18-22801 (E) 110119 160119



Human Rights Council Fortieth session

25 February–22 March 2019

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Chad

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

United Nations A/HRC/40/15

General Assembly Distr.: General 28 December 2018

English

Original: English/French

2 GE.18-22801

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirty-first session from 5 to 16

November 2018. The review of Chad was held at the 13th meeting, on 13 November 2018.

The delegation of Chad was headed by the Minister of Justice, in charge of human rights,

Djimet Arabi. At its 17th meeting, held on 15 November 2018, the Working Group adopted

the report on Chad.

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

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Chad: Burundi, Germany and Kyrgyzstan.

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 Chad:

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

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/31/TCD/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.6/31/TCD/2);

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

(A/HRC/WG.6/31/TCD/3) and its corrigendum (A/HRC/WG.6/31/TCD/3/Corr.1).

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

on behalf of the Group of Friends on national implementation, reporting and follow-up,

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

transmitted to Chad 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 Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Djimet Arabi, stated that Chad was

facing many challenges with disastrous consequences for the human rights situation,

including communal conflicts, poverty, lack of access to basic social services, global

warming and terrorism.

6. He emphasized that the national report was the product of a joint, cooperative,

participatory effort by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights and the Interministerial

Technical Committee, which brought together all ministries involved in the various aspects

of human rights. The Committee was composed of a representative of the National

Assembly, representatives of civil society and financial and technical partners, including

the OHCHR country office in Chad. The Minister of Justice welcomed the strengthening of

the presence of OHCHR in Chad, which testified to the excellent cooperation that existed

between the Government and the Office.

7. The progress made since the previous appearance of Chad before the Human Rights

Council related to the country’s legal and institutional framework and its cooperation with

United Nations human rights mechanisms. In the legal sphere, several laws to promote

human rights had been adopted and a number of Conventions ratified. In 2015, Chad had

ratified the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the

Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. On 29 October 2018,

the National Assembly had passed legislation ratifying the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights

of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. The process of ratifying the

Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was ongoing.

GE.18-22801 3

8. Chad had also ratified the following instruments: the United Nations Convention

against Transnational Organized Crime, which was a legal instrument for the prevention

and punishment of trafficking in persons; the International Convention for the Suppression

of the Financing of Terrorism; the United Nations Convention against Corruption; the

Convention on Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance in Counter-terrorism and the

tripartite agreement between Chad, Mali and the Niger on judicial cooperation.

9. On the legislative front, Chad was particularly committed to developing its legal

system, including through amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal

Procedure that brought the country’s practices into line with its international commitments.

The relevant definitions and provisions under international conventions, including in the

areas of combating torture and of international humanitarian law, had been incorporated

into the new Criminal Code.

10. The National Commission on Human Rights had been reformed pursuant to Act No.

026/PR/2017, revised and adopted by the National Assembly. This reform, which had been

made possible thanks to cooperation with various national and international actors, was

regarded as a model of good practice in terms of legislation on national human rights

institutions. In addition, in the context of the establishment of the institutions of the Fourth

Republic, the Government had enshrined the Commission’s status in the Constitution,

placing it among the major institutions of the Republic and giving it greater authority and

visibility. The Commission would also serve as an anti-torture and torture prevention

mechanism in accordance with the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

11. The Minister of Justice stated that support from the country’s partners was needed in

order to abolish the death penalty given that the maintenance of serious criminals and

terrorists required out of the way maximum security detention centres and careful

management in order to avoid any negative influence on other inmates. With respect to the

death sentence handed down in August 2018, he emphasized that, as Minister of Justice, it

was difficult for him to comment on a judicial decision. However, as a judge, he said that

the judges had found the evidence sufficiently compelling to conclude that acts of terrorism

had taken place. The Act on the Prevention and Punishment of Acts of Terrorism, of 15

July 2015, was being revised with the support of partners from the European Union and the

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The new law would bring the definition of

terrorism into line with international standards and would be implemented with strict

respect for the right of all persons to a fair trial.

12. In terms of legislative advances, the Minister of Justice cited the following laws: the

Act of 21 July 2015 on the Prohibition of Child Marriage; the Ordinance of 30 March 2018

on Combating Human Trafficking in Chad; the Prison System Act, of 28 July 2017; the Act

of 10 February 2014 on Combating Cybercrime; the Personal Data Protection Act, of 14

February 2014; the Act of 10 February 2014 on the Establishment of the National Agency

for Cybersecurity and Electronic Certification; the Consumer Rights Protection Act, of 4

February 2015; and the Decree of 19 February 2014 on the implementation of the Act of 10

May 2013 on Civil Status in Chad. This decree helped to give effect to the Act on Civil

Status, which provided certain legal guarantees for persons born in Chad, whether they

were Chadians, foreign nationals or refugees.

13. With regard to cooperation with the special procedures and the treaty bodies, Chad

stood ready to participate and interact with the relevant entities. The Government had

issued open invitations to the special procedures mandate holders. Accordingly, in late

2017 and early 2018, the country had welcomed independent experts from the Working

Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice and the Working

Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the

exercise of the right of the peoples to self-determination. Chad and its Government were

willing to receive other experts who might wish to undertake visits to the country. A report

on the implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or

Degrading Treatment or Punishment had been submitted to the Committee against Torture,

while reports under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women that had been adopted would

be transmitted shortly.

4 GE.18-22801

14. On 21 June 2012, the Government had approved the opening of an OHCHR country

office to further strengthen cooperation with the Office. The Government had organized an

event to mobilize the funds needed to open the country office. After many years of waiting,

the international community had finally resolved to allocate the resources necessary (albeit

at a lower than expected level) for the forthcoming opening of the office.

15. In 2015, the country had welcomed the President of the African Court on Human

and Peoples’ Rights and the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, who was

conducting several investigations in Chad in relation to crimes committed in the Central

African Republic. The Minister of Justice welcomed the conviction of the former Chadian

dictator Hissène Habré and his accomplices by final decisions of the Extraordinary African

Chambers in Dakar, on the one hand, and the Criminal Court of N’Djamena, on the other.

16. The Minister of Justice regretted that, in both sets of proceedings, the question of

reparation still had to be resolved before the sensitive case could be definitively closed,

which had caused many irreversible tragedies in the life of the nation. He promised that,

upon his return to the country, he would look into the case with the victims and their

counsel in order to find an early solution and ensure that the judgment was enforced. He

solemnly appealed to all friends of Chad to contribute to the successful completion of

transitional justice, especially in terms of reparation and guarantees of non-repetition.

17. The progress made on human rights since the previous universal periodic review

cycle was measured in terms of civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural

rights and the rights of specific groups as well as cross-cutting issues such as equality and

non-discrimination for women, environmental challenges and the fight against terrorism.

18. The Government had made considerable progress in the area of equality and non-

discrimination. In that regard, several pieces of non-discrimination legislation concerning

the status of women had been adopted, such as the Ordinance of 22 May 2018 on Gender

Parity in Elections and Appointments to Office. Similarly, projects had been launched to

enhance the status and situation of women, while institutions for the promotion of women’s

rights, such as the Women’s Centre, had been established.

19. On the subject of environmental protection, Chad had adopted several statutes and

regulations to prohibit illegal logging and the destruction of the environment. To mitigate

the impact of those measures, the Government had subsidized the price of butane gas.

20. Chad was central to the framework for combating terrorism in the Sahel and the

Chad Basin. Substantial human, material and financial resources had been mobilized in this

war, which terrorist networks had forced on the country. With backing from brotherly

States and friends in the subregion, Chad was attempting to lead the fight against that

sometimes invisible force. The country’s friends stood alongside it, in support of the

Multinational Joint Task Force in the Chad Basin and the forces of the Group of Five for

the Sahel, by providing a development-based response in order to foster resilience. Since

humanitarian action alone was not a sustainable response, more resources should be

mobilized to combat poverty, which was at the root of the indoctrination of young people

who often had nothing to do.

21. Within the framework for political dialogue, the 2016 presidential election had been

held in a consensual, participatory and inclusive manner. All the country’s prominent

community leaders had taken part and the victor had been recognized by all. The National

Framework for Political Dialogue had brought together the Government and the opposition,

with equal representation of both sides, to put in place the necessary arrangements for

peaceful elections. In that context, in November 2018, the National Assembly had

unanimously voted in favour of a bill for the establishment of the Independent National

Electoral Commission, which had been submitted by the Government but which was the

outcome of consensus work within the National Framework for Political Dialogue.

22. Moreover, the inclusive national forum that had been convened in March 2018 had

provided a broad platform for defining the strategic policy lines that would guide the

country in the coming years. Human rights in general, and rights specific to certain

categories of persons in particular, occupied a prominent place in the resolutions that had

emerged from the forum. The framework for political dialogue had been reviewed and the

GE.18-22801 5

status of the opposition established in the Constitution. Freedom of movement, freedom of

the press, the right to strike and the right to demonstrate were guaranteed by the

Constitution and exercised in accordance with the laws that regulated those rights and

freedoms.

23. The concerns that had been raised in respect of the recent banning of demonstrations

were nothing more than the consequence of the ongoing security tensions in the country,

which was at the epicentre of the fight against terrorism. Owing to the global crisis and the

repercussions of the fight against terrorism, budgets in the key sectors of education, health,

social affairs and infrastructure had unfortunately fallen significantly. In the sphere of

education, the Government was maintaining its course in terms of training, retraining,

teacher capacity-building and the construction and renovation of classrooms, with the

support of traditional partners, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization, the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and

the Islamic Development Bank.

24. As far as health was concerned, in addition to the national health policy, a number of

strategic measures and plans had been adopted, or were in the process of being adopted, to

improve access to and the quality of health care for the population, including universal

health coverage, free targeted health care, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, the

strategy for newborn health and emergency obstetric and neonatal care.

25. The challenge of providing accessible, high quality health facilities throughout the

country, especially for rural and nomadic communities, remained enormous. Similarly, the

high rate of illiteracy, particularly among women, posed a problem for the implementation

of public social and health policies.

26. Despite the challenges, the Government intended to consolidate democracy and

good governance and to enhance the effectiveness of the State in building peace, unity and

national harmony. To achieve this, it required the support of the international community to

help it improve the country’s development indicators. It had also requested the support of

the friends of Chad to build the institutional and operational capacities of the National

Commission on Human Rights. Chad was still expecting more consistent support from the

international community for its army’s engagement on several fronts in the struggle against

terrorism.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

27. During the interactive dialogue, 83 delegations made statements. Recommendations

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

28. Mali noted a positive development in the normative and institutional framework,

which included the ratification of the United Nations Convention against Transnational

Organized Crime and the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of

Terrorism. It welcomed the exemplary cooperation in the area of fighting against terrorism.

29. Mauritania commended the measures taken by the Chadian authorities to implement

recommendations from the previous cycle. It welcomed the remarkable progress made by

Chad in strengthening the protection of the rights of women and children and in the fight

against female genital mutilation.

30. Mauritius noted progress on human rights, including legislative and institutional

measures, following the recommendations made in the previous universal periodic review.

It commended the Government of Chad for its actions in the areas of education and the

health of its population.

31. Mexico recognized the progress made since the previous cycle, which had included

ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,

Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It also acknowledged the efforts

undertaken by Chad to eradicate child marriage and female genital mutilation.

32. Montenegro welcomed efforts in the areas of enhancing the criminal justice system

and prohibiting child marriages and the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts.

6 GE.18-22801

It encouraged further cooperation with the United Nations country team and OHCHR and

regretted that the death penalty continued to be imposed despite the moratorium.

33. Mozambique commended the ratification of regional and international human rights

and related instruments. It welcomed the restructuring of the National Human Rights

Commission to comply with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for

the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles), as well as the

submission of reports to some treaty bodies.

34. The Netherlands encouraged the Government to ensure swift implementation and

enforcement of the law prohibiting child marriage. It was concerned that women remained

unequal under the law, that human rights defenders faced significant threats and that prison

conditions were far below international standards.

35. The Niger welcomed the elaboration of the National Development Plan 2017–2021,

including strengthening the participation of civil society in the elaboration, implementation

and evaluation of public policies and strengthening the health and education systems.

36. Nigeria welcomed the progress achieved in the field of human rights, especially the

strengthening of the legal and institutional frameworks for the promotion of human rights.

It welcomed the country’s efforts to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly

women and children, as well as its efforts to combat terrorism.

37. Oman welcomed the promotion and protection of human rights through the

objectives of the National Development Plan 2017–2021, in particular improving the health

system and the education system and improving the living conditions of the population.

38. Paraguay was concerned that adultery continued to be considered a crime punishable

by imprisonment and that homicide and assaults resulting in bodily injury were excusable if

the victim was the spouse of the perpetrator of such acts.

39. The Philippines welcomed the efforts by Chad to mainstream gender issues in its

development policy and the adoption of its National Gender Policy in 2016, the

development of the National Strategy to Combat Gender-based Violence, and the issuance

of an ordinance on rules for gender parity in elections and appointments to office.

40. The Republic of Korea commended Chad for widening the scope of international

human rights obligations since the second review cycle, demonstrated by its ratification of

major treaties such as the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other

Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Convention for

the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

41. The Russian Federation noted the efforts of Chad to improve the economic situation

in the country based on the National Development Plan adopted in 2017, efforts to reform

the National Human Rights Commission, steps to improve the criminal justice system,

programmes for the reintegration of child soldiers and projects for hosting refugees.

42. Rwanda welcomed the efforts by Chad to bring its National Human Rights

Commission in line with the Paris Principles, and the adoption of legislation on gender

parity in elections and appointments.

43. Senegal welcomed the progress made by Chad since 2014 aimed at bolstering its

institutional and legal framework to protect human rights. It stated that the Government of

Chad deserved the strengthening of institutional capacities and operations for the benefit of

national protection bodies, programmes and plans.

44. Serbia particularly welcomed the adoption of the 2017–2021 National Development

Plan, containing two strategic priorities on human rights. It wished the country’s authorities

every success for the implementation of the plan.

45. Sierra Leone noted that since the previous universal periodic review of Chad,

legislation and measures had been adopted to end child, early and forced marriage. It

commended Chad for ratifying the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’

Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

GE.18-22801 7

46. Slovenia welcomed the adoption of the new Criminal Code, the law prohibiting

child marriage, and the law prohibiting and prosecuting the recruitment and use of children

in armed conflict. It was concerned about reports on discrimination and violence against

women and about the low ratio of birth registration.

47. South Africa welcomed continued efforts to promote and protect human rights since

the previous review, including the reform of the National Human Rights Commission and

the implementation of the National Poverty Reduction Strategy.

48. Spain hailed legislative progress in terms of equality and prohibiting child marriage,

but noted that female genital mutilation and domestic violence persisted in the country.

49. The State of Palestine recognized the efforts by Chad to protect fundamental

freedoms and human rights, including the adoption of legislative and regulatory texts since

the last cycle. It commended the efforts of Chad to achieve the Sustainable Development

Goals.

50. The Sudan welcomed the cooperation by Chad with Human Rights Council

mechanisms, especially the country’s efforts to promote and protect human rights and

implement most recommendations from the previous cycle. It welcomed the ratification of

the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of

an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

51. Sweden welcomed positive developments, including the promotion of gender parity

in elections and appointments to office, and government support for abolition of the death

penalty. It encouraged further efforts to stop gender-based violence and guarantee freedom

of expression.

52. Switzerland thanked the delegation of Chad for its presentation. It expressed

concerns about reports citing frequent threats, harassment and intimidation against both

human rights defenders and journalists.

53. Togo welcomed the particular attention given by the Government to the promotion

and empowerment of women as well as to the situation of children and to efforts to combat

violence and discrimination in all of its forms.

54. Tunisia welcomed the efforts by Chad to improve the institutional and legislative

human rights framework, hailing the ratification of the United Nations Convention against

Transnational Organized Crime and the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

55. Turkey noted the efforts of Chad to end and to prevent the recruitment of children

into armed forces, welcoming the fact that it was no longer listed with the “Children, Not

Soldiers” campaign. It hailed efforts to include women and socially vulnerable groups in

national development.

56. Ukraine strongly condemned human rights abuses and legal violations committed by

Chadian militias and security forces during anti-austerity protests in 2018, urging the

authorities to ensure the people’s rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.

57. The United Arab Emirates appreciated the efforts that Chad had made in several

areas of human rights, in particular socioeconomic and cultural rights. It expressed

particular appreciation for the 2017–2021 National Development Plan.

58. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland stressed the need for

independent and impartial investigations of human rights violations allegedly committed by

the armed forces. It noted that reporters continued to face harassment and arrest by the

authorities for articles critical of the Government.

59. The United States of America remained concerned by reports of human rights

violations and abuses by government agents, including those involved in the use of torture,

arbitrary arrests, and incommunicado detentions, and restrictions on the freedoms of

expression and peaceful assembly.

60. Uruguay welcomed the legislative progress made, such as the enactment of the new

Criminal Code in 2017 and the Act Prohibiting Child Marriage in 2015. It also welcomed

the efforts of Chad regarding ratification of signed international treaties.

8 GE.18-22801

61. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commended the ratification of several

international treaties, the National Development Plan 2017–2021 regarding public policies

in the areas of health, education and improvements to the living environment for the

population, and the adoption of policies on the rights of women.

62. Viet Nam welcomed the progress made regarding legal frameworks for human rights

and the efforts to ensure equality and protect vulnerable groups, especially in the context of

addressing climate change and other environmental issues.

63. Yemen recognized steps taken regarding the strengthening of democracy, the

effectiveness of the Government, the reorganization of State institutions, the improvement

of the parliamentary system and legal reforms in the areas of women’s rights and youth

rights.

64. Zimbabwe noted the reform in the National Human Rights Commission, and the

adoption of the National Development Plan with its priorities in the area of human rights,

namely to improve the health and education systems and to combat poverty.

65. Afghanistan took note of the progress made in the development of legal and

institutional frameworks as well as of the national plans and policies aimed at promoting

and protecting human rights values.

66. Algeria hailed national programmes and policies to promote human rights,

particularly the National Development Plan and other strategies to reduce poverty. It

welcomed measures to end recruitment of children into the armed forces and encouraged

further efforts in that area.

67. Angola recognized the precarious security conditions in Chad, and welcomed

initiatives to promote peace and security in the Sahel region. Angola also commended

efforts to extend access to water.

68. Argentina commended Chad for inviting the Working Group on the issue of

discrimination against women in law and in practice and the Working Group on the use of

mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of

peoples to self-determination to the country. It noted the efforts made by Chad to strengthen

the rights of women and children.

69. Australia welcomed legislative measures to ensure equality between men and

women and to enable reform of the National Human Rights Commission. However,

Australia was concerned about the death penalty, security forces’ use of child labour,

torture and arbitrary killings.

70. The Minister of Justice thanked all the delegations that had been willing to intervene

with a view to improving human rights conditions in Chad. He took note of the

recommendations that had been made in a constructive spirit. All practical steps would be

taken to ensure that the various recommendations were implemented in the country.

71. Azerbaijan commended steps taken to implement recommendations in the previous

universal periodic review cycle, including a national strategy to combat gender-based

violence and promote women’s participation in public affairs.

