A/HRC/18/7
International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and
Protection of Human Rights and to increase its visibility.
48.
The Government of Seychelles was committed to establishing a citizen advisory
bureau. There was also a need to increase the visibility and capacity of the Internal Affairs
Bureau of the Police.
49.
The Government recognized the importance of encouraging the public media to be
more proactive in their efforts to air more divergent opinions. In order to continuously raise
human rights awareness at the national level, the Government was committed to ensuring
the observance of the celebration of Human Rights Day to exchange views with civil
society on progress achieved and challenges encountered regarding the UPR
recommendations.
50.
Seychelles was seeking technical assistance on the domestication of international
conventions into the national legislation and for the preparation process of the expected
consolidated national reports.
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
51.
During the interactive dialogue, 27 delegations made statements. A number of
delegations commended Seychelles for its commitment to human rights issues, as well as
for the consultations with civil society in the preparation for its national report.
Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present
report.
52.
Canada commended Seychelles for its commitment to the principles of equal
opportunity and social justice. It noted, however, that rape and domestic violence remained
key challenges. It was concerned about reports of reprisals against individuals who
criticized the Government and of opposition party websites being blocked. It also
recognized the challenge posed by climate change and noted the efforts of Seychelles to
find means to reduce its vulnerability. Canada made recommendations.
53.
Cuba noted, inter alia, that in November 2010 the country’s first university was
opened. The 100 per cent rate of immunization of children between 12 and 23 months was
also welcomed. Cuba indicated that it made a modest contribution to the efforts of
Seychelles and that a medical team of 23 Seychellois was studying in Cuba, as part of longstanding cooperation between the two countries. It also noted that Seychelles’ social
indicators were among the highest in the region. In addition to adverse external factors,
such as globalization, climate change and piracy, and despite a programme of
macroeconomic reforms, the main challenge of Seychelles was to maintain its social
achievements. Cuba made recommendations.
54.
Algeria noted with appreciation the progress Seychelles had made in achieving the
Millennium Development Goals as reflected by its social indicators, some of which are
comparable to those of developed countries. Such progress had a positive impact on the
enjoyment of human rights and was of particular importance for a developing island
country vulnerable to climate change. Algeria declared its solidarity with Seychelles in
tackling the scourge of piracy. Algeria made recommendations.
55.
Australia welcomed the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International
Criminal Court and the consideration Seychelles was currently giving to the report of the
2008 Constitution Review Committee. It noted the specific prohibition of discrimination
based on sexual orientation in the 1995 Employment Act and practical steps taken to
provide human rights education. Australia commended the focus in the State housing and
education programme on the needs of disabled, and the gender focus in the social
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