A/HRC/8/35
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action Gabon will take on this issue. Finally, regarding child trafficking and child labour, the
Japanese delegation asked Gabon to elaborate on the current situation of the development of the
comprehensive programme to address these issues as suggested by the Committee on the Rights of
the Child.
39.
Slovenia urged and recommended that an end be put to the discrimination against the
Pygmy minority and that they be granted basic human rights, such as the right to vote, decent work
conditions, non-discrimination, education and sufficient health care, and follow the provisions of
articles 2 and 25 of ICCPR and articles 6, 12 and 13 of the International Covenant on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Slovenia furthermore recommended that Gabon bring
detention and prison conditions in line with articles 9 and 10 of ICCPR and with the Standard
Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, making those rules available to the police, armed
forces, prison staff and anyone else responsible for conducting interrogations, as well as to persons
deprived of their liberty. Slovenia asked about what has been done to comply with the requirement
of fully integrating a gender perspective in its consultations, in its national report for the UPR, and
in the next stages of review, including its outcome. Slovenia recommended that Gabon
systematically and continuously integrate a gender perspective in the UPR follow up process.
40.
Bosnia and Herzegovina noted with satisfaction Gabon’s ratification of the majority of the
core human rights instruments. It also pointed out concerns expressed by CEDAW and ILO expert
committees at the implementation of international obligations to eliminate discrimination between
men and women. On this issue, Bosnia and Herzegovina enquired on the concrete measures
undertaken to fully implement CEDAW recommendations to increase awareness of the importance
of legal reform to achieve equality for women, and recommendations regarding forced and early
marriages.
41.
Brazil stated that the national report stressed the creation of a national committee for human
rights, and complimented Gabon for the adoption in 2005 of a plan of action for the World
Programme of Human Rights Education, with a focus on the national school system. While
recognizing efforts of Gabon, Brazil noted the situation of minorities and indigenous peoples,
especially the Bayoka, Babongo and Baka, which are considered amongst most vulnerable groups,
suffering from discrimination and segregation.
42.
Sweden enquired on allegations of torture and other ill-treatment in places of detention,
including of refugees and other immigrants, noting that Gabon has not recognized the mechanism
for individual complaints procedure and has not ratified the Optional Protocol. Sweden asked
Gabon to elaborate on the view of ratifying the optional protocol and what other measures it is
taking to eliminate the occurrence of torture, cruel or inhumane and degrading treatment. Secondly,
in Gabon school is mandatory and free until the age of 16, however, the Committee on the Rights of
the Child has expressed concern by the lack of access to education of Pygmy children. Sweden
wished to know what measures the Gabonese government was taking to ensure the right to
education to all children.
43.
Guinea noted the recurrent practice of ritual crimes in Gabon, and wished to remain
informed of specific measures taken to halt this trend. Guinea was convinced that Gabon, as a
member of the Human Rights Council, would continue its cooperation with the Council and benefit
from all recommendations that would be made.
44.
Ethiopia asked Gabon to describe some of the challenges faced, strategies devised, and
assistance received in the preparation of the reports and for its participation in the process. It also
asked Gabon to indicate the level of implementation of recommendations from treaty bodies for
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