72. Benin welcomed the various measures and initiatives that the country had adopted

with regard to the enjoyment of human rights, including the harmonization of its legal

system with international standards, since its last review in 2014.

73. The Plurinational State of Bolivia welcomed and appreciated the ratification of four

international human rights instruments.

74. Botswana commended the reform of the National Human Rights Commission, and

the amendment of laws, policies and regulations to promote human rights including the

National Gender Policy of 2016 and the National Development Plan 2017–2021.

75. Brazil commended the Government for enshrining the principle of equity between

women and men in the national Constitution, and for establishing a constitutional ban on

female genital mutilation. It encouraged Chad to consider abolishing the death penalty.

GE.18-22801 9

76. Burkina Faso encouraged the Government to conclude the process of ratifying

human rights conventions that were pending and part of the previous universal periodic

review cycle. It also commended the adoption of a new criminal procedure code abolishing

the death penalty.

77. Burundi welcomed the adoption of the National Development Plan 2017–2021, the

establishment of an interministerial committee for follow-up regarding international human

rights instruments and the adoption of the national action plan to follow up on universal

periodic review recommendations.

78. Cameroon noted the adoption of a new constitution. It commended the enactment of

a law on gender parity, and the law prohibiting child marriage, and further noted the

provision of free prenatal and postnatal health care.

79. Canada highlighted the efforts made by Chad to improve the situation of girls and

children, notably by its adoption of the law prohibiting child marriages and a law banning

the conscription and use of children in armed conflicts.

80. The Central African Republic commended the significant legislative and regulatory

changes made since the last review.

81. Chile hoped that the law on reform of the National Human Rights Commission

ensured its independence, autonomy and financial stability. It was concerned about

inequality between men and women, as well as violence against women.

82. China commended the development of the National Development Plan 2017–2021.

China also commended the efforts to promote economic and social development, and to

reduce poverty. China commended efforts to enhance the protection of the rights of women,

children and persons with disabilities, and the fight against terrorism.

83. The Comoros commended the ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on

Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and

Peoples’ Rights and the ratification of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

84. Côte d’Ivoire commended the reform of the National Human Rights Commission,

the ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the

Establishment of an African Court for Human and Peoples’ Rights and the ratification of

the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

85. Cuba recognized efforts made with regard to the implementation of the

recommendations accepted during the previous review, in particular updating the legal

framework and addressing human trafficking.

86. Cyprus commended measures taken to implement human rights obligations and

encouraged Chad to further enhance measures to protect human rights defenders and

journalists.

87. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea noted the positive attention given to the

education and health sectors, including the national health policy developed and the

monthly meeting on public health in Chad chaired by the Head of State.

88. The Democratic Republic of the Congo commended the efforts undertaken to

improve the normative and institutional framework in the area of human rights, and the

cooperation by Chad with United Nations mechanisms.

89. Denmark noted that during its second universal periodic review, Chad had accepted

recommendations to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

90. Djibouti commended the ratification of the United Nations Convention against

Transnational Organized Crime and of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.

91. Egypt highly valued efforts to promote human rights, including the consolidation of

the legislative arsenal and the adoption of policies and national strategies, the strengthening

of the National Human Rights Commission, and progress in combating poverty and

enhancing the rights to health, education and gender equality.

10 GE.18-22801

92. Ethiopia commended the progress made since the second cycle of the universal

periodic review in adopting human rights laws and regulations, which had included

reforming the National Human Rights Commission, and several texts on human rights.

93. France stated that the human rights situation had seen encouraging signs, with

measures for equality between men and women, the adoption of the Criminal Code and the

Code of Criminal Procedure, and the reform of the National Human Rights Commission.

94. Gabon welcomed the implementation of national policies on health, justice,

education, the improvement of living conditions for the population, the empowerment of

women, and combating all forms of discrimination against women. It welcomed the

cooperation with regional and international human rights mechanisms.

95. Georgia noted with satisfaction the adoption of the law granting the National Human

Rights Commission independence from the executive, and welcomed the steps taken to

implement the recommendations from the second review regarding the protection of the

rights of women and children.

96. Germany commended the efforts to revise the Criminal Code, which had prohibited

child marriages and female genital mutilation and penalized crimes such as human

trafficking. Germany remained concerned about effective improvement of the human rights

situation of children, as more needed to be done.

97. Ghana welcomed the commitment to improving access to health services and the

adoption of the National Health Policy, the National Strategy for Universal Health

Coverage and the National Strategy on Community Health. It also welcomed the reform of

the National Human Rights Commission to ensure its independence, and the National

Strategy to Combat Gender-based Violence.

98. Honduras commended the ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on

Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and

Peoples’ Rights, and the adoption of new legislation strengthening the national human

rights institution, reinforcing the legal framework for combating trafficking, and prohibiting

early marriages.

99. Iceland noted real progress through the adoption of the law reforming the National

Human Rights Commission, the Criminal Code, the law prohibiting child marriage and the

law prosecuting the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts. It was concerned

about the death penalty still being applied, despite a moratorium.

100. India welcomed the efforts to reform the National Human Rights Commission, and

the initiative of the National Development Plan 2017–2021 to improve education and

alleviate poverty. It noted the efforts to improve the performance and resilience of the

national health system to reduce maternal mortality and the infant mortality rate.

101. Indonesia commended efforts to reform the National Human Rights Commission,

and the amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to bring

them into line with the relevant human rights conventions.

102. The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciated progress in the promotion and protection

of women’s and children’s rights, as well as initiatives taken to eradicate poverty through

its National Poverty Reduction Strategy and the adoption of the National Development

Agenda.

103. Iraq welcomed the ratification of a number of international treaties and the adoption

of a number of laws, policies and national strategies related to human rights.

104. Ireland welcomed the reform of the National Human Rights Commission. It

regretted the decision to reinstate the death penalty for people convicted of acts of terrorism.

It was deeply concerned by efforts restricting civil society space.

105. Italy welcomed efforts since the second cycle of the universal periodic review, in

particular the adoption of a new criminal code and a new code of criminal procedure and

the new provisions prohibiting female genital mutilation and child marriage.

GE.18-22801 11

106. Lesotho welcomed the progress made in the legislative frameworks, including the

Criminal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the law prohibiting and prosecuting the

recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts.

107. Libya applauded efforts in implementing many recommendations from the previous

cycle, and the adoption by the Cabinet of the draft law to ratify the International

Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their

Families and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2018.

108. Madagascar welcomed steps taken to promote human rights, including the adoption

of the road map to prohibit child marriage and female genital mutilation, and the adoption

of the National Gender Policy and the National Strategy to Combat Gender-based Violence.

109. Malaysia commended the reform of the National Human Rights Commission,

including its entrenchment in the Constitution making it a major institution of the country.

It welcomed the steps taken to improve prison conditions.

110. Maldives welcomed the efforts to promote child rights, by prohibiting child

marriage and through the Interim Strategy on Juvenile Justice and the action plan for the

removal of children from armed forces and groups.

111. Portugal thanked the delegation for the presentation of its national report and

welcomed the efforts of Chad since its first review, in particular the ratification of several

instruments in the field of human rights.

112. The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Chad in Geneva stated that Chad

was aware of its human rights responsibilities and commitments. The Government would

work to honour its commitments, which it had undertaken freely, and it believed that, with

the friendly support of the international community, the country would rise to those

challenges.

113. The Minister of Justice concluded by stating that he took note of all

recommendations concerning three main points: the death penalty, gender equality and the

freedoms of thought, of expression and of the press. The new Constitution of Chad

provided for the exercise of those freedoms. No journalists or human rights defenders were

currently in prison.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

114. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below

have been examined by Chad and enjoy the support of Chad:

114.1 Continue the process of ratification of international human rights

conventions that it has not yet ratified (Philippines);

114.2 Continue acceding to more international conventions in the field of

human rights (State of Palestine);

114.3 Ratify or accede to the main international conventions on human

rights and fundamental freedoms to which Chad is not yet a party, including

the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Chad signed in

2012 (Italy);

114.4 Conclude the already begun process of the ratification of

international human rights conventions (Niger);

114.5 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Togo);

114.6 Adhere to and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Uruguay);

114.7 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty

(Montenegro);

12 GE.18-22801

114.8 Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant

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

Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Optional Protocol to the Convention

on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

(Spain);

114.9 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Discrimination against Women without further delay (Denmark);

114.10 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Protocol to the African

Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa

(Sweden);

114.11 Finalize ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment (Tunisia);

114.12 Finalize the process of ratification to the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading

Treatment or Punishment and also the International Convention on the

Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their

Families (Afghanistan);

114.13 Expedite procedures to ratify the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading

Treatment or Punishment (Comoros);

114.14 Accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment without

further delay (Denmark);

114.15 Optimize the time frame for internal procedures necessary for the

ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Georgia);

114.16 Continue its actions and initiatives which aim to ratify the

International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant

Workers and Members of Their Families and the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities (Benin);

114.17 Expedite measures for the ratification of the International

Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and

the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant

Workers and Members of Their Families (Sierra Leone);

114.18 Continue the procedure for accession to the Convention on the Rights

of Persons with Disabilities (Oman);

114.19 Consider ratifying the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment

of the Crime of Genocide (Rwanda);

114.20 Ratify the 1960 Convention against Discrimination in Education

(Ukraine);

114.21 Ensure that national candidates to United Nations human rights

treaty body elections are selected through an open and merit-based process

(United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

114.22 Comply with the recommendations of the second universal periodic

review and accelerate the ratification process for recommended conventions

(Democratic Republic of the Congo);

114.23 Ensure the effective implementation of all accepted recommendations

from the second universal periodic review cycle in 2014 (Madagascar);

GE.18-22801 13

114.24 Continue its constructive collaboration and engagement with human

rights bodies, mechanisms and relevant mandate holders (Malaysia);

114.25 Continue its efforts in engaging international and regional partners

in institutional and human resource capacity-building activities on human

rights (Philippines);

114.26 Continue engaging the international community to collaborate on

and support capacity-building and technical assistance programmes for the full

realization of all human rights (South Africa);

114.27 Continue to mobilize resources and galvanize international support

to enhance its capacity to promote and protect human rights (Nigeria);

114.28 Consider further amendments in its legal frameworks, in compliance

with the international human rights standards (Afghanistan);

114.29 Strictly apply the existing texts aimed at addressing human rights

violations (Cameroon);

114.30 Pursue appropriate policies for making Chad an emerging country

by 2030, as set out in paragraph 12 of the report (United Arab Emirates);

114.31 Boost its efforts for effective application of human rights law

throughout the national territory (Uruguay);

114.32 Continue its efforts to adopt a policy to enhance democracy and

stability in order to protect and promote human rights (Yemen);

114.33 Strengthen the promotion and protection of the rights of the most

vulnerable groups, such as women, youth and persons with disabilities

(Zimbabwe);

114.34 Strengthen implementation of policies and measures for the

consolidation of democracy and the rule of law to ensure effective enjoyment of

human rights in these areas, in line with articles 19 and 25 of the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Angola);

114.35 Continue efforts to respect, protect and promote human rights

(Cameroon);

114.36 Continue to promote and protect the rights of women and youth

(Libya);

114.37 Continue efforts to develop national legislation in the area of human

rights and improve the work of the governmental organs in these areas

(Russian Federation);

114.38 Further enhance the legal frameworks to protect and promote human

rights (Viet Nam);

114.39 Reform its National Human Rights Commission with a view to

strengthening its independence and efficacy, based on recently adopted

legislation, in line with the Paris Principles (Australia);

114.40 Grant the National Commission of Human Rights, whose status is

now in conformity with the Paris Principles, the resources it needs to fully

exercise its powers (Comoros);

114.41 Continue efforts to ensure the smooth operation and full

independence of the National Human Rights Commission in accordance with

the Paris Principles (Djibouti);

114.42 Strengthen the institutional and human capacities of the national

human rights institutions (Ethiopia);

114.43 Intensify efforts towards establishing a new National Human Rights

Commission (Georgia);

14 GE.18-22801

114.44 Strengthen the capacity of senior supervisory staffs through training

(Ethiopia);

114.45 Incorporate into their domestic legislation a definition of

discrimination that is in line with the International Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Honduras);

114.46 Adopt comprehensive legislation to combat and abolish the caste

system (Honduras);

114.47 Pursue efforts to implement the National Development Plan for 2017–

2021 (Sudan);

114.48 Make efforts to implement the two strategic areas related to human

rights within the 2017–2021 National Development Plan (United Arab

Emirates);

114.49 Significantly invest in human capital, by increasing as a priority,

funds allocated to education and health, so as to guarantee sustainable and

inclusive economic growth and development, in the framework of the 2030

Agenda (Angola);

114.50 Continue to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable

Development, to further promote economic and social development according

to the national development plan, and reduce poverty (China);

114.51 Continue working to effectively implement the National Development

Plan until 2021 and the National Health Policy, for a better living standard for

its population (Cuba);

114.52 Continue to implement the National Development Plan to realize full

and effective enjoyment of human rights in the country (Lesotho);

114.53 Continue efforts in the fight against terrorism (Senegal);

114.54 Continue to work with international stakeholders to fight terrorism

and promote good governance (Sierra Leone);

114.55 Continue to combat terrorism so as to create a peaceful and stable

environment for the enjoyment of human rights by the people (China);

114.56 Not to relent in its efforts to combat terrorism (Nigeria);

114.57 Abolish the death penalty for all crimes, including those linked to

terrorism (Switzerland);

114.58 Consider abolishing the death penalty as part of the Criminal Code

revision (Ukraine);

114.59 Abolish the death penalty for all crimes (Cyprus);

114.60 Consider expediting the review process that will lead to the complete

abolishment of the death penalty (Mozambique);

114.61 Totally abolish the death penalty (France);

114.62 Abolish the death penalty for all crimes, including those related to

terrorism, and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death

penalty (Germany);

114.63 Abolish the death penalty as part of the revision of the Criminal Code

(Iceland);

114.64 Take formal steps to abolish the death penalty, including by declaring

an official moratorium on its use and by ratifying the Second Optional Protocol

to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Ireland);

GE.18-22801 15

114.65 Abolish the death penalty for all crimes and ratify the Second

Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

(Portugal);

114.66 Take concrete measures to introduce de jure a moratorium on the use

of the death penalty with a view towards its total abolition (Rwanda);

114.67 Proceed with a moratorium as a first step towards the complete

abolition of the death penalty and with the ratification of the Second Optional

Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Spain);

114.68 Reinstate a formal moratorium on the death penalty as a step

towards complete abolition (Australia);

114.69 Adopt a moratorium on the implementation of the death penalty

(Chile);

114.70 Step up efforts in fighting and preventing torture and ill-treatment,

while taking steps to guarantee the full observance of human rights in detention

facilities and refugee camps (Brazil);

114.71 Amend the definition of torture in the Criminal Code in line with the

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading

Treatment or Punishment (Chile);

114.72 Amend the new Penal Code so that acts of torture become

imprescriptible, ensure that the prohibition of torture is strictly applied and

conclude the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

(Portugal);

114.73 Take measures to improve the living conditions of detainees,

especially women (Côte d’Ivoire);

114.74 Continue efforts aimed at improving living conditions of detainees in

prisons (Georgia);

114.75 Strengthen efforts to combat trafficking in persons through public

awareness-raising and training programmes for duty bearers (Philippines);

114.76 Step up efforts to ensure that all perpetrators of human trafficking

are brought to justice, and take the necessary steps to ensure that victims are

adequately compensated (Serbia);

114.77 Ensure that all perpetrators of human trafficking are brought to

justice (Ukraine);

114.78 Fully enforce Presidential Ordinance 006/18, including through the

investigation and prosecution of suspected human trafficking offenders (United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

114.79 Fight against human trafficking (France);

114.80 Intensify efforts to combat trafficking in persons (Iraq);

114.81 Continue to strengthen mechanisms to combat trafficking of persons,

and ensure perpetrators of human trafficking are brought to justice (Maldives);

114.82 Ensure that all allegations of enforced disappearances are subject to

an independent investigation and that the perpetrators of these acts are

prosecuted and convicted, and conclude the ratification of the International

Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance

(Portugal);

114.83 Establish oversight mechanisms for the use of arrest and detention

procedures to ensure that those detained have access to counsel of their

choosing (United States of America);

16 GE.18-22801

114.84 Instruct all Chadian security services to put an end to the unlawful

arrests and detention in secrecy and to cease detentions without charge beyond

48 hours, such as provided by the Penal Code (Canada);

114.85 Develop and adopt a law to recognize human rights defenders, to

protect them from arbitrary arrests and intimidation, and to support their

work in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights

Defenders (Netherlands);

114.86 Amend the Press Law in order to guarantee full enjoyment of the

relevant freedoms (Spain);

114.87 Respect freedom of the press and the right to freedom of opinion and

expression in accordance with domestic law, the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights and other international standards, to ensure that

journalists, media workers and human rights defenders are able to freely

exercise their rights to freedom of expression, without fear of reprisals, arrest,

detention, intimidation, threat or harassment (Sweden);

114.88 Respect the right to freedom of opinion, expression, association and

peaceful assembly (Switzerland);

114.89 Ensure full enjoyment of the rights of freedom of opinion and

expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of the

press, in line with relevant international standards (Brazil);

114.90 Amend Ordinance No. 45/62 on public gatherings and Decree No.

193/62 on public events in order to bring them into line with international law

and standards concerning freedom of expression, association and peaceful

assembly (Canada);

114.91 Defend freedom of association and freedom of the media (France);

114.92 Ensure freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly for

all citizens by changing the official regulations in order to meet international

human rights law and standards and by effectively addressing threats, attacks,

harassment and intimidation against human rights defenders and journalists

(Germany);

114.93 Strengthen freedom of opinion and expression (Iraq);

114.94 Guarantee full exercise of the rights to freedom of expression,

association and peaceful assembly, also improving the environment for

journalists, human rights defenders and non-governmental organizations to

freely carry out their activities (Italy);

114.95 Enforce the Constitution’s freedom of assembly and peaceful

demonstration laws, and ensure that they are consistent with Chad’s

international human rights commitments (United States of America);

114.96 Implement the right to protest (France);

114.97 Respect fundamental guarantees for persons detained, in accordance

with due process, including the right to be informed of the grounds for their

detention, to have access to legal counsel, to contact members of their family, to

receive medical care, and to be tried before an independent court in accordance

with international fair trial standards (Switzerland);

114.98 Conduct a justice reform to ensure that all citizens have access to the

justice system (Ukraine);

114.99 Consider including measures aimed at ensuring increased efficiency

and accountability of the public service into its national development strategy

(Azerbaijan);

114.100 Take effective measures to put an end to impunity with regard to

violations of the rights of women (Spain);

GE.18-22801 17

114.101 With a view to putting an end to impunity, implement the decisions of

the N’Djamena Appeals Court of 25 March 2015 on the trial of the

collaborators of Hissène Habré, in particular by ensuring that the perpetrators

serve their time as decided by the court (Switzerland);

114.102 Investigate and prosecute security forces involved in human rights

violations (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

114.103 Investigate and prosecute alleged human rights abuses by the security

forces, including torture and arbitrary killings, with a view to ensuring full

accountability (Australia);

114.104 Take all appropriate measures to ensure full respect for human

rights by security forces and their accountability (Italy);

114.105 Conduct investigations into reports of torture and other abuses by

security forces (United States of America);

114.106 Step up efforts to bring to justice all those responsible for trafficking

(Côte d’Ivoire);

114.107 Consolidate peace, unity and national reconciliation (Sudan);

114.108 Continue its efforts to set up dialogue processes with different groups

of political and social actors (Turkey);

114.109 Organize free, transparent and credible elections (France);

114.110 Accelerate the approval of the individual and family project and

ensure that it is in full compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights (Paraguay);

114.111 Accelerate the adoption of the Code on Persons and the Family

(Togo);

114.112 Finalize the process of adoption of the draft code on persons and the

family, which has been under consideration for twenty years (Democratic

Republic of the Congo);

114.113 Adopt the family code, which would promote better protection of the

rights of women and children (France);

114.114 Continue efforts on the elaboration and adoption of the code on

persons and the family, as well as the code on the child (Gabon);

114.115 Strengthen the status of children and women by adopting the “code

de la famille” and by the effective implementation of the Convention on the

Rights of the Child and the Optional Protocols thereto (Germany);

114.116 Continue to build upon its social programmes to increase the living

standard of its people, in particular the most needy, with the international

assistance and cooperation that the country requires (Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela);

114.117 Strengthen the development of the rural sector, as well as food and

nutrition security (Plurinational State of Bolivia);

114.118 Develop the rural sector and ensure food security (Libya);

114.119 Step up efforts to tackle socioeconomic problems in the country,

improve the living conditions of the population, and eradicate poverty and

social inequalities (Russian Federation);

114.120 Continue the fight against poverty, inequalities and social exclusion

(Senegal);

114.121 Step up efforts to reduce multidimensional poverty and social

inequalities (Viet Nam);

18 GE.18-22801

114.122 Scale up the fight against poverty and social inequalities and

exclusion (Zimbabwe);

114.123 Continue efforts to achieve concrete progress in reducing poverty

(Cuba);

114.124 Strengthen access to drinking water and cooperate with bilateral and

international partners towards this end (Indonesia);

114.125 Continue to boost its national health policy, in particular for women,

children and the elderly (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

114.126 Performance-based and result-oriented management in the health-

care system in order to attain the goal of eradication of poliomyelitis and to

increase immunization coverage (India);

114.127 Take further steps in enhancing access to and improving the quality

of health-care services for its entire people, including emergency health-care

services (Indonesia);

114.128 Further reinforce efforts to promote maternal health as well as

education for young girls (Malaysia);

114.129 Adopt legislative measures in order to increase equitable access to

sexual and reproductive health in development and egalitarian environments

(Honduras);

114.130 Continue improving the situation of education, especially of girls

(Oman);

114.131 Continue measures to ensure universal primary education and

eradicate illiteracy, especially in rural areas (Russian Federation);

114.132 Pursue efforts to strengthen education through the formulation and

implementation of a strategy facilitating access to education, especially for

women and children (State of Palestine);

114.133 Pursue efforts to improve the quality of education and combat

dropout rates (Tunisia);

114.134 Strengthen its efforts to improve access to education for children in

rural areas, as well as access to adequate health for the vulnerable segments of

its population, in particular women, children, the elderly and people in a

situation of handicap (Mauritius);

114.135 Continue broadening literacy in rural communities (Plurinational

State of Bolivia);

114.136 Continue to expand access to quality education, including in rural

areas, and the extension of literacy programmes (Cuba);

114.137 Make further efforts to reduce the dropout rate of girls at schools by

taking appropriate measures, depending on the national capacity, to remove

the impediments to school enrolment of girls (Democratic People’s Republic of

Korea);

114.138 Redouble efforts in ensuring access to education for children,

including by increasing budget allocation for education (Indonesia);

114.139 Continue its efforts in promotion and protection of the right to

education, particularly for young children (Islamic Republic of Iran);

114.140 Continue to improve the education system to provide quality

education (Maldives);

114.141 Continue implementation of the social intervention policies (Ghana);

114.142 Promote and protect the rights of women and young people (Sudan);

GE.18-22801 19

114.143 Continue its efforts aimed at empowerment of women through

various initiatives, including awareness-raising programmes (Azerbaijan);

114.144 Continue efforts for the empowerment of women (Egypt);

114.145 Strengthen the delivery of family planning services with a special

emphasis on guaranteeing access for adolescent women, without discrimination

on the basis of their marital status or authorization requirements by a third

person (Mexico);

114.146 Continue efforts to promote gender equality and step up efforts to

combat harmful traditional practices against women and girls (Canada);

114.147 Further intensify efforts to implement policies and programmes on

combating violence against women (Philippines);

114.148 Enact comprehensive legislation preventing and criminalizing

violence against women (Republic of Korea);

114.149 Develop comprehensive policies to combat sexual and gender-based

violence (Sierra Leone);

114.150 Ensure that the National Strategy to Combat Gender-based Violence

is effectively implemented so that female victims of gender-based violence

receive multidimensional care (South Africa);

114.151 Implement further measures to prevent violence against women,

including female genital mutilation and other harmful practices, and combat

impunity in this regard specifically by ensuring compliance with existing

legislation (Sweden);

114.152 Pursue efforts to combat violence against women (Tunisia);

114.153 Accelerate efforts to find appropriate solutions for overcoming

violence against women, early marriages and female genital mutilation

(Turkey);

114.154 Enact legislation aimed at preventing and combating violence against

women and domestic violence (Ukraine);

114.155 Raise the awareness of the population about the adverse effects of

violence against women and about the exercise of their fundamental rights

(Algeria);

114.156 Implement policies to combat gender-based violence, particularly

among refugees and asylum seekers (Mexico);

114.157 Take adequate measures to ensure that judicial proceedings are

undertaken against perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence and

ensure that perpetrators are punished in accordance with the law (Canada);

114.158 Establish legislation on preventing and combating violence against

women, which will include the establishment of special courts and measures to

protect the victims (Chile);

114.159 Strengthen the promotion and protection of women’s rights by

implementing additional measures to combat violence against women (Djibouti);

114.160 Redouble efforts to combat gender-based violence and discrimination

(Gabon);

114.161 Organize awareness-raising campaigns for men and women on the

adverse effects of violence against women (Iceland);

114.162 Continue its commitment against all forms of violence against women,

particularly sexual violence, female genital mutilations and forced marriage

(Iceland);

20 GE.18-22801

114.163 Take steps to enact a law preventing and combating violence against

women and children (India);

