A/HRC/48/14
82.
Azerbaijan commended Seychelles on the measures taken for the protection and
promotion of human rights since the previous review, including the establishment of the
Seychelles Human Rights Commission.
83.
The Bahamas congratulated Seychelles on its efforts to combat corruption, money
laundering, terrorism financing, domestic violence, and trafficking. The Bahamas stood in
solidarity with the efforts of Seychelles on environmental protection and climate action.
84.
Barbados commended Seychelles for promoting and protecting human rights,
particularly on the progress made in the review, reform and enhancement of existing
legislation and in the enactment of new laws.
85.
Botswana welcomed the adoption by Seychelles of the Anti-Corruption (Amendment)
Act, the Access to Information Act and the Civil Code of Seychelles Act. It welcomed the
country’s efforts in promoting ambitious climate action.
86.
Brazil commended Seychelles on the peaceful and orderly political transition that took
place after the elections in 2020, and noted important human rights developments, such as
the decriminalization of same-sex relations between consenting adults.
87.
Bulgaria appreciated the progress made by Seychelles in enhancing its legislative,
institutional and policy framework for the protection of human rights. It encouraged
Seychelles to remain committed to democracy and good governance in the follow-up to the
2020 elections.
88.
Burkina Faso acknowledged the progress made by Seychelles in implementing the
recommendations accepted in the last review, but remained concerned about many ongoing
challenges faced by the country in promoting and protecting human rights.
89.
Burundi congratulated Seychelles for holding free, fair and democratic presidential
and legislative elections in October 2020. It also commended the country’s efforts to combat
human trafficking, and the creation of the Seychelles Human Rights Commission.
90.
Canada applauded the decriminalization by Seychelles of same-sex sexual relations.
It commended the establishment of the Seychelles Human Rights Commission and
encouraged an expansion of its mandate to include issues of women’s empowerment and
gender equality.
91.
In reply to some issues raised by delegations, Seychelles stated that the aim of the
Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission was to investigate complaints of
alleged human rights violations committed in relation to the 1977 coup d’état. The
Commission could recommend compensation and reparations for victims and determine
whether to grant amnesty to perpetrators. The aim was to bring closure to victims and
perpetrators and to unite the people of Seychelles around a common agenda going forward.
92.
Seychelles recognized the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities were
valued within society, including in the workplace. Repeal of the National Council for
Disabled Persons Act 1994 was being discussed, to enact a new law that would meet the
contemporary needs of persons with disabilities in line with the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities. Seychelles recognized the need to adopt a comprehensive policy
on disability through active consultation with relevant organizations and persons with
disabilities.
93.
Regarding the age of criminal responsibility, the delegation noted that there was a
proposal to amend the existing law so that a child under 10 years old could not be arrested or
charged with a crime. The delegation further noted that no child under the age of 14 years
could be sentenced to imprisonment.
94.
Chile welcomed the ratification by Seychelles of the International Convention for the
Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and the adoption of the Domestic
Violence Act and the Seychelles Human Rights Commission Act.
95.
China welcomed the efforts of Seychelles to promote sustainable economic and social
development, reduce poverty, develop education and health, and safeguard the rights of
vulnerable groups.
8