14 States’ Human Rights Records Examined in Universal Periodic Review

507951 — Human Rights Council UPR Working Group
Credit: UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

The Human Rights Council is close to concluding its 22^nd Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group which began on May 4 and will conclude on May 15, 2015 to examine 14 States’ human rights records. [OHCHR Press Release] During these Working Group discussions, UN Member States are reviewing the human rights practices of Belarus, Liberia, Malawi, Mongolia, Panama, Maldives, Andorra, Bulgaria, Honduras, the United States, Marshall Islands, Croatia, Jamaica, and Libya (listed in the order of their scheduled reviews). [OHCHR: Universal Periodic Review Timetable]

During the interactive UPR process, State representatives present the steps they have taken to fulfill their human rights obligations, including both positive developments and challenges, as set out in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, human rights instruments to which the State is party, voluntary pledges and commitments made by the State, and applicable international law. [OHCHR: UPR Fact Sheet] Because this is the second UPR cycle for these States, they are expected to explain how they have implemented recommendations issued during their first review. While all 47 members of the Human Rights Council participate in the reviews, each review is facilitated by a troika, or a group of three Council members that represent different regional groups, and who serve as rapporteurs. [OHCHR Press Release]

The working group reviews the following items: national reports, which contain information provided by each State under review; a compilation of information contained in reports by special procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN bodies; and a summary of information provided by stakeholders, including national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and NGOs. This summary consists of written submissions from non-government actors. Each State review will be followed by the adoption of an “outcome report,” which includes recommendations to the State under review. The report will then be adopted at the Human Rights Council’s plenary session in September and October, 2015. [OHCHR Press Release]

Common issues confronting the States during this session include: women’s rights and gender-based violence (Belarus, Liberia, Malawi, Mongolia, Panama, Maldives, Andorra, Bulgaria, Honduras, United States, Marshall Islands, Croatia, Jamaica); the right to education (Belarus, Liberia, Malawi, Mongolia, Panama, Maldives, Andorra, Bulgaria, Honduras, United States, Marshall Islands, Croatia, Jamaica);the rights of the child (Belarus, Liberia, Malawi, Mongolia, Panama, Maldives, Andorra, Bulgaria, Honduras, Marshall Islands, Croatia, Jamaica); and the right to healthcare (Belarus, Liberia, Malawi, Mongolia, Panama, Maldives, Andorra, Bulgaria, Honduras, United States, Marshall Islands, Croatia, Jamaica).

A live webcast and archived videos of each country’s review are available through UN Web TV.

Belarus

Belarus prepared its National Report pursuant to the plan on implementation of recommendations made in the first cycle of the UPR. Since its first UPR, Belarus acceded to several regional and international human rights agreements including the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings; Convention on Standards for Democratic Elections, Electoral Rights and Freedoms in the States Members of the Commonwealth of Independent States; Minamata Convention on Mercury; Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats; Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity; and Additional Protocol to the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption; and implemented multiple laws to protect and promote human rights. It has achieved several Millennium Development Goals such as eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality and empowering women, reducing child mortality, and improving maternal health. The State has implemented various awareness campaigns and legislation to: protect the right of the family to protection by society and the State; the right to social security; and the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: Belarus, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/BLR/1, 9 February 2015.

There were 31 stakeholders that submitted reports calling attention to the human rights situation in Belarus, made up of 24 individual submissions and six joint submissions from multiple civil society organizations as well as one submission from a regional intergovernmental organization. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: Belarus, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/BLR/3, 16 February 2015.

The troika conducting the review of human rights practices in Belarus consists of Pakistan, Paraguay, and Algeria. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures.

The national report, summary of information submitted by civil society organizations, compilation of UN human rights bodies’ reports, and questions submitted in advance by other States are available on the UPR Second Cycle webpage for Belarus.

Liberia

Liberia’s National Report reaffirms its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights while noting its struggles as a post-conflict nation and various challenges such as endemic corruption, high illiteracy and unemployment rates, lack of human rights awareness, and lack of trust in the judiciary and law enforcement. The Ebola Virus breakout further strained the State’s resources and efforts to stabilize the nation, compounding the challenges the State faced in ensuring the rights to an adequate standard of living, health, and education. Following the first UPR cycle, Liberia ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and is favorably considering the ratification of multiple other international human rights legal instruments including the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers and Their Families, the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Liberia has taken measures to implement the recommendations of its Truth and Reconciliation Commission; steps to abolish the death penalty, after it was reinstated in 2008; and actions to reform the justice sector. The State has developed legislative and policy measures to prohibit child marriage and other harmful traditional practices. Moving forward, key priorities include taking steps towards ratifying, domesticating, and implementing human rights conventions; improving the standard of living of Liberians; and promoting and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: Liberia, UN Doc A/HRC/WG.6/22/LBR/1, 18 February 2015.

There were eight stakeholders that submitted reports calling attention to the human rights situation in Liberia made up of three individual submissions and five joint submissions, each of which contained information from multiple civil society organizations. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: Liberia, UN Doc. A/HRC/WB.6/22/LBR/3, 9 February 2015.

Liberia’s UPR troika consists of Russia, Gabon, and Vietnam. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures to which Liberia is a party.

Malawi

Malawi’s National Report addressed the recommendations it had accepted from the UPR first cycle in the areas of rights of women and gender equality, child rights, protection of vulnerable groups, international cooperation, the justice system, social economic development, national human rights institutions, and protection of human rights generally. The Law Commission, which is responsible for law reform, is undertaking efforts to harmonize national legislation with the State’s international commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The State reports that it has adopted legislation to protect the rights of people with disabilities; promote humane treatment of inmates; address issues of child marriage; and improve access to education and healthcare. The State is on course to possibly achieve multiple Millennium Development Goals. The HIV epidemic continues to impact Malawi, resulting in economic, knowledge based, and other losses. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: Malawi, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/MWI/1, 4 February 2015.

Reports calling attention to the human rights situation in Malawi were submitted by 12 stakeholders: four individual submissions, seven joint submissions from multiple civil society organizations, and one submission from a national human rights institution. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: Malawi, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/MWI/3, 10 February 2015.

The troika reviewing Malawi consists of Kenya, Kazakhstan, and Albania. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures.

Mongolia

The National Report submitted by Mongolia for the second UPR cycle reflects the measures that the State has taken to protect and promote human rights following the first UPR cycle. Legislation focused on ensuring gender equality, combatting human trafficking, and providing legal assistance. Mongolia acceded to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty and ratified the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. Measures to fight corruption, reduce poverty, and improve the environment have been codified. State programs promote the right to employment, the protection of LGBT persons’ rights, food security, and prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS. Priority issues include improving the capacities of law enforcement organizations and promoting human rights education. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: Mongolia, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/MNG/1, 17 February 2015.

There were 18 stakeholders that submitted reports calling attention to the human rights situation in Mongolia: seven individual submissions, nine joint submissions from multiple civil society organizations, one submission from a national human rights institution, and one submission from a regional intergovernmental organization. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: Mongolia, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/MNG/3, 9 February 2015.

Mongolia’s troika consists of Cuba, Sierra Leone, and the Netherlands. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures.

Panama

Panama’s National Report includes actions it has taken to implement the recommendations the State received in the first UPR cycle. The State ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture, the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Panama established a national standing commission to oversee compliance with the State’s international human rights obligations. Efforts to improve the administration of justice included the submission of a bill to the National Assembly to establish and progressively implement the adversarial system of criminal justice. Additionally, Panama adopted laws that criminalize femicide, as well as laws on human trafficking and female sterilization. The State adopted legislation aimed at protecting indigenous people’s rights, took steps towards addressing LGBTI discrimination, put into place improvements in the area of migrants and refugees, and reduced the level of poverty. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: Panama, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/PAN/1, 11 February 2015.

There were 13 stakeholders that submitted reports calling attention to the human rights situation in Panama: seven individual submissions, five joint submissions from multiple civil society organizations, and one submission from a regional intergovernmental organization. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: Panama, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/PAN/3, 5 February 2015.

The troika reviewing Panama is Ghana, Russia, and Germany. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures.

Maldives

The National Report submitted by the Maldives describes measures taken to implement the UPR first cycle’s recommendations, as well as challenges faced in doing so. The Maldives submitted a mid-term review report in 2013 to highlight developments since the first review. The government “expects” ratification of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Girls, withdrew its reservations to Article 7(a) of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and reformulated its reservation of Article 16 of CEDAW. In its national report, the State addresses housing as a human right, the passage of legislation to strengthen the criminal justice system and improve access to justice, laws aimed at gender equality, the criminalization of gang violence and organized crime, and its rights-based approach to addressing climate change. The State has ratified seven of the nine core human rights treaties, five optional protocols, and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The report notes that one of the major challenges that the State faces is the lack of capacity of trained and qualified professionals as well as brain drain as a result of the lack of opportunities in the Maldives. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: Maldives, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/MDV/1, 17 April 2015.

There were 15 stakeholders that submitted reports calling attention to the human rights situation in the Maldives consisting of nine individual submissions and five joint submissions from multiple civil society organizations as well as one submission from a national human rights institution. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: Maldives, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/MDV/3, 2 February 2015.

