UPR Sexual Rights Database

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UN Member State that is reviewed on its human rights record as part of the UPR process.

Categories of the types of information used during reviews

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Source of Reference

Recommending State

UN Member State or Permanent Observer making sexual rights related recommendations, comments or asking questions to the State under Review.

Review Documentation

Sources of information used as the basis for a State’s review.  Includes the State’s National Report, UN Compilation Report and a Stakeholder Summary.

UN Regional Group to which State under Review belongs.

UN Regional Group to which Recommending State belongs.

This will only match recommendations where the Source of Review is a State.

Implementation notes

State responses to recommendations and issues raised in the UN Compilation and Stakeholder summary.

Displaying 47051 - 47075 of 58160 recommendations found
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Belgium

    Belgium
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    EU
    OIF
    Issue:
    • Intersex persons' rights
    • Discrimination based on sexual orientation
    • Discrimination based on gender identity
    • Violence on the basis of sexual orientation
    • Violence on the basis of gender identity
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    27th Session May 2017
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Strengthen the protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons against stigmatization, harassment and discrimination by promoting tolerance for sexual diversity and different gender identities and by clearly classifying acts of violence against these persons as hate crimes
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Gender equality
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    13th session, June 2012
    Status:
    Neglected
    Contents:
    The ILO Committee of Experts asked the Government to consider amending the Employment Equity Act so as to provide expressly for equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. [Para 42]
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Stakeholder Summary

    Issue:
    • HIV and AIDS
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    13th session, June 2012
    Status:
    Reference Addressed
    Contents:
    ... AI recommended that all government departments be involved in developing and implementing plans aimed at reducing physical and cost barriers to access HIV-related health services in rural areas. [Para 70]
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Djibouti

    Djibouti
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    OIC
    AL
    OIF
    Issue:
    • Violence against women / gender-based violence
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    27th Session May 2017
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Continue to combat gender-based violence
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Israel

    Israel
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Issue:
    • Violence against women / gender-based violence
    • Training for state personnel on sexual rights issues
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    27th Session May 2017
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Develop comprehensive policies and programmes on gender-based violence, including training of security forces, prosecutors and judges in order to properly deal with those cases
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Zambia

    Zambia
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Issue:
    • Early marriage
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    27th Session May 2017
    Status:
    Unclear Response
    Contents:
    Harmonize the South African legislation to ensure that the minimum age for marriage is established at 18 years for both boys and girls
    Explanation
    Recommendation noted.
    ‘Noted’ recommendations are those which South Africa is in the process of considering and cannot commit to at this stage.
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Gender equality
    • Violence against women / gender-based violence
    • HIV and AIDS
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    27th Session May 2017
    Status:
    Neglected
    Contents:
    The Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended that South Africa develop policies aimed at addressing the multiple discrimination and violence faced by girls, based on the intersection between violence and HIV/AIDS. [Para 43]
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Violence against women / gender-based violence
    • Sexual violence
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    27th Session May 2017
    Status:
    Neglected
    Contents:
    Recommended that the Department of Basic Education and the South African Council for Educators act jointly in disciplining educators who had committed such acts (sexual violence against girls) and impose disciplinary sanctions against teachers or principals who failed to report cases. [Para 50; Special Rapporteur on violence against women]
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Stakeholder Summary

    Issue:
    • Intersex persons' rights
    • Transgender persons' rights
    • Violence on the basis of gender identity
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    27th Session May 2017
    Status:
    Neglected
    Contents:
    JS3 noted that violence against transgender and intersex persons was underpinned by societal stigma; and that they faced obstacles and discrimination when attempting to alter their legal sex description. Human rights violations experienced by intersex children due to non-consensual treatments were highlighted. JS3 recommended public condemnation of all forms of transphobic and intersexphobic violence; and the enactment of protective legislation, regulations and policies in the spheres of crime prevention, education and access to healthcare. [Para 26]
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Stakeholder Summary

    Issue:
    • Sexual violence
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    27th Session May 2017
    Status:
    Reference Addressed
    Contents:
    Improve the functioning of current sexual offence courts, and establish new courts throughout the country [Para 71]
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Abortion
    • Gender equality
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    41st session, November 2022
    Status:
    Not Followed up with a Recommendation
    Contents:
    Two Committees recommended that the Government ensure ... that pregnant girls be able to attend school and be readmitted. CESCR recommended ensuring that physicians who invoked conscientious objection provided referrals. [Para 43]
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Stakeholder Summary

    Issue:
    • Sex work / "prostitution"
    • Right to health
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    41st session, November 2022
    Status:
    Not Followed up with a Recommendation
    Contents:
    JS12 noted that ... and that criminalisation [of sex workers] obstructed their healthcare access. [Para 55]
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Sexual exploitation / slavery
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    41st session, November 2022
    Status:
    Reference Addressed
    Contents:
    CEDAW recommended that the Government ensure safe educational environments, address cases of sexual exploitation through reporting and sanctions, and provide victim support. [Para 47]
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    National Report

    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    • Sexual and / or reproductive rights and / or health broadly
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    1st session, April 2008
    Status:
    N/A
    Contents:
    On 30 October 2002, the South African Cabinet issued an open invitation to all the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council to visit the country and undertake enquiries on the status of the enjoyment of human rights consistent with their respective mandates. In this regard several Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council visited South Africa. These included: a) Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography ... [Para 13]
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Stakeholder Summary

    Issue:
    • Discrimination based on sexual orientation
    • Violence against women / gender-based violence
    • Sexual violence
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    1st session, April 2008
    Status:
    Reference Addressed
    Contents:
    AI was informed by rape survivors and non-governmental service-providing organizations (SPOs) about cases of failed police response to these crimes, including by exhibiting gender-insensitive and prejudiced attitudes towards complainants, among them lesbian women; by delaying the complainants' access to urgent and appropriate medical examination and treatment; and by taking incomplete statements and conducting inadequate investigations. There are also examples, however, of improved police practice where strong cooperation between police, SPOs and healthcare providers has enhanced victims' access to health services and justice. [Para 15]
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Palestine

    Palestine
    Regional group
    Observer
    Political group
    OIC
    AL
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    13th session, June 2012
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    To consider ratifying the ICESCR and its OPs.
    Explanation
    There is heightened awareness and commitment on the part of government to step up its national program of ratification of these instruments. The President of the Republic in his foreword to the 2nd South African UPR Report has reiterated this commitment.
    Implementation
    National Report Annex:
    ICESCR ratified in 2015 and came into force on 12 April 2015.
    Optional Protocols have not been ratified.

    UN Compilation:
    Para 2) The United Nations country team noted the ratification by South Africa of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in 2015...

    Stakeholder Summary:
    Para 2) The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) indicated that the Government had ratified ICESCR in 2015...
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Ukraine

    Ukraine
    Regional group
    EEG
    Political group
    CIS
    Issue:
    • Women's and / or girls' rights
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    13th session, June 2012
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Take measures improving the security of citizens and enhancing protection of particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children.
    Explanation
    The South African government is a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol. At the inauguration of the fourth administration of the South African government in May 2009, President GJ Zuma established a fully fledged department for Women, Children and People with Disabilities. This Ministry carries the national mandate to ensure the mainstreaming of the rights of persons with disabilities in all the governments programs at all spheres. Particular emphasis is placed on women, particularly those in rural areas who, have been identified as care-givers who play a critical role in community development and are the primary recipients of the above programmes. The government in its Zero Hunger programmes including Integrated Food Security Strategy targets persons with disabilities as key beneficiaries.
    Implementation
    National Report Annex:
    PARTIAL IMPLEMENTATION

    The Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act 116 of 1998 provides sanctions against domestic violence.

    Key law reforms undertaken to address gender and sexual violence:
    • Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007;
    • Protection from Harassment Act, 2011 (Act 17 of 2011);
    • Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013; and
    • Prohibition and Prevention of Torture Act, 2013.
    The conviction rate relating to sexual offences in 2014/15 stood at 69%; and in the first quarter 71.1% conviction rate.
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Spain

    Spain
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    EU
    OEI
    Issue:
    • Violence against women / gender-based violence
    • Sexual violence
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    13th session, June 2012
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Rigorously apply the legislation against gender violence and sexual violence, especially against girls and boys.
    Explanation
    Access to justice is entrenched in the Constitution of South Africa, national legislation, policies and programmes. Several measures have been put in place to particularly ensure women's access to justice e.g. National Access to Justice Week held during women's month (August) every year, 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children, Multi-disciplinary care-centres for victims of sexual offences and crime (Thuthuzela care centres). The primary purposes of these programmes are to ensure maximum protection of victims, provision of adequate remedies to victims including combating impunity with the view to ensuring non-recurrence. Additionally victim-friendly rooms, shelters for abused women, counselling services for victims of abuse, family violence, child protection and sexual offences units have been established.
    Implementation
    National Report Annex:
    FULL IMPLEMENTATION

    The Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act 116 of 1998) provides sanctions against domestic violence.

    Key law reforms undertaken to address gender and sexual violence:
    • Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007;
    • Protection from Harassment Act, 2011 (Act 17 of 2011);
    • Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013; and
    • Prohibition and Prevention of Torture Act, 2013.
    The conviction rate relating to sexual offences in 2014/15 stood at 69%; and in the first quarter 71.1% conviction rate.
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Algeria

    Algeria
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    OIC
    AL
    Issue:
    • Maternal health / morbidity / mortality
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    13th session, June 2012
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Consolidate its strategies and programmes to reduce the phenomenon of maternal and child mortality.
    Explanation
    The government entered into a partnership on 9 August 2011, known as MDGs Acceleration Framework (MAF) to specifically focus on those MDGs presenting challenges of attainment by 2015. These include MDGs 4, 5 and 6. This partnership has already begun to show signs of positive trajectory.
    Implementation
    National Report Annex:
    PARTIAL IMPLEMENTATION

    Despite expansion of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, The National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths (NCCEMD) was established to monitor and recommend solutions to reduce maternal mortality. The Committee is responsible for investigating every maternal death, with respect to primary and final causes of death, and the care that was given. Recommendations for the care of pregnant mothers are then made in a report provided to the Minister of Health. Strategies for reducing maternal mortality are made on the basis of this report.
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Tunisia

    Tunisia
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    OIC
    AL
    OIF
    Issue:
    • Gender equality
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    41st session, November 2022
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Work to secure drinking water and decent sanitation services for all on the basis of equality, especially for women and children and in schools in disadvantaged areas.
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Costa Rica

    Costa Rica
    Regional group
    GRULAC
    Political group
    OAS
    OEI
    ACS
    Issue:
    • Female genital mutilation / cutting
    • Sexual and / or reproductive rights and / or health broadly
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    41st session, November 2022
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Eradicate virginity tests and female genital mutilation, for all people without discrimination of their age, throughout the national territory.
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Finland

    Finland
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    EU
    Issue:
    • Violence against women / gender-based violence
    • Training for state personnel on sexual rights issues
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    41st session, November 2022
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Develop measurable targets for indicators of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-based Violence and prioritize appropriate training for professionals who work with victims of gender-based violence.
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Philippines

    Philippines
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    ASEAN
    Issue:
    • Violence against women / gender-based violence
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    41st session, November 2022
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Enhance the implementation of laws enacted to prevent and combat gender-based violence including the vigorous enforcement of legal action against the perpetrators of violence.
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Belgium

    Belgium
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    EU
    OIF
    Issue:
    • Violence against women / gender-based violence
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    41st session, November 2022
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Ensure full implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide through the adoption of decisive policies by relevant ministries.
  • State Under Review:

    South Africa

    South Africa
    Regional group
    Africa Group
    Political group
    AU
    Commonwealth
    Source Of Reference:

    Norway

    Norway
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Issue:
    • Intersex persons' rights
    • Discrimination based on sexual orientation
    • Discrimination based on gender identity
    • Violence on the basis of sexual orientation
    • Violence on the basis of gender identity
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    41st session, November 2022
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Establish and implement measures to prevent, investigate and adequately prosecute threats, attacks and discrimination against LGBTIQ persons.

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