23rd Meeting - 62nd Session of Human Rights Council

Excellencies, colleagues, distinguished participants, it has come to my attention that our dear colleague, Ambassador Gustavo Galon, the Permanent Representative of Colombia, is currently in need of our prayers on behalf of the council.
Therefore, I wish to convey our thoughts and prayer to him and his family.
Excellencies, distinguished participants.
I hereby declare open the 23rd meeting of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.
I declare open agenda item six entitled Universal Periodic Review.
We will now proceed with the adoption of the UPR outcomes of the 13 states which were examined during the 51st session of the UPR working group held in January 2026.
And these are the Federated States of Micronesia, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nauru, Rwanda, Nepal, Saint Lucia, Oman, Austria, Australia, Georgia, St.
Kitts and Nevis and Sao Tome and Principe.
The UPR outcome adoption process will take place in accordance with the established modalities.
The process will last up to 1 hour for each state under review.
The hour will be divided into three equal segments, each of up to 20 minutes.
First, for the state under review, second for member and observer states.
Of the council, as well as United Nations entities and intergovernmental organizations, and third, for other stakeholders.
In line with resolution five slash one, the state concerned and the member and observer states of the council as well as relevant stakeholders will have the opportunity to express their views and make general comments on the outcome of the review.
If the adoption of the outcome of any state under review lasts less than 1 hour, the next adoption will be advanced.
I kindly therefore request delegates to be available for the entire duration of the UPR segment and to follow the announcement made in order to be in the room on time.
I would also like to recall that in line with council resolution five slash one and 16 slash 21, all recommendations are an integral part of the outcome document.
The state under review needs to clearly communicate its position on all recommendations, either by supporting or by noting the recommendation concern.
In addition, all interventions made during the UPR segment shall focus on the outcome documents.
The intervention should not aim at reopening debates that already took place during the working group session.
I would also like to recall that the council rejects any acts of intimidation or reprisals against individuals and groups who cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations and its representatives and mechanisms.
I urge states to prevent and ensure adequate protection against such acts.
Finally, let me kindly remind all speakers to respect the speaking time.
The full statement will be uploaded on the Extranet.
I thank you all for your consideration and cooperation.
We will now proceed with the consideration of the outcome of the Federated States of Micronesia.
The outcome is based on the report of the working group on the Universal Pedic Review of the Federated States of Micronesia and its addendum.
These documents together with additional information that will now be provided by the Federed States of Micronesia will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the Council through a standardized decision.
I now have the pleasure to give the floor to His Excellency, Mr.
Aquilino Harris Sousa, Ambassador extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, permanent representative of the Federated States of Micronesia, to present additional information on the review.
Excellency, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Bernstein, and good morning to you all.
The Federate States of Mansa is honored to participate in the adoption of the report of our fourth cycle Universal Periodic Review.
At the outset, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to all member states for their constructive recommendations, thoughtful engagement, and continued support throughout this review.
We also extend our creditu to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Resident coordinator's Office, and the United Nations Country team for their valuable assistance during this process.
For Magnesia, the universal periodic review is far more than a periodic assessment.
It is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our process, identify areas where we can do better, and strengthen our partnerships in advancing the universal promotion and production of human rights.
As a small island developing state spread across the vast Pacific Ocean, we recognize that our circumstances present unique challenges.
Yet we also recognize that these challenges do not diminish our responsibility to uphold the dignity and rights of every person.
Rather, they strengthen our resolve to pursue inclusive, practical, and sustainable approaches that are grounded in our constitution, informed by our cultural values, and responsive to the aspirations of our people.
Following a comprehensive and inclusive national review conducted through our National Human Rights and Sustainable Development Goals Task Force, the Federated State of Magnesia is pleased to report that we have accepted 155 of the 162 recommendations received.
This demonstrates our strong commitment to continuous progress, constructive dialogue, and meaningful cooperation with the international community.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank Your Excellency for your presentation.
I will now open the floor to member and observer states for their comments on the outcome of the review.
The speaking time has been set at 1 minute and 30 seconds for all states.
The first speaker is a distinguished representative of Morocco.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
My delegation wishes to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Mcrosia and congratulates them on the adoption of their UPR report.
Morocco commends Mcronesia's constructive engagement throughout this process, which demonstrates its firm commitment to promoting human rights despite complex challenges linked to climate change and insularity.
We welcome Micronesia's acceptance of a large number of recommendations, particularly those aimed at strengthening environmental resilience and socioeconomic rights.
Morocco supports the adoption of this UPR report and reiterates its solidarity with Mcrsia in implementing its commitments.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
Now, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nauru.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Nauru extends a warm welcome to the distinguished delegation of the Federated States of Micronesia and thanks to them for their cooperation and constructive engagement throughout the fourth cycle of the universal periodic review process.
We commend Micronesia for accepting almost all the recommendations received from the member states during their review, a clear commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights in Mcrnesia.
We encourage Mcrnesia to prioritize the implementation of the accepted recommendations.
N recommends the adoption of Micronesia's UPR and wishes them success in implementing the accepted recommendations that way, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal.
President, Nepal warmly welcomes the delegation of Federated States of Micronesia to the adoption of the UPR outcome and thanks them for their constructive engagement with the human rights mechanisms.
We thank Micronesia for accepting all four recommendations that we offered which covered areas such as ratifying international conventions, establishing and Independent National Human Rights mechanism, enhancing participation of women in public sphere and child protection.
We take note of the progress made by Federal States of Micronesia to eliminate violence against women and girls.
Nepal which is Federated States of Micronesia also success in implementing the accepted recommendation and supports the adoption of the UPR outcome report by consensus.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of New Zealand.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
New Zealand appreciates this opportunity to comment on the Federated States of Micronesia's universal periodic review outcome.
We commend the Federated States of Micronesia's continued commitment to the rights of women and girls, including its leadership in advancing the Microsian Gender Equality Framework in collaboration with sub regional partners.
New Zealand also welcomes the Federated States of Micronesia's efforts to promote the rights of people with disabilities through the Kusray and Chook Disability Acts.
New Zealand appreciates the Federated States of Micronesia's engagement in this universal periodic review and looks forward to continued partnership on human rights.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
The Philippines warmly welcomes the delegation of the Federated States of Wronsia and commends its constructive engagement throughout this review.
We note with appreciation its acceptance of 155 of the 162 recommendations received.
We are particularly pleased that Micronesia supported all three recommendations made by the Philippines on, number one, expediting works towards acceding to core Human Rights treaties, including the Migrant Workers Convention, two, stepping up efforts against trafficking in persons, and three, adopting a rights based gender responsive approaches in the development of the National Adaptation Plan and the implementation of the Climate Chains Act.
We encourage Micrnesia to implement the supported recommendations in close partnership with civil society and advance the establishment of its national human rights institution.
Mr.
President, the Philippines supports the adoption of the outcome review of Micrnesia and wishes the government of Micrnesia every success in the implementation of accepted recommendations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.
Thank you, President.
We note that all Russia's recommendations to micrnesia were accepted.
Sadly, we're forced to note that for now, the efforts of the authorities aren't enough to address problems such as human trafficking, domestic violence, and widespread gender inequality.
We hope that Micrnesia' accepted recommendations will be duly implemented and will allow them to overcome existing shortcomings in the field of human rights in that country.
We'll be following closely implementation by Micrnesia of the recommendations received.
Russia recommends adoption of Micrsia's fourth UPR cycle report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Samoa.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
We extend our appreciation to the delegation of the Federate States of Macrnesia for supporting Samo's recommendations on improving climate resilient water services in remote islands, developing and implementing a Child Protection National Action Plan, implementing its new legislation on maternity and paternity leaves, and establishing a minimum wage age for work.
Commend FSM's progress in the implementation of UPR recommendations from the previous cycle, including increasing efforts to tackle violence against women, inclusion of PWDs and improving access to justice.
We further commend FSM's commitment to the implement various UPR recommendations provided for this cycle, such as the establishment of an independent NHRI, the ratification of core Human Rights conventions, increasing efforts in climate resilience and efforts in guaranteeing the right to education and improving access to essential services.
We acknowledge that as a Pacific small island developing state, FSM's progress in implementation of its human rights recommendations continues to be challenged by capacity constraints and impacts of the climate crisis.
We further acknowledge that the recent oil leakage from the Rio de Janeiro Mau shipwreck has added to the country's environmental and resource constraints.
Samo recommends the adoption of the report, noting that the implementation of recommendations would require urgent technical and financial support to assist the Federated States of Macrnesia in fulfilling these recommendations.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Singapore.
Mr.
President, Singapore congratulates the delegation of the Federated States of Micronesia on its full universal periodic review.
We commend Micronesia for its engagement with the UPR process and its consideration of the various recommendations put forward by delegations.
We thank Mcrnesia for accepting both of our recommendations.
First, to continue efforts to ensure its people's rights to an adequate standard of living.
Second, to continue its efforts to promote and protect the rights of women and persons with disabilities.
Singapore supports the adoption of the working groups report on Micronesia's UPR.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to a distinguished representative of UN Women.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
UN Women commend the Federated States of Micronesia for its continued efforts to advance gender equality through national policies, legislative reforms, and commitment to women's empowerment.
UN Women welcomes progress in addressing violence against women and girls, including the adoption of Family Protection Acts and the implementation of the National Eliminating Violence Against Women Policy.
Continued efforts to strengthen legal protections, expand survivor services, and ensure sustained investment in prevention and response mechanisms will be important to further advance women's safety and rights.
We also welcome initiatives to promote women's ecom empowerment, including the extended paid maternity leave for public servants and efforts to support women's livelihoods.
Further, measures to strengthen workplace protections and expand economic opportunities can accelerate inclusive development.
We commend the increased representation of women in National Congress following the 2023 elections.
Continued efforts to advance women's leadership and participation in decision making at all levels remain key.
Finally, as the Federated States of Micronesia confronts the growing impacts of climate change, strengthening women's participation in related risk governance will contribute to more resilient, inclusive, and effective preparedness and responses.
UN Women stands ready to support the Federated States of Micronesia in advancing gender equality and implementing UPR recommendations.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of UNFPA.
The United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA congratulates the Federated States of Mcrnesia FSM, on its continued efforts to promote and protect human rights.
UNFPA is proud to have partnered with FSM to develop its first national policy on ending violence against women and girls evogue in 2020.
The subsequent adoption of standard operating procedures for health sector response to gender based violence across all four states laid a strong foundation for survivor center services.
UNFPA applauds FSM's efforts to improve access to information and reproductive health care.
We commend FSM for its revision of family planning guidelines.
Development of adolescent and youth friendly health service guidelines and the rollout of a family life education curriculum in Panape State.
UNFPA remains committed to supporting FSM before, during, and after disasters.
We stand in solidarity as a partner in the Super Tayfun ing Laku response, supporting local organizations and health facilities to deliver lifesaving maternal care and GBV prevention and response services.
Together, we can ensure that every woman and young person is empowered to make informed choices and realize their rights.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Anuatu.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Fano two extends a very warm welcome and congratulations to the delegation of OT from the Federal State of Micronesia to the adoption of its UPR outcomes report.
We note with appreciation the growing recognition of climate change as a cross cutting issue of human rights and development and commended the Federal State of Micronesia for the strategic development plan 2024 to 2043, which prioritizes environmental sustainability and climate action.
Fano two commends the Federal State of Micronesia for accepting a significant majority of the recommendations put forward by all delegations during its review, including the recommendations from Vanuatu.
On this note, for not to recommend the adoption of the UPR outcome report for the Federal State of Micronesia by consensus and wishes the government every success in the implementation of the accepted recommendations.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Vietnam appreciates Micronesia for its constructive engagement in the UPR process.
We welcome the framework for sustainable health development, social protection measures for persons in vulnerable situations, and water security initiatives for remote communities.
Vietnam also appreciates progress in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, including through state disability laws and ongoing policy reviews.
Welcome Micro Nia's support for the two recommendations put forward by Vietnam on ensuring inclusive education and social protection for persons in vulnerable situations, including persons with disabilities, women and children, and on ensuring climate resilience, access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all particularly in remote and outer Islands.
These commitments reflect Micronesia's continued dedication to promoting and protecting human rights.
Vietnam supports the adoption of the UPA outcome Report of Micronesia and wishes them success in implementing accepted recommendations.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to a distinguished representative of Zambia.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Zambia welcomes the esteemed delegation of the Federated States of Mcrsia and acknowledges their constructive engagement during their review.
We commend Macrnesia for accepting 155 out of 162 recommendations presented during its review, which strongly demonstrates its commitment to this important peer review mechanism.
My delegation applauds Micronesia's commitment and continued efforts to meet its national human rights obligations and wishes the country success in implementing the accepted recommendations.
We recommend the adoption of Micronesia's UPR outcome report by consensus.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Botswana.
Mr.
President, Botswana welcomes the delegation of Macroneia on the occasion of the adoption of its UPR outcome and appreciates the updates provided during the session.
We note with satisfaction Micronesia support for both Botswana's recommendation and recommendations, namely the establishment of an independent national human rights institution in compliance with the Paris principle and the adoption of measures to guarantee free and compulsory primary and secondary education.
These commitments demonstrate a constructive approach to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights.
Finally, Botswana supports the adoption of the UPR outcome of micronesia and wishes the government a success in implementing the recommendations it has accepted.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to a distinguished representative of China.
Mr.
President, China commends the Federated State of Mcrnesia for its constructive participation in UPR and salutes the Micronesian government for its efforts and progress in the promotion and protection of human rights.
We commend the government for its efforts to advance economic development while moving actively against climate change, fighting human trafficking, and promoting the right to development to health and education while promoting the vulnerable groups rights like women, children, and persons with disabilities.
We hope the government will work further to advance sustainable economic and social development and further promote the rights of women and children.
We support the council the adoption of the UPR Outcome report of Micronesia.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Cuba.
President President, we welcome delegation of the Federated States of Micrnesia.
Cuba was honored to be part of the Troika for Micronesia's UPR and noted the country's firm commitment to that mechanism and its political will to continue making progress when it comes to human rights.
We stressed that the country accepted 155 of 162 recommendations made, including the four made by Cuba.
We recognize approval of the early childhood development policy as a roadmap to promote and protect the rights of small children and we highlight efforts towards confronting multiple challenges associated to climate change.
We wish Micronesia success in implementing the recommendations accepted in this fourth cycle and we support adoption of the report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cyprus.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
We thank the ambassador of the Federated State of Micronesia for the presentation.
We commend Micronesia for accepting 155 out of the 162 recommendations received during its fourth cycle review, demonstrating the resolve of the government of Mcrsia to further advance the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
We are pleased to note that all the recommendations made by Cyprus on the ratification of the Rome statute of the ICC, the establishment of a comprehensive anti discrimination framework to address legislation gaps, the expansion of access to quality early childhood development programs, the enactment of legislation to criminalize all forms of gender based violence, and the development of a comprehensive national strategy for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities have been accepted.
We wish Micronesia every success in the implementation of the recommendations that have been accepted.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Dominica.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Dominica extends a warm welcome to the delegation of Micronesia to the adoption of its UPR outcome and commends Micronesia for its constructive engagement throughout the UPR process.
We take positive note that out of the 162 recommendations received during its review, Micronesia has pledged support for 155, including two recommendations made by Dominica.
On strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to address challenges arising from technological advancements and advancing a human rights based approach to energy governance.
Dominica supports the adoption of the UPR outcome of Micronesia and extends best wishes in its implementation of the accepted recommendations emanating from its fruity.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of India.
Mr.
President, India warmly welcome the delegation of the Federated States of Macron for the adoption of the UPR working groups report on its fourth UPR, held on 19 January 2026.
The review saw substantive participation with 57 delegations taking the floor and making a total of 162 recommendations.
We appreciate the constructive engagement of the delegation of Micronesia during the entire review, which reflects their commitment to the UPR process.
India appreciates that as many as 155 recommendations have been accepted by Mcronsia including both the recommendations made by us.
While recommending the adoption of their UPA report, we congratulate the delegation of the Federated States of Macron on a successful review and wish them success in their efforts towards implementing the accepted recommendations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Indonesia commends the delegation of the Federated States of Micronesia for its constructive engagement during the UPR process.
We welcome Micronesia's decision to support 155 of the 162 recommendations received during its fourth UPR this year.
We appreciate that all of Indonesia's recommendations are supported by Micronesia, including those relating to the ratification of the Convention Against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Prioritizing the active engagement of stakeholders and partners, including women, persons with disabilities, youth, and senior citizens in the development of its national adaptation plan and related climate and disaster risk management policies, and strengthening child health and nutrition policies to address malnutrition and support educational outcomes, including through the implementation of school feeding programs.
We firmly believe that the implementation of the accepted recommendations will make a meaningful contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.
Finally, we support the adoption of the UPR outcomes of Micronesia by consensus and wish the government of Mcrnesia every success in implementing the accepted recommendations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker that we could accommodate.
Let me remind you that all statements, including those which could not be delivered due to time constraints, should be uploaded online.
I will now give the floor to the other stakeholders to make their general comments on the outcome.
The speaking time has been set at 2 minutes for all.
The first speaker on my list is the representative of advocates for Human Rights.
Mr.
President, the advocates for Human Rights, a member of the World Coalition Against the death penalty commend the Federated States of Micronesia for their longstanding commitment to rejecting the death penalty.
Section nine of the Declaration of Rights in the Federated States of Mcrnesia's Constitution prohibits capital punishment, and the government consistently supports the UN General Assembly resolution calling for a global moratorium on the death penalty.
We are concerned, however, with Mcrnesia's delay in ratifying the International Covenant on civil and political rights and its second optional protocol, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty despite assurances during the third UPR cycle.
We remain hopeful that given Micronesia' support of recommendations from Iceland, the Netherlands, Spain, Togo, and Uruguay to ratify the second Optional Protocol during its fourth cycle review, the government will take prompt action.
We encourage Micronesia to seek technical assistance from the friends of the Second Optional Protocol in honoring these commitments, and we further encourage Micronesia to continue to support the UN General Assembly resolution calling for a global moratorium on the death penalty.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of Christian Council International.
I'm delivering this statement on behalf of the Christian Council International.
First, we wish to commend the government of the Federal State of Micronesia for its careful consideration of the recommendations under the fourth cycle of the UPR, especially in relation to strengthening maternal health and other healthcare services.
In light to this, we also welcome the careful consideration of the government in relation to protect the unborn life in accordance with Article 4 of the Constitution.
All live deserve the right to be born and fostered, especially the most vulnerable.
In this regard, we also welcome the commitment to develop a national strategy focused on the strengthening access to health care for persons with disabilities.
For such strategy to be effective, it must remain in alignment with the national and religious value of the Federation.
Furthermore, we wish to highlight that international human rights does not impose a binding obligation on state to include a separate discrimination ground for sexual orientation or gender identity.
However, our creator God P star in his Holy Bible that his beautiful design for humans was only male and female, Genesis one and two says.
He then ordained that marriage should be only between consenting adult man, the consenting adult woman and His gracious blessing their union with children.
Their blessing came with a guideline to nurture, care for, and train up the next generation of children to know and love their God and their parents and even their neighbor.
This value of life starts from conception in the womb, and they should care for our unborn children and forbids abortion.
States that follow this caring instruction, ensure the welfare for all mankind and forbid violence or discrimination to those individuals without his knowledge.
The government retained the right to regulate moral, cultural, and traditional values blessed by God himself, as he says in His holy book in Roman 13, while at the same time, they protect and caring for the individual of their nation.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of World Jewish Congress.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
The World Jewish Congress welcomes the progress reflected in the report, including Macron continued efforts towards strengthening gender equality through the National Gender Equality policy and the national policy to eliminate violence against women and girls.
We particularly note the steady advancement of women's representation in public life and the strengthening of mechanisms to address gender based violence across the states.
As Micronesia continues to deepen this institutional commitment to human rights, we welcome its strong commitment to counter racism, hatred, anti Semitism, and all forms of discrimination.
In this regard, we thank Micronesia for joining the joint statement on anti Semitism last year, a meaningful expression of solidarity at a time when Jewish communities worldwide face a documented rise in anti Semitic incidents.
We also thank Micronesia for its support of the exhibition Sports Crowds Power presented last September here at the UN, which told the story of Jewish athletes and clubs persecuted during the Holocaust.
Building on these steps, we further encourage Mcrosia to join the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and adopt its working definitions of anti Semitism and of Holocaust denial and distortion.
Further, institutionalizing the fight against anti Semitism and discrimination with the aim to build an even more open and resilient society.
We wish the government of Micronesia continued success in its efforts to promote and protect human rights.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the Representative of Center for Global Non Killing.
Beloved Human beings, Mr.
President, the populations of Micronesia, the delegation, the four years of the Federated States of Macron Asia, including the highest.
Greetings of living Human Rights.
Good morning.
We congratulate microsia for accepting the recommendation made by Armenia towards the ratification of the Genocide Convention.
This is progress from the previous UPR cycle.
By this ratification happen swiftly, it could be nice in the 50 cycle of the UPR or spontaneously to attach delays to accepted recommendations.
We regret that the recommendation made by Iceland on abortion was noted.
Whatever the legal situation is, there are 150-300 abortions yearly in micronesia.
Every life counts.
The World Health Organization has finally published the worldwide figures on abortion.
They are staggering.
It is an estimated 73 million lives yearly that are created to be then destroyed.
More than all deaths caused by violence and injuries, abortions must be prevented.
Education on the value of life, sexual education, free access to information and contraception methods.
As in all issues pertaining to life and human rights, proactive participation, prevention, and accurate laws are more effective than repression.
From the official FSM legal website, we deduce that it is only in chuck, that abortion is illegal offense.
So is it tradition, whatever.
Both tradition and law, moreover, responsibility and practices need to change for better.
Every life counts.
Humanity should not abort its own history.
There is a risk.
It is by the efforts of everyone everywhere, for each and every life, that life will be valued, that we will survive and then universally thrive in the good of life.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Just Atonement Inc.
Thank you, distinguished President and members of the Council.
Just Atonement Inc commends the Federated States of Micronesia or the FSM for its longstanding leadership in defense of a livable plant and the international rule of law.
We congratulate the FSM for its written statement to the ICJ on the obligations of states in respect of climate change and for its sustained participation throughout.
We encourage the FSM to remain closely engaged in the follow up processes giving effect to the opinion.
Second, we urge the FSM to deepen its climate adaptation efforts in a manner anchored in human rights, prioritizing the rights to life, health, water, food, and a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment with particular attention to women, children, persons with disabilities, and communities in the outer islands.
We further encourage FSM to seek the entitlements owed to it under international law, including grant based and non exploitative climate finance and the transfer of technology and to deploy such support in a manner consistent with sustainable development and its self determination.
Third, we commend the FSM for its call for a precautionary pause on commercial deep seabed mining and for its membership in the Alliance of countries for a Deep Sea mining moratorium.
This stance reflects the precautionary principle and the state's duty to prevent serious and irreversible harm to the marine environment and is supported by the advisory opinions from the ICJ and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
Finally, we respectfully urge the FSM to accede to the ICCPR, the ICESCR and the Convention Against Torture.
Thank the FSM for its principled commitment to human rights to a habitable planet and to the self determination of its people.
Thank you.
I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Shansy Patriotic Volunteer Association.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
I'm Hang Zi Shen speaking on behalf of IPPO.
Firstly, we'd like to commend Micronesia for the progress has made in the field of human rights, including its efforts to meet the challenge of climate change, promoting gender equality, and promoting vulnerable groups.
We particularly appreciate its incorporation of human rights International Climate Adaptation Plan, thus effectively promoting people's right to survival and development.
This fully corresponds with our idea of loving one's own country without harming the interests of others and the sense of state responsibility.
As a CSO we firmly believe that every country is entitled to seek its own human rights path and we support Micronesia working steadily to promote human rights based on its national sovereignty.
On this occasion, I also wish to announce the forthcoming autumn forum of IPPO on September 21st in Nairobi under the theme of International Patriotic Pact and Nations right Development.
We and other peace loving organizations will then discuss how to build a community of shared future mankind based on a new international peace order.
Okay.
Thank you all.
Thank you.
I will now give the floor to the representative of Im Adis Popular Students Relief Society.
Thank you.
While we welcome the Federated States of Micronesia acceptance of 155 out of 162 recommendations during its 40 UPR cycle, including 32 recommendations concerning the ratification of international human rights treaties, the Rome Statute, and the establishment of a independent National Human Rights institution in accordance with the parties principles.
We note that these same recommendations had already been accepted during previous UPR cycles, including the third cycle.
We therefore remain concerned by the lack of meaningful implementation.
Over the past decade, the state has neither ratified nor signed any additional international human rights treaty.
As a result, it remains a state party to only five of the 18 core international human rights treaties.
This lack of progress risks undermining the credibility of both the UPR process and the state's commitment to strengthening the international human rights framework.
We are particularly concerned that FSM has not acceded to the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of anti personnel mines as a sovereign island state with no land borders.
FSM is uniquely placed to demonstrate its commitments to humanitarian disarmament.
Its continued decision not to join this widely supported treaty is therefore difficult to understand and justify We therefore urge Mcronesia to translate its commitments into concrete action by prioritizing the ratification of outstanding human rights treaties and by taking tangible steps toward the establishment of an independent national human rights institution in full compliance with the Paris principles.
Thank you.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker on my list.
Before giving the floor to the delegation of the Federated States of Micronesia for concluding remarks, allow me to inform that out of 162 recommendations received, 155 enjoy the support of the Federated State States of Micronesia and seven are noted.
I now give the floor back to His Excecy for concluding remarks.
Excellency, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Versen.
Distinguished representatives.
Today's adoption marks not the conclusion of this UVR process, but the beginning of the next chapter of our human rights journey.
The Federated States of Migs few the recommendations we have accepted not simply as commitments made before this council, but as commitments to our own people to strengthen institutions, expand opportunity, promote equality, and ensure that every individual can live with dignity, security, and hope.
While our capacity as a small island developing state remains constrained by limited resources, geographic isolation and the growing impacts of climate change, our determination remains unwavering.
We believe that lasting progress is achieved through partnership, dialogue, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
As we move forward with implementing the 155 accepted recommendations, we will continue working closely with our four state governments, Congress, traditional leaders, civil society, regional organizations, the United Nations system, and our development partners.
Together, we will strive to ensure that our commitments translate into measurable improvements in the lives of our people.
The Federate States of Mash extends its sincere appreciation to all delegations for their constructive engagement and to everyone who has accompanied us throughout this process.
We value the spirit of cooperation that defines the universal periodic review and remain firmly committed to continued engagement with the Human Rights Council and the broader International Human Rights system.
In a world facing growing uncertainty and complex global challenges, the Universal Periodic Review reminds us that every nation, large or small, has both the opportunity and responsibility to contribute to the advancement of human dignity and the protection of human rights.
The Federated States of Mi Usion remains committed to being a constructive partner in that shared endeavor.
Thank you, Mr.
President and distinguished representatives.
I thank Your Excellency, Ambassador Akohas Sousa.
Thank you for this presentation for the constructive participation of the Federated States of Micronesia throughout the UPR process.
And I propose that the council adopts the decision on the outcome of the Universal periodic review of the Federated States of Micronesia as it appears on screen.
I see no request for the floor.
I take it as no objection, and the decision is therefore adopted.
Excellencies, distinguished participants.
We will now briefly suspend the meeting before the consideration of the outcome of Lebanon.
And the meeting is suspended.
I Excellencies, distinguished representatives.
We will now proceed with the consideration of the outcome of Lebanon.
The outcome is based on the report of the working group on the Universal periodic review of Lebanon and its addendum.
These documents, together with the additional information that will now be provided by Lebanon will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the council through a standardized decision.
I now have the pleasure to give the floor to Her Excellency, Ambassador Caroline Ziadeh, Ambassador extraordinary, and plenipotentiary, permanent representative for Lebanon to present additional information under review.
Your Excellency, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Distinguished colleagues.
Lebanon continues to regard the Universal periodic review as one of the Human Rights Council's most valuable mechanisms for international cooperation in the field of human rights.
It is founded on dialogue, mutual respect, peer review, and our shared commitment to strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights for all.
When Lebanon appeared before this council on 19th of January, its cross government delegation presented a country determined to pursue an ambitious program of institutional and legislative reform.
The spirit that guided our participation was one of hope, renewed momentum, and institutional renewal.
We presented the progress already achieved, outlined the reforms that has been initiated and listened very carefully to the recommendations and observations advanced by member states.
Lebanon remains grateful for the constructive engagement demonstrated throughout that dialogue and for the recognition of the exceptional challenges our country continues to face, including the prolonged economic and financial crisis, the burden of hosting large number of displaced persons and refugees, and the consequences of persistent regional instability.
Regrettably, the context in which we meet today has changed profoundly.
Since 2nd of March, Lebanon has been drawn into a war it did not choose.
It has faced renewed hostilities and indiscriminate and disproportionate Israeli attacks on its territory amid an increasingly volatile regional environment.
These attacks have resulted in significant civilian casualties, the widespread destruction of homes and critical civilian infrastructure, and repeated strikes affecting journalists, healthcare workers, first responder, and United Nations peacekeepers.
They have also caused large scale internal displacement and severely disrupted existent essential services, including education and healthcare.
Furthermore, these attacks have been accompanied by Israeli military incursions into occupation of Lebanese territory in violation of Leban' sovereignty and territorial integrity.
These developments have inevitably required the Lebanese authority to redirect considerable institutional, financial, and human resources towards protecting civilians, responding to urgent humanitarian needs, and ensuring the continued delivery of essential public services.
Throughout this period in Beirut, Geneva, and every relevant international forum, Lebanon has continued to report these violation and draw the international community's attention to this immense human suffering enduring by its people.
Yesterday, in this very hall, you heard the statement delivered by Lebanon's Deputy Prime Minister and today, I wish to reiterate that appeal.
Lebanon once again calls upon the international community to uphold its responsibilities under international law, to ensure respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and to take meaningful action to bring an end to these violations and alleviate the suffering of the population.
Yet, notwithstanding these extraordinary circumstances, Lebanon remains firmly committed to advancing its national reform agenda to the fullest extent possible.
These challenges have not diminished Lebanon's commitment to its international human rights obligations.
On the contrary, they have reinforced our conviction that respect for human rights, the rule of law, and strengthened institutions constitute indispensable foundation for peace, recovery, and national resilience.
The Lebanese Constitution guarantees fundamental freedom and equality before the law.
Within the limits of its available capacities, Lebanon continues to strengthen the rule of law, reinforce judicial independence, and expand social protection.
Allow me to highlight several important development that illustrate this continued commitment.
Lebanon has accepted all recommendations relating to the abolition of the death penalty.
Since 2002, Lebanon has maintained a de facto moratorium on executions despite the serious security challenges the country has experienced over the past two decades.
Although capital punishment remains provided for in legislation, it has been imposed only in exceptionally rare cases and no execution has taken place for more than 20 years.
This longstanding practice has been accompanied by sustained legislative efforts.
Most recently, the Council of Ministers approved a draft law abolishing the death penalty which has advanced through the parliamentary process.
The administration and Justice Committee has established a dedicated subcommittee to finalize the legislative text following broad agreement on replacing capital punishment with life imprisonment.
These developments demonstrate Lebanon's determination to achieve abolition through its democratic institutions.
Lebanon has also continued to strengthen its engagement with international human rights and international humanitarian law framework.
On the 1st of June, Lebanon deposited its instrument of ratification of the Ottawa Convention, reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian disarmament, the protection of civilian, and the promotion of human rights.
This important step built upon Lebanon's longstanding national efforts to address the humanitarian consequences of anti personnel mines and complement its continued implementation of the Convention on cluster munition.
It also follows Lebanon's ratification last year of the Convention on the Rights of persons with disability, reflecting our broader commitment to strengthening an international human rights framework and advancing the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
At a time, When the humanitarian consequences of armed conflict continue to affect our country, these measures reaffirms Lebanon conviction that strengthening international humanitarian law and the International Human Rights framework remains essential to protecting civilians, promoting human dignity, and laying the foundation for sustainable peace.
We are also pleased to announce several important development in the promotion of women's rights.
The launch of the second national action plan for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 13 25 on women peace and security approved by the government of Lebanon on the 30th of April 2026.
The issuance by the government of B Du DiBon of a circular number 979 requiring banks to implement the provision of circular number 305 slash 2009, concerning the right of married women to open bank accounts for their minor children following a request by the National Commission for Lebanese women.
Third, the launch of the legal guide for women and men entrepreneurs in Lebanon prepared by the National Commission for Lebanese women in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Trade.
The guide provides practical legal guidance to support women and men entrepreneurs in establishing, managing, and expanding sustainable businesses.
Allow me also to address two issues that were raised during Lebanon's presentation in January, but which owing to the time constraints, our delegation was unable to address in sufficient detail.
With regard to the recommendations concerning sexual orientation, parliamentary discussions are currently underway on a proposal to repeal Article 534 of the Criminal Code.
At the same time, the Ministry of Public Health continues to ensure the provision of health care services without discrimination.
All individuals, including members of LGBTQ community, enjoy equal access to primary health care, medicine, and public health program.
Within Lebanon's national HIV program, they are recognized as a priority population with services delivered in accordance with the highest standards of confidentiality, privacy, and dignity in close partnership with specialized civil society organization.
With regard to Palestinian refugees, Lebanon reaffirms its longstanding commitment to protecting their rights and dignity while fully respecting Lebanese constitution and the principle rejecting permanent settlement.
The Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue Committee is currently developing a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the legal status of Palestinian refugees.
The proposed framework establishes a clear definition of refugee status, introduces a unified biometric identity card.
While doing all this, Lebanon reiterates its unwavering support for the right of return to those refugees to their homelands.
The framework seeks to strengthen the enjoyment of economic and social rights, including access to employment, social security, healthcare, education, freedom of association, and regulated property ownership.
While preserving public order, national sovereignty, and the constitutional framework.
Lebanon remains convinced that improving the daily living conditions and the enjoyment of rights of Palestinian refugees is fully compatible with preserving their right of return and does not prejudice that inalienable right.
Lebanon also reiterates its unwavering support for Unwa's indispensable mandate and continues to play an active role within the agency's Advisory Commission.
In parallel, coordination between the Lebanese authorities and the Palestinian representative continues to promote stability in the camp through an approach based on human security, sustainable development, and improved governance.
Mr.
President, as we conclude this review, Lebanon wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all the people and the representative of host countries who participated and provided us with the recommendation.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank Your Excellency for your presentation.
I will now open the floor to member and observer states for their comments on the outcome of the review.
The speaking time has been set at 1 minute 30 seconds for all states.
The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Ghana.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Ghana congratulates the delegation of Lebanon for successfully completing its review exercise under the full cycle of the Universal periodic review.
We commend the government of Lebanon for committing to implement a total of 218 of the 286 recommendations received with a view to further enhancing capacity to advance its human rights situation.
My delegation is pleased with Lebanon's support for our three recommendations and express our confidence that the government of Lebanon will continue to honor its human rights obligations.
Mr.
President, in conclusion, we reaffirm our support for Lebanon and wish them every success in implementing the accepted recommendations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Haiti.
President President, the Haitian delegation wishes a warm welcome to the Lebanese delegation on the occasion of adoption of the report of its fourth UPR.
My delegation takes note the satisfaction of the acceptance by Lebanon of the vast majority of recommendations made to it and wishes them every success in implementation.
My delegation supports the adoption of the final UPR report of Lebanon.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.
Mr.
President, India warmly welcomes the delegation of Lebanon for the adoption of the UPR working group's report on its fourth UPA held on 19th January 2026.
The review saw substantive participation with 105 delegations taking the floor and making a total of 286 recommendations.
We appreciate the constructive engagement of the delegation of Lebanon during the entire review.
Which reflects their commitment to the UPR process.
India appreciates that as many as 224 recommendations have been accepted by Lebanon, including all three recommendations made by us.
While recommending the adoption of their UPR report, we congratulate the delegation of Lebanon on a successful review and wish them success in their efforts towards implementing the accepted recommendations.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.
Mr.
President, Indonesia appreciates Lebanon for its cooperation throughout the UPR process.
We recommend Lebanon's decision to support most of the recommendations receive, including our recommendations to strengthen Lebanon National Human Rights Commission and to ensure sustainability funding for social protection system in the country.
We are deeply alarmed that Lebana's genuine effort to advance human rights has been severely impaired by Israel's regional military expansion to the country.
Indonesia strongly condemns Israel indiscriminate attacks against Lebanon that have claimed more than 4,000 lives exceeding the 911 attacks casualties.
The recent loss of those serving under UFL, including four Indonesian peacekeepers, also remind us that when international law fails, even those serving peace are not spared, we therefore support the work of OHR team in collecting evidence on violation of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed by all parties in Lebanon.
The fulfillment of human rights is not only a national obligation, it requires a genuine international cooperation and solidarity.
In this regard, international support for Lebanon's implementation of accepted UPR recommendation must be prioritized.
Finally, we recommend the adoption of the UPR outcome of Lebanon by consensus.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iran.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the active and meaningful participation of the Republic of Lebanon in the UPR process.
We positively acknowledge that Lebanon out of 286 recommendations received during the fourth review fully supported 224 of them.
That includes all three recommendations from the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The high number of supported recommendations show the important value that Lebanon places to the UPR and universal scrutiny of human rights.
During the working group, we recommended Lebanon to conduct a comprehensive, transparent and independent internal investigation into the loss and damage from the foreign invasions and facilitate the process of access to justice for the victims.
The implementation of this recommendation can complement the international efforts in making the perpetrator accountable.
Finally, we wish Lebanon every success in implementing the supported recommendations.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq.
Thank you President.
I'd like to thank the delegation of the Lebanese Republic Sister Republic for its statement describing the human rights situation.
We participated in the review of Lebanon and we made two recommendations.
We call for improving participation of women in public and private life in the public sector.
In the justice sector and in law enforcement and to improve the means of subsistence in the Palestinian camps.
The sister Republic of Lebanon has made undeniable progress in the field of human rights in spite of adversity and has cooperated with the UN human rights mechanisms.
That's why we recommend adoption by the Human Rights Council of the report on Lebanon.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jordan.
Thank you, President.
We wish a warm welcome to the Lebanese delegation.
We thank them for their cooperation with the UPR mechanism and their efforts to promote human rights.
Given the difficult situation in Lebanon, going to the war and the humanitarian, economic, and security situation and its impact on basic services, we would like to call on the international community to support Lebanon's efforts to consolidate rule of law, protect civilians, and ensure access to basic services and help the country to preserve its security.
We thank Lebanon for accepting the majority of recommendations, and we call for helping them in implementing it and we urge the Human Rights Council to adopt the report on Lebanon.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to a distinguished representative of Kuwait.
Thank you, President.
We wish a warm welcome to the council to the Lebanese delegation and we thank them for their presentation regarding their position on the recommendations received.
We thank Lebanon for agreeing to our own two recommendations concerning guaranteeing high quality, inclusive education and providing access to health care services, including for the most vulnerable categories in conclusion.
We wish the kindred Republic of Lebanon success in implementing the recommendations, and we urge the council to adopt the findings of the Lebanon report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to a distinguished representative of the Lawa PDR.
Mr.
President, my delegation warmly welcome the delegation of Lebanon to this UPR adoption section and appreciate the constructive engagement of Lebanon during its UPR process.
The La PDR commends Lebanon for its effort to improve access to education, healthcare service, and promote gender equality in the country.
We also appreciate Lebanon acceptance of the majority of recommendation, including two recommendations made by the La PDR, reflecting its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights.
We wish Lebanon every success in implementing the accepted recommendation, and we support the adoption of its UPR outcome by consensus.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Lesotho.
Mr.
President, Lesotho extends a warm welcome to the distinguished delegation of Lebanon to the adoption of the fourth cycle of the UPR report.
We commend Lebanon for accepting most of the recommendations received from member states reflecting its strong commitment to addressing critical human rights challenges.
We welcome Lebanon's acceptance of two or three of our recommendations and respectfully encourage Lebanon to consider our recommendation to enhance the protection of fundamental freedoms decriminalizing defamation, safeguarding journalists and human rights defenders and ensuring an enabling environment for civil society and peaceful assembly.
LSU wishes Lebanon success in the implementation of all UPR recommendations accepted and requests the council to adopt the outcome report by consensus.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Libya.
Distinguished representative of Libya.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia.
Mr.
President, Malaysia appreciates the constructive engagement of Lebanon during its EPR process and commends its decision to support many of the recommendations.
We especially welcome Lebanon support for all three recommendations put forward by Malaysia.
These recommendations were, one, continue to strengthen social protection programs for vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and persons with disabilities.
Two, enhance efforts to combat extreme poverty through livelihood support and economic inclusion initiatives, and three, improve access to safe, inclusive, and well resourced education for all children including those with disabilities.
Malaysia notes Lebanon's ongoing constructive engagement with UN mechanisms and recommends that the council adopts the outcome of Lebanon's UPR review by consensus.
Malaysia wishes Leban continued success in the implementation of the acted recommendations.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Maldives.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
The Maldives warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation from Lebanon to the adoption of the UPR report and complements Lebanon's commitment to the UPR process.
The Maldives commends Lebanon for accepting the majority of the recommendations it received during the UPR working group session in January 2026, including two recommendations made by the Maldives.
We wish the government of Lebanon success in implementing the accepted recommendations and request that the Council adopt the UPR outcome report for Lebanon by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to a distinguished representative of Mauritania Thank you, President Mauritania extends cordial welcome to the delegation of the Kindred Republic of Lebanon.
We congratulate them on the positive way in which they have addressed the UPR.
We commend them for their efforts and success in the field of promoting and protecting human rights.
In the country.
We welcome the fact they've accepted the vast majority of recommendations, including our own recommendations calling for strengthening of the work of the National Human Rights Committee and consolidating the social protection system.
We trust the implementation of those recommendations will allow the country to consolidate its national human rights system by providing protection to the most vulnerable categories.
We wish every success to the Kindred Republic of Lebanon in implementing the recommendations and we recommend adoption of the report to the Council.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished Representative of Morocco.
San Bet Thank you, President, my country's delegation wishes a warm welcome to the delegation of Lebanon, which has committed itself to the UPR, reflecting its promotion of human rights.
In that respect, we commend the fact that they have accepted the majority of recommendations, including the recommendation calling for the activation of the National Human Rights Commission, specifically the Committee Against Torture, also to modernize the National Human Rights strategy.
And allocating the necessary resources for the national strategy against corruption.
We wish every success to Lebanon in this UPR.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Nepal welcomes the delegation of Lebnon to the adoption of UPR outcome and thanks them for their constructive engagement with the human rights mechanisms.
We thank Lebnon for taking note of the three recommendations that we offered.
We take note of the progress made by Lebnon in expanding its social protection systems and strengthening judicial independence.
Nepal wishes Lebnon all success in implementing the accepted recommendations and supports the adoption of the UPR outcome report.
I thank you Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to a distinguished representative of Oman.
Shukran.
Thank you, President.
The Sultan of Oman, which is a warm welcome to the head of delegation of the Kindred Republic of Lebanon, we commend the country's efforts to consolidate Key human rights sectors including health, education, modernizing healthcare facilities and support to education and protection of children.
We've taken note of the outcomes of the UPR, which took place in a constructive climate and we commend the fact the country has accepted our recommendation.
In conclusion, we recommend adoption of the Lebanon report, and we wish the country every success in implementing the recommendations accepted.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished representative of Pakistan.
Mr.
President, my delegation warmly welcomes the delegation of Lebanon and thanks the Distinguished Delegation for presenting a follow up on recommendations received during its fourth UPR.
It is commendable that Lebanon has accepted most of the recommendations received, including those made by my delegation.
We appreciate the steady progress made by Lebanon on several facets of human rights, including its cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms, including the UPR working group.
We commend Lebanon to sustaining engagement in the face of severe challenges resulting from unrestrained Irae aggression and consequent immense human suffering and destruction.
We affirm our abiding solidarity with the Lebanese people and support the government in safeguarding Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
We wish Lebanon every success in the implementation of accepted recommendations and request the Council to adopt the UPR outcome report by consensus.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of the Philippines.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
The Philippines warmly welcomes the delegation of Lebanon and commends its constructive engagement in the review process.
The Philippines expresses appreciation to Lebanon for supporting our recommendation to further strengthen protection mechanisms for migrant workers, including by addressing passport confiscation, wide step, the misuse of absconding charges, abandonment in times of crisis, and gender based, discrimination and violence.
As a country of origin for many migrant workers in Lebanon, the Philippines attaches particular importance to this commitment on the protection of migrant workers.
Mr.
President, the Philippines adds its voice in support of the adoption of the UPR of Lebanon and wishes Lebanon every success in implementing the accepted recommendations.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.
Thank you, President.
The Russian delegation notes with satisfaction, Lebanon's fourth UPR.
We're grateful to delegation for the written provision of information on the recommendations addressed to the country.
We note that the majority were accepted, including the Russian recommendations.
We understand that Lebanon is going through difficult times.
Especially during the negative impact of hostilities that the citizens are suffering.
The tense military situation is complicating the efforts of the country to achieve sustainable normalization of the situation and rectify the difficult social situation.
In that regard, it's still a priority to provide international assistance to Beirut.
Russia would like to reiterate its fundamental position in support of the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Lebanon and also for addressing the most pressing matters on the internal agenda by Lebanese themselves through consensus without foreign interference.
Russia recommends adoption of Lebanon's fourth UPR report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.
Midt and Ateba The most sincere thanks to the head of delegation who expressed the position of Lebanon with respect to the recommendations from the UPR.
We listen with great interest to the point of view of Lebanon with respect to the recommendations and findings in the report of the working group thus reflecting the spirit of cooperation with the mechanism.
With UN mechanisms.
During the review, we commended success in the sphere of human rights, positive interaction of Lebanon with international human rights mechanisms as well as the country's commitment to consolidating human rights.
The delegation of my country, thanks the Republic of Lebanon, which agreed to the majority of recommendations.
We urge the country to continue its efforts to promote and consolidate human rights in all sectors.
In conclusion.
My country wishes every success and prosperity to that brother country and we recommend to the country to adopt the UPR report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
That was the last speaker that we could accommodate.
Let me remind you that all statements, including those which could not be delivered due to time constraints, should be uploaded online.
I will now give the floor to other stakeholders to make their general comments on the outcome.
The speaking time has been set at 2 minutes for all.
The first speaker is the representative of the ensemble Contra La Pine de Mort.
Thank you, President.
Ensemble and the commend the adoption of the report of the UPR in Lebanon.
We welcome the fact that for the first time, Lebanon has accepted all 15 recommendations on the death penalty.
This demonstrates an unprecedented commitment of the state towards abolition.
Lebanon has a moratorium since 2004.
In 2020, Lebanon voted for the first time in favor of the UN General Assembly resolution calling for a moratorium on the death penalty and renewed this vote again in 2022 and 2024.
Since November 2025, Parliament has been examining a draft bill to abolish the death penalty.
And the government has issued a positive opinion thereupon.
We encourage Lebanon to implement the recommendations accepted by abolishing the death penalty and adhering to the second optional protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
We also call for the commutation of all death sentences.
At the end of 2025, 84 people were sentenced to the death penalty, including seven women.
By committing resolutely to abolition, Lebanon will join the global trend.
At the end of 2025, 114 states had abolished the death penalty for all crimes.
Nine had abolished it for crimes under common law, and 29 had a moratorium.
I thank you for your attention.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of President, the FMC heals Lebanon's engagement with the UPR.
We recognize the progress made since the previous cycle.
However, children and young people in Lebanon are still facing issues and children have identified three priorities, equality access to primary, secondary education, regardless of their background, access to ID documents as a seen condition to access education and essential services as well as the recognition of the equal value of each individual regardless of their social status, their religion origin.
These are not just simple concerns, but they seem simple concerns.
But in 2024, the government had excluded around 40,000 children from public schools because of a lack of legal documentation.
Now, although that was annulled in October 2025, this episode illustrates the extent to which a lack of ID can directly violate children's rights to education.
This is a right that's enshrined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
A number of recommendations that have been received over this cycle, including 132, 187, 198199 call on Lebanon to eradicate legislative and administrative obstacles to children's rights.
The FMSI calls on Lebanon to accept and implement these recommendations as a priority.
We would call for Leblin to guarantee equal access to education at primary and secondary level for all children without discrimination, whether they have documentation or not.
This should not prevent children from accessing key services and we should defend the dignity and integrity of each child as defended by the CRC.
We encourage Leblin to continue to work very closely with civil society and young people in order that their voices can guide action.
Thank you.
Okay.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of Kam Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture.
As Lebanon is once again being examined before this August Assembly and the same recommendations are being repeated as well as the same issues, and in spite of the commitment to ratify a number of international instruments, such as the Rome statute and the Convention on enforced disappearances, these recommendations are being repeated and yet there is no action.
And those who engage in torture enjoy impunity in the genocide against Lebanon and various times, we're seeing continued violations and the position adopted by the Lebanese government is only increasing political and societal divergence.
We're looking at the problems from civil war There has been on lack of responsibility in the face of the catastrophes.
We need an urgent session on Lebanon and an independent commission of inquiry to assess the crimes committed by Israel.
There can be no human rights in Lebanon and no societal peace and stability in the context of the religious violence that only leads to hatred and discrimination.
President, I'd like to hail the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Palestine, South Africa, for their recommendations on the Israeli violations.
I also hail the martyrs, the forgotten prisoners, the heroes of sovereignty that are resisting on all the hills of Lebanon.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of part non trading development activists.
Go.
Mr.
President, during UP of the ban on, we are confronted with the hammering reality that transit the martes of the report, the final report presented before this council.
Today is being reviewed at a time when the ban is enduring widespread and devasting attacks, attacks that fundamentally challenge every human rights indicator documented with this really report.
This attack for exceeding the scope of military engagement involving the systematic targeting of water civilian infrastructure including healthcare facilities, the school, water, and electricity distribution network.
Such action is stand in direct violation of the fundamental principle of international humanitarian law, most notably the principle of distinction and proportionality.
This action has resulted in the forced displacement of million and the regional fundamental rights to security a house and outlay.
We emphasized that the UPR process must not be confined to the mine pass chain rather.
It must account for current reality and the immediate to human seal the battle to ensure that impunity for these is avoided.
Mr.
President, we strongly recommended that the Council in conjunction with the process calls for an immediate cessation of violation and establishment of the urgent documentation mission to ensure accountability for the rest violations civilian.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of United Nations Watch.
I am Rabbi Abu Saleh from the Golden Heights in the north of Israel from the village of Magil Shams.
This is a peaceful village.
All of the citizens are Drus.
We've always respected all religions and beliefs and approached life from a human perspective.
On the 27th of July 2024, this town was hit by Hezbollah.
It claimed the lives of 12 children and more than 40 were wounded whilst playing football in the center of the town.
The eldest of these children was my son, Amir Abu Salah, who was 16-years-old at the time.
My other son, Julian Absa was seriously injured and has been receiving treatment in hospital for over a year.
My message is that we as citizens call for peace and love for the other.
We don't deserve to live.
Do we not deserve to live in respect and peace? Because I believe there's no winner in wars.
I call on all those able to establish peace in the region to do so, notably between the Lebanese government and the Israeli government in order to bring about a just peace in the Middle East and eliminate every organization like Hezbollah, which always seeks to kill, destroy, and harm in Israel, Lebanon, and everywhere.
My God of mercy.
On my son and all victims of war.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of Golf Center for Human Rights Limited.
Behalf of the Golf Center for Human Rights, thank you for this opportunity to address the UBR adoption for the Lebanon.
While it's encouraging to see the acceptance of many recommendations on freedom of expression, including the new media law, we are concerned to see that the Lebanon has rejected recommendation to strengthen international accountability, including by ratifying the Rome statutes, the Convention on for Dobiance and the International Convention on migrant workers and their families.
Lebanon accept ten recommendations and media freedom, including the new media law which decriminalized publications and expression offenses.
However, it's reject two recommendation, specifically calling for decriminalization of defamation.
We call in Lebanon to reconsider these recommendations and fully decriminalize defamation.
Lebanon also accepts recommendation to protect journalists, human rights defenders and to safeguard civic space online and offline.
Lebanon must now implement these commitments, ensuring effective protection against intimidation, harassment, and attacks and accountability for attacks against journalists.
We remain deeply concerned that Lebanon reject all its three recommendations to remove civilians from military court jurisdiction.
It's also failed to support the key part of further recommendation calling for all criminal proceedings affecting civilians, including minors to be conducted exclusively before civilian court.
Regarding the status of women, it's encouraging to see recommendation accepted on discrimination, domestic violence, and empowerment, but concerning that recommendations were not accepted that would not allow for nationality to be passed through the mothers as well as the draw of Cedar reservation.
We urge Lebanon to reconsider the recommendation it's rejected, implemented it's accepted in law and practice in consultation with independent civil society, and to ensure that journalists, human rights defenders and civil society actors can work freely and safely.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the Representative of International Federation for Human Rights Leagues.
Monsieur President President, ladies and gentlemen, members of the Council, the FIDH and the Lebanese Center of Human Rights is presenting this joint statement on behalf of victims and Human Rights defenders in Lebanon.
Lebanon is at a decisive turning point for justice and victim dignity.
During this UPR, several states have explicitly recommended that Lebanon join the Rome statute of the International Criminal Court.
We deeply regret that these recommendations have not been accepted.
This recommendation is not a diplomatic option.
It's a moral and legal imperative to halt impunity.
We recall that in the face of allegations of war crimes and other international crimes committed on Lebanese soil, the absence of independent national mechanisms that are efficient expose victims to abandonment.
Without immediate ratification, it's imperative that Lebanon recognize without delay the competence of the ICC to investigate and prosecute these crimes.
Any delay equals tolerating impunity and once again, injustice for victims.
Amongst the direct victims, we see journalists and civilians whose lives have been irrevocably changed.
We think notably of Isam Abdullah killed in October 2023 with two bullets from an Israeli attack and Amar Khalil who recently died When the emergency services were prevented from reaching him.
The fate of these people illustrates the urgent need to have an independent mechanism that can investigate and bring justice.
We call on the Lebanese government to ratify without reservation the Rome statute to immediately recognize the competence of the ICC, to tailor national legislation and to guarantee full effective cooperation.
They need to protect victims and witnesses and facilitate independent investigations.
The FIDH and the Lebane Center for Human Rights call on this council to firmly support these calls.
International justice is crucial for lasting peace and dignity for all victims in Lebanon and elsewhere.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies.
Keep it to 2 minutes, please.
Institute for Human Rights Studies acknowledges Lebanon's commitment made on judicial reform, the Beirut port investigation and the adoption of a national Human Rights action plan.
Yet this council have heard comparable assurances across three previous cycles with limited implementation on the ground.
On the other hand, Palestinian refugees remain excluded from regular professions, denied property rights, and confined behind military checkpoints.
The same violations documented in 2010 appear unchanged in 2026.
Lebanon cannot enter a fifth cycle carrying the same unresolved obligations towards one of the most marginalized communities in its territory.
Torture persists in detention facilities with cases still referred to military courts in direct violation of Lebanon's own anti torture law.
Victims have no effective legal remedy.
Women continue to live under discriminatory personal status laws.
Lebanese women still cannot transmit their nationality to their children or spouses and recommendation accepted in previous cycles have not been translated into legislative reform.
We recognize that Lebanon is implementing this outcome under extraordinary circumstances, an ongoing economic crisis, mass displacement, and indiscriminate Israeli attacks that have destroyed several parts of the country and whose perpetrators must be held accountable by this council.
These conditions demand more urgent international support and rigorous follow up.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
Mr.
President, I delivered this statement on behalf of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, our Board Regional Office, together with its member Association in Lebanon Salama and our Statgic partner, C Debano which led the report on the human rights situation of LGTIQPsper in Dbanon.
