A/HRC/17/14 force of the related draft bill. It also requested information on steps taken to end discrimination of indigenous groups and minorities. Austria made recommendations. 64. Norway was concerned about reported harassment of journalists, media organizations, human rights defenders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It noted that the right to fair trial is implemented in the Namibian Constitution, but that reports from civil society indicate serious delays in hearing cases and frequent postponement of criminal court cases, while the accused are being kept under arrest. It also noted that there is still room for improvement regarding women’s rights. Norway commended Namibia for its initiative in protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and marginalized communities. Norway made recommendations. 65. Malaysia was encouraged to note Namibia’s democratic principles and successive, regular and peaceful elections at the local, regional and national levels. Malaysia noted that some areas require further efforts, including difficulties related to unemployment, income disparity, HIV/AIDS, and the rights of the indigenous and minority groups. Malaysia was convinced of the Government’s commitment to make improvements in those areas. Malaysia made recommendations. 66. Ghana noted that challenges Namibia faces in the timely submission of reports to the human rights treaty bodies are due to human resource constraints. Ghana commended Namibia’s Comprehensive Primary Health Care Programme, which has been implemented since independence in all districts in the country. It also commended Namibia for the educational reforms it has pursued since 2000 and urged Namibia to remain steadfast in its quest to achieve universal education for all its citizens. It observed that in 2010 UNICEF noted widespread violence against children. The response of the legal system in cases of rape and gender-based violence remained inadequate, especially concerning the reporting of cases through to the courts. Ghana made a recommendation. 67. Sweden welcomed information provided on efforts to address overcrowding of prisons and detention centres. While acknowledging that the Constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press, it noted reports of limitations to press freedom. Sweden sought an assessment of the Communications Regulatory Authority Act and its impact. It noted continued discrimination of women in practice and through traditional practices. Sweden made recommendations. 68. Azerbaijan noted that Namibia’s national human rights institution is accredited with “A” status. It also noted the measures taken for prevention of gender-based discrimination and violence against women, including the anti-rape legislation, the Married Persons Equality Act and Combating of Domestic Violence Act. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 69. Lesotho acknowledged Namibia’s strides to harmonize domestic legislation with regional and international human rights instruments and noted with satisfaction its efforts in the field of education, by ensuring free and compulsory education in Government schools. Lesotho noted remaining challenges, mainly due to limited capacity and resources and appealed to the international community to provide needed technical and financial assistance. Lesotho made a recommendation. 70. Angola emphasized its ties with Namibia and noted that its policy of reconciliation and pardon had contributed to the successful and peaceful transition from apartheid to multi-party democracy and to consolidating institutions, including regular elections. It commended Namibia for its example given in protecting human rights reflected by the incorporation of a Charter of Rights into the Constitution and welcomed its contribution to regional peace and stability. Angola recognized efforts targeting the Khoisan groups towards their economic and social inclusion. It also acknowledged the reduction of 10

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents