A/HRC/14/6
77.
Angola stressed the importance of the fact that the Gambia had become party to
several international human rights instruments. Angola welcomed initiatives aimed at the
promotion of women’s rights, in particular the demographic policy and education and
health programmes. Angola noted with satisfaction the peaceful coexistence among various
ethnic groups and respect for the rights of minorities. Angola inquired about policies aimed
at ensuring equal opportunities for all and highlighted the importance of civic education.
Angola made recommendations.
78.
Chad noted that the Gambia was party to the principal international human rights
instruments. It asked the country to continue along that path in order to improve the human
rights situation. Chad also asked the international community to assist the Government in
facing the obstacles along that path.
79.
Burkina Faso noted that the Gambia was party to many human rights instruments
but that their introduction into domestic law had not been completed and encouraged the
country to continue its efforts in that regard, in particular with respect to the rights of
children, women and persons with disabilities. Burkina Faso made recommendations.
80.
China noted the recent improvements in the Gambia’s domestic law, in particular
with regard to children’s rights and the 2005 Children’s Act. China noted that the birth
registration of children under the age of 5 had considerably increased. China recalled the
adoption by the Gambia of a comprehensive Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy. It
inquired about the implementation of the Child Trafficking Law.
81.
Morocco commended the gradual progress being made in the Gambia, noting in
particular its efforts to modernize, inter alia, the police, prisons and justice sectors. It also
noted that the women’s bill was being promulgated, incorporating aspects of the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Morocco
commended the Ombudsman’s efforts to investigate alleged discriminatory practices in the
public sector and encouraged the authorities to improve public understanding of its
important role. Morocco pledged its support for and assistance to Gambia and appealed to
the international community to respond to Gambia’s needs and support its human rights
efforts. Morocco made a recommendation.
82.
The Niger welcomed the fact that the Gambia had taken various measures, including
the national action plan to combat the trafficking in persons, the Poverty Reduction and
Growth Strategy aimed at the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the
Strategic National Programme to combat AIDS. Niger called upon the international
community to support the Gambia in implementing the provisions of the international
instruments to which it is party. The Niger made recommendations.
83.
Cote d’Ivoire noted that the Gambian Constitution contained several provisions
aimed at the promotion and protection of human rights. Cote d’Ivoire congratulated Gambia
on the efforts it had made since 1994 to consolidate peace and stability, and urged the
establishment of a national human rights commission. Cote d’Ivoire made
recommendations.
84.
Latvia noted that several requests by special procedures mandate-holders to visit
Gambia had not yet been accepted. It made a recommendation in that regard.
85.
Mauritius understood the economic challenges faced by the Gambia and
acknowledged the policies adopted, notably the Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy,
and the commitment to mainstreaming the Millennium Development Goals in all national
plans. Mauritius took note of the enactment of important legislation, notably relating to
children and to the trafficking in persons. Mauritius made recommendations.
86.
While recognizing the many constraints faced by the Gambia, Malaysia was
encouraged by its national human rights priorities, including the improvements made in the
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