A/HRC/44/11
remained concerned by poor prison conditions and a lack of judicial independence and due
process.
60.
Azerbaijan commended Guinea-Bissau for the ratification of the Convention on
Migrant Workers.
61.
Belgium appreciated the engagement of Guinea-Bissau with the universal periodic
review process and welcomed efforts to fight impunity for human rights violations. It
expressed, however, the view that there was room for progress in the protection of
vulnerable persons.
62.
Benin noted with satisfaction the progress achieved by Guinea-Bissau since its last
review, namely the establishment of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights and the
ratification of two international human rights conventions.
63.
Botswana welcomed reforms undertaken in the judiciary to improve access to
justice, in line with its recommendation in the previous cycle. Botswana noted with
appreciation the adoption of laws related to the smuggling of migrants, money-laundering
and regulations on military justice.
64.
Brazil noted with satisfaction the progress made to reform the justice system and
encouraged Guinea-Bissau to seek to ensure adequate resources for courts and prosecution
offices. Brazil also noted the measures taken to facilitate birth registration.
65.
Bulgaria noted positively the measures taken to enhance accessibility to schools for
children with disabilities and encouraged the country to make additional efforts to address
remaining challenges in the education sector, including efforts to prevent early dropout of
school by girls.
66.
Burkina Faso welcomed the creation of the Office for Gender Equality and the
peaceful organization of presidential elections in 2019. However, it remained concerned
about the persistence of female genital mutilation and child marriage.
67.
Burundi noted with satisfaction the various measures adopted by Guinea-Bissau to
strengthen the health system, and welcomed actions to decentralize birth registration
services and to improve the administration of justice and education in the country.
68.
Cabo Verde noted the efforts of Guinea-Bissau to cooperate with international
human rights protection mechanisms and bodies and to improve the judicial system. Cabo
Verde encouraged the country to redouble efforts to ensure the civil and political rights of
all citizens of Guinea-Bissau.
69.
Canada congratulated Guinea-Bissau on the appointment of a gender-balanced
cabinet and the adoption of a law on gender parity in 2019.
70.
Chile appreciated measures by Guinea-Bissau aimed at strengthening the rule of law
and the judicial system, but it remained concerned about the level of impunity that still
existed in the country and about the lack of access to justice for citizens.
71.
China welcomed the efforts of Guinea-Bissau to promote economic and social
development to improve people’s lives and to actively develop education and the health
system, as well as to protect the rights of women and children.
72.
Cuba noted the effort of Guinea-Bissau to implement the recommendations of
previous universal periodic review cycles, even in complex circumstances.
73.
Denmark commended progress made by Guinea-Bissau in the health sector,
including a reduction in child mortality. It remained concerned, however, about the high
prevalence of child and forced marriage, and the limited budget allocated for education.
74.
Djibouti welcomed the participatory process of the preparation of the national report
and the implementation by Guinea-Bissau of recommendations accepted in the previous
cycle of the universal periodic review, which was reflected by the ratification of a large
number of international instruments.
7
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