A/HRC/10/77
Page 13
52.
Azerbaijan noted with appreciation the establishment of the Equal Opportunity
Commission and the round table on trafficking, as well as the adoption of the national plan of
action against racism. It commended the absence of poverty, long life expectancy and low
figures of crime and unemployment in the country. Noting the persisting problem of xenophobia
and intolerance against people of different ethnic origin or religion, particularly against Muslims
and people of Turkish origin, Azerbaijan enquired about concrete steps taken or envisaged to
eliminate the problem. Azerbaijan recommended that Liechtenstein intensify its efforts to
promote ethnic and religious tolerance in the country. It noted with satisfaction the establishment
of a violence protection commission and recommended that Liechtenstein continue efforts to
fight right-wing extremism. Azerbaijan also wished to know when Liechtenstein will consider
ratifying the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of
Their Families and why this has not been done yet. Noting that, despite progress, the reduction of
gender inequality remains undesirable slow, Azerbaijan asked Liechtenstein what steps should
be taken further to accelerate this process.
53.
Algeria noted the difference of treatment between non-citizens from the European
economic area and those from other countries, taking into consideration the Constitution, which
provides that non-citizens are dealt with under treaties or, by default, on the basis of the principle
of reciprocity. This results in a de facto and alarming discrimination between European noncitizens and those from developing countries, to gaps in terms of protection and different criteria
being used in the area of family reunification. Algeria recommended that Liechtenstein envisage
taking measures appropriate to remedy this situation. It recommended that Liechtenstein
consider acceding to the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and
Members of Their Families. Algeria welcomed the Government’s commitment to increase the
proportion of ODA to 0.7 per cent of GDP in 2009. Algeria recommended that Liechtenstein
implement that commitment and that it pursue its actions in the area of ODA.
54.
Romania congratulated Liechtenstein on the ongoing adaptation of its domestic legal
framework to ensure implementation of its international obligations. Romania wished to learn
more about the State’s intentions with regard to the adoption of a national human rights
institution, in accordance with the Paris Principles. It also requested additional information about
the status of preparation for the signature and ratification of the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities.
55.
The Philippines commended Liechtenstein for the abolition of the death penalty and
recognized the specific challenges that it faces as a very small country. The Philippines noted
that Liechtenstein has established an Equal Opportunity Commission and recommended that the
establishment of an independent national human rights institution also be considered. It
expressed the hope that non-nationals from outside the European economic area will not be
discriminated with regard to the right of family reunification.
56.
The Islamic Republic of Iran referred to United Nations human rights treaty bodies that
have expressed their concern about the persistence in Liechtenstein of cases of xenophobia and
intolerance against people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds, particularly against
Muslims; the rise in xenophobic and right-wing tendencies among youths; and the increased
networking by a core group of right-wing extremists with groups abroad. It asked the
Government to elaborate further on measures taken to tackle this issue. It recommended that
Liechtenstein take concrete measures to combat all forms and manifestations of racism, racial
discrimination and related intolerance, particularly against religious minorities. Also referring to
concerns expressed by treaty bodies about the persistence of domestic violence, especially
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