4316e réunion, 146e session, Comité des droits de l'homme (CCPR) Date: 5 November 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/fr/ccpr/4316?lang=en Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- CCPR · Chair [14:56]: Dear colleagues, dear members, friends, good afternoon. This afternoon, this is meeting number 4316 of 146th session of Human Rights Committee, and we meet in a public meeting, which is being webcast. and we will proceed with the consideration of progress report of the Special Rapporteur on follow-up to concluding observations. Ms. Donders, so without further ado, I will give the floor to Madam Donders to introduce her report. CCPR · Special Rapporteur on follow-up to concluding observations [15:43]: Thank you very much, Chair. Good afternoon to everyone here in the room and those who are following this presentation online. Since our follow-up procedure is not very well known, allow me to briefly explain it. In its reporting procedure, the Human Rights Committee monitors States Parties' implementation and adopts concluding observations every eight years. Since this is a long time, we find it important to continue our monitoring and dialogue during that period. Therefore, we select three issues from our concluding observations on which States Parties should inform the Committee after three years. Other stakeholders are also invited to submit information, and on that basis we assess the progress made. The criteria used for the assessment can be found in document CCPR/C/161, paragraph 21. The report I present today assesses the implementation of the recommendations by Bolivia, Iraq, Luxembourg, Togo, and Uruguay. We sincerely thank these State Parties for submitting their follow-up reports. We also much appreciate the information from civil society organizations. In the follow-up report, and even more in this presentation, I had to significantly summarize all the information. But you can all be assured that we've carefully examined all of it. The information by the State Party and by stakeholders can be consulted online, and after adoption, the full reports will also be ready. I would like to warmly thank the Committee members who have reviewed the draft report and made very valuable comments that have been included. Further comments by Committee members are welcome during this public session. The overall recommended action for all five assessments is to inform the States Parties of the discontinuance of the follow-up procedure and ask them to address the information requested by the Committee in their next periodic reports, which are due in 2028 and 2029. I will begin with the proposed assessment for Bolivia. The three recommendations selected for follow-up were paragraph 15, violence against women; paragraph 21, trafficking in persons and forced labour; and paragraph 27, administration of justice. Our recommendation in paragraph 15 concerns preventing, combating, and eradicating violence against women and girls. The Committee recommends Bolivia to provide sufficient resources for prevention, protection, punishment, and reparation; ensure that measures also protect trans women; facilitate complaints and effective investigations without revictimization; bring the definitions of rape and statutory rape in line with international standards; and provide appropriate assistance throughout the country. The state party reports extensive training, awareness raising, and institutional measures. Prevention has been incorporated into economic and social development plan for 2021-2025, alongside activities involving police officers, public officials, the judiciary, education institutions, and other actors. An action plan on femicide and gender-based violence has been adopted. A review of 327 rape and femicide cases led to action against judges and prosecutors and the recapture of perpetrators. The State Party also reports specialized courts, shelters, victim services, a national hotline, and nearly tenfold increase between 2020 and 2024 in the budget of its comprehensive gender-based violence system. For LGBTI+ persons, Bolivia describes investigation and assistance protocols and training on equality and non-discrimination. It also reports victim-centered guidance measures to improve coordination and free legal, psychological, and social assistance. A bill has been presented to amend sexual offenses in accordance with international standards. Stakeholders acknowledge legislative and institutional advances, but describe continuing implementation gaps. These include insufficient resources, uneven territorial coverage, shortages and turnover of specialized staff, and shortcomings in the justice system. Transgender women reportedly face particular barriers to protection and accountability. Stakeholders also report that of more than 439,000 cases of violence against women recorded between 2013 and 2024, only 5.7% resulted in convictions. They also identify judicial delays, proposals on false complaints that may discourage reporting, stalled sexual offense reforms, and gaps in victim services and data collection. On the basis of the information received, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 15 is B. The Committee appreciates the detailed information provided by the State Party on training and awareness-raising activities and welcomes the steps taken to prevent and combat violence against women, including the adoption of an action plan on femicide and gender-based violence, the establishment of shelters, specialized support services, and dedicated courts, the provision of training and awareness raising programs, and free legal assistance and psychosocial assistance to victims. It also notes ongoing efforts to align domestic criminal legislation with international human rights standards. Nevertheless, the Committee is concerned that limited resources Uneven geographical coverage of services and shortages of specialized personnel may hamper the effective implementation of these measures. It is further concerned about reports of persistent violence against women, particularly transgender women, as well as about low reporting and prosecution rates and delays in judicial proceedings. Our recommendation in paragraph 21 concerns trafficking in persons and forced or bonded labor. The Committee calls for stronger prevention, investigations, appropriate punishment, and comprehensive reparation. It also requests training, sufficient institutional resources, better victim identification and protection, adequate shelter coverage, particularly at borders, support for families at risk of forced labor, and accelerated adoption of relevant policies. The State Party reports the adoption of the plurinational policy against trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, and related offences for 2021-2025. Its scope includes prevention, border controls, international cooperation, victim assistance, and investigative capacity, with implementation through annual plans. The State Party also described specialized training, international cooperation, tools for digital investigations and child sexual abuse material, labor inspections, and mobile labor offices. Ministries and the Ombudsman have conducted prevention campaigns and training for officials and other groups. Regional coordination has also been strengthened. On protection, Bolivia reports guidelines for specialized shelters, a consular assistance protocol for victims abroad, identification tools for border officials, improved case management, and expanded bilateral and regional cooperation. A plurinational council brings together state institutions and civil society to coordinate anti-trafficking work. Stakeholders confirm the policy and a multi-agency work plan launched in 2024, but indicate that the information does not establish whether a dedicated implementation budget exists. They also identify gaps in socioeconomic reintegration and in data on victim identification and reintegration outcomes. Reported trafficking and smuggling cases remain substantial. Stakeholders acknowledged capacity building with the International Organization for Migration and measures to improve consular and border assistance. Based on the information received, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 21 is B. The Committee welcomes the measures adopted by the State Party to prevent, combat, and punish trafficking in persons and forced or bonded labor. including the adoption of the plurinational policy against trafficking in persons. While acknowledging the implementation of capacity building, awareness raising and coordination measures, the Committee notes the absence of information on the allocation of a dedicated budget for the effective implementation of the policy. The Committee also notes the limited information provided on the investigation and prosecution of trafficking-related offenses, the sanctions imposed on perpetrators, and the remedies and compensation afforded to victims. The recommendation in paragraph 27 concerns the independence and effectiveness of the justice system. The Committee recommends Bolivia to safeguard judges and prosecutors from interference, pursue inclusive judicial reform, combat corruption, reduce temporary appointments, and ensure transparent, independent, merit-based selection and disciplinary processes. It also requests adequate justice services throughout the country and sufficient resources for the public defense. The state party reports a justice reform program following nationwide consultation, together with digitalization, integrity training, and expanded court capacity. It describes a national anti-corruption policy, complaint management tools deployed across 364 transparency units, stronger case tracking and disciplinary referral mechanisms, and public awareness initiatives. The State also reports merit-based recruitment, the filling of 98% of judicial posts, prosecutor training, judicial elections in 2024, and the appointment of a new Attorney General. Other measures include computerized case management, electronic notifications, virtual hearings, and reforms to constitutional jurisdiction. Public defense has received 35 new offices and a budget increase of 10.29% between 2020 and 2023. Stakeholders, however, report that the justice sector allocations remain below 0.6% of the national budget. They describe persistent corruption, political interference, delays, and low public confidence. Although institutionalization efforts are acknowledged, concerns remain about vacancies, appointments, case backlogs, and limited services in many municipalities. Public defense received increased funding in 2024, but stakeholders still identify insufficient staffing, high caseloads, and limited rural coverage. On the basis of the information received, The Committee's evaluation for paragraph 27 is C. While noting ongoing efforts to reform the justice sector, including measures to strengthen transparency, integrity, and merit-based appointments, the Committee remains concerned about persistent challenges affecting the independence and effectiveness of the justice system. Reports of corruption, political interference, Judicial delays, insufficient resources, and capacity constraints continue to undermine access to justice, particularly in undeserved areas. The Committee further notes that despite increased funding for the Plurinational Public Defense Service, concerns remain regarding staffing levels, caseloads, and geographical coverage. These are, Mr. Chair, our proposed grading, so two times a B and one time a C for Bolivia, and I return the floor back to you. CCPR · Chair [30:10]: Thank you very much, Madam Rapporteur. So proposed grading is the paragraph 15B, paragraph 21B, and paragraph 27C. Is there any member who wish to speak? Disagree? It seems everybody agree with the proposed grading, so the grading was adopted. Thank you very much. Then I will go back to the Madame Rapporteur. CCPR · Special Rapporteur on follow-up to concluding observations [30:51]: Thank you. So let me continue with the proposed assessment of Iraq. The three recommendations selected for follow-up were paragraph 9, fight against impunity and past human rights violations; paragraph 17, counter-terrorism measures; and paragraph 21, prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment. The Committee's recommendations under paragraph 9 concern accountability for serious human rights violations. The Committee requests timely investigations and prosecutions, including for sexual offenses committed by Daesh against Yazidi women and girls, and violations associated with the 2019 and 2020 demonstrations. It called for proportionate penalties, excluding the death penalty, full reparation, adoption of legislation on enforced disappearance, and measures to end that practice. The State Party reports that between 2020 and 2024, 2,741 investigations into abductions were concluded and 332 convictions secured. Additional cases remain under investigation or at trial. Evidence collected by UNITAD, the UN investigative team addressing Daesh crimes, has been transferred to national authorities, and a team has been established to preserve and document evidence. The state party describes international judicial cooperation, committees to document crimes and search for abducted people, and a unified database on missing persons. It reports that 2,216 survivors have benefited from the Yazidi Female Survivors Act. with assistance including monthly stipends and land allocations. For demonstration-related violations, Iraq reports review and fact-finding mechanisms, compensation arrangements, law enforcement reforms, and human rights training. A bill making enforced disappearance a separate offense has received approval in principle from the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, but remains within the legislative process. Stakeholders describe limited progress overall. They warn that the termination of UNITAD's mandate in 2024 may undermine evidence preservation and accountability, while many mass graves reportedly remain unexamined. The enforced disappearance bill remains pending and has been criticized for inadequate documentation mechanisms. Although the Survivors Act is acknowledged as positive, implementation delays and proposed amendments reportedly threaten access to reparation. On the basis of the information received, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 9 is C. The Committee welcomes the measures to investigate and prosecute crimes committed by Daesh, including against Yazidi women and girls, to strengthen accountability mechanisms and provide reparations to victims. It's nevertheless concerned that the termination of the Unitad mandate may significantly affect evidence preservation and accountability, and that access to reparations remains subject to practical and procedural obstacles. It regrets the lack of concrete information on accountability for violations committed during the 2019 and 2020 demonstrations, on the penalties imposed on perpetrators of serious human rights violations, and whether these excluded the death penalty, and on progress made to prevent and eradicate enforced disappearances and ensure accountability. While noting progress towards the adoption of legislation on enforced disappearance, the Committee is concerned that the bill remains pending and may lack effective mechanisms for documenting disappearances. The recommendations in paragraph 17 concern Iraq's counter-terrorism framework. The Committee recommended to ensure that anti-terrorism legislation and the national counter-terrorism strategy are compatible with international human rights standards, including a more precise definition of terrorism, limits on anonymous statements, full participation of victims and witnesses, and observance of fair trial guarantees. It also encouraged Iraq to refrain from mandatory death sentences under the Counter-Terrorism Act. The state party refers to constitutional and legislative safeguards protecting life, liberty, security, and fair trial rights. These include legal counsel, judicial review of detention, prosecutorial oversight, and family contact. Iraq also reports monitoring by the International Committee of the Red Cross, safeguards against coerced confessions, possible retrials, and legislation protecting witnesses, informants, experts, victims, and their families. A bill amending the Counterterrorism Act remains before the Council of Representatives, and Iraq also states that death penalty cases receive automatic review by the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Court of Cassation. Stakeholders report limited progress in aligning the legislation with international standards. They identify the continuing broad definition of terrorism, alleged reliance on coerced confessions and anonymous testimony, inadequate fair trial guarantees, and limited effective remedies, including under the General Amnesty Act. They also report no progress on the death penalty recommendation. Executions continued amid concerns about transparency, due process, and torture allegations. Some offenses attracting death sentences reportedly do not meet the international threshold of the most serious crimes. In the absence of official data, stakeholders report at least 70 executions between September and mid-October 2024, including cases raising due process concerns. On the basis of the information received, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 17 is C. The Committee notes the State Party's information on proposed legislative amendments and produced procedural safeguards. However, the Committee remains concerned about the compatibility of the counter-terrorism framework with international human rights standards, noting that broadly defined terrorism provisions remain in force despite its previous recommendations. Concerns also persist regarding compliance with fair trial guarantees, including access to legal representation and allegations of reliance on coerced confessions and testimony from anonymous sources. The Committee also notes the continued imposition and enforcement of the death penalty in terrorism-related cases, and the lack of information on measures to limit or discontinue the mandatory application of the death penalty under the Counter-Terrorism Act. The recommendations in paragraph 21 concern the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment. The Committee requests adoption of an anti-torture law with a definition consistent with international standards. It also calls for prevention, training, independent investigations, prosecution, adequate sanctions, and full reparation. The Committee also required exclusion of confessions obtained in violation of Article 7 of the Covenant. with the prosecution bearing the burden of proving voluntariness. Finally, it requested unannounced detention inspections and follow-up to their findings. The State Party reports that the anti-torture bill has been approved by the Council of Ministers and referred to Parliament. It describes constitutional safeguards, judicial oversight, legal assistance, complaint and compensation procedures, and investigations by competent authorities. Training has been provided to judges, prosecutors, police, security agencies, and correctional staff. The State Party further reports a complaints mechanism within the Prime Minister's office, human rights sections in the National Security Agency, and an emerging integrated strategy. It also reports legal provisions excluding coerced confessions and specialized courts handling human rights-related complaints. Regarding oversight, Iraq lists several national monitoring bodies and reports 559 external visits to correctional facilities in 2024, alongside regular inspections. Stakeholders report no significant progress towards internationally compliant anti-torture legislation. They raise allegations of torture and forced disappearance, deaths in custody, overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and reliance on coerced confessions. They also describe ineffective investigations and accountability, an absence of independent, unannounced monitoring, and detention facilities operated by multiple security agencies outside the Minister of Justice framework. On the basis of the information received, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 21 is C. The Committee welcomes the measures reported by the State Party to prevent torture and ill-treatment, including training for judicial, law enforcement, and penitentiary personnel, and the establishment of complaint mechanisms. However, it notes that the adoption of the anti-torture bill remains pending, and it regrets the lack of information on whether the definition in the bill is fully in line with Article 7 of the Covenant. The Committee notes with great concern continuing allegations of torture and ill-treatment in places of detention. and claims regarding the effectiveness of investigations and accountability measures. It also regrets the lack of information on prosecutions and convictions related to such violations. While noting the monitoring activities in places of detention, the Committee regrets the lack of information on the outcome of and follow-up to these activities. as well as reports indicating the absence of independent and unannounced visits to places of detention. These are the proposed greetings for Iraq, three times a C. And with that, I return the floor back to you, Chair. CCPR · Chair [43:18]: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. As you heard, the recommendations for Iraq, all Cs for all three paragraphs. Any opinions? I will give the floor to Madame Bassem. CCPR · Committee member [43:35]: Thank you very much, Mr. Jefferson, and good afternoon, colleagues, and all present with us in the room or outside for this excellent report presented by Ms. Dondos. I have just a remark in general. In paragraph 17 about the counter-terrorism measure, when we ask the governments to give a more precise definition of terrorism, actually, I think that even the international community was not able to reach until now an agreed, globally agreed definition about terrorism at the international level. So that's just a remark for future CUBs, but otherwise I fully support the report. Thank you. CCPR · Chair [44:50]: Thank you very much. Any other member who wish to take the floor? If not, I think I will adopt the proposed grading. We adopt the grading. And I'll go back to Madame Adoundos for Luxembourg. CCPR · Special Rapporteur on follow-up to concluding observations [45:17]: Thank you very much. I will continue with the proposed assessment of Luxembourg. The three recommendations selected for follow-up were paragraph 12, sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex persons, paragraph 16 on female genital mutilation, and paragraph 26 on the right of peaceful assembly. The Committee's recommendation in paragraph 12 concerns irreversible medical interventions on intersex children without free and informed consent. The Committee recommends the State Party to strengthen measures to end such interventions, particularly surgery, except when they were absolutely necessary for medical reasons. It requests expedited legislation and a centralized statistical system, including information on rehabilitation and compensation. The State Party refers to its coalition agreement for 2023-2028, which commits the government to strengthening the protection of non-binary gender identities, reviewing sex assignment procedures for intersex persons, adapting them to their needs. The State Party also intends to examine relevant legal frameworks in other EU member states and establish an inter-ministerial working group. Unfortunately, there's no stakeholder information on this particular recommendation. Based on the information received, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 12 is C. The Committee notes the State party's commitment to strengthening the protection of non-binary gender identities and to establishing an inter-ministerial working group to review the procedures applicable to sex assignment for intersex persons. It notes, however, the lack of information on tangible steps taken to advance the adoption of legislation envisaged in the National Plan of Action for the Promotion of the Rights of LGBTIQ+ Persons and the Coalition Agreement for 2018-2023, and to establish a centralized data collection system, including data on rehabilitation and compensation measures. The recommendation in paragraph 16 concerns female genital mutilation. The Committee calls upon Luxembourg to accelerate adoption of a national strategy, continue awareness raising among communities at risk, and provide information about assistance and remedies. It also requests improved data collection to assess the phenomenon, including the number of identified cases, as well as complaints, investigations, prosecutions, and convictions, together with assistance, compensation, and rehabilitation for victims. The submission by the State Party does not include any reference or information on this recommendation. Stakeholders indicate that despite criminalization, the practice reportedly persists and girls remain at risk. They also identify the absence of a national strategy and gaps in data, including information about support and remedies for victims. On the basis of this information, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 16 is D. The Committee regrets the absence of information from the State Party on this recommendation. It notes with concern that no national strategy on female genital mutilation has been adopted and that data remain lacking. In paragraph 26, on the right of peaceful assembly, the Committee recommends Luxembourg to take legislative measures to lift the ban on demonstrations not notified in advance, referring to General Comment 37. It also requests clear guidance for local authorities and police on the State's obligations under Article 21 of the Covenant. The State Party reports that no legislative measures have been adopted because the relevant legal analysis remains underway. Stakeholders acknowledge reforms facilitating the establishment of associations and strengthening freedom of association. They nevertheless report that prior authorization for public demonstration remains required. They also raise concerns about proposed legislation expanding police powers to disperse people in public spaces and allowing mayors to impose temporary access bans for certain locations. On the basis of the information received, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 26 is C. While welcoming the ongoing legal analysis concerning the right of peaceful assembly, the Committee regrets that there continues to be a requirement in the legislation for prior authorization for public demonstrations. It also regrets the lack of information on guidance provided to local authorities and police officers on the right of peaceful assembly. These are the proposed gradings for Luxembourg. C, D and C. And I return the floor back to you, Chair. CCPR · Chair [51:00]: Thank you very much, Madam Donders. So there are the gradings proposed by Madam Donders, C, D, C in each paragraph. Any member who wish to speak? If none, oh, yes, Mr. Fernandes de Azevedo. CCPR · Committee member [51:26]: A mí la calificación en relación con el parágrafo 16D me parece un poco dura, ¿no? No sé si ya soy. Pues soy profesor y suelo a subir las calificaciones de los estudiantes conforme pasa la edad, pero, claro, Luxemburgo. ¿Eh? Ah. So, I'll continue in Spanish as a speaker. So, what I was saying was this qualification, this description we have in 16, is a little hard-hitting. Interpreter [52:21]: And the thing is, nobody's hearing the translation. Are you hearing the English booth at all? The English booth is... CCPR · Committee member [52:29]: Translation or no translation? Say, translation, no. Interpreter [52:36]: Another English booth test. Can you hear the English interpretation? Yes, you can. Wonderful. CCPR · Committee member [52:53]: I will begin anew. In my opinion, the paragraph 16, the language is a bit strong, not because the rapporteur is not right about the scant information, but I think that we also should bear in mind, first, at Luxembourg, I've lived there for three months as a as a scholar at a scholarship there as a small population. And the phenomenon that we see here, FGM, I'm not sure how widespread it is, but I bet it's not very widespread. So a national plan to address a phenomenon that, i'm not an expert, huh? Maybe it is widespread. But I imagine that it's not a very widespread phenomenon. So the question is, to what point do we need to be so harsh on that point, given the information? A national strategy on the topic in such a small country, it doesn't seem to me to be such a big issue. But the issue is more because they didn't provide a lot of information, more than actually there being a substantive problem. Thank you. CCPR · Chair [54:19]: Okay, thank you very much. Madam Rapporteur, do you want to respond? CCPR · Committee member [54:30]: We will start. A very good afternoon, and thank you very much for the report that you're presenting here at this third section, this third chapter stage, having gone over Bolivia and Iraq already. So now we have Luxembourg, and Professor Fernández-Llester is telling us that he's getting long in the tooth and he has more tendency to use stronger words to give feedback to his students, but I'm even older, and I'm extremely surprised when somebody who is asked to give examples and talk about positive collaboration with this committee, they behave in a way that this state party is behaving as regards the reports that we've requested. And I think there is a degree of lack of respect being demonstrated here that I wouldn't expect from a state such as Luxembourg. I think it's very straightforward and the rapporteur will let us know exactly what the degree of FGM is in Luxembourg. I imagine the rate's extremely low for reasons that are obvious to understand, but it's obviously easy, I mean, to say and deal with those cases. Saying the phenomenon doesn't exist is another thing, and I think maybe there is some kind of shortcoming in this committee as well when we select these issues for follow-up. We're looking at three cases over the last ten years. I don't know, we could focus on more relevant issues. That's something we may need to think about. Thank you. CCPR · Chair [56:54]: Okay, thank you very much. We go back to the Madam Dondos. CCPR · Special Rapporteur on follow-up to concluding observations [57:01]: Thank you very much. Thanks, colleagues, for these These relevant questions, certainly. The issue here is these are concluding observations adopted by our colleagues in 2022. And to be honest, I do not feel in a position to doubt their assessment at that time. I wasn't there in the committee at that time. I wasn't part of the dialogue. So I really trust that at that time, this was discussed with the State Party and was considered to be something serious as a problem, a human rights issue in this State Party. So if we give that recommendation, we cannot, a couple of years later, say, "Well, whether you have implemented it or not, we don't really look at that." No, we look then at what was done with the recommendation. Now, in this particular case, it's not merely that this strategy is not adopted, but also that in this particular recommendation, this part, there's no information whatsoever by the State Party. At the same time, stakeholders inform us that the practice reportedly persists and girls remain at risk. I think this Committee then has to take that into account and has to say, "Well, therefore, we feel that this is a lack of cooperation with our Committee." So this is why, indeed, I still do think paragraph D is the right evaluation. I do note that several other Committee members also, and this has come up, that sometimes the difference between the C and the D grade is perhaps a bit difficult, because D is no cooperation, and it says that no follow-up report has been received. And of course, we did have a follow-up report. But on this particular item, no information, not one line on this particular recommendation. Whereas C is the reply or action is not satisfactory, but it says in our rules a response has been received. So this is why in this particular case, we chose for, or I proposed to you, the D, but it's something I think we could further clarify in further developing this particular process of follow-up. Thank you. CCPR · Chair [59:21]: Thank you very much. In 2022, I was the member, and it is really surprising that countries like Luxembourg still has this practice, but it is the fact there is a practice, and there is no reply from the state parties. That's also surprising, but D is right one, and when there is no reply, we give D. Okay, any further requests? Without further requests, we will adopt the proposed grading C, D, C. Okay, adopted. And I'll go back to the Madame Rapporteur. CCPR · Special Rapporteur on follow-up to concluding observations [1:00:13]: Thank you, Chair. Let me continue then with the proposed assessment of Togo. The three recommendations selected for follow-up were paragraph 12 on anti-corruption, paragraph 26 on torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and paragraph 44 on freedom of expression. The recommendation in paragraph 12 concerns corruption. The Committee recommends the State Party to strengthen its anti-corruption authority and adopt a national strategy provide prosecutors and law enforcement officials with training and sufficient resources, independently investigate corruption and prosecute perpetrators, including senior officials, and continue public training and awareness raising campaigns. The state party reports the adoption of a national strategy and a toll-free reporting hotline. Its anti-corruption body has been transformed into the High Authority for Transparency, Integrity of Public Life and the Fight Against Corruption with an expanded mandate. The state party also describes regular training for magistrates, prosecutors, police, and security personnel on ethics, financial investigations, evidence management, and integrity. Specialized units have received additional material and technological resources, and coordination between institutions has been strengthened. Togo also refers to criminal code provisions penalizing corruption, with administrative and criminal investigations available for allegations involving public officials. Awareness campaigns have reached health officials, journalists, civil society, procurement actors, and elected representatives across all 117 municipalities. Stakeholders acknowledged the strategy, institutional strengthening, and the appointment of an experienced magistrate to lead the authority. They report that complaints have been processed and some misappropriated funds recovered. However, they also identify limited information on prosecutions and investigation outcomes, and concerns that the authorities' investigative and enforcement powers remain inadequate. Structural shortcomings in detention facilities are also said to facilitate corruption. On the basis of the information received, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 12 is B for subparagraphs A, B and D, and the grade of C for subparagraph C. The Committee welcomes the measures taken to prevent and combat corruption, including the adoption of a national anti-corruption strategy, training programmes for judicial and law enforcement personnel, and awareness-raising activities. While noting the expansion of the mandate of the High Authority for transparency, integrity of public life and the fight against corruption, it remains concerned that its investigative and enforcement capacity may not be sufficient to effectively ensure accountability for corruption offenses. The Committee also notes the lack of detailed information on the outcome of corruption investigations and any resulting prosecutions or sanctions. It urges the State Party to continue strengthening anti-corruption measures, including by ensuring effective investigation, prosecution, and sanctioning of corruption offenses, and to increase efforts to disseminate statistical data, particularly in cases involving high-level corruption. The recommendation under paragraph 26 has three elements. First, the Committee recommends Togo to revise the criminal code definition of torture to bring it into full conformity with Article 7 of the Covenant. Second, it requests clear instructions on the absolute prohibition of torture and instructions to prosecutors to investigate and prosecute torture and ill-treatment. And third, it calls for the lifting of restrictions on civil society visits to detention facilities. The State party reports that the definition of torture will be discussed during ongoing revision of the criminal code. It also reports regular human rights training for police, gendarmerie, and investigation officials, including on the absolute prohibition of torture. Allegations may lead to disciplinary and criminal proceedings, and prosecutors are instructed to investigate promptly. On detention visits, the State Party informs that civil society organizations may visit subject to prison administration supervision and assessment of eligibility. Stakeholders inform that visits were suspended in April 2020 during the COVID pandemic, resumed gradually from April 2022, and were fully restored without restriction in June 2023, including for civil society organizations. They nevertheless report no revision of the torture definition, ineffective investigations and prosecutions, and deficiencies in safeguards such as immediate access to counsel, notification of a third party, and medical examinations. They also refer to international and regional findings concerning torture, ill-treatment, and arbitrary detention, and allege inadequate investigation and implementation of those decisions. Based on the information received, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 26 is: C. For subparagraph (a), while noting that the definition of torture will be discussed as part of the ongoing revision of the criminal code, The Committee regrets the lack of progress to date on this matter. For subparagraph b, the grade is B. The Committee welcomes the information on training for police, gendarmerie, and criminal investigation officials, as well as awareness-raising activities concerning the absolute prohibition of torture. However, it notes with concern the lack of information provided by the State Party on investigations, prosecutions, and sanctions in cases of alleged torture and ill-treatment. For subparagraph c, the grade is A. The Committee welcomes the resumption of prison visits by civil society organizations and notes that visits have been fully restored without restriction since June 2023. The recommendation under paragraph 44 concerns freedom of expression. The Committee recommends Togo to revise restrictive legislation in accordance with Article 19 of the Covenant, refrain from intimidation and prosecution of journalists and human rights defenders under vaguely defined offenses, investigate violations against them and provide redress, and guarantee the independence of the High Audiovisual and Communications Authority. The State party reports that the Press and Communications Code incorporates international standards and abolishes prison sentences and summary proceedings for offences committed by professional journalists. It also describes sentencing options in defamation cases intended to limit custodial sanctions and ensure proportionality. The State Party also informs that obstruction of press freedom is criminalized and threatened journalists are entitled to protection. It describes the communications authority as independent and points to a 2021 reform increasing its membership to nine, including six media professionals, with media sector participation in selecting representatives. Stakeholders acknowledge the reform and the election of six new members in 2023. However, they identify continuing restrictions, including the criminalization of false news, the exclusion of social media from the Press and Communications Code, and broad powers to restrict online content under the 2019 Internal Security Law. They also report arrests detention, and prosecution of journalists and civil society activists exercising freedom of expression, together with a lack of effective investigations into violations against journalists and human rights defenders. Based on the information received, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 44 is C. The Committee welcomes the measures taken to strengthen the independence of the High Audiovisual and Communications Authority, including the greater involvement of media professionals in the appointment of its members, as well as the decriminalization of certain press offenses under the Press and Communications Code. The Committee remains concerned, however, that certain provisions of the legal framework continue to unduly restrict freedom of expression. and that criminal prosecutions have been instigated against journalists critical of the government. It regrets the lack of detailed information on investigations into alleged violations against journalists and human rights defenders. These are the proposed gradings for Togo, and I return the floor back to you, Chair. CCPR · Chair [1:10:42]: Thank you very much. The proposed degrading is a little complex. Paragraph 12, anti-corruption, is a combination of B and C, and paragraph 26, torture and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment, is a combination of C and B and A. And for paragraph 4, freedom of expression, is C. So any member who wish to take the floor? If not, I will adopt the proposed grading. And I give back the floor to Madame Rapporteur. CCPR · Special Rapporteur on follow-up to concluding observations [1:11:28]: Thank you very much. Perhaps a small word of clarification. Sometimes indeed the Committee grades different elements when it's possible, when it's easy, based on the information that we have received. Sometimes that's a bit more complicated, or if the different elements in one recommendation reflect the same grading, we use that grading for the whole paragraph. This is just to clarify this, perhaps, for people also who follow us online. So thank you. The final State Party for follow-up this session is Uruguay. The three recommendations selected for follow-up were paragraph 15, violence against women and domestic violence; paragraph 23, treatment of persons deprived of their liberty, and paragraph 25, access to justice, judicial independence, and fair trial. The recommendation in paragraph 15 concerns violence against women and girls, including domestic and sexual violence. The Committee recommends that the State Party provide sufficient resources throughout the country, appropriate gender and human rights sensitive training for relevant officials, and take measures to encourage complaints, ensure effective investigations, prosecute perpetrators, and provide full reparation. The State Party reports a 50% funding increase for the response system of the National Institute for Women under the 2020-2024 budget. Support services increased from 18 to 35 nationwide. Shelters and transitional housing are being strengthened, a 24-hour helpline has been established, and accessibility for women with disabilities improved. The State Party also reports expanded specialized courts and training across public institutions, including law enforcement, justice, health, and education. Reporting channels have grown through specialized police units, online platforms, hotlines, and emergency services. Specialized prosecutorial services, victim and witness support, mandatory compensation, and judicial guidelines have also been strengthened. Stakeholders describe continuing widespread violence and insufficient resources to implement Act No. 19580. Specialized services remain limited outside Montevideo, and access to justice is reportedly affected by delays, evidentiary barriers, revictimizing practices, and shortcoming in protection measures. They also identify insufficient gender-sensitive training, persistent stereotypes, sexual offense definitions based on violence rather than absent of consent, and harsher penalties for false reporting. Weaknesses in disaggregated data and case traceability make it difficult to follow complaints throughout the system. Stakeholders also point to the gap between increasing complaints and convictions, and the continuing occurrence of femicides. On the basis of the information received, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 15 is: B for subparagraphs A and B, and C for subparagraph C. The Committee welcomes measures taken to prevent and combat violence against women and girls, including increased funding for the response system of the National Institute for Women, the expansion of support services and specialized judicial mechanisms, and training and awareness-raising activities. It, however, also notes information indicating continuing challenges in the implementation of Act number 19580, including with regard to the adequacy of resources, the availability of specialized services, particularly outside Montevideo, and barriers to access to justice. It notes reports of shortcomings in the implementation of protection measures. insufficient gender-sensitive training for actors in the justice sector, practices that may contribute to the re-victimization of victims, and the persistence of stereotypes. The Committee is very concerned about the continued reliance on a violence-based definition of sexual offenses and harsher penalties for false reporting that may discourage victims from reporting violence. as well as weaknesses in data collection and case traceability. The recommendation in paragraph 23 concerns detention. The Committee recommends Uruguay to separate pretrial detainees from convicted persons, investigate all deaths in custody and punish intentional killings, reduce overcrowding and pretrial detention, and prioritize alternatives to imprisonment, including non-custodial measures for women convicted of non-violent offenses. For children and adolescents, it requests avoidance of pretrial detention wherever possible and measures supporting rehabilitation and reintegration in their best interest. It also calls for improved detention conditions and sufficient resources in accordance with the Nelson Mandela Rules, the Beijing Rules, and Article 10 of the Covenant. The State Party reports plans to restructure adolescent residential centres and introduce a progressive model based on individual progress and reintegration. Deaths in custody are monitored through reporting and forensic analysis, and since 2024, all such deaths have been systematically referred to prosecutors. The state party also describes promotion of non-custodial alternatives, stronger coordination, and prison reform initiatives. The 2025-2030 program of the National Institute for the Social Inclusion of Adolescents prioritizes alternatives to detention. Although mandatory adolescent pre-trial detention remains in certain cases, The state party reports declining pre-trial detention and custodial sentences, and expanded restorative programs. Oversight includes the Parliamentary Commissioner for the prison system, judicial interventions concerning healthcare, and habeas corpus proceedings. Stakeholders report continuing failure to separate pre-trial and convicted detainees, high deaths in custody, rising prison populations, overcrowding, inadequate mental health care, and constrained oversight. They identify particular concerns for women, pending reforms on alternatives to imprisonment, mandatory adolescent pretrial detention, lengthy adolescent sentences, and allegations of ill-treatment. Although new facilities and some improvements are acknowledged, poor conditions reportedly persist. Stakeholders also raised concerns about plans to involve the armed forces in social educational programs for detained adolescents. Based on the information received, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 23 is B. The Committee welcomes the increased use of non-custodial measures and the program-based proposal for 2025-2030 prioritizing alternatives to imprisonment. It notes the efforts to improve detention infrastructure, including by constructing new facilities and through the planned replacement of prison-type facilities for adolescents with social educational centers based on restorative justice principles. However, the Committee remains concerned about information indicating continuing serious challenges as regards deaths in custody, prison overcrowding and poor detention conditions, continued use of mandatory pre-trial detention, including for adolescents, and lack of separation of pre-trial detainees from convicted persons. The recommendations in paragraph 25 concern access to justice, judicial independence, and fair trial. The Committee recommends the State Party to ensure the hierarchical and financial independence of public defence from the judiciary, and provide adequate resources for timely services throughout the country. It also requests thorough, prompt investigations of police abuse and punishment of those responsible. The state party reports an increase in public defenders from 278 in 2019 to 317 in 2025. Free legal assistance is available to those unable to afford private counsel and in criminal matters to all persons. Strengthening public defense is a priority in the judiciary's 2025-2034 strategic plan. through better staffing, service delivery, and digitalization. The State Party has consulted defenders on barriers to justice and provides mandatory training. On institutional violence, Uruguay reports that the Parliamentary Commissioner receives and follows up complaints and deaths in custody, and has filed more than 100 complaints since 2022. Stakeholders indicate that public defense remains under judicial authority and that a proposal to establish an autonomous, decentralized body has not progressed in parliament. They report insufficient staff and funding, particularly limited specialized services outside the capital, and no additional resources in the identified 2025 budget. Police abuses continues to be addressed through existing administrative and prosecutorial mechanisms, without a specialized mechanism. Stakeholders also report deaths arising from police operations and low accountability. Between 2020 and 2024, 362 complaints reportedly led to 22 indictments and 17 convictions. On the basis of the information received, the Committee's evaluation for paragraph 25 is C. The Committee welcomes the measures taken by the State Party to strengthen the public defence service, including consultations with public defenders and specialised training. It remains concerned, however, by reports of insufficient human and financial resources, which may affect access to legal assistance and effective representation, as well as by the lack of progress in ensuring the institutional independence of the Public Defense Service from the judiciary. The Committee is also concerned about reports of limited accountability in cases of alleged police abuse and of deaths resulting from police operations. These are the proposed gradings for Uruguay, and I return the floor back to you, Chair. CCPR · Chair [1:23:50]: Thank you very much, madam Rapporteur. Madam Rapporteur proposed the gradings as follows: on paragraph 15, grade B for sub-paragraphs (a) and (b), and grade C for sub-paragraph (c); and for paragraph 23, grading B, and on 25, grading C. Is there any member who wishes to speak? If not, we will adopt the proposed grading. It is adopted. Thank you very much. I will go back to the rapporteur for final words. CCPR · Special Rapporteur on follow-up to concluding observations [1:24:32]: Thank you very much, Chair, and I would like to really thank my colleagues, committee members, for their comments on earlier versions of the draft, as well as for their cooperation today. Now, I hope this evaluation will encourage States Parties to step up their efforts to improve human rights, and that civil society feels empowered to continue their work for human rights. A special thanks goes to the CCPR Center for their support to stakeholders in preparing information for the follow-up. Let this procedure not remain a paper exercise, confined to in the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Let it somehow make a difference in the lives of human rights defenders, and of victims of human rights violations. Let me finally sincerely thank the Secretariat for their very hard work, as well as the conference services and, of course, our interpreters, who make it possible for all of us to speak and follow in a preferred language. Thank you very much, Chair. CCPR · Chair [1:25:37]: Thank you very much. I also wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to, of course, Madame Donders. and Secretariat, Anastasia in particular, and interpreters and technical team, everyone, and also appreciate all our colleagues, members. Thank you very much. This meeting is suspended, and we will have a private meeting in 10 minutes.