While welcome Lebanon's engagement with the UPR process, we deeply regret its decision to a recommendations calling for the repeal of Article 54, stronger protections against discrimination and the recognition of the rights and dignity of LGBTIQ plus persons.
It's disappointing at the time when Lebanon seeks to reaffirm its commitment to human rights, justice, and the rule of law.
Many had hoped that the current government would seize the opportunity to remove the legal provisions that continue to enable discrimination and unequal protection.
Article 5 54 has no place in a legal system founded on human rights.
This article continues to fuel stigma, harassment, and arbitrary actions against individuals based on their socis identities.
Recent events in Lobon demonstrate that these risks remain a reality.
We are also concerned that the recommendations to expand access to health care for LGTQ plus persons received only partial support.
Healthcare is a fundamental human rights and must be guaranteed to everyone without discrimination.
We therefore urge the Lebanese authority to translate their state commitment to human rights into concrete actions by manipulating Article 54, adopting comprehensive protections against discrimination and ensuring equal access to health care and other essential services for all.
We remain committed to constructive engagement with the Lebanese authorities to advance these objectives and strengthen respect for human dignity and fundamental rights in government.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to representative of Al Barrem Association for charitable work.
President, we together with Generalist Support Committee, present this intervention.
On the basis of our belief in freedom of expression and opinion and freedom of media, Lebanon in its national report highlighted its commitment to freedom of expression and its readiness to continue its institutional and legislative reforms.
However, this commitment is facing now staggering challenges due to Israeli war on Lebanon, which did not spare infrastructure and civilians and extended to target the media sector.
The Journalist Support Committee documented in the period from 23 2023 2026, 82 violations against media people included the killing of 28 journalists who include six female journalists, including Amal Khalil who was besieged by Israeli air strikes while she was under debris and prevented the civil defense from rescuing her until they made sure she's dead.
They targeted also medical facilities.
They destroyed also radio and broadcasting facilities, conducted operations that conduct further violations compromising media sector to carry out its professional mission.
This is a serious violation of the freedom of information and freedom of journalism.
We call for further actions to protect journalists and all legal measures to hold perpetrators accountable for killing journalists in Lebanon.
We call upon the government of Lebanon to shoulder its responsibility and to prosecute the perpetrators and not to accept any agreement which would ensure impunity and thank you, President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of Mad for Peace Development and Human Rights Association.
So that that was the last speaker that we could accommodate within the existing time.
Let me remind you that no, sorry.
I Yeah.
That was the last speaker that we could accommodate within existing time.
Before giving the floor to the delegation of Lebanon for concluding remarks, allow me to inform that out of 286 recommendations received, 218 enjoyed the support of Lebanon and 62 are noted.
Additional clarification was provided on another six recommendations indicating which parts of the recommendations were supported and which parts were noted.
I now give the floor back to Her Excellency for your concluding remarks.
You have the floor, Excellency.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Allow me to start by thanking all member states for their statements, as well as the representative of civil society organization for their valuable contributions to today's discussion.
We look forward to continue having this conversation with them not only in Geneva, but also in Dbana.
Lebanon remains fully committed to working closely with its national institutions, civil society, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations system, and its international partners in implementing the recommendations it has accepted.
If I may reiterate what you have mentioned, Mr.
President, We as Lebanese delegation, we have received from all of you 286 recommendations.
We supported and accepted 218.
We noted 62, we partially supported six.
We did not reject any recommendation.
Even for the recommendation that we have noted and partially accepted, we stand ready to continue working with all of you to ensure that Lebanon fulfill its obligations under international law.
It is in this context that we remain committed to continuing dialogue again on the recommendation that we have noted, recognizing that taking note of a recommendation does not preclude their future consideration in light of evolving national circumstances and continued dialogue.
The adoption of this report Mars not the conclusion of Lebanon's engagement with the universal periodic review, but rather the beginning of a new phase focused on implementation hand in hand with all of you.
Despite the exceptional challenges confronting our country, Lebanon is determined to translate these commitments into tangible progress for everyone living within its territory.
Lebanon therefore looks forward to continue its constructive engagement with this council in the same spirit that has guided its participation throughout this review, a spirit of openness, partnership, and shared responsibility, even in time of conflict and adversity, but rather in time of conflict and adversity.
Lebanon remains steadfast in its commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and the purposes and the principles of the UN charter Mr.
President, before concluding, I don't want to miss the opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the Troika members for their dedication, to the members of the human rights for their commitment, and for the Secretariat and the OHCHR team, and all member states for their solidarity and support for Lebanon during this process and beyond.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you, Your Excellency, for your presentation and the constructive participation of Lebanon throughout the UPR process.
I now propose that the council adopts the decision on the outcomes of the Universal periodic review of Lebanon as it appears on screen.
I see no objection.
The decision is therefore adopted.
We will briefly now suspend the meeting before the consideration of the outcome of Mauritania.
Excellency's, distinguished representatives.
We will now proceed with the consideration of the outcome of Mauritania.
The outcome is based on the report of the working group on the Universal periodic review of Mauritania and its addendum.
These documents, together with additional information that will now be provided by Mauritania, will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the council through a standardized decision.
I now have the pleasure to give the floor to His Excecy, Mr.
Sid Ahmed Benan, Commissioner for Human Rights, Humanitarian Action and Relations with Civil Society to present additional information on the review.
Excellency, you have the floor.
San rise.
Thank you, President.
In the name of God, the merciful and the compassionate.
I praise the noble prophet, President, ladies and gentlemen.
First of all, it's a pleasure for me on behalf of the government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to present my thanks to the council for its efforts, for its valuable efforts for the benefit of the cause of Human Rights in all four corners of the Earth.
We are grateful to all those who have enabled the success of the fourth UPR cycle.
In particular, thanks go to states who participated in the UPR working group who continue to strengthen this mechanism and the members of the Troika, Cote de voir, Marshall Islands, and Slovenia, who oversaw deliberations on our national report, as well as thanks to the UN agencies, technical and financial partners and international organizations that have supported us.
Sir, from this podium, I want to reiterate maurteous commitment.
To the UPR, and its commitment to constructive cooperation with member states and council mechanisms with a view to consolidating this mechanism, which has proven its worth in promoting and protecting human rights thanks to dialogue, cooperation, exchange of expertise and best practice.
We are delighted to have this constructive interactive dialogue which took place during the 51st session of the EPR working group in January, which gave rise to 271 recommendations covering various aspects of human rights.
Highlighting the importance that we attach to UPR recommendations.
At the end of that process, the government launched a dialogue adopting a participative approach, inclusive approach with government institutions and with civil society.
Those consultations enabled us to accept 229 recommendations, 84.5% of the total recommendations received by Mauritania.
This reflects our political will to promote human rights.
And to consolidate rule of law and the state institutions.
So recommendations to Mauritania covered priorities in the field of human rights including bolstering the institutional legal framework, protection of rights of women and children, persons with disabilities, fighting slavery, fighting human trafficking, discrimination, as well as promoting economic and social rights, developing education and health services, social protection, and improving participation in political life.
Social cohesion and combating climate change.
Those recommendations are aligned with reforms underway which explains the acceptance of 229 recommendations.
The dialogue that we had allowed us to define what positive measures for implementation of those recommendations in cooperation with OHCH our office in Mauritania, we launched on 14th April, we held workshops To take stock of the recommendations, both with governmental and non governmental actors, to bring them on board in defining a national action plan for implementation of those recommendations.
Stakeholders who participated, representatives of government, the National Independent Human Rights Institution, the National Mechanism for Prevention of Torture, and the National Observatory for Rights of Women and Girls, as well as civil society representatives who work in the field of human rights all participated.
We also cooperated with OHHR And on 3rd of May, we organized a meeting with the members of the multisexual Technical Committee responsible for drafting reports and follow up recommendations to prepare a draft national action plan.
With a view to implementation of recommendations accepted, that draft action plan will be presented to the competent authorities for adoption.
Consideration of recommendations received accepted highlights the fact that many of them arise from reforms and public policy in place.
So recommendations have already been implemented, others are being implemented.
As for the rest, they have been integrated within our national priorities.
In recent years, we have consolidated our institutional legal framework for human rights.
We have enriched our national legislation.
We've supported the line institutions and implemented the national strategy promotion Protection of Human Rights and pursued our efforts to combat human trafficking and practices of slavery and in promoting rights of women, children, person with disabilities.
We've sought to bolster social cohesion and fight all forms of discrimination.
Our government pursues implementation of far reaching programs in the sphere of education, health care, social protection, and economic development.
Since human rights and sustainable development are two complimentary in dissociable tracks.
As to the recommendations that were rejected, our position on them has come under constitutional legislative consideration.
Some recommendations will be studied further.
However, Mauritania will remain open to all issues concerning human rights, provided that the principle of mutual respect and respect of our national specificities and our international commitments are guaranteed.
I thank you.
I thank His Excellency for his presentation.
In accordance with paragraph 13 of the Annext of Human Rights Council Resolution 16 slash 21, I will now give the floor to the National Human Rights Commission.
You have the floor.
Monsieur President, President Mauritania has made significant progress in promoting and protecting human rights.
At a political level, national inclusive dialogue has been organized, regular dialogue has been established between the president of the Republic and the head of the Democratic opposition and a new law on political parties has strengthened pluralism.
At a socioeconomic and institutional level, Making health insurance widespread, bolstering social protection, creating the general delegation on solidarity, as well as the new institutions to combat human trafficking, protecting the rights of women and girls, and combating corruption all constitute major steps forward.
