A/HRC/18/2
the reintegration of the prison population into society and the right of universal access to
drinking water and sanitation.
3.
General comments made by other relevant stakeholders
361. Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme noted with satisfaction
the progress made by Seychelles towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. It
also welcomed the creation of a gender secretariat and the national commission for child
protection. It observed, however, that rape and domestic violence remained important
problems and that the number of people affected by HIV/AIDS was on the rise.
Improvements could still be made with regard to freedom of expression in the media.
External factors, such as climate change and acts of piracy, had a negative impact on the
enjoyment of human rights. Noting that the economy was to a large extent dependent on
fisheries and tourism, the organization invited the international community to provide
constructive assistance to mitigate the consequences of climate change. Lastly, it welcomed
the advances made in health care and the reduction of child and maternal mortality, as well
as the high level of other social indicators.
362. The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network welcomed the confirmation provided by
Seychelles that article 27 of the Constitution prohibited discrimination on all grounds,
including sexual orientation. It remained concerned, however, by the fact that section 151
of the Criminal Code penalized sexual activity between consenting adults. It reiterated its
recommendation that the relevant provision be repealed in order to bring current legislation
into line with international standards, and requested Seychelles to indicate a time frame for
this action. The Network welcomed the provision of the Employment Act that protects
individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation, and enquired about the other
steps being taken or being planned to advance non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual
orientation and gender identity. Lastly, it encouraged Seychelles to consider adopting the
Yogyakarta Principles on the application of international human rights law in relation to
sexual orientation and gender identity.
4.
Concluding remarks of the State under review
363. In reply to the questions asked by the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, the
delegation of Seychelles stated that section 151 of the Criminal Code could be repealed
within a short period of time. Seychelles was aware that this provision was obsolete.
364. With regard to the steps being taken or planned to advance non-discrimination on
the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, the delegation stated that the first step
would be to repeal the referred section in the Penal Code. The Government’s position on
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons could then be disseminated.
365. The fact that the outcome of the universal periodic review, including the
recommendations from other States and the positions of the Government, would be
published in a report would be a very important step for the dissemination of efforts that
Seychelles could make to ensure better guarantees that these people would not be
discriminated.
Solomon Islands
366. The review of the Solomon Islands was held on 4 May 2011 in conformity with all
the relevant provisions contained in Council resolution 5/1, and was based on the following
documents:
(a)
The national report submitted by the Solomon Islands in accordance with the
annex to Council resolution 5/1, paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/SLB/1);
GE.12-17756
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