A/HRC/49/15
trafficking in persons. It also positively noted the ratification of several international treaties.
It inquired about the State’s further plans to meet its obligations, especially the abolition of
legal provisions that were discriminatory against women and the development of laws
prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of disability, sexual orientation, gender identity
and social status.
43.
Morocco welcomed the efforts made by Antigua and Barbuda to promote and protect
human rights, despite the devastating effects of both the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent
hurricanes, which had caused damage to infrastructure.
44.
Nepal welcomed the adoption by Antigua and Barbuda of the Trafficking in Persons
(Prevention) (Amendment) Act (2019), the Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Act (2017)
and the National Social Protection Act (2020), which were aimed at combating poverty,
enhancing equality and improving the standard of living. It also expressed appreciation for
the State’s ban on single-use plastics and its commitment to bring its net emissions down to
zero by 2050.
45.
The Netherlands noted that there had been no executions in Antigua and Barbuda
since 1991 and that no one was currently on death row. However, it expressed regret that
Antigua and Barbuda had not imposed an official moratorium on the death penalty. It
expressed concern about inadequate conditions of detention and discrimination faced by
sexual minorities in the country, including the criminalization of consensual same-sex
relations.
46.
Pakistan commended the State for its efforts to recover from the pandemic and to
pursue socioeconomic development. It acknowledged efforts to ensure social protection for
vulnerable communities, alleviate poverty and promote the rights of women and girls. It
hailed the unveiling of the National Child Protection Policy, the reform of the juvenile justice
system and the promotion of children’s access to education.
47.
Panama encouraged Antigua and Barbuda to request technical assistance from
OHCHR and other stakeholders to create a dedicated mechanism for monitoring compliance
with the State’s human rights obligations, including a database and disclosure of information.
48.
Paraguay congratulated Antigua and Barbuda on the ratification of the Convention on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, but expressed its deep concern about the persistence
of practices such as life sentences and corporal punishment of minors.
49.
Peru acknowledged progress made by the State, including its accession to the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
50.
The Philippines hailed the accession of Antigua and Barbuda to the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights. It expressed appreciation for the efforts made to strengthen measures
against trafficking in persons.
51.
Portugal welcomed the advances made by Antigua and Barbuda in combating genderbased violence, noting that the reforms introduced were positive steps towards the
improvement of the human rights situation of women and girls.
52.
Senegal commended the Government for its efforts to provide high-quality school
education to the population despite the difficulties inherent in the global health crisis linked
to the COVID-19 pandemic. It welcomed the commitment of the authorities to work for better
management of human rights.
53.
Serbia commended Antigua and Barbuda for all its efforts to meet the
recommendations of the universal periodic review process, which reflected a commitment to
improving the situation of its citizens. It welcomed in particular the measures taken by the
authorities aimed at mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
54.
Slovenia welcomed the recent adoption of the National Child Protection Policy and
the Government’s commitment to strengthening the protection of children’s rights, but
reiterated its past recommendation that the common-law right to punish children should be
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