The Maldives’ troika is made up of Argentina, France, and India. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures.

Andorra

Andorra’s National Report covers issues of immigration and labor rights, the protection of vulnerable groups, as well as other human rights promotion and protection activities that were undertaken following the first UPR. Since the first review of Andorra, the State signed or ratified 15 additional international human rights instruments including the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the European Charter of Local Self-Government, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Andorra amended parts of its criminal code, started organizing anti-bullying efforts, and put into place policies and programs to reduce gender discrimination. Measures to protect the rights of detainees, immigrants, laborers, and people with disabilities have also been implemented. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: Andorra, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/AND/1, 11 February 2015.

The summary of stakeholders’ information included three stakeholders that submitted reports calling attention to the human rights situation in Andorra. These consisted of one submission from a civil society organization and submissions from two regional intergovernmental organizations. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: Andorra, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/AND/3, 9 February 2015.

The troika examining Andorra consists of Ethiopia, Qatar, and Portugal. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures.

Bulgaria

The National Report submitted by Bulgaria discusses the steps the State is taking to promote human rights. Since the first cycle UPR, Bulgaria signed and or ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, and Protocol 15 to the European Convention for the Protection of the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The State continued to: make reforms to the judicial system; take steps to prevent and eliminate discrimination, for example against LGBT individuals; put effort into better integrating the Roma and other vulnerable groups; and address trafficking in persons. The State has also aligned its national legal framework on refugees and migrants with EU legislation, improved living conditions in prisons, and taken steps towards reducing poverty. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: Bulgaria, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/BGR/1, 13 February 2015.

There were 12 stakeholders that submitted reports calling attention to the human rights situation in Bulgaria which included four individual submissions, five joint submissions from civil society organizations, and three submissions from regional intergovernmental organizations. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: Bulgaria, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/BGR/3, 9 February 2015.

Bulgaria’s troika is composed of Côte d’Ivoire, Ireland, and Pakistan. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures.

Honduras

The National Report by Honduras discusses the progress the State has made as well as the challenges faced in promoting and protecting human rights since its first UPR. The report notes that at the time of submission, the State had experienced major political renewal and had expanded its participation in international forums to fulfill its commitments with international human rights organizations. The State amended its criminal code to define enforced disappearance as a specific offense, created a specific ministerial portfolio for human rights in the Cabinet, and adopted recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2011 report. The report notes that special rapporteurs and representatives of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) visited the State and provides an update on cases before both the IACHR and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The State has undertaken measures to protect the right to freedom and security; to increase access to democracy; and to promote economic, social, and cultural rights. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: Honduras, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/HND/1, 9 February 2015.

In total, 33 stakeholders submitted reports calling attention to the human rights situation in Honduras. These included 15 individual submissions, 16 joint submissions from civil society organizations, and two submissions from regional intergovernmental organizations. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: Honduras, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/HND/3, 10 February 2015.

Honduras’ troika is Paraguay, Namibia, and Korea. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures.

United States

The National Report submitted by the United States reviews its implementation of recommendations from the first UPR. The report states that while the U.S. does not have a national human rights institution, it has state, tribal, and local human rights institutions. The report notes that the U.S. has taken steps towards ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and that it supports the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which it signed in 1979. The U.S. also supports the International Labour Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. The report includes information about steps taken to: eliminate the use of excessive force by law enforcement; address racial bias in the criminal justice system; and fight discrimination based on religion, disability, race, and sexual and gender identity in voting, employment, housing, education and health. Several pieces of legislation concerning immigration and border security have been introduced and the State aims to both engage in counterterrorism efforts and intelligence-gathering while at the same time protecting privacy and civil liberties. Plans to combat human trafficking, gender inequality, and mistreatment of detainees have been put into place. The national report also acknowledges the need to address climate change and, in particular, to focus on the implications on minority, low-income, and indigenous communities. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: United States of America, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/USA/1, 13 February 2015.

There were 91 stakeholders that submitted reports calling attention to the human rights situation in the United States, consisting of 37 individual submissions, 52 joint submissions from civil society organizations, and two submissions from regional intergovernmental organizations. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: United States of America, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/USA/3, 16 February 2015.

The troika of the United States consists of Botswana, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures.

Marshall Islands

The National Report of the Marshall Islands discusses projects undertaken by the Resource Development Committee, the Cabinet mandated body tasked with addressing human rights, since the first UPR. Through its National Strategic Plan, the Marshall Islands is working to address the sectors of social development, the environment, climate change and resiliency, infrastructure development, sustainable economic development, and good governance. The report notes the passage of a law addressing domestic violence, a review of issues affecting child protection, and efforts to improve education. The report notes that the main challenges confronting the State include lack of human resources, infrastructure issues, budget constraints, and natural disasters that led to a diversion of State resources and energy. Key priorities for the State going forward include addressing climate change, improving gender equality, and focusing on education. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: Marshall Islands, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/MHL/1, 9 February 2015.

There were four stakeholders that submitted reports calling attention to the human rights situation in the Marshall Islands, made up of two individual submissions and two joint submissions from civil society organizations. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: Marshall Islands, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/MHL/3, 12 February 2015.

The troika for the Marshall Islands consists of Mexico, China, and the Congo. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures.

Croatia

Croatia’s National Report provides examples of the State’s implementation of recommendations given following the first UPR. This report follows a 2013 mid-term report that Croatia submitted after the first UPR cycle. The government ratified the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption and the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. The State is planning to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Croatia has implemented various anti-discrimination measures, incorporated elements of international instruments into its national laws on torture, improved the free legal aid system, and implemented elements of a migration and asylum project to monitor policy in the area of illegal migration. The report also addresses judicial independence, freedom of the press, and the rights of persons with disabilities. Additionally, the State report expresses a commitment to investigating and prosecuting past war crimes and addresses the challenges associated with doing so. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: Croatia, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/HRV/1, 9 February 2015.

The summary of stakeholders’ information included two individual submissions, three joint submissions from civil society organizations, one submission from the national human rights institution, and three submissions from regional intergovernmental organizations. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: Croatia, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/HRV/3, 9 January 2015.

Croatia’s troika is made up of Bangladesh, Macedonia, and Brazil. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures.

Jamaica

Jamaica’s National Report discusses the government’s efforts following the first UPR to bring about change through the National Development Plan centered on four goals: empower Jamaicans to achieve their fullest potential; establish a secure, cohesive and just society; achieve a prosperous economy; and succeed in securing a healthy natural environment. The State has entered into a relationship with the International Monetary Fund and the Economic Reform Program has reduced unemployment, inflation, and the State deficit. The State has established several new schools, increased efforts to reduce crime and violence, and worked to participate in sustainable development activities. Jamaica ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. Various policies are being implemented to enhance gender equality; reform the justice and policing systems; and promote human rights, especially among vulnerable groups. Efforts to establish a National Human Rights Institution are ongoing. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: Jamaica, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/JAM/1, 27 April 2015.

There were eight stakeholders that submitted reports calling attention to the human rights situation in Jamaica. These consisted of five individual submissions, two joint submissions from civil society organizations, and one submission from a regional intergovernmental organization. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: Jamaica, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/JAM/3, 12 February 2015.

Jamaica’s troika consists of Estonia, Algeria, and Japan. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures.

Libya

Libya’s National Report discusses developments that have taken place since its first UPR cycle reports. The report emphasizes several legislative and other developments that have occurred since the revolution and armed conflict that started in February 2011 such as the creation of a transitional Constitutional Declaration, as well as various laws that aim to better promote and protect human rights. With respect to gender, the report notes that women played a significant role in the revolution and that, by law, women who were victims of violence or were raped during the conflict are considered war victims and given medical and psychological care, as well as financial assistance. The report also discusses the treatment of internally displaced persons and those displaced to neighboring countries, notes that it is striving to restrict the use of the death penalty, and explains that the prosecutor’s office is still investigating the mass killings that took place at Abu Salim prison in 1996. See Human Rights Council, National report submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21: Libya UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/LBY/1, 5 May 2015.

There were 23 stakeholders that submitted reports calling attention to the human rights situation in Libya, consisting of 19 individual submissions and four joint submissions from civil society organizations. Human Rights Council, Summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15(c) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21: Libya, UN Doc. A/HRC/WG.6/22/LBY/3, 23 February 2015.

Libya’s troika is composed of the Maldives, El Salvador, and South Africa. [OHCHR: List of Troikas] The working group will also review the Compilation of UN Information based on reports of treaty bodies and special procedures.

The summary of information submitted by civil society organizations, compilation of UN human rights bodies’ reports, and questions submitted in advance by other States are available on the UPR Second Cycle webpage for the Libya.

UN Universal Periodic Review

The UN UPR mechanism functions as a peer review of State reports for the assessment and advancement of human rights within all UN Member States. Each review is facilitated by a group of three Council Member States, called a troika, but participation is open to all UN Member States. Recommendations regarding the human rights situations in each State are made and the State reports on the implementation of those recommendations in the next UPR cycle.

For more information on the UN Universal Periodic Review process, visit IJRC’s Online Resource Hub.