114.164 Strengthen legislation concerning violence against women (Iraq);

114.165 Take other measures to combat all forms of discrimination and

violence, including against women, children and other vulnerable groups (Italy);

114.166 Find appropriate and pragmatic solutions for the inclusion of women

and socially vulnerable groups in the development of the country (Turkey);

114.167 Continue to strengthen the empowerment of women in public and

private life by combating early marriage through educational campaigns and

law changes such as adoption of the family law, and by implementing

programmes to encourage and support female entrepreneurship (Netherlands);

114.168 Continue the efforts to overcome obstacles to the low school

enrolment of girls, with special attention to combating early and forced

marriages (Republic of Korea);

114.169 Expand measures to ensure gender equality, and eliminate negative

practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (Russian

Federation);

114.170 Strengthen implementation of legislation and policies aimed at ending

harmful traditional practices, in particular child, early and forced marriages

and female genital mutilation (Rwanda);

114.171 Strengthen measures to combat and eliminate harmful practices

against women and girls, especially child, early and forced marriages, early

pregnancies and female genital mutilation (Slovenia);

114.172 Pursue efforts to protect the rights of children and protect them

against sexual exploitation (Tunisia);

114.173 Take measures to guarantee access to justice for victims of female

genital mutilation, child marriage, gender-based violence and violence against

girls, boys and adolescents, and ensure that the investigation of the allegations

and the prosecution and punishment of the perpetrators is carried out

(Uruguay);

114.174 Step up implementation of specific measures to combat early

marriage for girls and facilitate their access to education, especially in rural

areas (Angola);

114.175 Intensify measures to investigate and punish female genital

mutilation, child marriage and forced marriage (Argentina);

114.176 Increase its efforts to enforce its legislative prohibitions against child

marriage and female genital mutilation (Australia);

114.177 Implement laws that prevent child marriages, and punish

perpetrators (Botswana);

114.178 Endeavour to end the harmful effect of female genital mutilation

through legal effectiveness and raising awareness (Botswana);

114.179 Adopt all necessary measures to fully implement the Law Prohibiting

Child Marriage and the Law Prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation (Chile);

114.180 Step up efforts to end harmful practices of female genital mutilation

by setting up targeted awareness-raising and information programmes (Côte

d’Ivoire);

114.181 Enhance efforts to raise public awareness of harmful practices

including female genital mutilation (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea);

114.182 Continue efforts to combat female genital mutilation (Gabon);

GE.18-22801 21

114.183 Ensure effective implementation of the law against female genital

mutilation in every region and investigate forms of non-compliance (Germany);

114.184 Adopt legislation that prohibits genital mutilation (Honduras);

114.185 Intensify efforts to end child marriages (Lesotho);

114.186 Implement practical measures to immediately halt the use of child

labour (Australia);

114.187 Continue measures to prohibit corporal punishment, under all

circumstances, against children (Algeria);

114.188 Continue efforts to strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities

(Egypt);

114.189 Consider scaling up initiatives related to the economic empowerment

of women and young people (Philippines);

114.190 Take measures to provide better access to public services for refugees,

asylum seekers and displaced persons (Serbia);

114.191 Take the necessary steps to protect human rights defenders facing

threats and intimidation (Spain);

114.192 Take the necessary measures to guarantee the protection of human

rights defenders as well as journalists, and investigate and punish all acts of

intimidation and violence against them (Argentina);

114.193 Take the necessary measures to guarantee the protection of

journalists and human rights defenders against threats and intimidation and

give them the necessary leeway to exercise their activities (Central African

Republic);

114.194 Strengthen the protection of human rights defenders (France);

114.195 Ensure civil society actors, human rights defenders and journalists

are protected from threats and intimidation, in line with international law and

standards (Ireland).

115. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below

have been examined by Chad and have been noted by Chad:

115.1 Consider ratifying international and regional human rights treaties,

including the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from

Enforced Disappearance (Cyprus);

115.2 Ratify or accede to the human rights instruments to which it is not a

party, in particular the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the

International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced

Disappearance, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and the Convention on

the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Honduras);

115.3 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance and the Second Optional Protocol to the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of

the death penalty (Mexico);

115.4 Finalize ratification of the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Tunisia);

115.5 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from

Enforced Disappearance (Uruguay);

22 GE.18-22801

115.6 Repeal all laws that criminalize persons based on their sexual

orientation and gender identity (Iceland);

115.7 Include explicitly in the draft of the personal and family code the

elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (Chile);

115.8 Promote awareness campaigns to eliminate stereotypes that

undermine the dignity of women and repeal discriminatory provisions against

women, including article 385 of the Penal Code, so that adultery is not

considered a crime with penalties of prison, and remove the provision

according to which homicide and assault resulting in bodily injury were

excusable if the victim was the spouse of the perpetrator of such acts (article 69)

(Paraguay);

115.9 Undertake practical measures to put an end to corporal punishment

of children in all settings (Montenegro).

116. 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.

GE.18-22801 23

Annex

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Chad was headed by the Minister of Justice, in charge of Human

Rights, H.E. Mr. Djimet Arabi and composed of the following members:

• H.E. Ms. Djalal Ardjoun Khalil, Minister of Women, Protection of Early Childhood, and National Solidarity;

• H.E. Ahmad Makaila, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of Chad to Switzerland;

• Mr. Abakar Hassan, Member of the Parliament, President of the Communication Commission, new Information and Communication Technologies and Human

Rights of the National Assembly;

• Mr. Ndimadjingar Assane Maurice, Member of Parliament, Rapporteur of the Communication Commission, New Information and Communication Technologies

and Human Rights of the National Assembly;

• Me Philippe Houssine, Legal Advisor at the Presidency of the Republic;

• Ms. Mbaigoto Neloum, General Director of SGG, Member of the inter-ministerial committee;

• M. Ismael Adoum Hamit, General Director of SGG, Member of the inter-ministerial committee;

• Mr. Abdel-Nasser Mahamat Ali Garboa, Director General of Human Rights and Legislation, Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Member of the inter-ministerial

committee;

• Mr. Ali Sossal Brahim, Director of Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, international cooperation and the Diaspora;

• Ms. Deyo Julienne, Director of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Justice;

• Dr. Grace Dangothe Kondido, Director of reproductive and public health;

• Ms. Ngarmbatinan Sololta Marie, First Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Chad to Geneva, Focal Point;

• Ms. Denise Amine Ndigal, Officer of the Minister of Justice and Human Rights;

• Mr. Ndjimaramadji François, Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights.