A/HRC/15/9
31.
Cuba highlighted the priority placed on improving access to sanitation and quality
health care and the resulting increases in the annual number of visits to outpatient clinics. It
added that other indicators, such as child mortality, had also improved and that the primary
school enrolment and literacy rates were both high. Cuba made a recommendation.
32.
Turkey underlined that the Convention on Genocide clearly defines the act of
genocide in legal terms, stating that this concept should only be utilized in its legal context.
Otherwise, there was a risk of striking a blow at the supremacy of law, undermining the
integrity of the Convention. On Nagorny Karabakh conflict, Turkey supported a peaceful
resolution through negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan under the Minsk Group’s
auspices. Turkey stressed that attaining peaceful resolution of the conflict and ending
occupation of Azerbaijani territories are essential requirements for setting the human rights
record of Armenia straight. Turkey made a recommendation.
33.
India stressed Armenia’s reforms in the health and education sectors and noted the
measures taken to achieve gender equality. It appreciated the importance attached to the
rights of national minorities and requested clarification as to whether the Human Rights
Defender had a role and responsibilities like those of a national human rights institution.
India did not make recommendations.
34.
Spain expressed satisfaction at the possibility that Armenia might soon ratify, inter
alia, the Optional Protocol to the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and
the Convention for the Protection for All Persons from Forced Disappearance. Spain
congratulated Armenia on the decision to extend an open invitation to all special procedures
and welcomed the abolition of the death penalty. It made recommendations.
35.
The United States of America noted steps taken to improve Armenia’s human rights
record. While praising the June 2009 amnesty, which had resulted in the release of 30
individuals detained for political reasons, it expressed concern about a number of others
still being detained. It looked forward to seeing independent media and welcomed the
decriminalization of libel. The United States made recommendations.
36.
Indonesia commended Armenia for the national plan for improving the situation of
women and the draft law ensuring equal rights and opportunities for men and women.
However, it noted enduring patriarchal attitudes, discrimination and stereotypes concerning
women’s role in society, and asked Armenia what measures had been taken to address that
issue. It made a recommendation.
37.
China noted laws and policies adopted to protect and promote human rights. It
praised Armenia's outstanding records in the areas of health care and social welfare. It
noted measures for women, children and persons with disabilities. It asked about measures
taken to improve the situation of 3,500 to 4,000 refugee families lacking permanent shelter.
China made a recommendation.
38.
Mexico noted with appreciation Armenia’s commitment to international human
rights instruments, as reflected by its ratification of international treaties and its cooperation
with the special procedures of the Human Rights Council. Mexico made recommendations.
39.
The Islamic Republic of Iran encouraged Armenia to intensify efforts to achieve the
Millennium Development Goals. It took note of amendments to the Labor Code that, inter
alia, guaranteed equal rights and prohibited forced labour. It also noted the adoption of a
series of national plans and programmes to combat human trafficking, poverty and
HIV/AIDS. Iran made recommendations.
40.
Slovenia welcomed Armenia’s ratification of the Optional Protocol to CAT.
However, it expressed concern about the designation of the National Preventive
Mechanism, which had been carried out against the recommendations of local civil society
7
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