A/HRC/17/16
educational programmes have been introduced in all prison facilities. Additionally, the
introduction of alternative measures to detention is currently being examined, including the
drafting of a law to that effect.
17.
Mozambique indicated that men and women enjoy equal rights in the country.
Mozambique mentioned the numerous efforts that had been made in this regard, including
the creation of a Ministry for Women and Social Action, the ratification of various regional
and international instruments that promote equality between men and women and the
adoption of specific legislation such as the Law on the Family, the Law on Domestic
Violence and the Law on Combating Trafficking. It was added that efforts have also been
made to guarantee the greater participation of women in Government and parliament with
significant success.
18.
On the question of child rights, Mozambique declared that the well-being of the
child is one of the Government’s main priorities and that the Mozambican Declaration on
the Rights of the Child, which is included in the Constitution, reflects its recognition of the
norms provided for in the instruments to which it is party. It provided details of legislation
that had been reviewed or adopted to ensure the rights of the child. It added that,
additionally, a number of policies, plans and strategies had been adopted and provided
details regarding these. Mozambique also referred to the creation of the National Council
on the Rights of the Child. Finally, Mozambique provided details of numerous initiatives
that have been adopted to ensure that children are registered after birth.
19.
With regards to health, Mozambique stated that, after independence, its main
strategy had been the adoption of the Primary Health Care Policy, which prioritized
women’s and children’s health through a number of specific programmes. This had led to a
substantial decrease in the infant mortality rate. Maternal health has also registered
significant progress with an impressive decrease in maternal mortality since 1997.
20.
On HIV/AIDS, Mozambique indicated that it has one of the highest rates of
infection in Sub-Saharan Africa. This issue is thus of the highest priority for the
Government, which is made clear by the active intervention of various public officials,
from the Head of State to those at district level, in action to address this problem.
21.
Regarding education, Mozambique highlighted progress made, including the
provision of free and universal primary education, the significant increase in access to
education for children of all social strata and the expansion of the provision of bilingual
education. Nevertheless, Mozambique recognized the need to improve the quality of
education at all levels.
22.
Mozambique indicated that it would continue to cooperate with the Human Rights
Council, including by receiving visits by special procedures mandate holders.
23.
In conclusion Mozambique reiterated the country’s commitment to honouring its
human rights obligations and thanked the Human Rights Council for its support and
assistance on the occasion of the review.
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
24.
During the interactive dialogue, 52 delegations made statements. Additional
statements which could not be delivered during the interactive dialogue owing to time
constraints are posted on the extranet of the UPR when available1 Recommendations made
1
Mexico, Malaysia, Romania, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo,
Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Namibia, Niger, Mauritius.
5
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