A/HRC/25/13
53.
Honduras noted that the report submitted by Belize reflected the progress made and
challenges relating to human rights in the country since its previous UPR. It commended
Belize for the appointment of an ombudsman and encouraged the State to provide the
mechanism with sufficient resources. It also supported the suggestion of the Committee on
the Elimination of Racial Discrimination that Belize establish a national human rights
institution in line with the Paris Principles. Honduras made recommendations.
54.
Indonesia noted that, despite challenges, Belize continued to advance human rights.
It welcomed the mainstreaming of human rights into the national framework and
commended the country’s commitment to combating HIV/AIDS and reducing the stigma
and discrimination associated with the condition. It commended efforts to protect women’s
rights and combat gender-based violence, and expressed its hope that the establishment of a
national human rights institution would remain on the agenda. Indonesia made
recommendations.
55.
Ireland commended the progress made by Belize, particularly concerning women’s
rights. Ireland was concerned by reports of violence against women and lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons. It encouraged Belize to take measures
preventing such violence and facilitating the reporting of allegations. It was concerned by
the status of Belize as a country of departure, transit and arrival for trafficked persons, but
praised steps taken in that area. Ireland made recommendations.
56.
Malaysia noted developments since the first review in 2009. It commended efforts to
mainstream human rights into the national policy framework of Belize. The progress it
noted also included the promotion and protection of the rights of women, children, persons
with disabilities and older persons. Significant efforts had also been made in education.
It appreciated the State’s frankness in identifying challenges, particularly concerning the
eradication of poverty. Malaysia made recommendations.
57.
Maldives welcomed the ratification by Belize of CRPD and noted positively its
accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It praised efforts to promote women’s
entrepreneurship and looked forward to the full implementation of the revised National
Gender Policy. Noting the State’s constraints regarding treaty enforcement and reporting, it
called on the international community to provide technical assistance. Maldives made
recommendations.
58.
Mexico commended the creation by Belize of a national ombudsman in 2012 and
was confident that it would contribute to improving the human rights situation. Mexico
praised efforts to combat the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, as
well as legislation prohibiting the sexual exploitation of children. It noted the country’s
commitment to education, efforts to integrate persons with disabilities and ratification of
CRPD. Mexico made recommendations.
59.
Montenegro commended the State’s ratification of CRPD and asked what steps were
planned to align domestic legislation with the Convention’s obligations, and what measures
were envisaged to facilitate the treatment and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
Montenegro was concerned by the lack of timely reporting to treaty bodies and asked what
the main domestic challenges were that prevented reporting under the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Montenegro made
recommendations.
60.
Morocco asked what measures were envisaged under the three-year medium-term
strategy to enhance implementation and monitoring of sectoral plans relating to economic,
social and cultural rights. It also asked what measures were envisaged to improve planning
to achieve the objectives for 2015 set out in the plan of action for children and adolescents.
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