A/HRC/11/16*
to the enhancement of human rights and work on the reinforcement of capacity-building for
civil-society actors as well as the media in their neighbourhood actions related to
awareness-raising and information on human rights.
62.
Chad congratulated Djibouti for having acceded to most of the international human
rights instruments. It encouraged the Government to continue this series of accessions to
promote and improve human rights in the country. It also requested the international
community to provide assistance to the country in overcoming the obstacles it faces so it
can effectively implement its commitments. On the right to education, Chad asked how the
Government intends to proceed to improve access to education for all. It also asked what
measures could be taken to ensure the right to education for all, to reduce disparities, to
encourage education for all children, in particular those with special needs and to lower the
drop-out rate.
63.
Senegal noted Djibouti's progress in combating unemployment and ensuring the
enjoyment of fundamental rights such as the rights to housing, education and health. It also
noted an ongoing improvement of the condition of women and the particular attention given
to children. Senegal requested information on measures that Djibouti has taken or intends to
take to promote the rights of the child. It stressed that Djibouti would optimize any
technical assistance provided in order to tackle the challenges faced by the country.
64.
In response to the questions raised and comments made, Djibouti referred to the
2008 National Social Development Initiative, its three priorities and implementing structure
as described in the introductory statement, but stated that it was too early to assess its
implementation. Regarding the incorporation of international instruments into domestic
law, the delegation recalled that the Universal Declaration of human Rights and the African
Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights were part of the Constitution and that a chapter was
devoted to individual and collective freedoms. This led to the ratification of ICCPR and
ICESCR. In the Criminal Code, all forms of discrimination are penalized. CRC and
CEDAW have also been incorporated in the Family Code, which no longer allows divorce
based on repudiation. Arrangements for the custody of children are made taking into
consideration the best interests of the child. International norms have a higher status than
national law.
65.
On the role of justice in the promotion of human rights, the delegation recalled what
was said in the national report and during the introductory statement. A comprehensive
review had been organized to discuss the justice system in order to support the Government
in the establishment of the rule of law and judges’ role in protecting and promoting human
rights. During this review, it was noted that there were shortcomings in the justice system
and the Government made considerable efforts to increase the justice system budget by 30
per cent between 2000 and 2007, the number of magistrates was tripled during the same
period. Measures have been taken to ensure the independence of the judiciary and the
prison service has been reorganized. Regarding trade-union freedoms, the delegation
referred to an ILO mission which took place in January 2008 and whose report gives an
overview of the situation. Two articles of the Labour Code are in contradiction with ILO
Convention No. 87, amendments have been proposed and are with the relevant bodies for
their adoption. The delegation called upon the International Confederation of Trade Unions
to help organize trade-union elections, as one national confederation prevented them from
happening.
66.
In its concluding statement, the delegation thanked all participants in the meeting.
This UPR was a record of the human rights situation and an analysis of the future through
different institutions whose common purpose is to protect and promote human rights in
Djibouti. The delegation welcomed the exchange and the recommendations. The delegation
committed all institutions involved to continue to work for the protection and promotion of
human rights.
GE.09-15263
15
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