A/HRC/12/50
penal code into line with international human rights obligations by repealing those
provisions, and to accept the recommendation to organize awareness-raising campaigns.
633. The International Human Rights Association of American Minorities appreciated the
recommendations reflected in the outcome of the review. It expressed concern at the reports
of harsh and insanitary conditions in which a number of people were held in detention. It
commended the ratification of additional instruments, including the International Covenant
on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It also commended efforts to improve the situation
of children, reduce infant mortality, fight poverty and achieve gender equality, despite the
serious challenges. It noted that climate change would have a negative impact on the human
rights to life, health, food and water, and also affect the adequate standard of living and the
environment. It demanded that the Council and the international community support the
Comoros in its efforts to promote and protect human rights.
4.
Concluding remarks of the State under review
634. The Comoros welcomed the statements calling upon the international community to
support the country to improve the promotion and protection of human rights. Regarding
the concerns raised by the International Lesbian and Gay Association, the delegation
reiterated that consenting adults had never been prosecuted in the Comoros for engaging in
homosexual relations. The delegation took note of the recommendation to revise article 318
of the penal code. In this respect, the Comoros recalled that countries did not evolve in the
same manner and that time was needed for changes to materialize. In closing, the Comoros
reaffirmed that it would strive to make human rights ideals a reality in the country.
Slovakia
635. The review of Slovakia was held on 13 May 2009 in conformity with all the relevant
provisions contained in Council resolution 5/1, and was based on the national report
submitted by Slovakia in accordance with the annex to Council resolution 5/1, paragraph 15
(a) (A/HRC/WG.6/5/SVK/1); the compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with
paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/5/SVK/2); and the summary prepared by OHCHR in
accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/5/SVK/3).
636. At its 19th meeting, on 25 September 2009, the Council considered and adopted the
outcome of the review on Slovakia (see section C below).
637. The outcome of the review on Slovakia comprises the report of the Working Group
on the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/12/17), the views of Slovakia concerning the
recommendations and/or conclusions, and its voluntary commitments and replies presented
before the adoption of the outcome by the plenary to questions or issues that were not
sufficiently addressed during the interactive dialogue in the Working Group (see also
A/HRC/12/17/Add.1).
1.
Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or
conclusions as well as on its voluntary commitments and on the outcome
638. The delegation of Slovakia stated that the universal periodic review process was a
unique opportunity to assess the implementation of its international human rights
obligations. The majority of recommendations had been identified as constructive and
target-oriented, and many of the recommended measures had already been incorporated in
plans of action and were at different stages of implementation.
639. The delegation emphasized that the majority of recommendations had been related
to the Roma and the improvement of their standard of living, access to appropriate housing,
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