29th Meeting - 63rd Session of Human Rights Council

Excellencies and distinguished participants, I hereby declare open the 29th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. We'll now proceed with the consideration of the outcome of Somalia. The outcome is based on the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Somalia and its addendum. These documents, together with the additional information that will now be provided by Somalia, will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the Council through a standardized decision. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to her Excellency Miss Kadra Ahmed Doolahe, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Somalia, to present additional information on the review. You have the floor.

Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, On behalf of the Federal Government of Somalia, I have the honor to present Somalia's final position on the recommendations received during the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. We thank the Vice President of the Human Rights Council, the UPR Working Group, the UPR Secretariat, OHCHR, and the Turekya of Angola, Colombia, and Vietnam for their support. We also thank the 104 delegations that participated in Somalia's interactive dialogue on May 8, 2026, as well as Somali civil society, women's rights organizations, organizations of persons with disabilities, professional associations, academia, and other national stakeholders. Somalia received 288 recommendations. Following completion of our national consideration, Somalia has supported 260 recommendations and noted 28. This represents our final position, including the three recommendations previously deferred for further consideration. Somalia approaches the UP as a framework for implementation, accountability and constructive cooperation. The supported recommendations will be integrated into the work of our national mechanism for reporting and follow-up, led by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development, with the engagement from relevant government institutions, federal member states, parliament, the judiciary, the National Independent Human Rights Commission, civil society and international partners. Mr. Vice President, since our previous review, Somalia has continued important constitutional, legislative and institutional reforms. The establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission in 2025 with nine commissioners, including three women, is a significant institutional development. A priority now is its full reorganization, independence, accessibility and capacity to receive complaints, monitor and investigate human rights concerns and engage with communities in accordance with the Paris principles. Justice sector reform remains central. Somalia has launched its national justice sector strategy, expanded legal aid and alternative dispute resolution, upgraded detention infrastructure and strengthened human rights for justice actors. We recognize further work is required on detention safeguards, fair trial guarantees, access to justice and accountability. We're also advancing the rights of women and girls, including implementation of the 30% quota for women, strengthening the women, peace and security agenda, and addressing gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, and child marriage. For children, priorities include implementation of the Child Rights Bill, strengthen child's protection, child sensitive justice, birth registration, and prevention of the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. Somalia will continue implementing Law 29 of 2024 on the rights of persons with disabilities and expanding exclusive services and participation. We will also continue addressing access to health, education, water, sanitation and social protection, particularly for communities affected by conflict, displacement and climate shocks. Mr. Vice President, civilian protection means a priority in Somalia's security context. The Protection of Civilians Policy, adopted by the Council of Ministers on April 2, 2026, provides an important framework for strengthening civilian protection, accountability, and safeguards during security operations. Implementation will require sustained national effort and international cooperation. Somalia, therefore, welcomes continued engagement with OH and the United Nations country team. The host country agreement signed on May 6, 2026, provides the basis for the establishment of the OHCHR country office in Mogadishu, which will support agreed monitoring, reporting, technical assistance, and capacity building. objective is clear, to translate the recommendations we have supported into defined responsibilities, realistic timelines, measurable actions, and tangible improvements in the life of the Somali people. Adoption today marks the beginning of implementation. Somalia remains committed to constructive dialogue, national ownership, and continued cooperation with the Human Rights Council and all our partners. We genuinely appreciate the support. I thank you.

I would like to thank Her Excellency for the presentation. I now will open the floor to member and observer states for their comments on the outcome of the review. The speaking time has been set at one minute and 30 seconds for all states. The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Cote d'Ivoire.

Mr. Vice-President, Cote d'Ivoire would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of the Federal Republic of Somalia. And we would like to thank the delegation for the presentation of the report that reflects the commitment of the country and its full cooperation with all human rights mechanisms. My delegation would like to congratulate Somalia on the recommendations that were adopted and wish full success in the implementation of the recommendation. And finally, my delegation would like to recommend to the Council to adopt the report on Somalia. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to distinguished representative of Djibouti.

Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the sister delegation of and thank the delegation for the additional information that reflects the commitment to the promotion and protection of Human Rights on the occasion of the adoption of the UPR. We congratulate Somalia on the exception of most recommendations made during the UPR cycle, and especially the acceptance by Somalia of the two recommendations made by my country. We'd like to wish Somalia full success in the recommendations, in the implementation of recommendations, and recommend that the Council adopt the report related to the third UPR cycle of Somalia. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt. Not in the room. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. It is our honour to welcome the delegation of Somalia and congratulate it on the successful completion of its fourth cycle Universal Periodic Review.

We commend Somalia for its constructive engagement with the UPR.

Process and recognize its continued effort to strengthen human rights protection and institutions at a national level.

So, I welcome the commitment reflected in Somalia's UPR outcome and encourage its efforts.

Continued efforts toward this implementation.

We also encourage continued international cooperation in support of Somalia's nationally-led efforts to strengthen its human rights institutions and capacities. Turkey fully supports the adoption of UPR outcome of Somalia and wishes Somalia every success in its implementation.

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana. Delegation is not in the room. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.

Mr. Vice President, India warmly welcomes the delegation of Somalia for the adoption of the UPR Working Group's report on on its fourth UPR held on 8 May 2026. The review saw substantive participation with 104 delegations taking the floor and making a total of 288 recommendations. We appreciate the constructive engagement of the delegation of Somalia during the entire review, which reflects their commitment to the UPR process. India appreciates that as many as 259 recommendations have been accepted by Somalia, including all three recommendations made by us. While recommending the adoption of their UPR report, we congratulate the delegation of Somalia on a successful review and wish them success in their efforts towards implementing the accepted recommendations. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Mr. President, the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the adoption of the outcome report of the UPR of Somalia and appreciates the constructive engagement of the Somalia delegation throughout the review process. Iran take notes of Somalia in going efforts to strengthen its national human rights framework and to address pressing social and humanitarian challenges, including through the development of national institution protection of vulnerable group, support for integrity displaced persons. and efforts to improve access to water, sanitation, and education. Iran also welcomed the dialogue undertaken during this review and the opportunity to contribute recommendations in a spirit of cooperation. mutual respect, Iran stands ready to share its experience and best practices with Somalia and to contribute to continue constructive cooperation in support of its human right and development objectives. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor now to distinguished representative of Jordan.

Thank you, Vice President. We welcome the delegation of Somalia to pursue this session, and we highly value its cooperation with the UPR. We applaud the efforts deployed by Somalia to protect human rights, including the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, as well as developing legislations to protect persons with disability, and continuing reforms in order to establish the rule of law and reinforce national institutions. We express our appreciation to Somalia's acceptance of our two recommendations that we have tabled during the UPR sessions. These are relevant on developing policies and legislations to protect women and children in line with the relevant international commitment, and take measures to ensure access to education, healthcare, and basic services. In closing, we wish Somalia further prosperity, stability, and security, and we recommend the adoption of this COPR report. Thank you, Vice President.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

Thank you very much, Vice President. We would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and we thank the delegation for the presentation made in connection with the recommendations made during the UPR. We appreciate the fact that Somalia accepted the two recommendations that we made. The first one related to the continuation of efforts to promote education through improving access to quality education, something that would make it possible to support different groups in Somali society. The other recommendation relates to the improvement of basic health services through national programs that are aimed at improving access to health services. In conclusion, we would like to wish Somalia full success in the implementation of the recommendations that were accepted. And we recommend that the Council adopt the report on Somalia. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lebanon.

Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. I would like to welcome the delegation of Somalia, and we congratulate Somalia on its interactive cooperation with the UPR and accepting most of the recommendations made. We appreciate the efforts taken by Somalia in the area of the promotion and protection of human rights, despite the challenges, especially humanitarian, security, and economic difficulties that the country faces. We encourage Somalia to continue reforms and to implement the recommendations that are accepted related, for example, to adopt legislation to combat torture and criminalize torture and also to combat corruption and improve the independence of the judiciary. We do hope that Somalia will continue its dialogue with the UPR in order to improve the efforts in the promotion of human rights. We wish Somalia full success in the implementation of the recommendations, and we recommend the adoption of the report of the working group. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Moldus warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation from Somalia to the adoption of the UPR report and appreciates Somalia's commitment to the UPR process. The Maldives comments Somalia for accepting most of the recommendations it received during the UPR working group session in May 2026, including the three recommendations from the Maldives. We wish the government of Somalia success in implementing the accepted recommendations and request the Council to adopt Somalia's UPR outcome report by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritania.

President, we wish to welcome the delegation of Somalia, and we applaud its positive and constructive engagement with the UPR, and also its openness to the recommendations tabled during the process. We welcome Somalia's acceptance of most of the recommendations received, including two recommendations that we have offered and which bear on efforts to ratify international human rights instruments that have not been approved until now, and also to establish main judicial constitutional entities, including the Constitutional Court, in order to ensure the rule of law and institutional accountability. We hope that the implementation of recommendations will reinforce national efforts to protect human rights. In closing, we wish Somalia success in the implementation of accepted recommendations and we recommend the adoption of its report. Thank you, President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco.

Mr. Vice President, the delegation of.

Morocco welcomes the delegation of Somalia and is pleased to support the adoption of its UPR report today. We commend Somalia for its constructive participation in the interactive dialogue, as well as for the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission. Morocco particularly welcomes Somalia's support for recommendations calling for the allocation of sufficient resources to accelerate development of the birth registration system. especially in hard-to-reach areas, and for recommendations calling for the ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The voluntary acceptance of these recommendations demonstrates Somalia's commitment to human rights. Morocco expresses its full support to Somalia during the implementation phase. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Nepal welcomes the delegation of Somalia to the adoption of the UPR outcome and thanks them for their constructive engagements with the human rights mechanisms. We thank Somalia for accepting all three recommendations offered by Nepal. which include strengthening measures to ensure equality and non-discrimination in both public and private spheres, increasing employment opportunities and the creation of decent jobs, and ensuring universal access to quality education for all, particularly for girls and rural children. Nepal wishes Somalia every success in implementing the accepted recommendation and support the adoption of the UPR outcome report by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Oman.

Thank you, President. We wish to welcome the delegation of Somalia. and we applaud the establishment of the national independent human rights commission, as well as their efforts to expand access to education for children. We took note of the outcome of Somalia's UPR, which was conducted within an atmosphere of fruitful engagement, and we appreciate Somalia's interest in our recommendations. In closing, we recommend the adoption of Somalia's outcome report, wishing Somalia further success in the implementation of the recommendations accepted, as well as further prosperity. Thank you, Vice President.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. That was the last speaker that we could accommodate, I'd like to recall. that all statements, including those which could not be delivered due to time constraints, should be uploaded online. Now I'd like to give the floor to other stakeholders for make their general comments on the outcome. The speaking time is two minutes for everyone. I give the floor now to Eastern Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, video statement.

Mr. President, we welcome Somalia's support to 90% of all recommendations received during its fourth cycle review. The main challenge is implementation. This is particularly true for culturally sensitive issues. In these areas, we stress that the state has a responsibility at minimum to foster an open societal debate. We encourage Somalia to reconsider its position on noted recommendations, including on ratifying the Rome Statute of the ICC. We welcome Somalia's commitments to ratify human rights instruments, especially CEDAW and OPCAT, strengthen NHRI, ensure accountability for violations against independent actors, including human rights defenders and journalists, combat violence against women and girls, including in the form of female genital mutilation and other harmful traditional practices, protect women and girls' rights and ensure gender equality, protect civic space. This was the focus of our own submission. We encourage Somalia to implement these recommendations. We acknowledge budget constraints, but stress some recommendations, including on economic, social and cultural rights, do not have cost implications, for example, non-discrimination. Accepting these recommendations on civic space is important to signal political will. We particularly welcome Somalia's acceptance of recommendations on freedom of expression, journalists and human rights defenders, prosecuting perpetrators of attacks, and protecting human rights defenders. We are delighted that Cote d'Ivoire recommended that Somalia adopt a specific law to protect human rights defenders. Political will now must translate into action, including amending the media law and the penal code, as outlined in accepted recommendations, and addressing violations by state actors, including the National Intelligence and Security Agency. In this regard, scrutiny by this Council remains an essential complement to technical cooperation and the UPR. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you. I now give the floor to Matt for Peace, Development and Human Rights Association, a video statement.

Mr. President, MAD welcomes Somalia's acceptance of approximately 90% of the recommendations presented to it during the fourth UPR cycle. MAD also welcomes positive developments undertaken by Somalia, including the ratification of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child by the House of the People of Federal Parliament on October 1, 2025. However, despite repeated promises by the Somali government to adopt a child rights law, this has not been adopted as of September 2026. Conversely, MAD warns against external interference Somalia, especially the support provided to regions with separatist tendencies, and this threatens security and stability not only in Somalia but of the entire Horn of Africa region. Matt also expresses concern regarding the escalation of operations by terrorist group al-Shabaab, as we documented approximately 111 terrorist attacks carried out by al-Shabaab between January 2024 and June 2026, resulting in the loss of hundreds of civilian lives. Therefore, Matt recommends that the Somali government accelerate the adoption of the Child Rights Bill, ensuring it aligns with the international and regional instruments Somalia has ratified. We also recommend that the international community provide support to the Somali government to assist in countering the terrorism perpetrated by al-Shabaab. Furthermore, we call for an end to the external interference and a cessation of the support for regions with separatist tendencies in order to contribute to the country's stability.

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Eliska Relief Foundation video statement.

Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. Eliska would like to thank the Federal Republic of Somalia for accepting the majority of recommendations made during the fourth UPR cycle. And we praise the recent positive trends, especially the creation of a national human rights commission, Mr. Vice President. Now, while the government of Somalia is trying to preserve stability and improve the human rights situation, the government face the continued threat for decades from terrorist activities of the Al-Shabaab group linked to Al-Qaeda. And even the activities of the group have been reduced recently, thanks to the intensification of Somalian military operation in combination with the mission of the African Union. Al-Shabaab still is in a position to carry out violent attacks targeting military bases and security installations, as well as civilian infrastructure and markets. and to place IEDs along roads. These acts represent a serious threat for the life of civilians. ILSC expresses also its concern in the face of outside support given to the legitimate administration of the separatist region of Somalia. That is a direct attack on the sovereignty and unity of Somalia. ELISA calls upon the Malian government to continue its effort to implement their accepted recommendations and carry out its strategic plan to eliminate the threat posed by al-Shabaab. We recommend that States Parties provide support in terms of reconnaissance and military assistance in order to help the Somalian government to reach that objectives. Finally, Elysica calls on all foreign actors, including Israel and Ethiopia, to put an end to its support for Somaliland. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to Advocates for Human Rights, a video statement.

Mr. President, the Advocates for Human Rights, the Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders, and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty are pleased that the government of Somalia has accepted 10 recommendations to strengthen protections for human rights defenders, including Cote d'Ivoire's recommendation to adopt a law on the protection of human rights defenders. We urge the government of Somalia to work with Somali civil society in the implementation of these recommendations. Despite the government's positive steps with regard to human rights defenders, the government also noted important recommendations aimed at the abolition of the death penalty, harmonizing the state's legal definition of a child, and decriminalizing consensual same-sex sexual activity, including Spain's recommendation to establish a legal moratorium with a view to the eventual total abolition of the death penalty and take necessary measures to ensure that the capital punishment is not applied to minors. given that children are repeatedly and falsely classified as adults, tried for death-eligible offenses, and subsequently executed, noting Spain's recommendation is of grave concern. In noting these recommendations, the government of Somalia alleges that Somalia is not currently in a position to support the abolition, as this matter requires further legal, constitutional, religious, cultural, and societal consideration, and that recommendations pertaining to the legal definition of a child and decriminalization of consensual same-sex sexual activity concerns sensitive legal, constitutional, religious, cultural, and societal issues requiring further national review and consensus building. We therefore call on the government of Somalia to begin the consensus building and the process of building the legal, cultural, and religious support to make these important changes. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to United Nations Watch, a video statement.

Distinguished delegates, we welcome Somalia's report, and the United Nations has just heard from its president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Some have praised him. Ilhan Omar said, quote, "President Hassan Sheikh, I'm happy for the good work you have done." She congratulated Somalis on how, quote, "You all stood by our president because he needs all of us to stand by him." Today, however, we will examine his record, the record of Somalia. Somalia's report says freedom of expression is guaranteed, yet the evidence shows the opposite. Journalists face violence, intimidation, and arrest. Somali police and security forces are responsible for many of these abuses. Why are journalists detained for doing their job? Why do security forces arrest people without warrants, hold them without charge? Somalia asks this council to applaud its legal reforms, but today we ask Somalia, Why has your parliament still failed to enact a law against female genital mutilation? Your own figures say 99% of women aged 15 to 49 have undergone this horrific abuse. Why have protections against sexual violence still not become law? Why must survivors contend with police who fail to investigate and clan settlements that deny them justice? We say to President Mohamed, you speak of Somalia's sovereignty, but that does not give you the right to silence the people of Somaliland. Why were six Somalilanders detained without charge by your intelligence agency? President Mohamed, we remind you, Somalia is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Under Article 1, we ask, will you now pledge to respect the right of Somaliland's people to determine their own future peacefully, and will you stop treating their elected government's voice something to be erased. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you very much indeed. May I just remind all speakers that we are currently considering the adoption of the report for Somalia. I'd like to remind speakers that they should make their statements in the context of the agenda item we're currently focusing on. Thank you very much for your kind attention. Legal Action Worldwide, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Somalia has taken important legislative steps to address violence against women and girls, including sexual and gender-based violence.

The challenge now is implementation.

Legal Action.

Worldwide has represented 80 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence before Somali courts, contributing to the conviction of 55 perpetrators.

In one recent case, three men convicted of the gang rape of a 21-year-old woman were each sentenced to five.

Years imprisonment and ordered to pay compensation. These cases show that accountability is possible when survivors can access functioning, independent, and adequately resourced justice mechanisms. Law encourages Somalia to ratify and implement outstanding international and regional human rights instruments including CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol, and to establish clear benchmarks for implementation of its domestic legal framework. Mr. President, how can the Council support Somalia in strengthening access to justice for women and girls and in translating its legal commitments into practice?

Thank you.

Thank you very much indeed. I give the floor now to Center for Global Nonkilling.

Dear human beings, Senor Vice Presidente, the living populations of Somalia, the authorities of Somalia everywhere, including the highest, the delegation, everyone everywhere, greetings of universality in human rights. For the United Nations to become fully universal, there is a need to solve the situation of only a few territories. Somalia may lead the way for at least one of them. This is a human rights issue, as the people in all these territories deserve have the right to benefit from all human rights infrastructures. The report presented both for the UPR and other item 10 sheds too little light on the peace efforts of Somalia. Here again, peace is a human rights issue, as it enables the only social, political, and international order in which all human rights can well be fulfilled. Somalia is recovering, quite well in our opinion, from many difficult years of conflict. Its progress needs to be supported and highlighted through stronger peace policies. We note with pleasure that Somalia approved the 2016 Declaration on the Right to Peace. We salute the presence of peacemaking departments both in the federal and local governments. We congratulate the country on the extensive use of the Peacebuilding Commission and Fund, And we note with great pleasure that traditional peaceful settlement of disputes is well present in the country. It needs to be reinforced. Finally, the right to life and the right to peace are mutually reinforcing. To see peace prevail for all, Somalia and all its authorities must show the example of the utmost respect for life and for the right to life. Every life counts. Thank.

You very much. And I give the floor to Focus Asia Foundation. Nois, Danga, Sala, who appear not to be in the room, which is why we'll give the floor to the RADO, Rencontre Africaine pour la Defense des Droits de l'Homme.

Mr. Vice President, we welcome Somalia to the fourth UPR and welcome efforts made to promote and protect human rights. And this despite the situation of political, social instability, economic security crisis gripping the country for several decades. Since the previous report, Somalia has posted significant progress, particularly the updating of its report. two treaty bodies, the ratification of Maputo Protocol, the revision of the Criminal Code, the creation of the international independent human rights institution, the option of the law of the Child Act, disability, rape and improvement access of course to education. However, Ndarado remains simply concerned about the increase of poverty in rural areas, food and security, the failure of the judiciary, prison overcrowding, bad conditions of detention, corruption and the high level of IDPs without any social protection. Furthermore, we deplore the ongoing shrinking of freedom of expression and of the press, the rise in SGBV, in particular conflict-related SGBV, early marriage, as well as persistent FGM. Furthermore, the security measures should never justify disproportionate restrictions of freedom of expression, freedom of the press, or the work of human rights defenders. Other calls for the international community to strengthen its support to the protection of women and girls, to prevent SGBV, to support victims and survivors of conflict-related SGBV. We also call upon the authorities to guarantee freedom of expression, freedom of expression, to protect journalists and human rights defenders, and ensure that no person is arbitrarily detained. We therefore ask Somalia to ratify the ICCPR as well as CEDAW. and to eradicate all remaining forms of FGM. Thank you.

Thank you very much. And I give the floor to United Towns Agency for North-South Corporation, who is not in the room, I am told. This was the last speaker we could accommodate. Before I give the floor back to Somalia, to make concluding observations. May I tell you that according to the information provided, of the 288 recommendations received, 260 enjoy the support of Somalia and 28 are noted. I now give the floor back to Her Excellency for her concluding remarks. Madam, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. On behalf of the Federal Government of Somalia and my delegation, I thank all delegations for their constructive engagement, as well as the UPR Secretariat, OHCHR, our Turkia, Angola, Colombia, and Vietnam, and all Somali stakeholders who contributed to this review. The 260 recommendations supported by Somalia provide an important framework for our human rights agenda for the upcoming years. Today's adoption is not the end of the UPR process, it marks the beginning of implementation. Implementation will be coordinated through Somalia's national mechanisms for reporting and follow-up, led by the Ministry of Family, Human Rights and Development, in cooperation with relevant government institutions, federal member states, parliament, the judiciary, the National Independent Human Rights Commission, civil society and other stakeholders. Our focus will be on translating commitments into clear responsibilities, realistic timelines and measurable actions, while linking implementation where appropriate to national planning, budgeting and a wider engagement with international human rights mechanisms. Somalia welcomes continued cooperation with the OHCHR, the United Nations Country Team and international partners. The host country agreement provides an important foundation for the this phase of cooperation, including technical assistance, capacity building and support for national institutions. Mr. Vice-President, Somalia remains committed to a nationally led and nationally owned implementation process. We look forward to continuing this work with the Council and national stakeholders and international partners to translate the commitments adopted today into meaningful progress for the Somali people. I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

I thank you, madam, for your presentation and your constructive participation throughout the UPR process. I now propose that the Council adopt the decision on the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Somalia as it appears on the screen right now. I see no objection. The decision is adopted. We will briefly suspend the meeting before the consideration of the outcome of Seychelles. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now proceed with the consideration of the outcome of Seychelles. The outcome is based on the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Seychelles and its addendum. These documents, together with the additional information that will now be provided by Seychelles, will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the Council through a standardised decision. I have now the pleasure to give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Celia Mangru, Ambassadrice Extraordinaire and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Seychelles, to present additional information on the review. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, and civil society representatives, I am honored to appear before you today to present Seychelles' response to the 199 recommendations received from member and observer states at our fourth universal periodic review appearance on the 8th of May, 2026. Seychelles wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the Council for the support and guidance provided throughout this process, and to all Member States for their participation in the interactive dialogue and for the recommendations provided during the review of Seychelles' report. My Government greatly values the constructive engagement, dialogue and contributions made by the participating member states in the spirit of cooperation and with our shared objectives to further advance and promote human rights in the Seychelles. Following a thorough national consultation process, Seychelles has carefully considered all 199 recommendations received during the review, and of those, 186 recommendations have been accepted, 12 recommendations have been noted and one recommendation has been partly noted. All recommendations were carefully referred and assessed through the relevant national consultations in line with the requirements of the Human Rights Council and the principle underpinning the universal periodic review mechanism. The number of recommendations that Seychelles has been able to support is a testament to the progress achieved over the years and reflects our continued commitment to strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights at the national level. With regard to the recommendations that Seychelles has noted, the decision has been taken with due consideration of our national circumstances, existing capacities and the practical requirements for implementation. Mr. Vice President, we firmly believe that sustainable and meaningful progress in the promotion and protection of human rights requires an inclusive, participatory, and nationally owned approach. Such an approach must consider a national context while ensuring that human rights commitments are translated into effective policies concrete actions and lasting improvements in the lives of our people. Nonetheless, the noting of certain recommendations should not be understood as a lack of commitment to the principles and objectives they seek to advance. Seychelles remains committed to progressively strengthening its human rights framework and will continue to consider measures that can contribute to further developing the protection and promotion of human rights in the country. The outcome before us today reflects continuous work of research, compilation and consultations in order to conclude a comprehensive compilation of the human rights matters or achievements for the last five years. The Government remains committed to engaging constructively with the UPR process and to advance the implementation of the recommendations that we have accepted. The UPR is not only an important mechanism for reviewing our human rights record, but also an opportunity to strengthen national efforts, share experiences and continue our dialogue with the international community. We look forward to reporting on the progress made in the implementation of the accepted recommendations during our next review cycle. The Republic of Seychelles is committed to translating the commitments made through the UPR process into meaningful and tangible actions and to seeing the full fruition of the implementation for the benefit of our people. We look forward to more engagement and cooperation with our partners as we move forward. Thank you, Mr Vice-President.

