A/HRC/41/2
by Algeria concerning the implementation of measures to prevent and combat domestic
violence and provide care for abandoned children, as well as the adoption and
implementation of effective policies to reduce poverty and unemployment, including the
implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
460. The Plurinational State of Bolivia wished to highlight that Afghanistan accepted 235
recommendations, demonstrating its strong commitment to the promotion and protection of
human rights, including its recommendations to economically empower women, strengthen
the poverty reduction strategy in the National Framework for Peace and Development, and
to improve food security. It stated that the challenges are manifold, but that it had no doubt
that the committed efforts will lead to a positive synergy between civil and political rights,
and economic, social and cultural rights.
461. China appreciated the constructive participation of Afghanistan in the universal
periodic review process and commended Afghanistan for its efforts in the promotion and
protection of human rights and its progress achieved. China supported Afghanistan in
maintaining security, stability unity and development. China encouraged Afghanistan for its
efforts to achieve reconstruction and political reconciliation that is extensive and inclusive.
China called on the international community to provide continuous and vigorous support to
Afghanistan and to fully respect its sovereignty.
4.
General comments made by other stakeholders
462. During the adoption of the outcome of the review of Afghanistan, nine other
stakeholders made statements.**
463. United Nations Watch welcomed the reforms of the Penal Code, the enactment of
the anti-torture law, and the ratification of Optional Protocol to the Convention against
Torture. It stated that the overall figures of torture and ill-treatment of conflict-related
detainees remained high. It was troubled by the high number of civilian casualties, with the
Taliban and the Islamic State often the primary cause of these casualties. It referred to a
recent horrific attack by the Taliban, in Kabul, near a school. 51 children were wounded,
and 39 civilians lost their lives, including one child. It urged the Government to reduce
civilian casualties. It urged for further international cooperation to improve the situation. It
was concerned about the intention to expel Afghan refugees from a country. It called on all
stakeholders to work together to end this protracted war and protect the basic human rights
of Afghan people.
464. British Humanist Association highlighted recommendations on the protection of the
right to freedom of religion without contravening the right to freedom of expression. It
welcomed the new Penal Code, which reduced the number of capital offenses; nevertheless,
it noted that Afghanistan remained one of the countries where blasphemy or apostasy is
punishable by death. It observed that the Constitution offered no protection or guarantee for
the right to freedom of religion or belief for the non-religious and minority religious groups,
and believed that progress cannot be achieved until constitutional protections are enforced.
It urged Afghanistan to establish an independent mechanism to assess how religious and
non-religious minorities can be protected against violent attacks and to declare a
moratorium on death penalty, including for blasphemy and apostasy, by ratifying the
Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
** The statements of stakeholders that were unable to deliver them owing to time constraints which were
made available are posted on the extranet of the Human Rights Council, at
https://extranet.ohchr.org/sites/hrc/HRCSessions/RegularSessions/41Session/Pages/default.aspx
79
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