A/HRC/32/4
Introduction
1.
The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance
with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-fourth session from 18 to 29
January 2016. The review of Namibia was held at the 1st meeting, on 18 January 2016. The
delegation of Namibia was headed by the Minister of Justice, Albert Kawana. At its
10th meeting, held on 22 January 2016, the Working Group adopted the report on Namibia.
2.
On 12 January 2016, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of
rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Namibia: Latvia, Morocco and the Republic
of Korea.
3.
In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution
5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents
were issued for the review of Namibia:
(a)
A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with
paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/24/NAM/1);
(b)
A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)
(A/HRC/WG.6/24/NAM/2);
(c)
A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)
(A/HRC/WG.6/24/NAM/3).
4.
A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Germany,
Liechtenstein, Mexico, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Namibia through the troika. These questions are
available on the extranet of the universal periodic review.
I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process
A.
Presentation by the State under review
5.
The delegation of Namibia stated that Namibia valued the distinct universal and
peer-review nature of this mechanism. Namibia had submitted a second-cycle report, which
provided information on the implementation of recommendations and on other progress
made. The report also provided information on the challenges faced in implementing some
of the recommendations. Namibia valued the contribution of civil society in the preparation
of the report.
6.
Namibia had submitted all outstanding reports on international and regional
instruments to which it was party.
7.
The Government of Namibia remained committed to delivering on the promises
made to build on the progress achieved during the era of peace and stability, and to move
into the era of economic emancipation and prosperity for all, where no Namibian would be
left behind.
8.
Namibia was the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa and frequently bore the brunt
of global climate changes in the form of droughts and floods. Namibia was currently
experiencing a severe drought that was entering its second year. As a result, the
Government had been forced to, inter alia, redirect resources from education, health and
infrastructure development to drought relief.
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