Excellency, thank you for that presentation. I will now open the floor to Member and Observer States for their comments on the outcome of the review. The speaking time has been set at one minute and 30 seconds for all States. The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Tunisia.

You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. We welcome the delegation of Seychelles and thank the delegation for the presentation we've just heard. We welcome the citizens of the Seychelles of the majority of the recommendations, including those we made. These recommendations have to do with the scaling up of programs or capacity building that is to combat trafficking in persons and to continue reforms in the education sector in order to improve the policies and curricula and to guarantee inclusive education three strengthen participation of women in fundamental sectors including in key decision-making positions and four to take measures to implement the Family Violence Act 2020. We appreciate what Seychelles does to strengthen human rights institutionally and areas in the rights of women and persons with disabilities. We wish Seychelles every success in implementation and accepted recommendation. We recommend the adoption of the report. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much indeed. I now give the floor to the distinguished representation of the UNFPA.

Excellencies, UNFPA congratulates the Government of Seychelles on the completion of its fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review and welcomes the recommendations relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights, adolescent health, gender equality and gender-based violence. Taken together, these recommendations underscore a shared imperative to ensure that rights and commitments are translated into effective policies, strengthened systems, and meaningful outcomes for women, girls, and young people.

Over the next four and a half

years, UNFPA stands ready to support the Government of Seychelles in advancing this endeavor. As a technical and policy partner, UNFPA will bring evidence, demographic intelligence and substantive expertise to inform policy and legal reform, strengthen national systems and support forward-looking responses to emerging needs. Our aim is to support Seychelles in building on the progress already achieved, reinforcing what is working, addressing remaining gaps, and ensuring that its commitments translate into sustained advances in sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and protection from violence. UNFPA remains committed to accompanying Seychelles throughout the next UPR cycle.

Thank you.

Thank you very much indeed. I now give the floor to the representative of UNHCR.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

UNHCR welcomes the adoption of the UPR outcome of the Republic of Seychelles and commends the Government for its constructive engagement with the process and its continued commitment to dialogue, cooperation and the advancement of human rights.

We particularly welcome

Seychelles' acceptance of recommendation 108.199, including its commitment to introduce a policy framework for the protection of refugees and migrants. We note positively that this framework is intended to establish procedures for identification, access to basic services, and safeguards against arbitrary detention, in line with international human rights standards. UNHCR further recognizes Seychelles' longstanding commitment to international refugee protection as a state party to the 1951 Refugee Convention its 1967 protocol, and the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention. We also acknowledge the country's strong record in civil registration and documentation, which contributes to the prevention of statelessness. As Seychelles moves forward with implementation of accepted recommendations, UNHCR encourages continued efforts to ensure that persons seeking international protection can effectively access asylum procedures and enjoy safeguards against

refoulement consistent with international refugee and human rights law.

UNHCR stands ready to support the Government of Seychelles through technical cooperation and capacity building as it develops and implements its policy framework and other relevant UPR commitments. UNHCR remains committed to working with Seychelles and all stakeholders to strengthen protection for refugees, asylum seekers and persons at risk of statelessness. I thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to the distinguished representation of Vietnam.

Mr. President, Vietnam congratulates the delegation of Seychelles on the successful completion of its fourth cycle of the UPR. We commend Seychelles' constructive engagement throughout the review process and acknowledge with appreciation its acceptance of two recommendations made by Vietnam, namely to advance climate-resilient and inclusive development through stronger environmental protection measures and support for vulnerable communities and to strengthen child protection system through expanded specialized services and capacity building for professionals working with children. We further appreciate Seychelles' continued efforts to strengthen support for older persons and persons with disabilities, including through measures to improve the quality and accessibility of home-based service. In conclusion, Vietnam supports the adoption by consensus of the outcome of Seychelles' fourth UPR and wishes Seychelles with every success in implementing the accepted recommendations. I thank you.

Thank you very much indeed. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.

Mr Vice-President, Zimbabwe welcomes the delegation of Seychelles to the adoption of its UPR outcome. We commend Seychelles' positive response towards the majority of recommendations received. The constructive engagement in the UPR process demonstrates its commitment to cooperate with human rights mechanisms. We endorse the adoption of the UPR outcome by consensus, and we convey our best wishes to Seychelles for the successful implementation of the accepted recommendations. I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much indeed, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Angola.

Mr. Vice President, Angola warmly welcomes the delegation of Seychelles and congratulates it on completion of its Universal Periodic Review. We commend Seychelles for its constructive engagement with the UPR mechanism and for the progress made in strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights. Angola welcomes continued attention to the empowerment and participation of women, the prevention of gender-based violence and the promotion of equitable access to education and healthcare. As a fellow African state, Angola recognizes the particular circumstances and capacity constraints faced by small island developing states and requests continued international cooperation and technical assistance in support of implementation of accepted recommendations. Angola wishes a successful success in the new implementation cycle and support the adoption of its UPR report. Thank you. Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much indeed. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bahamas.

Mr. Vice President, the Bahamas congratulates Seychelles, a fellow archipelagic small island developing state, on its constructive engagement in and continued commitment to the universal periodic review process. We commend Seychelles for accepting 186 of the 199 recommendations received during this fourth cycle, reflecting its continued commitment to advancing human rights through constructive international cooperation. We particularly welcome Seychelles' acceptance of the Bahamas' recommendations concerning climate resilience, gender-based violence, and the strengthening of healthcare services, including mental health and the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, which were among the priorities highlighted by the Bahamas during the review. As a fellow small island developing state, we appreciate the capacity constraints and unique vulnerabilities faced by Seychelles, particularly those arising from climate change, geographic dispersion, and other external shocks. We therefore encourage Seychelles to continue availing itself of technical assistance and capacity building support, including through international and regional partnerships, and wish the country every success as it advances implementation of its accepted recommendations. We support the adoption of the outcome by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Botswana. No, it's not in the room. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Mr. Vice President, the Chinese delegation commands the Seychelles for the

progress it has made in promoting and protecting human rights.

This includes its efforts to advance sustainable economic social development, reduce poverty, improve employment opportunities, combat corruption and trafficking in persons,

and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups of women, children, and persons with disabilities.

China welcomes session's acceptance of China's recommendations and wishes the country continued success in promoting protecting human rights.

China supports the adoption by the Council of the UPR outcome of the session. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you very much indeed. And I give the floor to the Special Representative of Congo.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. The Congo extends a warm welcome to the delegation of the Republic of the Seychelles and thanks the delegation for the presentation of the additional report to the Council. We highly appreciate the Seychelles for its commitment to strengthen its national human rights framework to promote a culture that respects, defends and protects human rights and fundamental freedoms. In this respect, we welcome the acceptance by Seychelles of most recommendations made, in particular those made by Congo on fighting against drug consumption amongst the children, the increase in the number of teachers, skilled qualified teachers and efforts to meet education related challenges. To conclude, the Republic of Congo wishes Seychelles every success in the implementation of Executive recommendations and invites the members of the Council to adopt by consensus the outcome report. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Cote d'Ivoire.

Good evening, Excellency, and welcome to the delegation of the Republic of Seychelles at this, the adoption of its final report to the Universal Periodic Review. My delegation commends the Seychelles Government for the efforts made to promote and protect human rights, in particular through the ratification of several international instruments, as well as the implementation of inclusive education policies, as well as awareness-raising activities for families and children on matters pertaining to childhood, children's ill-treatment and family violence. My country also welcomes what the country has done in the area of health, in order to guarantee universal, free and equitable access to health care, with significant progress in terms of life expectancy, which means that now the country is ranked 67 out of 193 according to the HDI for the period 2023-2024. My country encourages the Government of the Seychelles to continue cooperating with the human rights promotion protection mechanisms and wishes it every success in the preparation of the recommendations accepted at its universal periodic review. To conclude, my delegation would like to recommend that the Council adopt the report of the Republic of the Seychelles. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Mr. Vice President, I would like to warmly welcome the delegation of the Seychelles. We recognize the active participation of the country in the UPR. Our delegation praises the adoption of a law that creates a mechanism for home support in order to ensure secure domestic assistance of elder persons and persons with disabilities. The country accepted 186 recommendations, and we are very pleased that the three constructive recommendations made by Cuba were accepted. We wish this country full success in the implementation of the recommendations accepted, and we support the adoption of the report.

Thank you. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Cyprus.

We warmly welcome the delegation of the Seychelles and thank them for their presentation. We commend Seychelles for accepting the large number of recommendations received during its fourth cycle, demonstrating their commitment to advancing the promotion and protection of human rights, despite numerous difficulties faced by the country arising from climate change and rising sea levels. We are happy to note that all recommendations made by Cyprus pertaining to the establishment of a national coordination mechanism to ensure inclusive and accountable climate governance, the enactment of comprehensive legislation criminalizing all forms of violence against women, and the development of a national policy to guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities have been accepted. We support the adoption of Seychelles' outcome report by consensus and wish them every success in the implementation of the recommendations that have been accepted. I thank you.

Thank you very much. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Dominica.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Dominica extends a warm welcome to the delegation of Seychelles to the adoption of its UPR outcome and commends Seychelles for its constructive engagement throughout the UPR process. We take positive note that Seychelles has pledged support for the majority of recommendations received, including two recommendations made by Dominica on advancing inclusive education and integrating climate change into national development planning. Dominica therefore supports the adoption of the UPR outcome of Seychelles and extends best wishes in the implementation of accepted recommendations emanating from this fourth review. I thank you.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic.

Thank you very much, Vice-President. The Dominican Republic would like to congratulate the Seychelles on its commitment with the UPR mechanism and the adoption of 186 recommendations that were made, especially the three recommendations that were made by the Dominican Republic, namely, one, ratify the Convention on Combating and discrimination in the sphere of education. Two, strengthen the capacities of the National Commission to Combat Corruption to investigate and prosecute corruption cases. And three, ensure a full integration of a human rights approach in connection with persons with disabilities in all public policies. We wish the States full success in the implementation of accepted recommendations, and we recommend the council adopt the relevant report by consensus. Thank you.

Thank you. That was the last speaker that we could accommodate. I'd like to remind you that all states, including those which could not be delivered due to time constraints, should be uploaded online. And now I give the floor to the other interested stakeholders to make their general comments on the outcome. The speaking time has been set at two minutes for all. I give the floor to Center for Global Nonkilling.

Dear human beings, dear populations of the Seychelles, dear authorities of Seychelles, including the highest, your delegation, everyone everywhere, greetings of progress in human rights. First, as a Swiss citizen and more or less as a local here in Geneva, we welcome the establishment of a permanent mission. May this lead to more participation to the Human Rights Council. Our written submission highlighted some aspects of the rights to life and peace and how to see them progress equally for the good of the state and the good of the people. Regarding the right to life and the review, we congratulate Seychelles for accepting the recommendation made towards the ratification of the protocols to the Disappearance and Torture Conventions. Yet we highlight that the Convention on Enforced Disappearances itself was ratified in 2017, thus making the Seychelles one of the only two countries that have ratified all the nine human rights treaties, plus the Genocide Convention. Our submission highlighted some practical and legal aspects of the right to life, a beautiful constitution, an average and growing life expectancy, and some fields of progress in prevention. We add here reproductive rights awareness, desired children will receive better care and education, and this make the world a better place to live. Regarding the right to peace, we do challenge the idea that military service increases malehood. Gentle and nonviolent use of force, if ever needed, should be the norm. We also encourage small nations with little or no security threats to integrate or reintegrate military forces into civilian ones, to get out of the vicious circle of armies and war, and to enter virtuous cycles of peace and sustainability. May life bloom and peace prevail. Muchas gracias, Senor Vicepresidente.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to International Service for Human Rights.

Thank you.

We welcome the recommendations made to the Government of Seychelles calling to remove

restrictions on civic space and the establishment of specific mechanisms for the protection of human rights defenders. Indeed, section 25 of the Associations Act 2022 requires authorisation from the registrar for elected members of a board of directors to carry out their duties. This requirement may undermine the autonomy of associations.

In addition.

The Public Gatherings Act, governing peaceful assemblies, empowers authorities to impose restrictions on venue and time of assemblies if deemed to present a risk for public health, morality and safety. Finally, despite the diversification of the media landscape, the protection of freedom of expression still has room for improvement. Journalists are still exposed to arbitrary arrests, detention and bans. We therefore call on the Government of Seychelles to: 1. Remove any disproportionate restrictions on the autonomy of associations included in the Associations Act in order.

To comply with international standards;

Two, ensure that human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society organizations are protected against any form of intimidation and attacks.

And three, review the restrictions on public demonstrations in order to align them with international standards.

Seychelles need to turn their commitments into concrete protection measures. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to

Thank you, Mr.

President. From a small island nation can come a powerful message. Human rights leadership is measured not by geography, but by commitment. We warmly welcome Seychelles' constructive engagement with the UPR and its continued efforts to advance dignity, equality, the rule of law, access to justice, gender equality, social protection, and strong national institutions. As a small island developing state, Seychelles also brings an important perspective: resilient communities, environmental responsibility, social well-being, and human rights must advance together. Mr. President, in the spirit of the United Nations Charter, we encourage Seychelles to continue turning UPR recommendations into visible improvements through inclusive institutions, public participation, and international cooperation. We also invite Seychelles to share its experience through peer learning among small island states, particularly on climate resilient public services and rights-based development. The strongest nations are not those without challenges, but those that keep listening, learning and improving.

We wish Seychelles continued progress and success. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I give the floor to

Thank you very much, Vice President. I would like to congratulate the Seychelles on the participation in the fourth UPR cycle. We praise the progress achieved since the previous review, especially the holding of transparent and peaceful elections in October 2025 and the updating of periodic and initial reports to treaty bodies, as well as cooperation with special procedures. Nevertheless, RADO would like to express its serious concerns related to difficult conditions of detention, the length of remand detention, prison overcrowding, and also the continued corporal punishment of girls in society. We also express our concern related to the continuation of gender-based violence. In light of the situation, RADO invites the Special to carry out an independent, credible investigation to shed light on the loss of life in prisons during the riots of December 2024. We also encourage the country to take additional measures to strengthen the capacities of the National Human Rights Commission, giving it additional resources so that it is in position to fully implement its mandate in line with the Paris Principles. In conclusion, Rado urges Seychelles to adopt legislative measures that will ensure better protection of migrant workers and refugees, and also We urge the country to launch a national dialogue to look at the recommendations that were not accepted. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to… Imam Ali's popular Students Relief Society.

Our organization welcomes Seychelles' active engagement in its fourth UPR cycle. However, as defenders of migrants' rights, regional solidarity, and nonviolence, we must address critical gaps between administrative promises and binding legal frameworks. Seychelles has explicitly chosen to note and reject recommendations 197 and 198 regarding the adoption of a formal framework for refugees and asylum status. Furthermore, on recommendation 199, Seychelles accepts the introduction of a policy framework but openly rejects the codification of matching domestic legislation. Administrative guidelines can never replace solid laws. Relying solely on internal policies to manage identification, secure access to basic services, and provide safeguards against arbitrary detention leaves vulnerable migrants and refugees in severe legal precarity. For human rights mechanisms to succeed globally, international commitments must be institutionalized into enforceable domestic statutes, not handled via flexible administrative measures. We also remain concerned by extended pretrial detentions and expanding security powers mentioned during the interactive dialogue, while we praise Seychelles for accepting anti-trafficking measures and and protecting domestic violence frameworks through human security demands, institutional checks, and enforceable laws. We urgently call on Seychelles to reverse its position, fully codify structural protections for migrants and refugees into national law, and allocate independent, predictable funding to the Seychelles Human Rights Commission to ensure it achieves A status accreditation. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation. Not in the room. Now I give the floor to Shandwick Patrick, a volunteer association.

Mr. Vice President, I'm the founder of IPO. I support the consideration of Seychelles under the working group's report 63/13, which notes that in 2024, Seychelles became the first African country to ratify the agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, designate over 30% of its marine territory as protected areas, and integrate its climate commitments into its development strategy. This is consistent with IPO's core principle Small island developing states are not only on the front lines of climate risks, but should also be advocates for transboundary environmental justice. On behalf of IPO's NGO members, I express our support. Seven days ago, representatives of more than 200 NGOs from 44 countries, together with IPO co-initiators, gathered at the UN office at Nairobi to review and adopt the mechanism for the review of nations' rights to development. I propose integrating this civil society-led review mechanism into the UPR process Only by enabling civil society to directly monitor the cross-border impacts of national development policies can we address the systematic gap in global governance caused by insufficient civil society participation. Finally, I warmly welcome, invite all delegations, NGO representatives, and media friends to attend our side event, Human Rights in the U.S., on October the 1st at 17:00 p.m. in Concordia 1.

Thank you. That was the last speaker on my list. Now, before giving the floor to the delegation of the Seychelles for some final remarks, I would like to say that I'd like to inform you that out of 199 recommendations received, 186 enjoy the support of the states and 12 are noted. Additional clarification was provided on one recommendation, indicating which part of the recommendation was supported and which part was noted. I now give the floor to Her Excellency for her concluding remarks.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. In conclusion, I wish to thank Seychelles, UPR Troika of Cote d'Ivoire, Mexico, and Thailand, as well as the UPR Secretariat for their invaluable support and assistance throughout the whole process. I would like to also thank member states who have delivered statements and made necessary and insightful recommendations. I would also like to thank the Seychelles Human Rights Commission and members of civil society for their participation in the UPR process. Your feedback will continue to inform implementation and considerations of recommendations. Lastly, Seychelles sincerely appreciates the technical assistance and support received from various organizations, especially the Commonwealth Secretariat, throughout this process. Such assistance has been invaluable and we remain confident that it will also contribute towards the implementation of the recommendations. I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

I thank Her Excellency for her constructive participation of Seychelles throughout the UPR process. I now propose that the Council adopts the decision on the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Seychelles as it appears on the screen. I see no objections. The decision is adopted. Thank you. We'll briefly suspend the meeting before the consideration of the outcome of Solomon Islands. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now proceed with the consideration of the outcome of Solomon Islands. The outcome is based on the report of the working group on the universal periodic review of Solomon Islands and its addendum. These documents, together with the additional information that will now be provided by Solomon Islands, will constitute the outcome the review and shall be adopted by the Council through a standardized decision. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to Mr. Martin Kuaifono, Charg d'Affaires at the Interim Permanent Mission of the Solomon Islands, to present additional information on the review. You have the floor.

Mr. Vice President, thank you very much. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, warm greetings from the Government and the people of Solomon Islands. It gives me immense pleasure to be here for the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review outcomes for Solomon Islands at this 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. On May 11 of this year, Solomon Islands appeared and presented our national report to the 52nd session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group. from the interactive dialogue, Solomon Islands has been given a total of 181 recommendations by Member States. Solomon Islands continues to emphasize that human rights are guaranteed under our constitution and national legislations, and we affirm our adherence to the principles of universality, indivisibility, and independence of all human rights. Solomon Islands acknowledges the invaluable work and support of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the members, the People's Republic of China, Malawi and Switzerland, as well as the Commonwealth Small States Office and member states during the whole process. It is valued and appreciated. Saint Maldives continues to reaffirm our shared belief in the importance of the Universal Periodic Review as a cooperative and transparent mechanism that promotes accountability, dialogue and multilateralism. Having examined the 181 recommendations, Solomon Islands is pleased to inform the Council that it has supported 140 recommendations and noted the rest. Among the 140 supported recommendations, Solomon Islands is pleased to inform that it has just recently acceded to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, UNTOC. This is a clear demonstration of our commitment in confronting the threat of transnational organized crimes which are ravaging the very fabrics of our communities. We therefore call for stronger international cooperation, information sharing, sustained investment in capacities of our law enforcement agencies, and support for prevention and rehabilitation. This will adequately support our agencies to monitor human trafficking as well as other illicit activities across international borders. Solomon Islands recognize the importance of establishing a human a national human rights institution in full compliance with the Paris Principles, and has reaffirmed that this remains a national priority. The government has committed to accelerating work toward creating an independent and fully functional institution ahead of its next reporting cycle. On the cyberspace, our police and courts are collaborating more closely together than ever before to make sure that the cyberspace is safe for all people. The police and the stakeholders are rolling out awareness programs in schools with goal to help students and young people understand the risks and penalties of cyberbullying. Solomon Islands government and stakeholders are working collaboratively in advancing legislation to move the legal age for marriage to 18. This shows a commitment to upholding the values and rights of young girls and women in our society. I am pleased to inform the Solomon Islands government is actively pursuing a policy that will provide universal free education for all by 2027, so that no child is turned away from school because their family cannot afford the fees. This is to relieve the huge burdens that families continuously cannot bear, especially in rural areas. We are strengthening our health system with a renewed focus on tackling the scourge of non-communicable diseases eradicating malaria, and building a new national referral hospital. Solomon Islands has noted a total of 41 recommendations. However, that shouldn't be construed as a lack of commitment in advancing our human rights obligations. For a least-developing country and a seat like the Solomon Islands, we are very cautious about the responsibilities we intend to take upon ourselves. It will be very irresponsible of us to ratify, accede to any convention when we do not have the adequate resources or lack the capacity for implementation. Therefore, we call on our international partners to support us in these endeavors. Essentially, we have noted with great enthusiasm all 41 recommendations, however, we will need a wider consultation among all our relevant authorities and stakeholders going forward. On that note, Solomon Islands continues to emphasize that cultural traditions and Christian values must guide the interpretation and implementation of human rights obligations, including on sensitive issues such as same-sex marriage. The Government of Solomon Islands reaffirms that its national policy objectives are closely aligned with its human rights obligations, integrating rights-based principles across major development priorities. These include commitments to universal free education, the transformation of energy, telecommunications, and other critical infrastructure, constitutional and governance reforms to strengthen democratic processes, the ongoing efforts to modernize financial institutions. Climate mitigation and resilience remain central to the country's development pathway, along with strong emphasis on disability inclusion and ensuring that no one is left behind. Together, these initiatives reflect the Government's broad approach of embedding human rights within sustainable development, consistent with its international commitments and the aspirations of all Solomon Islanders to live in dignity. Let me assure the Council of Solomon Islands' unwavering commitment to accelerating work to fulfil our human rights obligations. We owe it to our people to do right by them. Their rights and welfare are our responsibility. With this, I thank you.

I would like to thank Solomon Islands for this presentation. Now I'd like to give the floor to Member and Observer States for their comments on the outcome of the review. The speaking time has been set at one minute and 30 seconds for all States. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco.

Mr. Vice-President, The delegation of Morocco welcomes the delegation of the Solomon Islands and is pleased to support the adoption of its UPR report today. We commend the Solomon Islands for its constructive participation in the UPR process. Morocco especially welcomes the support of the Solomon Islands to the recommendations regarding the establishment of an independent national human rights institutions in accordance with the Paris Principles, the ratification of the conventions against torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishments, and the establishment of a national mechanism for implementation, reporting, and follow-up in line with the Marrakesh Framework. The voluntary acceptance of the recommendations may demonstrate the commitment of the Solomon Islands to human rights. Morocco expresses its full support for the Solomon Islands during the implementation phase. Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to the distinguished representation of Nauru.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. NATO commends the Solomon Islands for its constructive engagement with the UPR mechanism and for the consultative approach taken in preparing for this review. We note with appreciation the country's efforts to strengthen its national human rights framework, including through legislative and policy reforms.

Aimed at advancing access to justice, gender equality, child protection, and the rights of persons in vulnerable situations.

As a fellow Pacific small island developing state, NADA recognizes the particular challenges faced by the Solomon Islands.

Which include limited capacity and the adverse impacts of climate change.

We encourage them to continue integrating human rights consideration into climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, environmental protection, and sustainable development efforts.

NADA welcomes the recommendations accepted by the Solomon Islands.

And encourages their effective implementation in cooperation with national stakeholders. Mr. Vice President, we support the adoption of the UPI.

Outcome and wish them every success in implementing the accepted recommendations.

Thank you.

Thank you very much indeed. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Nepal warmly welcomes the delegation of Solomon Islands to the adoption of the UPR outcome and thanks them for their constructive engagements with the human rights mechanisms. We thank Solomon Islands for accepting all three recommendations that we offered, which includes considering establishing an independent national human rights institution in line with the various principles. strengthening measures to enhance access to quality education and health care services for all and scaling up efforts to promote gender equality and to enhance political representation of women in all spheres. We take note of the progress made by Solomon Islands in protecting rights of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities. Nepal wishes Solomon Islands all success in implementing the accepted recommendations and supports the adoption of the UPR outcome report by consensus. Thank you.

Thank you very much indeed. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of New Zealand.

Mr. Vice-President, New Zealand appreciates the opportunity to comment on Solomon Islands' Universal Periodic Review outcome.

We commend Solomon Islands' continued commitment to advancing human rights, including accelerating efforts to strengthen child protection and prevent.

Violence against women and girls.

New Zealand recognises Solomon Islands' commitment to strengthening child protection, including through the ratification of the Optional Protocol.

To the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

We commend Solomon Islands' efforts to raise the minimum age of marriage.

And we also note Solomon Islands' ongoing effort to advance the establishment of a national human rights institution. New Zealand appreciates Solomon Islands' engagement in this Universal.

Periodic Review and looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with Solomon Islands on human rights issues.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you very much indeed. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. The Philippines warmly welcomes the delegation of Solomon Islands to the adoption of its sports cycle UPR outcome. We note with appreciation that Solomon Islands has supported 140 of the 181 recommendations it has received, including three from the Philippines, encouraging it, number one, to further promote women's empowerment by facilitating their participation in public decision-making, expanding economic opportunities, and guaranteeing equal rights to land ownership and inheritance. Second, to step up efforts against gender-based violence through awareness raising campaigns, human rights training for law enforcement and the justice sector, and access to legal aid and survivor-centered services. And third, to improve birth registration by removing administrative and financial barriers, particularly for children in remote areas, indigenous communities, and disadvantaged groups. Mr. Vice President, the Philippines is pleased to support the adoption of the UPR outcome of Solomon Islands and wishes the government every success in delivering on these commitments. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Mr. Vice President, the Russian delegation Expressed satisfaction with the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of Solomon Islands. We thank the country for the written information related to recommendations made. We note that many recommendations were accepted, including both Russian recommendations. This shows the continued work of the government to promote and protect human rights and the readiness of the country to continue its cooperation with international monitoring mechanisms. Nevertheless, Solomon Islands should do quite a lot of things still in the area of human rights, for example, birth registrations and sanctions due to untimely registration. Also, there are barriers for access of women to the judiciary. We do hope that the recommendations accepted by Solomon Islands during the UPR cycle will help overcome existing shortcomings in their human rights in this country. The Russian Federation recommends the Council adopt the report related to the fourth cycle of the UPR. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Rwanda.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Rwanda welcomes the delegation of Solomon Islands and thanks the government of Solomon Islands for its continued constructive engagement in the universal periodic review process. We are pleased that Solomon Islands has supported two recommendations made by Rwanda. namely accelerating inclusive access to quality education, including targeted support for children with disabilities.

And rural communities, and continuing to invest in climate-resilient infrastructures and community-based disaster preparedness.

Rwanda extends its best wishes to the Solomon Islands for every success in implementing the accepted recommendations and commends its unwavering commitment to.

Promoting and protecting human rights.

I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much indeed. Samoa, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Samoa warmly welcomes the delegation of the Solomon Islands, and we extend our appreciation to them for accepting all three of Samoa's recommendations. on continuing efforts to establish the NMI RF, strengthening the capacity of its Ministry of Environment, and developing a risk assessment to address climate change in the cultural rights of local communities. We commend the Solomon Islands progress in the implementation of its human rights recommendations in several areas, including the strengthening of its climate resilience through the establishment of a natural disaster management office. efforts to strengthen the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities through the adoption of its National Disability Inclusive Development Policy and the ratification of the CRPD. We further commend the Solomon Islands for its recent ratification of the UN Transnational Convention against Organized Crime. We acknowledge the challenges faced by Solomon Islands as a small island developing state and a least developed country, noting in their report that continued financial and technical assistance is needed for the Solomon Islands to be technically capable of meeting its human rights obligations. Finally, Samoa supports the adoption of Solomon Islands outcome report, and we wish them success in the implementation of its accepted recommendations.

I thank you.

Thank you very much indeed. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Seychelles.

Mr. Vice President, Seychelles extends a warm welcome to the delegation of the Solomon Islands and thanks them for their continued cooperation, constructive engagement throughout the fourth cycle of the universal periodic review process. We are pleased to note that the Solomon Islands accepted most of the recommendations received from Member States, including the two recommendations from the Seychelles, a clear indication of Solomon Islands' commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights. We encourage Solomon Islands to prioritize the implementation of the recommendations received during the review. Seychelles expresses its best wishes for the successful implementation of all UPR recommendations by Solomon Islands and request the Council to adopt the report by consensus. Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you very much indeed. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Suriname.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Suriname commends the commitments of the Solomon Islands to the UPR mechanism. We compliment Solomon Islands on their efforts in addressing and implementing the recommendations. In the area of climate change, the Solomon Islands have established a national disaster management office, enhancing community-based disaster risk management, and progress has been made in effectively allocating finances into resilience-building projects. In the area of health care, Solomon Islands is being commended for its policy of free health care for all citizens. Suriname expresses its support to the adoption of the report by consensus. Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you very much indeed. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of UN Women.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. UN Women commends Solomon Islands for its continued engagement with the UPR and for strengthening its gender equality policy framework, including the Gender Equality and Women's Development Policy. UN Women remains concerned by extremely high rates of violence against women and girls, compounded by risks linked to climate displacement, extractive industries, and technology-facilitated violence. We commend efforts to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, including through the SafeNet referral mechanism and national prevention strategies. Fully implementing the Family Protection Act, strengthening data systems, and ensuring sustained financing for prevention and response remain essential. We welcome women's increased access to safe, inclusive, and equitable marketplaces and high labor force participation, while noting their overrepresentation in informal employment. Adopting comprehensive labor laws and improving women's access to land, credit, and formal economic opportunities would further strengthen women's economic empowerment and security. Women continue to be underrepresented in political decision-making, holding only 8% of parliamentary seats and 2% of provincial assembly seats. We encourage binding temporary special measures and continued support for women candidates. Finally, ensuring women's full participation in humanitarian and climate-related decision-making will strengthen resilience and protection outcomes. UN Women stands ready to support Solomon Islands in advancing gender equality and implementing the UPR recommendations. I thank you.

Thank you very much indeed. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the UNFPA through video. The United Nations.

Population Fund, UNFPA, congratulates the Solomon Islands on its successful completion of the fourth cycle of its Universal Periodic Review.

UNFPA welcomes the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

We are committed to work together to ensure inclusion in Solomon Islands' health and education programs and for the.

Full enforcement of the Family Protection Act to address gender-based violence. We stand as partners with Solomon Islands.

To implement the recommendations from the UPR to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 without exception.

We commend Solomon Islands for its efforts to address adolescent pregnancy and to enhance access to adolescent and youth-friendly health services. UNFPA remains committed to supporting Solomon Islands to address climate change and to respond on the ground to disasters.

Recognizing that the impact that life-saving sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence response can have on the rights and opportunities for women, girls and youth. I thank you.

Thank you very much indeed. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vanuatu.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. to welcome our brothers from the Solomon Islands to the adoption of its UPR outcomes report and will commend the Solomon Islands for its continued efforts to strengthen domestic institution, promote community-based governance and uphold human rights despite ongoing development challenges and vulnerability to climate change. Vanuatu recognize the progress made in areas such as access to education, advancement of gender equality policies and and efforts to address corruption. We particularly welcome initiatives aimed at strengthening the justice system and enhancing protection of women and children. Fana Tu commend our one talks from the Solomon Islands for accepting a significant majority of the recommendation put forward by all delegation during its review including the recommendation from Vanuatu. On this note, Fana Tu recommends the adoption of the UPR outcome report on Solomon Islands by consensus and wishes the government every success in the implementation of the accepted recommendations. I thank you.

Thank you very much indeed, and I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam. Vietnam, you have the floor. Vietnam has the floor.

Vietnam has the floor.

Well, let's move on to the next speaker. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bahamas.

Mr. Vice President, The Bahamas congratulates Solomon Islands, a fellow Small Island Developing State, on its constructive engagement in the UPR process. We commend Solomon Islands for supporting 140 of the 181 recommendations received during this fourth cycle, and particularly welcome Solomon Islands' acceptance of the Bahamas' recommendations concerning climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and the responsible management of natural resources, including its indication that discussions are underway on a new mining act. As a fellow SIDS, we appreciate the profound challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation, and natural disasters, particularly for coastal and rural communities whose livelihoods are closely tied to the land and sea. We therefore encourage Solomon Islands to continue availing itself of technical assistance and capacity building support, including through the OHCHR Pacific Regional Office and other international partners, and wish the country every success as it advances implementation of its accepted recommendations. The Bahamas also reiterates its readiness, through the Convention against Torture Initiative, to share experiences and facilitate cooperation in support of Solomon Islands' considerations regarding the UN Convention against Torture. We support the adoption of the outcome by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you very much indeed. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Botswana. who does not be in the room. I therefore give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Mr. Vice President, China notes the positive progress made by Solomon Islands in the promotion and protection of human rights. and welcomes its ratification of and accession to a number of key international instruments, as well as its efforts to advance legislative reform, drive sustainable development, promote gender equality, protect the rights of children, persons with disabilities, and other more vulnerable groups, and combat human trafficking. China appreciates Solomon Islands' acceptance of our recommendations and hopes that it will increase investment in public sectors such as education and health, continue to combat gender-based violence, and eliminate discrimination against women and girls. China supports the Council in adopting the UPR outcome of Solomon Islands. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you very much indeed. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Mr. Vice-President, we extend a cordial welcome to the delegation of the Solomon Islands. We recognise the active involvement of the country in the Universal Periodic Review. We highlight that this country has accepted 140 recommendations. We are very pleased that the two recommendations that were made respectfully and constructively by Cuba were accepted by the country concerned. We wish the Solomon Islands every success in the implementation of the recommendations accepted, and we support the adoption of the report. Thank you very much indeed.

Thank you very much, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cyprus.

Thank you, Vice-President. We warmly welcome the delegation of the Solomon Islands and thank for their presentation. Cyprus welcomes the decision by the Government of the Solomon Islands to accept an important number of recommendations received during its fourth cycle, demonstrating a firm commitment to advancing the promotion and protection of human rights. We are happy to note that all our recommendations pertaining to the establishment of a national human rights institution, the adoption of a national action plan, and a comprehensive law on trafficking in persons addressing all emerging and intersecting forms of violence against women and girls, as well as ensuring access to inclusive education for all, especially persons with disabilities, have been accepted. We support the consensual adoption of the Solomon Islands report and wish them every success in the implementation of the recommendations that have been accepted. I thank you.

Thank you very much. This was the last speaker we could accommodate. Let me remind you that all statements, including those which could not be delivered in the room due to time constraints, should be uploaded online. I will now give the floor to the other stakeholders to make their general comments on the outcome. The speaking time has been set at two minutes for all. I give the floor to Christian Council International through a video.

Thank you. I deliver this statement on behalf of Christian Council International. Christian Council International commend the government of Solomon Islands for its continued engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process.

And for carefully considering the recommendations received during this cycle.

We commend Solomon Island for noting recommendations that call for decriminalization. of consensual same-sex relationships and the introduction of specific legal protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

International human rights law does not require States to decriminalize same-sex relationships or to establish separate categories of rights.

On these grounds.

All persons should be treated with dignity and protected from arbitrary discrimination. We also commend Solomon Islands for noting the.

Recommendation to decriminalize and legalize abortion in all circumstances. We highlight that there is no international right to abortion.

And States retain the prerogative to determine their national laws and policies concerning the protection of unborn life.

Regarding comprehensive sexuality education, we commend the Government for noting the recommendation to ensure universal access to such education.

Comprehensive sexuality education is not defined in any legally binding international instrument.

States therefore retain the prerogative to determine their educational approaches according to their national context and values, including values-based and abstinence-focused approaches.

We encourage the Solomon Islands to continue protecting life and the family in national law and international policy frameworks.

Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much indeed. For a joint statement, I now give the floor to Franciscans International, Nove Dio.

President, we recommend the adoption of the Solomon Islands IPRA report. We recommend the government to accept all recommendations related to the impacts of logging and mining on human rights, environment and climate change. longstanding pastoral engagement with the communities across Solomon Islands, we have witnessed first-hand the human and environmental consequences of logging and mining.

They have led to the pollution of water and food.

Sources, destruction of ecosystem and biodiversity, increased vulnerability of climate change impacts and sexual gender-based violence against women and girls.

Logging and mining.

Operations must safeguard local communities, land rights through equitable benefit sharing and free, prior and informed consent of affected populations.

Robust human rights and environmental impact assessment and monitoring should be conducted throughout their lifespan. We have assessed three legislations, changes that could address deep longstanding structural issues and create a better future for the all Solomon Islanders. One, adoption of the latest iteration of the forest bill, two, adoption of the mineral resources bill of 2025, and three, amendment of the Islanders Marriage Act of 1945 to increase the minimum age of marriage to 18 years. We stand ready to engage collaboratively with the government towards the full and effective implementation of the UPR recommendations within our communities.

Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much indeed. I'll now give the floor to Advocates for Human Rights in a video.

Mr. President, the Advocates for Human Rights, a member of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, commends the Solomon Islands' continued commitment to the abolition of the death penalty. We wish to thank Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Paraguay, and Spain for their recommendations to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. We are disappointed that the Solomon Islands noted all five recommendations, explaining that a national consultation would be required to do so. Further, we remain concerned that the Solomon Islands noted all five recommendations in the third cycle related to the death penalty, despite the constitution making no provision for the death penalty. Since its previous review, the Solomon Islands has neither signed nor ratified the second optional protocol. We are disappointed that the Solomon Islands precautionary approach to signing human rights conventions because doing so would create a reporting burden. We encourage the Solomon Islands to begin the national consultation process necessary to ratify the Second Optional Protocol and to take all other necessary steps to ratify the Second Optional Protocol without reservations. Finally, we urge the Solomon Islands to request technical assistance with the ratification process from the Friends of the Second Optional Protocol. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to Center for Global Nonkilling.

Greetings, Senior Vice President, dear living populations of the Solomon Islands, dear authorities of the Solomon Islands, including the highest, dear delegation, everyone everywhere, greetings of freedom in human rights. We made written submissions for the Solomon Islands in the last two cycles of the UPR. None of these addressed issues related to the right to peace. However, we did a case study on the so-called tensions in 2002. For today on peace issues, we encourage the Solomon Islands to address more thoroughly the root causes of recurring riots. If we note with some appreciation that the police responses to these have been, to our limited knowledge, not too damaging, we also encourage the country to study nonviolent policing at large. On human rights issues, we need to recall that if human rights are equal in nature and universal, the right to life is at the core of the survival of humanity and of the life of every individual. In this regard, noting human rights ratification recommendations to reserve them for national consultations is certainly an honest move and technically correct. Yet, however long these national ratification processes may take, In the spirit of universal human rights, we prefer seeing these recommendations approved and accepted, even if their implementation, these ratifications, are left to outstanding patience and to your swift national work. May human rights infrastructures support the fulfillment of all lives, the universal future of our species. Muchas gracias, Senor Vicepresidente.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Imam Ali's Popular Students Relief Society.

We are profoundly concerned by the structural failure of Solomon Island to address gender-based violence and systematic discrimination during the fourth cycle. Despite past promises, domestic abuse rates against women remain staggeringly high, while the legal age of marriage continues to lag below international standards. Furthermore, the state continues to reject recommendations to decriminalize criminalize consensual same-sex relations, leaving vulnerable communities exposed to legal discrimination and further marginalization. In addition, while the government has committed to prohibiting corporal punishment, it remains explicitly lawful under Article 233 of the Penal Code, creating a dangerous domestic environment for children. We must highlight the predatory impacts of unregulated logging and extractive mining operations. Rural and indigenous communities face severe ecological costs, loss of livelihoods, and contaminated water sources due to corporate exploitation. The government has persistently refused to endorse the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People or ILO Convention 169, stripping communities of vital legal shields against environmental destruction. True commitment to the rule of law requires the immediate ratification of the ICCPR, the absolute decriminalization of media freedom, and the urgent creation of an independent national human rights institution aligned with the Paris Principle. Administrative promises can no longer substitute for concrete legislative action. We urge the Solomon Islands to fully codify protective laws for women, children and indigenous communities, ensuring that economic development never comes at the cost of human dignity. Thank you.

Thank you very much. This was the last speaker on our list. Before concluding, allow me to report that, according to information provided, Out of 181 recommendations received, the Solomon Islands support 140, so 140 enjoy the support of Solomon Islands, and 41 are noted. I'd like to thank the delegation for this constructive participation throughout the UPR process. I now propose that the Council adopt the decision on the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Solomon Islands as it now appears on the screen. I see no objection. The decision is adopted. Thank you once again to the Solomon Islands. We will now briefly suspend the meeting before the consideration of the outcome of Latvia.

Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now proceed with the consideration of the outcome of Latvia. The outcome is based on the report of the working group on the Universal Periodic Review of Latvia and its addendum. These documents, together with the additional information that will now be provided by Latvia, will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the Council through a standardized decision. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Ivars Pundurs, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Latvia, to present additional information on the review. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Excellencies, distinguished members and observers of the Human Rights Council. It is an honour to address the Human Rights Council on the occasion of the consideration and adoption of the outcome of the fourth Universal Periodic Review of Latvia. Latvia attaches great importance to the UPR process, recognising it as a unique and invaluable mechanism for advancing human rights. It serves as a driving force for continuous policy improvement. We are pleased that the ombudsperson is joining us remotely and civil society organizations are present here today as their engagement and contributions are vital to this exchange. Mr. Vice-President, I would like to thank all States that have engaged in the review of Latvia. We appreciate the many positive acknowledgements of Latvia's progress in promotion and protection of human rights. During the interactive dialogue in May, Latvia received 243 recommendations from 80 Member and observer States. Recommendations were carefully examined by the relevant ministries and institutions. The Government of Latvia has accepted 135 recommendations, partially accepted 6 recommendations and noted 102 recommendations. The Government's general approach when having considered the recommendations received has been to accept the recommendations where the government can foresee and implement measures in time for the next review or where measures have already been or are being implemented. Even where recommendations could not be supported, the issues raised will remain part of our continued reflection. Mr. Vice-President, the recommendations received address a wide range of human rights issues, I would like to elaborate on some recurrent themes in the recommendations received, also in light of the developments since our dialogue in May. Latvia received several recommendations pertaining to adoption and implementation of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law. Let me stress that the principle of prohibition of discrimination is embodied in our constitutional framework. The preamble of our Constitution underlines equality as a foundational element of the Latvian society and Article 91 of the Constitution establishes the prohibition of discrimination. As a horizontal principle of constitutional rank, it is applicable directly to all spheres of life and weaves through the entire domestic legal system. ensuring that all institutions have an obligation to respect and ensure its practical application. I would also like to highlight the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Hannovs versus Latvia, which prompted authorities to improve the methodological guidance and targeted training for law enforcement authorities. underlining that hate-motivated crimes, including against the LGBTI community, require diligent and efficient reaction from the authorities. Latvia remains committed to combating hate speech and hate crimes, both online and offline. It is one of the priorities of the State Police. Training initiatives are being introduced to enhance hate speech investigations and engagement with affected groups. The state police also continues to train its personnel to enhance their ability to recognize hate speech in the digital environment and to communicate effectively with victims. Since the review, amendments to the law on administrative liability have entered into force. These changes facilitate access to data on online violations, enabling more effective identification of the perpetrators. With regard to hate speech and hate crimes against LGBT+ persons, the State Police has advanced cooperation with the LGBT+ groups and their representatives. A reporting mechanism for specific threat situations has been developed. Mr. Vice-President, a number of countries recommended to Latvia to remain a party to the Istanbul Convention and ensure its full implementation. The government supported all of these recommendations. Latvia's work remains focused on developing a comprehensive policy and legal framework, strengthening prevention through education and information, accountability and rehabilitation services for perpetrators, and improving protection and expanding support measures for victims of violence. The establishment of a dedicated support center for victims of sexual violence is a clear testament to our commitment. The center, which opens on October 1st, will offer medical care, psychological support, and forensic medical examinations to persons aged 16 and older in a safe and supportive environment for 24 hours a day. The process will ensure that the victim's account of the violence is given and documented only once and used across all stages of assistance, thereby reducing the risk of re-traumatisation. The establishment of the centre is a significant step towards ensuring coordinated, patient-friendly and timely assistance for those who have suffered sexual violence, in one place and when it is needed most. Latvia also continues to enforce court-mandated rehabilitation programs for perpetrators of domestic violence to reduce the risk of repeated violence alongside the preventive instruments such as dedicated violence prevention helpline for adults at risk of committing violence. Additionally, capacity building remains central to Latvia's approach. enabling effective investigations, victim-centered responses, and the full implementation of the Istanbul Convention. Mr. Vice President, Latvia attaches great importance to the rights of the child, including the right to education, healthcare, and protection from all forms of violence. Our work in this area advances the priorities of the Child, Youth and Family Policy Guidelines for 2022-2027. Let me stress that in line with the law on the protection of children's rights, the state ensures the rights and freedoms of all children without any discrimination, regardless of race, nationality, gender, language, party affiliation, political or religious beliefs, national, ethnic or social origin, place of residence in the country, property or health status, birth or other circumstances of the child, his or her parents, guardians or family members. A number of recommendations touched upon guaranteeing equal access to education for all children. The education law establishes a prohibition of differential treatment That means that everyone has the right to acquire education regardless of their material and social status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, religious or political affiliation, health condition, occupation or place of residence. All children have the right to free primary, secondary and vocational education. Minor asylum seekers, refugees, and persons with alternative status are provided with opportunities to receive education at state or municipal education institutions. For over three decades, we have adopted several reforms to gradually overcome the segregation caused by the Soviet occupation. Through these reforms, we are building an inclusive and educated society with the Latvian language as the unifying foundation. Evidence shows that the knowledge of the state language of all inhabitants, especially young people, ensures equal access to education and work opportunities and is strengthening the democratic culture and social inclusion as a whole. Latvia respects the rights of ethnic minorities in accordance with the Constitution and international obligations, ensuring the right of ethnic minorities to preserve and develop their language as well as their ethnic and cultural identity. Moreover, the Constitutional Court of Latvia has been our cornerstone, adjudicating pivotal cases on the use of the state language, minority languages, and state support for minority language protection. Children of minority backgrounds have the opportunity to learn their language and their own cultural identity outside formal school education. Such programs are provided as part of interest-related education programs funded by the state in cooperation with local governments. I would like to emphasize that Latvia provides all necessary means to preserve and develop the native language, ethnic and cultural identity of national minorities, as well as support their integration. As to several recommendations on the orphan and custody courts, the government is committed to establish coordinated, efficient and child-centered system that ensures robust legal protection and timely high-quality support for families. In this regard, since the review of the Ministry of Welfare in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice has concluded an assessment of the child rights protection system, including the alternatives proposed by the ombudsperson, the assessment and proposals for a new model of child rights protection will be submitted to the government by October 1st. At the same time, we have already taken significant steps to strengthen the capacity of orphan and custody courts. Furthermore, the Ministry of Justice is enhancing the legal framework and specialized training to better protect children's interests in judicial proceedings. Mr. Vice President, a number of recommendations addressed the rights of persons with disabilities. Latvia's disability policy framework is guided by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The overarching goal is to promote, protect and ensure that the persons with disabilities can fully and equally enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms, promote respect for human dignity and take measures to reduce the consequences of disability. Latvia pursues a horizontal approach to disability policy. All sectoral ministries are responsible for integrating the principle of equal opportunities for persons with disabilities into policy planning documents and draft legislation, thereby ensuring the effective implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities. Aligned with the plan for promoting equal opportunities for persons with disabilities for 2024-2027, we continue to enhance the support system for mitigating the consequences of disability to enable inclusion and independent living. Latvia focuses on improving disability assessment system, improving accessibility, including access to information and services, advancing inclusive employment, and increasing public awareness on disability issues. Non-governmental organizations actively contribute to these efforts. Mr. Vice President, Latvia continues its efforts to further strengthen measures to combat human trafficking. While Latvia has legal and institutional framework for the identification of victims and functioning referral system following the adoption of the law on recognition and support of victims of trafficking in human beings, currently under consideration in the parliament, a national referral mechanism will be formalized. Victims of human trafficking are recognized as a particularly vulnerable group within the Latvian legal framework, including in the field of migration, and are granted the status of specially protected victims in criminal proceedings, ensuring enhanced procedural rights and safeguards. Mr. Vice President, lastly, the advancement of gender equality will remain the government's long-term priority in labor and educational sectors, reduction of gender-related stereotypes, and cross-sector integration of gender equality into policy planning. To conclude, As a candidate for membership of the Human Rights Council for the term from 2029 to 2030, Latvia remains firmly committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, both domestically and internationally, including through active and constructive participation in the UPR process. Through the UPR, we learn from peer experiences and best practices and share our domestic human rights advancements in the true spirit of multilateralism. I thank you.

I thank his excellency for this presentation. In accordance with paragraph 13 of the annex of Human Rights Council resolution 16/21, I will now give the floor to the Ombudsman of the Republic of Latvia. You have the floor.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, as the Ombudsman of the Republic of Latvia, I would like to express my gratitude to all countries that have provided recommendations grounded in human rights and the rule of law. I welcome Latvia's commitment to implementing the Ombudsperson's recommendations, particularly regarding the reform of the orphan courts and the strengthening of the Ombudsperson's independence and financial autonomy. I would like to express my gratitude to Slovakia, Spain and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their constructive engagement and for putting forward recommendations concerning the reform of the orphan's court system in Latvia. I would also like to encourage the acceptance of Armenia's recommendations to improve child protection system, promote family-based care, and prevent violence against children. I call for the acceptance of recommendations aimed at ensuring equal access to economic, social, and cultural rights without discrimination, particularly in employment and healthcare, as well as improving access to sexual and reproductive health services. I also support recommendations to promote the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities and to eliminate violence regardless of gender, age or social status. Finally, I recommend considering proposals to support the constitutional status and independence of the Ombudsperson's Office. Public trust in the institution continues to grow. demonstrating its importance in protecting human rights in Latvia. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you. I will now open the floor to Member and Observer States for their comments on the outcome of the review. The speaking time has been set at one minute and 30 seconds for all States. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Albania.

Thank you very much, Vice President. We'd like to welcome the delegation of Latvia and praise its commitment to the UPR process. We congratulate the country on the success of this review, having accepted a number of recommendations aimed at further strengthening protection of human rights in the country. Among such recommendations is the recommendation by Albania for robust mechanisms for the use of digital platforms with respect of private life and full transparency. On the basis of the recommendations accepted, we are convinced that Latvia will continue to improve legislative and other areas related to human rights, also decision-making process and the protection of children in the digital domain. In conclusion, Albania recommends the Council adopt the report on Albania. Thank you.

I now give the floor to distinguished representative of Armenia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Armenia warmly welcomes the delegation of Latvia and thanks it for its constructive engagement throughout the universal periodic review process. We appreciate Latvia's careful consideration of the recommendations received and welcome its decision to support two of the three recommendations made by Armenia during the first cycle review. Armenia acknowledges the efforts undertaken by Latvia to strengthen its normative and institutional framework for the protection of human rights, as well as continued cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. We encourage Latvia to build upon the progress achieved and to pursue further efforts aimed at advancing the protection and promotion of human rights. Armenia supports the adoption of the report of the working group and wishes the delegation continued success in advancing in its human rights commitments. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Bahrain.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Kingdom of Bahrain would like to commend the efforts exerted by Latvia in the preparation and the discussion of its report in its fourth UPR cycle, and the constructive dialogue and cooperation during the process. as well as its keen interest to put into effect the recommendations it had received. My delegation, as a result, recommends the adoption of the report, wishing the friendly state of Latvia all success in the field of promotion and protection of human rights. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belarus.

Distinguished Vice President, we note with regret that Latvia has accepted only two of the seven recommendations proposed by Belarus. Cruel and inhumane treatment of migrants continues to be a flagrant violation of international humanitarian and human rights law. We reiterate our call to put an end to the illegal practice of pushback at the border, to investigate allegations of misconduct by government officials against people at the border, and to decriminalize the provision of humanitarian assistance at the border to asylum seekers. We're disappointed that the Latvian government continues to institutionalize discrimination on the basis of nationality, an example of which is the dismissal of medical workers with Belarusian and Russian citizenship. We call for abandoning the Russophobic policy under the pretext of far-fetched threats to national security and to focus on real problems in the social economic sphere. And finally, with regard to the adopted recommendations, or accepted recommendations, we hope that the Government of Latvia will conduct prompt and independent investigations into all deaths in custody and will take measures to prevent deaths and suicides in prisons in accordance with its commitments. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Botswana. The delegation is not in the room. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Mr. Vice President, China notes Latvia's efforts in recent years to promote gender equality, reduce statelessness, and combat human trafficking. Regrettably, discrimination and xenophobia based on various grounds still hinder the equal and full enjoyment of human rights in the country. China encourages Latvia to remain committed to protecting the Roma and other affected groups from discrimination, fostering social inclusion, and devoting more attention to protecting vulnerable groups such as PwDs, while ensuring adequate healthcare facilities and personnel in remote areas, and firmly combating serious crimes such as human trafficking. China supports the Council's adoption of Latvia's UPR report. Thank you, Vice-President.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica.

Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. Costa Rica would like to welcome the delegation of Latvia and congratulate the delegation on the conclusion of this UPR cycle. We'd like to thank Lithuania for having accepted our recommendations related to the establishment of a national referral mecha- mechanism for victims of trafficking and on inclusive education for Roma children. We take note with satisfaction that now a law is being prepared that will represent the legislative foundation of this mechanism, as well as the follow-up carried out by the Ministry of Education and Science. We urge Lithuania to continue its positive cooperation with the Human Rights Council, the UPR, special procedures and the treaty bodies. and we congratulate the country on the successful conclusion of this cycle and wish the country full success in the implementation of accepted recommendations. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Mr. Vice President, we would like to welcome the delegation of Latvia. We recognize the commitment of the country to the UPR mechanism We urge the country to adopt legislative and administrative provisions to guarantee that women and Roman women and girls have access without discrimination to education, employment and health services. We also should provide minimal support measures for unemployment. We wish the country full success in the implementation of recommendations that were adopted, and we support the adoption of the report. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. My delegation takes note of the outcome of the universal periodic review of Latvia. We remain concerned about a number of unresolved issues concerning equal rights and non-discrimination. In particular, we are concerned about the situation of minority communities and non-citizens, including issues related to language, education and participation in public life. Measures aimed at strengthening the use of the state language should not undermine the rights and legitimate interests of minority communities. We also note that Latvia has not accepted a number of recommendations concerning comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, minority rights and the protection of migrants, refugees and stateless persons. My delegation calls on Latvia to address these concerns through genuine dialogue and to ensure equal rights and equal protection for all without discrimination. I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic.

Thank you, Vice President. The Dominican Republic congratulates Latvia on its commitment to the UPR mechanism, especially since we had the honor to be one of the members of the troika during the fourth UPR cycle. We especially accept the acceptance of the two out of the three recommendations made by the Dominican Republic. First, to step up efforts to prevent, combat, and punish in an effective manner trafficking in human beings, adopting a victim-based focus, and two, strengthen the measures for support of persons in situations of risk of suffering from domestic violence. We also take note that Latvia took note of our recommendations related to the establishment of a national mechanism for the implementation of the recommendations made by human rights mechanisms, and we urge the authorities to continue to consider progress in that direction. Finally, we would like to express our best wishes to Latvia in the implementation of accepted recommendations, and we invite the Council to adopt the relevant report. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Estonia appreciates Latvia's constructive and open engagement with the UPR mechanism. We are pleased that Latvia has accepted a large number of recommendations, including all our recommendations regarding its commitment to the Istanbul Convention and strengthening training for law enforcement and judicial authorities on domestic violence and anti-discrimination. We welcome Latvia's continued efforts to advance human rights protection and to build on the progress already achieved. We particularly commend Latvia for its efforts to continue implementing measures to prevent and combat gender-based violence. We also appreciate Latvia's unwavering support for the people of Ukraine amid Russia's war of aggression, in particular its strong and wide-ranging support for Ukrainian refugees in Latvia. Mr. President, Estonia supports the adoption by consensus of the outcome of Latvia's UPR and wishes Latvia every success in implementing the accepted recommendations in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders and civil society. Thank you.

Thank you very much indeed. I now give the floor to the Finnish representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the adoption of the UPR outcome report of Latvia. Iran noticed Latvia's support for all recommendations on preventing and combating hate speech and hate crimes. We encourage Latvia to translate this commitment into concrete and measurable action, both in law and in practice, and to demonstrate tangible progress during the implementation cycle. At the same time, Iran regrets that Latvia merely noted all recommendations concerning the protection of the right of minority and the full respect for the rights of migrants, including their protection from ill-treatment and discrimination. The decision to note this recommendation does not diminish the importance of the concerns they address. We therefore encourage Latvia to give due consideration to this important issue and to undertake effective legislative, judicial and practical measures to ensure that minorities and migrants enjoy their rights without discrimination. Iran looks forward to concrete progress in these areas before Latvia's next review. I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much indeed. And I give the floor to the senior representative of Lithuania.

Thank you, Mr. President. Lithuania commends Latvia's active engagement with the UPR process, as well as its commitment to respect, promote, and protect human rights both at home and globally. In particular, we welcome Latvia's active engagement with international human rights mechanisms. Lithuania appreciates active efforts of the Government of Latvia to improve gender-based violence prevention and gender equality through the implementation of Latvia's National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. We also positively note the actions taken to further improve the promotion and protection of children's rights, media independence and resilience to disinformation. We welcome the fact that Latvia has accepted most of the recommendations received during the fourth UPR cycle. Lithuania reiterates its appreciation for Latvia's open and constructive approach to the human rights challenges raised at its periodic review and supports the outcome of the UPR of Latvia to be adopted by consensus. We wish Latvia every success in its endeavours to further promote and protect human rights. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you very much indeed. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Maldives warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation from Latvia to the adoption of the UPR report and compliments Latvia's commitment to the UPR process. The Maldives comments Latvia for accepting most of the recommendations it received during the UPR working group session in May 2026, including a recommendation from the Maldives. We wish the government of Latvia success in implementing the accepted recommendations and request the Council to adopt Latvia's UPR outcome report by consensus. I thank you.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. This was the last speaker we could accommodate. Let me remind you that all statements, including those which could not be delivered here in the room due to time constraints, should be uploaded online. I will now give the floor to the other stakeholders to make their general comments on the outcome. The speaking time has been set at two minutes for all. And I give the floor to Conscience and Peace Taxation International. No, it's time, LaSalle. Who is not in the room, advocates for human rights in a video statement.

Mr. President, the advocates for human rights and women's NGOs cooperation network of Latvia thank the member states that made recommendations urging Latvia to take steps to address gender-based violence. and we commend Latvia's acceptance of most of these recommendations. In 2025, Latvia's parliament voted to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, which the President vetoed. We are grateful to the many Member States that urged Latvia to remain a State Party to the Istanbul Convention. We also appreciate Latvia's acceptance of 13 Member States' recommendations urging full implementation of the Istanbul Convention. We are concerned, however, that Latvia noted the recommendation to provide sustainable funding for its national plan implementing the Istanbul Convention. We also thank the two member states recommending Latvia to strengthen laws and policies against discrimination of Roma women and girls and ensure their access to.

Education, employment and health.

But we are troubled over Latvia's rejection of these recommendations. 17 Member States made recommendations on persons with disabilities. Regrettably, Latvia noted the recommendations to ensure their inclusion and participation through accessible services and adequate support systems. Breast cancer is a top diagnosed cancer amongst Latvian women. and screening reaches only 38% of women. Although no recommendations were made, we advise Latvia create the national breast cancer screening registry, conduct public awareness and training, and provide access to state-funded screening to meet its obligations under the right to health. Latvia should work together with NGOs to implement these recommendations.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor now to World Jewish Congress in a video.

Thank you, Mr. President. My name is Dmitri Krupnikov, and I am the vice president of the Latvian Jewish community. I am honored to make this statement on behalf of the World Jewish Congress. As we stated in our previous review, Latvia has made remarkable progress since regaining independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. We are pleased to attest that the progress has continued. At the time of our previous review, the Latvian Jewish community was working closely with the Sejm and the government on Latvia on the law of goodwill reimbursement to the Latvian Jewish community. Adopted by the Sejm and signed by the President of Latvia in early 2022, the law provides reimbursement for nearly 300 properties that could not be reclaimed after Latvia regained independence because the legitimate heirs to those property perished in the Holocaust. Through a 10-year payment program, the Latvian Jewish Community Restitution Fund receives support for community initiatives and assistance to Holocaust survivors in Latvia. The adoption of the law and the strong majority it received in its final reading reflects the positive relationship between Latvia and its Jewish community. We also welcome the attention given by the Government of Latvia and relevant authorities to combating antisemitism and online hate speech. Holocaust Remembrance Day is a Latvian calendar, and every year the leaders of Latvia and the leaders of the community commemorating those who died in the tragedy, always noting that the Holocaust robbed Latvia of its vital and vibrant part. On our agenda for the next four years is signing a bilateral agreement between Latvia and Israel, honoring dual citizenship permissions between the two countries. We're thankful to the government of Latvia for our good working relationship, and we're very proud of our strong and vibrant community. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Imam Ali's Popular Students Relief Society has the floor.

Thank you. As an independent human rights organization, we express deep concern over Latvia's response during this cycle. While we welcome its initial steps to uphold the Istanbul Convention, we are profoundly alarmed by Latvia's decision to merely note and effectively reject critical recommendations on border management, refugee protection, protection and the core international human rights instruments. First, the systematic rejection of recommendations 233 through 241 is unacceptable. Latvia's justification that its existing legal framework aligns with EU directives directly contradicts the reality on the ground. The ongoing practice of violent pushbacks and the refusal to decriminalize humanitarian assistance at the border violate the absolute international principle of non-refoulement. In times of geopolitical tensions, human rights must never be compromised under the guise of security threats. Second, genuine commitment to nonviolence against women requires full institutional and financial accountability. While Latvia claims to support the Istanbul Convention, rejecting recommendation 164 to secure multi-year predictable funding for domestic violence survivors renders these promises empty. Furthermore, refusing to ratify the optional protocol to CEDAW denies victims the essential right to seek international remedy. Honourable Chair, European Union relies on the uniform respect for human rights and the rule of law. member state selectively bypasses international asylum standards and restricts accountability for gender-based violence, it weakens the legal fabric of the entire region. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. Forum Mediterranee pour la.

Promotion des droits des citoyens, the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. The Forum welcomes the constructive participation of Latvia in the UPR. We welcome also the cooperation between Latvia and the Council's mechanisms. We welcome the fact that Latvia supported fully 135 recommendations and supported partially six. out of a total of 243 recommendations. We welcome efforts made by Latvia to strengthen equality, combat discrimination, combat violence against women, and we commend Latvia to protect the rights of children and persons with disabilities and to combat trafficking in persons and hate speech. We welcome the involvement of civil society organisations in the UPR. This cooperation needs to continue when the time comes to implement the recommendations accepted to ensure that international commitments give rise to concrete results for the benefit of all. We encourage Latvia to continue to share experiences, good practices with states and civil society, we also encourage Latvia to promote national dialogue for human rights. And to conclude, we support the efforts made by Latvia to implement the outcome of the UPR, and we encourage Latvia to continue progress already made on the path towards the promotion of human rights.

President, delegates, I am the founder of the IPO. Advocating patriotism without harming others' interests, we welcome Latvia's active engagement in the UPR and recognize its ratification of the Istanbul Convention and the establishment of the national preventative mechanism. However, the UPR must not become a mere formality. The Chinese delegation noted that Roma people still face systemic discrimination in employment, education, healthcare, and housing, while the non-citizen system deprives many of full dignity. Several countries also highlighted gaps in hate crime legislation, border pushbacks, and the potential withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. A truly patriotic nation need not marginalize minority groups to assert its sovereignty. We have three proposals. First, non-selectivity. UPR recommendations concerning ethnic minorities, migrants, and Russian-speaking communities must be implemented with the same vigor as those concerning the majority. Second, the principle of non-harm. Language reform, border control, and security policies must not erode the ESCR of vulnerable groups. Third, link UPR follow-up actions to the nation's right to development. When small states are pressured to externalize migration control, the human rights of vulnerable groups are quietly sacrificed. Human rights governance must be based on non-selectivity rather than double standards. Latvia's review hinges on whether the UPR truly protects the people or merely to polish a national image. I invite you all to our side event. human rights in the US on 1st of October at 17 hours in Concordia 1 to examine how hegemonic practices distort the global human rights order. Thank you.

Thank you very much. This was the last speaker we could accommodate. Before giving the floor to the delegation of Latvia for concluding remarks, allow me to inform that according to the information provided, Out of 243 recommendations received, 135 enjoy the support of Latvia and 102 are noted. Additional clarification was provided on another six recommendations, indicating which parts of the recommendations were supported and which parts were noted. I will now give the floor back to his Excellency for concluding remarks. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Before closing remarks, I would like to react to comments made regarding border management and asylum procedures. For five years already, Latvia has been subjected to migratory pressure on Latvian-Belarusian border. as the result of deliberate weaponization of migrants by Belarus in complicity with Russia to undermine our territorial integrity and national security. There are no signs that Belarus intends to end this practice, and instead Belarus continues to escalate these hybrid attacks. It seeks to exploit human rights guarantees upheld by democratic states for political purposes and by instrumentalizing migrants and attempting to turn human rights observing human rights against the states that observe them. They undermine the international human rights order while openly disregarding its obligations under international law. Belarus is exploiting human beings as an act of hostility, disregarding their vulnerability and putting their lives at risk. Now, Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Let me conclude by expressing Latvia's sincere appreciation to all delegations, the Ombudsperson and to civil society representatives for their contribution to this dialogue and the process that will help us to improve the promotion, protection and advancement of human rights in Latvia. The government of Latvia confirms its strong commitment to the effective implementation of the accepted recommendations. A number of these recommendations are already in the process of implementation or have been implemented. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Latvia's steadfast commitment to the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and the principles of a rules-based international order. We will continue to address challenges and emerging issues and to improve human rights situation in Latvia. I thank you.

I thank His Excellency for this presentation and the constructive participation of Latvia throughout the UPR process. I now propose that the Council adopt the decision on the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Latvia as it appears on the screen now. I see no objection. The decision is adopted. Thank you very much indeed. We will have a short break before we consider the outcome of Sierra Leone. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we shall now consider the outcome of Sierra Leone. The outcome is based on the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Sierra Leone and its addendum, these documents together. with the additional information that will now be provided by Sierra Leone, will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the Council through a standardised decision. It is now an honour for me to give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Lansana Alusine Gburri, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone, to present additional information on the review. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it is an honor to take the floor on behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone at the adoption of the report of the Sierra Leone's fourth cycle universal review, periodic review. Sierra Leone attaches great importance to the universal periodic review as a unique mechanism for constructive dialogue, cooperation, and accountability in the promotion and protection of human rights. We regard the UPR not merely as a periodic reporting exercise. It is also an opportunity to take stock of our progress, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and strengthen our national efforts to ensure that human rights are enjoyed by all. On 12 May 2016, I appeared before the UPR Working Group for its first cycle review. We engaged constructively with 119 States during the interactive dialogue and received 310 recommendations. We express our sincere appreciation to all members of the Troika, Ghana, the Republic of Korea, and Spain, for their guidance and support throughout the review process. We also thank the UPR Secretariat, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and all delegations that participated in our review for their constructive engagement and valuable contributions to our human rights dialogue. Mr. President, immediately following the review, the government circulated the recommendations while it's relevant stakeholders and conducted the comprehensive national consultation on the 6th and 7th August, 2026 to consider the 310 recommendations received. Coordinated by the national reporting mechanisms, the consultations brought together relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, and other national stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the Human Rights Commission of CRLM. Each recommendation was carefully considered against our constitutional and legal framework, national priorities, existing policies, institutional capacity, and the practical requirements for implementation. Following this process, CRLM supported 271 recommendations and noted 39 recommendations. The government's decision to support 271 recommendations reflects the outcome of the national consultation. Those recommendations largely concern areas in which government is already taking or is prepared to take further measures, including gender equality and women's empowerment, child protection, access to justice, health and education, civic and political rights, democratic governance and good governance, and anti-corruption, human rights protection, and the prevention of violence and harmful practices affecting children. They also reflect the government's commitment to translating international human rights standards into tangible improvements in the lives of all Seychellois. Accordingly, in the addendum we submitted to the Secretary General, we provided explanatory notes where necessary to clarify the scope of government support, particularly in relation to the ongoing constitutional review, amendments to the Cybersecurity and Crime Act and Public Order Act, press freedom, reproductive health, and the protection of children from FGM and other harmful The supported recommendations will therefore provide an important framework for practical implementation during the 2026-2030 period. Our decision to note 39 recommendations should not be construed as a rejection of the human rights principles that underpin those recommendations. The 39 noted recommendations principally relate to the constitutional entrenchment of the prohibition of the death penalty, the criminalization or prohibition of SGM involving consenting adults, and the decriminalization of same-sex marriage relations. The decision to note these recommendations, particularly those on FGM for consenting adults and decriminalization of same-sex relations, reflects the government's considered assessment that further consultations are necessary to make a balanced decision in the national interest. Mr. President, the government is committed to ensuring that the recommendations we have supported are translated into concrete action. objective is not simply to recall commitments, but also to ensure that the implementation of these commitments contributes to improvements in the daily lives, dignity, and well-being of our people. Implementation will be undertaken through relevant national institution and existing legislative policy and developmental frameworks. We call the nation monitoring and reporting through the national reporting mechanism housed within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The government also attaches particular importance to the three voluntary pledges made during the first cycle review in May this year. These pledges address as areas that are fundamental to strengthen Sierra Leone's constitutional order, justice system, and human rights architecture. Mr. President, the first voluntary pledge concerns the conclusion of the constitutional review process. Sierra Leone's constitutional review process is a major national undertaking that has evolved over more than three decades. Successive governments since 1996 have invested significant time, resources, and human capacity in the process, demonstrating that constitutional reform has become a matter of enduring national importance. The process builds upon the commitments arising from the Lome Peace Agreement, which contributed to ending Sierra Leone's civil conflict, as well as the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which followed that peace. The government of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has continued to invest in this process, reflecting its national ownership and importance to Sierra Leone's democratic development. The constitutional reform process that has recently concluded its parliamentary stage is waiting for presentation as it aims at strengthening the electoral transparency and political inclusion. The next stages of the constitutional reform will address entrenched provisions that will require a referendum and the direct involvement of the citizenry. Those reforms will address identified gaps in the constitutional framework and strengthen the protection of fundamental rights, democratic governance, and inclusion. Among the issues under consideration are stronger constitutional protection against discrimination against women and the constitutional recognition of the rights to health and education. The government remains committed to ensuring that the process is nationally owned, participatory, and inclusive, and takes into account the views and interests of all political parties, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, women, young people, and citizens across the country. We acknowledge that the process has encountered challenges, including political debates. Nevertheless, government remains resolute in its commitment to bringing the constitutional review process to completion in the national interest. Mr. President, with regard to the second voluntary pledge concerning decriminalization of poverty, COLEA reaffirms its commitment to taking concrete steps towards a review and decriminalization of petty offenses, particularly offenses that disproportionately affect vulnerable and marginalized groups. This commitment is consistent with COLEA's human rights obligations and reflects our determination to promote dignity, equality, and access to justice. We seek to ensure that poverty and vulnerability are not themselves grounds for discrimination. and that our justice system contributes to social inclusion rather than deepening disadvantage. With respect to the third voluntary pledge concerning the permanent abolition of the death penalty, Sierra Leone reaffirms that the abolition of the capital punishment is irreversible. Following the historic abolition of the death penalty pursuant to commitments made during the previous EPR cycle, Sierra Leone has taken a further decisive step of ratifying the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. Parliament approved the protocol on 9 June 2026, and our instrument of succession has subsequently been deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. This development further consolidates EOL's abolitionist position on both national and international levels and underscores our commitment to the right to life and to the progressive strengthening of human rights protection. On each of these three voluntary pledges, Sierra Leone remains committed to continued dialogue and cooperation with the Human Rights Council, member states, the United Nations system, and national stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation. Mr. President, allow me to reaffirm before this Council the broader vision articulated by our President, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio. in his national statement at the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on 22 September 2026. In addressing the General Assembly under the theme, "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: United Nations that Delivers for All," the President emphasized the importance of restoring confidence in institutions and ensuring that peace, development, and human security are positive together. He stressed that lasting stability requires addressing poverty, exclusion, unemployment and institutional weaknesses, and that the benefits of development must reach people, particularly young people and communities that remain farthest from opportunity. That message is directly relevant to Sierra Leone's engagement with the universal periodic review. The president's statement also reaffirms Sierra Leone's commitment to multilateralism and national law, peacebuilding, mediation, gender equality, and the strengthening of international cooperation. It underscored the importance of ensuring that the promise embodied in the General Assembly's theme, a United Nations that delivers for all, is reflected in concrete action that improves the lives of our people. Sierra Leone, therefore, approaches the implementation of its UPR commitments within this broad and national vision, a society in which human dignity is respected, rights are protected, institutions are accountable, and are accessible to all without discrimination. As a president, Sierra Leone recognizes the promotion and protection of human rights is an ongoing national responsibility. We are conscious of the challenges that remain, but we are also equally conscious of the progress that has been made and our responsibility to sustain and deepen that progress. We will continue to work with the UN member states, regional and sub-regional organizations, development partners, civil society, and other national stakeholders to implement the 271 recommendations supported by the government and to advance three voluntary pledges made during our review. For Sierra Leone, the UPR is not an end in itself. It is part of our continued national effort to strengthen institutions, uphold the rule of law, protect dignity, and build a more inclusive and just society. I thank you, Mr. President. I cede back the floor to you for the continuation of the adoption process. Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

I'd like to thank His Excellency for this presentation, Excellencies, distinguished participants, This brings us to the end of this meeting. We'll reconvene this afternoon at 3:00 PM to continue with the consideration and adoption of the outcome documents of Sierra Leone and other countries examined during the 52nd session of the UPR Working Group. I hereby declare closed the 29th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. Thank you.