A/HRC/17/2
564. The outcome of the review of Namibia comprised the report of the Working Group
on the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/17/14), the views of Namibia 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 (see also
A/HRC/17/NAM/Add.1).
1.
Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or
conclusions, its voluntary commitments and the outcome
565. The delegation of Namibia noted the Human Rights Council was meeting against a
backdrop of political upheaval and crisis in a number of countries around the world. The
peoples of the world were looking for solutions to their problems and for answers from
institutions such as the Council. It noted that it was therefore of paramount importance that
the Council function efficiently and effectively in addressing human rights situations
around the world, with credibility, fairness and justice for all.
566. Namibia welcomed the opportunity to report on its final position on the
recommendations to which it had reservations during the review. Of the 120
recommendations made, Namibia had accepted 90, and rejected and expressed reservations
and the need for further consideration by Cabinet on 27. Its written position on the
recommendations pending had been included in the addendum to the report of the Working
Group.
567. Namibia noted that the percentage of the rural population with sanitary facilities had
increased to 38 per cent, and efforts were being continued to increase this percentage
rapidly. Plans were under way for the upcoming visit of the Special Rapporteur on the right
to safe drinking water and sanitation, which was the first visit by a special rapporteur to
Namibia.
568. Namibia requested the figure of 180,000 job opportunities reflected in its latest
report submitted on 27 May 2011 be rectified to 104,000, and noted that these were the jobs
the Government aimed to create in the coming years in order to curb the recent increase in
the unemployment rate. It referred to another correction to be made to the report of the
Working Group regarding the number of San people living in Namibia, which should be
30,000, not 60,000.
2.
Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review
outcome
569. Cuba noted that Namibia had suffered from colonial apartheid for more than 100
years and was proud to have contributed to end such grave ignominy which had caused
serious social and economic inequalities. Namibia had also been affected by the
international plunder and exploitation of its natural resources, an essential cause of its
underdevelopment. Namibia’s policies had faced this negative impact, as well as food
security issues. Namibia was still consolidating as a middle-income country and had
significantly extended and improved its sanitation coverage and health services.
Achievements had been made in addressing the issues of HIV/AIDS, education and the
rights of women, children and ethnic minorities. It congratulated Namibia on having
accepted many of the recommendations made, including those made by Cuba. Cuba
reiterated its solidarity with Namibia.
570. Algeria thanked Namibia for its clarity in its responses, which reflected its will to
promote human rights and to cooperate with the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.
Algeria highlighted Namibia’s tangible results during the review, notably relating to
national reconciliation, the fight against racial discrimination, the empowerment of women,
GE.12-13630
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