A/HRC/11/37
human rights law. They welcomed the intention of Saudi Arabia to ratify a number of
international human rights instruments.
477. The International Commission of Jurists noted that the religious police were
allegedly responsible for human rights violations, including torture and ill-treatment,
enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions. Saudi authorities had failed to hold fair
and transparent elections. It pointed out that the Government should reform the Basic Law
of Government in order to reinforce the rule of law and human rights. The Government
should also incorporate into the Law the principle of equality between men and women and
the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex. It urged the Government to accede to
international human rights treaties, cooperate with the Council’s special procedures and
submit overdue reports to the United Nations treaty bodies.
478. Three non-governmental organizations were scheduled to speak during the 20minute segment allocated to them, but were unable to do so because the meeting was
running late.6
4.
Concluding remarks of the State under review
479. Owing to time constraints, Saudi Arabia was not provided with the prescribed time
allocated to States under review and could thus not address the issues raised in detail. It
reiterated, however, that the national report clearly illustrated the measures taken for the
protection of women and migrant workers’ rights and provided details on related laws. It
should be noted that 13 judges of various courts examined cases involving the death
penalty, and that this sentence was applied to the most odious cases only. Questions and
comments should be based on reality without dismissing the figures and the contents
provided in the national report.
Senegal
480. Before the consideration of the review outcome of Senegal, Armenia raised a point
of order, the content of which is reflected in the statement posted on the universal periodic
review extranet.
481. The review of Senegal was held on 6 February 2009 in conformity with all the
relevant provisions contained in Council resolution 5/1, and was based on the following
documents:
(a)
The national report submitted by Senegal in accordance with the annex to
Council resolution 5/1, paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/4/SEN/1);
(b)
The compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)
(A/HRC/WG.6/4/SEN/2);
(c)
The summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)
(A/HRC/WG.6/4/SEN/3).
482. At its 17th meeting, on 11 June 2009, the Council considered and adopted the
outcome of the review on Senegal (see section C below).
483. The outcome of the review on Senegal comprises the report of the Working Group
on the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/11/24), the views of Senegal concerning the
recommendations and/or conclusions, and its voluntary commitments and replies presented
6
GE.09-16766
The statements of the non-governmental organizations in question have been posted, exceptionally,
on the universal periodic review extranet.
131
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