A/HRC/15/10
18.
The illegal detention of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, José Zamora Induta,
and the kidnapping of the Prime Minister on 1 April 2010 are also currently under
investigation by the Prosecutor-General.
19.
Concerns about the arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions are intricately linked to
the country’s fragile political situation, which the President and his Government are
attempting to resolve through inclusive political dialogue. If it is to be effective in the fight
against impunity and in the prevention of the political-military crises destabilizing the
country, the Government needs to successfully implement its programme of defence and
security sector reforms, as well as the reforms of the justice sector.
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
20.
During the interactive dialogue, 32 delegations made statements. A number of
delegations recognized the difficulties facing Guinea-Bissau as a consequence of periods of
conflict and political and institutional instability. Recommendations made during the
dialogue are found in section II of the present report.
21.
Algeria noted that since its independence, Guinea-Bissau had been living in political
instability and extreme poverty, with all of the negative consequences for the enjoyment of
human rights by a large sector of the population. It noted with interest the measures taken
with respect to good governance, combating drug trafficking, convening the conference on
national reconciliation and the creation of conditions favourable for a lasting peace, security
and political stability in the country. Algeria made recommendations.
22.
Brazil recalled that long-standing political and social turbulence had been obstacles
to the establishment of minimum conditions for economic development and democracy in
Guinea-Bissau. It welcomed the establishment of a Ministry of Women. High levels of
poverty and hunger, low literacy levels and an unstable rule of law and security system
were at the core of the challenges faced by the country. Despite this, institution-building
had been developing consistently until disrupted by a failed coup in April. Brazil
considered that improvement in the area of human rights required a bold commitment on
the part of the Government and the people. It also depended on the support of the
international community to overcome the root causes of human rights violations. Brazil
made recommendations.
23.
Canada welcomed the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission in
October 2008, which would have an important role to play in the promotion and protection
of human rights in Guinea-Bissau. Acknowledging recent reports regarding the interference
of the military power in political affairs, Canada noted the Government’s willingness and
progress in the establishment of commissions of inquiry to investigate the killings of March
2009. Canada was concerned about reports of increasing cases of female genital mutilation
and noted the absence of detailed plans for combating all forms of violence against women
and girls. Canada made recommendations.
24.
Nigeria commended Guinea-Bissau for having ratified a number of the core
international human rights instruments, which was a demonstration of its willingness to
engage with the international community. It recognized that Guinea-Bissau was facing
enormous challenges in fulfilling its commitments related to the promotion and protection
of human rights, particularly with regard to health, education, the burden of long-standing
traditions, external debt, the fact that it was a transit point for drug trafficking, and the
condition of infrastructure. Nigeria made recommendations.
25.
Indonesia expressed satisfaction at the establishment of the National Commission
for Human Rights in October 2008. It also appreciated the frankness of the national report
in outlining shortcomings in the implementation of human rights. Indonesia noted that
GE.10-14446
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