A/HRC/42/2
apostasy also, its blasphemy legislation punishes peaceful criticism of religious ideas and
outlaws all publications considered to be contrary to State recognised religious laws. It stated
that these anti-modern laws clearly discriminate against atheists and other nonreligious
people and suppress individual freedoms. It also noted that it is high time that Brunei
Darussalam catapults itself into modernity also concerning valuing human rights and
guarantees its people freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief.
4.
Concluding remarks of the State under review
724. The Vice-President stated that, based on the information provided, out of 220
recommendations received, 108 enjoy the support of Brunei Darussalam and 105 are noted.
Additional clarification was provided on another seven recommendations, indicating which
part of the recommendations was supported and which part was noted.
725. The head of delegation thanked all representatives from Member and Observer States
of the Human Rights Council as well as the various non-governmental organizations
representatives for their participation today. Brunei Darussalam appreciated all the comments
and suggestions made by Member States, particularly the recognition of the achievements
and progress made by Brunei Darussalam in the promotion and protection of human rights.
The Government of Brunei Darussalam was committed to continuing its efforts to improve
the lives of the people of Brunei Darussalam in line with their National Vision 2035.
726. Brunei Darussalam reiterated that, as a member of the international community, it will
continue to uphold the values of friendship, peaceful co-existence, mutual respect and
cooperation. Brunei Darussalam reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism and remained
open to constructive engagement and cooperation, including in capacity building, with other
countries as well as partners, for the promotion and protection of human rights.
727. The head of delegation concluded her statement, by thanking the troika colleagues for
Brunei Darussalam, Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of Bangladesh, Bulgaria
and Peru for facilitating its review during the third cycle. She also stated her appreciation to
the Secretariat of the universal periodic review for their support during the whole universal
periodic review process, and commended, on behalf of the delegation of Brunei Darussalam,
the Vice-President of the Human Rights Council for his leadership today in the adoption of
its report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review.
Costa Rica
728. The review of Costa Rica was held on 13 May 2019 in conformity with all the relevant
provisions contained in relevant Human Rights Council resolutions and decisions, and was
based on the following documents:
(a)
The national report submitted by Costa Rica in accordance with paragraph 15
of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution
16/21 (A/HRC/WG.6/33/CRI/1);
(b)
The compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 of the
annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21
(A/HRC/WG.6/33/CRI/2);
(c)
The summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 of the
annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21
(A/HRC/WG.6/33/CRI/3).
729. At its 26th meeting, on 20 September 2019, the Human Rights Council considered
and adopted the outcome of the review of Costa Rica (see section C below).
730. The outcome of the review of Costa Rica comprises the report of the Working Group
on the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/42/12) and the views of Costa Rica concerning
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