A/HRC/16/14 38. Regarding the electoral process, Jamaica reaffirmed that its electoral system was highly sophisticated, guaranteed full and fair elections and was rightly admired as an enviable model. 39. Regarding special procedures, Jamaica recalled that it had accepted visits from the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions in 2003, from the Special Rapporteur on Torture earlier this year, and from the Inter-American Human Rights Commission last year. Jamaica stated that it would continue to consider requests for invitations from the special procedures, on a case-by-case basis. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 40. Algeria welcomed measures taken to improve the human rights situation in Jamaica, such as the project of a constitutional amendment on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the programme on health and education, the commitment to universal access to secondary education before 2016, the reform of the judiciary and the police, the improvement of prison conditions and the adoption of the law on trafficking in persons. Algeria made recommendations. 41. Morocco congratulated Jamaica on its impressive progress in achieving Millennium Development Goals. Morocco welcomed efforts taken to protect children and women from exploitation and ill treatment and to guarantee respect for the rights of older persons and persons with disabilities. Morocco remained concerned about the high rate of violent crime and worsening security problems, as well as the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters and global economic instability. It made recommendations. 42. Cuba commended Jamaica for having achieved those Millennium Development Goals that related to the reduction of extreme poverty, malnutrition and hunger, as well as universal primary education, and for being in the process of achieving universal access to reproductive health and access to drinking water and basic sanitation. It noted the free access to public health care and the free and compulsory primary education, as well as programmes benefiting persons in situations of vulnerability. Cuba made recommendations. 43. Colombia requested information about the scope of the project of a constitutional amendment on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Colombia encouraged Jamaica to continue its efforts to prevent and punish any form of discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS. It welcomed the progress made in reducing maternal mortality rates and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Colombia made recommendations. 44. Canada cited the seriousness with which Jamaica assessed its human rights challenges and its constructive engagement in the UPR process as important steps towards a better promotion and protection of the human rights in the country. Canada noted with concern reports of abuse of power and use of excessive force by the police, as well as the lack of accountability, impunity and corruption within the police force. Canada expressed concern about the ability of the judicial system to deliver timely and fair justice, the conditions in prisons and holding cells, the human rights protection gaps for persons of vulnerable groups, and the challenges facing women, including domestic violence, gender inequality, sexual harassment, economic reliance on men, and a lack of institutional support. Canada made recommendations. 45. Ghana applauded Jamaica for its provision of free primary education and its School Feeding Programme. It noted the enactment of the Domestic Violence Act in response to the unacceptably high level of violence against women. Ghana supported the Government’s efforts to counter the activities of drug barons and criminal networks. It referred to 7

Select target paragraph3

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