A/HRC/33/4
It also commended the efforts of Suriname in establishing the national human rights
institution.
60.
Ireland commended the effective abolition of the death penalty through its
elimination from the Penal Code. It noted references to the death penalty in the Military
Penal Code and encouraged Suriname to amend it. It was also concerned that Suriname’s
legislative environment could interfere with the enjoyment of the right to freedom of
expression. It was also concerned that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex
community faced discrimination.
61.
Italy commended that the removal of the death penalty from the Penal Code and
welcomed the attention devoted by Suriname to the rights of the child, especially the steps
taken in order to combat child labour.
62.
The Minister of Justice and Police responded to some of the issues raised in the
interactive dialogue. Concerning the national human rights institution, the Minister stated
that it would definitely be launched on 10 December 2016.
63.
On trafficking in persons and protection of children, Suriname was already
combating with those issues.
64.
As for the accession to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment raised by Indonesia, the Minister indicated that the
delegation would take that recommendation to the Government to study the possibility of
accession. The same would be done for the International Convention on the Protection of
the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
65.
As to the discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex
persons, to which Ireland referred, the Minister stressed that they were not discriminated
against either in law or in general. In a few years, Suriname would hopefully be able to
report about specific legislation guaranteeing that they had equal rights. Suriname had 20
different ethnic groups with different religions and needed some kind of consensus to pass
legislation on the issue. Nevertheless, it was important to note that the Ministry of Justice
and Police defined the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons as
human rights.
66.
Concerning the question from Italy about the death penalty, it would be eliminated
from the Military Penal Code by the end of 2016.
67.
Jamaica commended the amendments to the Nationality and Residency Act and the
Election Act; the drafting of legislation on sexual harassment in the workplace and the
amendment to the Civil Code to introduce maternity leave for women in the private sector;
the formulation and implementation of the Domestic Violence Plan 2014-2017; and the
signature of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It also
applauded the innovative conditional cash transfer programme.
68.
Malaysia noted the efforts to eliminate discrimination against women through the
adoption of new legislation, amendments to existing laws and the implementation of
relevant policies and programmes. It also acknowledged the comprehensive approach to
child protection. It stated, however, that further attention could be given to the
socioeconomic situation and access to justice for persons with disabilities, indigenous
peoples and other vulnerable groups.
69.
Maldives commended the accession of Suriname to the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities and efforts made within anti-discrimination initiatives in the
country. It appreciated the measures to support mental health, including the most recent
National Mental Health Plan (2015-2017). It also took note of the implementation of a
housing plan for the period of 2012-2017.
8
GE.16-11346
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