A/HRC/19/2 human rights law and rule of law principles was suspended and, thereafter, dismissed. These events went against Swaziland’s undertakings under the universal periodic review. 458. Amnesty International referred to the accepted recommendations on ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, and added that torture and the illtreatment of detainees were persistent, with perpetrators not being held accountable. It also cited the accepted recommendations on measures to guarantee the independence of the judiciary, stating that such measures were urgently needed. Amnesty International also referred to the accepted recommendations requesting Swaziland to bring its legislation into line with its international obligations with regard to the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly. This intent had been undermined by Swaziland’s rejection of the recommendations on removing restrictions to the exercise of civil and political rights. 459. Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme acknowledged the new Constitution promulgated in 2005 and the measures taken in favour of a human rights legal framework. It noted, however, the scarcity of democratic space and the proscription of a multiparty system. It welcomed the establishment of free primary education and encouraged the Government to enlarge this entitlement. It also recognized the Government’s efforts in the area of health. It noted the need to enhance the independence of the activities of civil society organizations. It called for the adoption of measures to eliminate violence against women and albinos. Lastly, it requested a debate to ensure the complete abolition of the death penalty. 460. In the view of the World Student Christian Federation, there was no political will in Swaziland to implement human rights. It mentioned, as examples, the absence of legislation to regulate the operation of political parties, the proscription of certain political entities under the Suppression of Terrorism Act and the prevention and disruption of political activities. It also referred to restrictions on freedom of expression through legislation and State intimidation. With regard to women’s rights, discrimination and violations continued to be widespread in law and in practice, with impunity. It urged Swaziland to domesticate international human rights instruments to which it was a party, and to submit all outstanding State party reports. 461. Federatie van Nederlandse Verenigingen tot Integratie Van Homoseksualiteit – COC Nederland and Action Canada for Population and Development, in a joint statement, referred to the sustained sexual and reproductive rights violations of the people of Swaziland by its Government. Swaziland had failed to address gender-based violence effectively. Violence against women was extremely common. Swaziland had no form of legal protection on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. It requested the Government to specify the measures it would take to address the issue of the human rights of women and LGBTI persons in Swaziland, in keeping with its international obligations. 4. Concluding remarks of the State under review 462. Swaziland expressed its appreciation to the many delegations that had encouraged it on the noble cause of continuously improving its human rights situation. The universal periodic review mechanism was a journey rather than a destination, and therefore some issues would be covered by future reviews after broad consultations with all relevant stakeholders. Swaziland remained committed to the fulfilment of its human rights obligations and would spare no effort to pursue compliance in this regard. Trinidad and Tobago 463. The review of Trinidad and Tobago was held on 5 October 2011 in conformity with all relevant provisions contained in Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, and was based on the following documents: 202 GE.13-14768

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