A/HRC/18/2
VI. Universal periodic review
220. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 60/251, Human Rights Council resolution
5/1 and President’s statements 8/1 and 9/2 on the modalities and practices for the universal
periodic review process, the Council considered the outcome of the reviews held during the
eleventh session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review.
A.
Consideration of universal periodic review outcomes
221. In accordance with paragraph 4.3 of President’s statement 8/1, the section below
contains a summary of the views expressed on the outcome by States under review,
Member and observer States of the Human Rights Council, as well as general comments
made by other relevant stakeholders before the adoption of the outcome by the Council in
plenary session.
Belgium
222. The review of Belgium was held on 2 May 2011 in conformity with all the relevant
provisions contained in Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, and was based on the
following documents:
(a)
The national report submitted by Belgium in accordance with the annex to
Council resolution 5/1, paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/BEL/1);
(b)
The compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)
(A/HRC/WG.6/11/BEL/2);
(c)
The summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)
(A/HRC/WG.6/11/BEL/3).
223. At its 18th meeting, on 21 September 2011, the Human Rights Council considered
and adopted the outcome of the review of Belgium (see section C below).
224. The outcome of the review of Belgium comprises the report of the Working Group
on the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/18/3), the views of Belgium concerning the
recommendations and/or conclusions, and its voluntary commitments and replies presented
before the adoption of the outcome by the plenary to questions or issues that were not
sufficiently addressed during the interactive dialogue in the Working Group.
1.
Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or
conclusions, its voluntary commitments and the outcome
225. Ambassador Roux of Belgium expressed his gratitude to the delegates of the troika
and the secretariat of the universal periodic review for their commitment, support and
cooperation during the review of Belgium. He referred to the presence of the Minister for
Foreign Affairs of Belgium during the session of the Working Group, which showed
Belgium’s commitment to human rights and the importance it attached to the universal
periodic review.
226. Ambassador Roux referred to the commitments made by Belgium during its election
to the Human Rights Council to engage to promote and protect human rights, convinced
that civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights are universal, indivisible,
interdependent and intrinsically linked.
227. Belgium’s aim during the universal periodic review was to accept as many
recommendations as possible and, as reflected in the report of the Working Group, Belgium
GE.12-17756
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