A/HRC/30/15
96.
With regard to correctional facilities and lock-ups, a new block for low- and
medium-security prisoners was being commissioned that would address overcrowding at
the two main high-security, correctional facilities. The delegation stated that a robust
reclassification exercise was under way in relation to transferring low-risk inmates from
high-security facilities, partly aimed at addressing overcrowding.
97.
With regard to HIV/AIDS awareness and stigma elimination, the delegation
mentioned the national workplace policy, a non-discriminatory policy that made it easier
for people living with HIV/AIDS to work comfortably without discrimination. It also
mentioned a new occupational health and safety bill that was expected to be brought to
Parliament this year.
98.
Regarding the use of force, the delegation asserted that the role of the independent
commission of investigations as an investigatory body had expanded to include
prosecutorial powers and that, since then, it had been able to initiate its own prosecutions.
99.
The delegation of Jamaica also said that major players from the non-governmental
organization community had been appointed to the steering committee that had been
established for the universal periodic review. It said that their attendance had been good
initially but had fallen off recently and that invitations had consistently been extended to
them to attend, although they had not always chosen to do so.
100. The Niger welcomed the adoption by Jamaica of the national development plan,
Vision 2030. It noted the national public policy for gender equality, the national action plan
for the elimination of gender-based violence and the Charter of Fundamental Rights and
Freedoms.
101. Nigeria welcomed the national development plan of Jamaica, Vision 2030, the
comprehensive social-protection strategy, the ratification of core international human rights
instruments, the addressing of recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on torture
and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and efforts made towards
the establishment of a national human rights institution.
102. Norway noted the ratification by Jamaica of a majority of international human rights
instruments. It noted with concern that Jamaica had not extended a standing invitation to
the special procedures of the United Nations. It was also concerned about the
criminalization of same-sex activities and discrimination against people living with HIV.
103. Panama commended measures taken regarding discrimination against women and
protecting children, including the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on
the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. It
urged Jamaica to further protect the rights of women, children and vulnerable groups.
Panama praised the national development plan, Vision 2030, and consideration of ratifying
the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
104. Paraguay commended progress in development, gender violence, disabilities and
children, and the de facto moratorium on executions. It acknowledged the efforts made to
implement human rights recommendations but also the challenges to comply with treaty
bodies’ reporting. It urged Jamaica to ratify the Convention against Torture and the
International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
105. The Philippines, while acknowledging the adverse impact of climate change on
Jamaica, commended Jamaica on the human rights approach of its policies on the matter. It
acknowledged improvements in human trafficking laws. It noted the lack of a national
human rights institution.
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