A/HRC/8/35
Page 7
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and recommended that Gabon allow the
Special Rapporteur on the right to education to visit the country. Recalling the concern of the
Committee on the Rights of the Child on the issue, Hungary recommended that further steps be
taken to ensure that juvenile courts are set up and that children are separated from adults in
detention facilities. It also recommended that Gabon bring prison conditions in line with article 10
of ICCPR and the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, making these rules
available to the police, the armed forces, prison staff and anyone else responsible for conducting
interrogations, as well as to persons deprived of their liberty. Finally, Hungary recommended to
Gabon that it bring its legislation in line with article 19 of ICCPR by doing away with censorship
and penalties against organs of the press and ensuring that journalists may safely exercise their
functions.
28.
The Netherlands recommended that Gabon report back to the Human Rights Council on the
concrete steps taken to implement the action plan mentioned in the national report and on the
difference this has made for the situation on the ground. On the issue of child trafficking, the
Netherlands noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child remained concerned about the
weak implementation of legislation in this area. Therefore, it recommended that domestic
legislation be amended to conform to the principles of Convention of the Rights of the Child.
29.
Malaysia noted with encouragement Gabon’s emphasis on the promotion and protection of
children’s rights. It requested information on whether Gabon planned to establish a juvenile court
and if so, what is the envisaged timeframe for this. Malaysia supported the request of the
Government for the international community to provide the material and financial support needed
to achieve its programme of reforms.
30.
Cuba highlighted the importance of the awareness campaigns and training programmes the
Government has put in place and of the creation of a ministry for the family and the protection of
women and children, which are a sign of commitment and political will. Cuba would like to join the
appeal of Gabon for support from the international community, and recommended to Gabon to
continue its efforts in the area of economic, social and cultural rights.
31.
The Russian Federation asked how the protection of the rights of Pygmies was ensured, and
if this ethnic group was represented, particularly in national elections. The Russian Federation also
asked which agencies would participate in the study on child labour and whether civil society
would be invited to participate. It asked whether Gabon received any advisory assistance from the
United Nations in order to fully implement the provisions of international instruments to which
Gabon had acceded.
32.
Morocco underlined the exhaustive legislative and institutional framework of Gabon, and
noted that the work of a committee created in 2007 and composed of members of the Government
and the civil society, in charge of the preparation of human rights reports, represented an example
of best practice which should be followed by other countries. Morocco also recognized the specific
steps taken by Gabon to ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of children, women,
disabled persons and minorities. Morocco believed that the valuable efforts made by the
Government deserved recognition, and thus recommended the Human Rights Council to support
Gabon’s appeal for assistance from the international community, as urged in paragraph 106 of its
national report.
33.
Recalling the views of treaty bodies that gender disparities may be further reduced and the
recommendation made by CEDAW that Gabon incorporate a definition of discrimination against
women in accordance with article 1 of the Convention in its Constitution and laws, Canada
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