Despite this progress, challenges do persist, particularly some isolated cases of slavery, child labor, early marriage, violence against women, and the impact of multidimensional poverty linked to the vestiges of slavery.
Our Human Rights Committee follow up the recommendations of the third cycle of the UPR.
Our committee recommends ratification of the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to adopt implementation decrees for ordinance number 0432006, while commending improvements to the legal framework against slavery and creating a specialized expanded tribunal.
It recommends bolstering the involvement of religious chiefs and traditional authorities in combating slavery and its vests.
Concerning violence against women, it recommends the adoption as soon as possible of the gender, so called kama law.
Finally, Our commission welcomes the creation of host reception centers for migrants in irregular situations and a complaints mechanism for victims of trafficking.
It reaffirms its willingness to support the state in implementing the UPR recommendations as per its international commitments.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I will now open the floor to member and observer states for their comments on the outcome of the review.
The speaking time has been set at 1 minute 30 seconds for all states.
And I now give the floor to the first speaker, which is the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.
Thank you, President.
The Russian delegation notes with satisfaction Nokts fourth UPR cycle.
We're grateful to Maurmania for providing information in writing on information requested regarding recommendations.
We note the majority of recommendations were adopting through Russia's two recommendations.
Reflects ongoing work by the government to promote and protect human rights and its willingness to continue cooperating with international monitoring mechanisms.
We support the consistent efforts of the authorities to strengthen national capacities on promoting and protecting human rights.
And we note positively adoption by Mauritan of its national strategy to promote Human Rights 2023 2028, the first document of its kind aimed at bolstering rule of law and ensuring social justice.
Rasia recommends adoption of the report on Mauritaneous fourth UPR cycle.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.
Sideb Thank you, President, on behalf of Saudi Arabia, I would like to thank the head of delegation of Mauritania.
I thank him for his statement to clarify the positions of his country with respect to recommendations received.
We've taken note of Mauritania's position with respect to the recommendations, a position which reflects its commitment to cooperate with the human rights mechanisms.
We hail the country's efforts to promote and protect human rights.
And its constructive cooperation with UN mechanisms.
And we thank Mauritania for agreeing to the majority of recommendations, and we urge it to continue strengthening its gains in the field of human rights at all levels.
In conclusion, we wish Mauritania every success and prosperity in implementing the recommendations from the UPR.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to a distinguished representative of Sierra Leone.
Mr.
President, my delegation welcomes the distinguished delegation of Mauritania to the adoption of Mauritania's fourth Circle of Universal Periodic Review Report.
We commend Mauritania for its continued commitment to the UPR process and the human rights mechanisms.
And for accepting most of the recommendations received from member states during its review, including the three recommendations made by Ser Leon.
We encourage Mauritania to prioritize the implementation of all the accepted recommendations, and we express our best wishes for success in that regard.
Serge Leon kindly request the council to adopt the outcome report by consensus.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Singapore.
Mr.
President, Singapore congratulates delegation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on its fourth universal periodic review.
We commend Mauritania for its constructive engagement with the UPR process and its consideration of the various recommendations put forth by delegations.
We thank Mauritania for accepting all three of our recommendations.
First, to further enhance efforts to combat trafficking in persons and to protect victims of trafficking.
Second, to continue to strengthen efforts to increase women's representation in decision making and leadership positions.
Third, to ensure the implementation of the national strategy for the inclusion and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities, including by ensuring adequate budgetary allocations.
Singapore supports the adoption of the working groups report on Mauritaneous UPR.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of South Sudan.
Mr.
President, South Sudan welcomed the distinguished delegation of Mauritania on the adoption of its UPR outcome and expresses its gratitude for its continued engagement in the UPR process.
We commend Mauritania for strengthening its national mechanism for the promotion and protection of human rights, including the rights of women and girls.
South Sudan further applaud Mauritania for its continued implementation of reforms in the political sphere aim at strengthening democratic participation for all its citizens and by adopting policies based on openness towards all national partners and stakeholders.
We thanks and appreciate Mauritania for accepting a total of 229 recommendations out of 271, including all the four recommendations submitted by South Sudan.
South Sudan extends its best wishes to Mauritania for the successful implementation of the accepted UPR recommendation and offers its unwavering support for the adoption of its UPR outcome.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank the distinguished representative of South Sudan.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan.
Thank you, President Sudan.
Commends progress made in promoting human rights in Mauritania, including the National Human Rights strategy and a certain number of strategies, including combating corruption, decentralization, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
We welcome the positive interaction in the UPR, the presentation of the report, as well as the country's acceptance of recommendations, including recommendations made by my own country, which call for strengthening rights of women and their access to decision making posts as well as training for law enforcement in human rights and to pursue policies to combat climate change.
We recommend adoption of the report, and we wish that kindred country every success in implementing the recommendations accepted.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.
B, President, we wish a warm welcome to Mauritania, a brother country and we thank them for presenting the National report which reflects the promotion of human rights and strengthening prosperity for one and all.
We commend the positive developments when it comes to strengthening human rights, consolidating rule of law, expanding citizens' participation.
We commend the National Human Rights strategy for the period 2023, 2028, as well as measures taken to implement recommendations accepted during the last cycle of the UPR.
We appreciate the positive ongoing interaction with the UN with human rights mechanisms, and we support Mauritania's call to the international community to provide necessary assistance to meet challenges and bolster institutional challenges and implement the national strategy in conclusion.
We wish the Islamic Republic of Mauritania every success in implementing its strategy and its national efforts and we recommend adoption of the report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the UNFBA.
Thank you.
UNFBA commends the government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for all its efforts to improve the human rights of women Its daughters and sons as well highlighted in its UPR report.
UNFPA, in particular, welcomes meaningful progress achieved by the Mauritanian government in the field of health with significant expansion of universal health care coverage, implementation of a national roadmap for accelerating reduction in maternal mortality, and an observatory on maternal health.
UNFPA appreciates recent progress made in the sphere of gender and protection, particularly updating its national strategy for protection rights and empowerment of women, as well as the adoption of a national response plan against gender based violence and we encourage the Mauritanian government to allocate sufficient resources for the implementation and to accelerate adoption of the Karama law for a comprehensive response to combating GBV.
UNFPA reaffirms its willingness to support the government of Mauritania in its efforts to improve reproductive healthcare empowerment of women and youth and their participation in public life and decision making to enable them to fully enjoy the human rights.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates.
Bills Matan et Thank you President.
We want to begin by commending the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for their efforts to promote human rights as well as for its positive cooperation with the UPR, and in implementing the outcomes of the UPR, we commend the country's acceptance to recommendations made by my own country covering alignment of national laws with international instruments, thus bolstering efforts to eradicate gender based violence.
In conclusion, we wish this kindred country every success in implementing the recommendations agreed to, and we recommend adoption of the report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Venezuela.
N Thank you, President.
We'd like to welcome the Delegation of Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
We thank them for the presentation and for their cooperation with the UPR mechanism.
We recognize maultaneous efforts to advance the promotion and protection of human rights in spite of existing socioeconomic challenges.
We value in particular, the fact that the state under examination has accepted the three recommendations made by our own delegation.
Urge Mauritania to continue implementing their successful human rights policies, especially in combating poverty, malnutrition, and exclusion, as well as in harmonizing its public policy with the principles of gender equality and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Coupled with this, the effective implementation of the recommendations accepted during its fourth UPR cycle.
For the above reasons, we recommend adoption of the Mauritana report.
Thank you, President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam.
My President.
Vietnam.
Thank you, President of Vietnam.
Well, comes Matane constructive commitment and cooperation throughout the fourth UPR cycle.
Vietnam commends Maurtana' efforts to improve access for vulnerable populations to health care services as well as progress made in the context of education reform, guaranteeing free of charge mandatory primary education for six to 15 year olds.
We welcome acceptance by Mauritania of the two recommendations that Vietnam made, on the one hand, to strengthen food security and to reduce malnutrition and also to continue bolstering universal access to health care services, education, to provision of water and high quality sanitation.
This highlights the constructive approach adopted by Mauritania with respect to the UPR process and its commitment to promote and protecting human rights in Vietnam.
Supports to adoption by consensus of the Mauritanian UPR report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to a distinguished representative of Yemen.
As Abdaha Thank you, President, my country's delegation has taken note of the UPR working group report on the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, sister Republic, and we thank you for this.
We commend maurtaneous interaction with the recommendations submitted to it and we commend the fact that they've accepted a number of them.
We commend the country's tangible efforts to bolster the human rights system through legislative and institutional reforms and developing the relevant normative framework.
In conclusion, we support the efforts made by Mauritania aimed at protecting and promoting human rights, and we recommend adoption of the working group report by consensus, thus reflecting a spirit of cooperation that underpins this mechanism.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Algeriia.
Cedar Geir President of delegation of Algeria, I would like to wish a warm welcome to the Mauritanian delegation.
We're grateful to Mauritania for its commitment to the UPR.
We are grateful to Mauritania for agreeing to the majority of recommendations, including the two recommendations submitted by our own delegation.
This reflects the respect their constructive approach to multilateral diplomacy.
Finally, we congratulate Mauritania for its positive interaction and we wish the country every success in implementing the recommendations accepted under the fourth cycle and we urge the council to adopt the UPR report.
Thank you.
Distinguished representative of Bahrain.
Deresilb Thank you, President.
I wish to welcome the delegation of Mauritania and express our appreciation for the relentless efforts paid exercised in the preparation of this cycle.
We highly evaluate the recommendations that was presented and which are based on the spirit of dialogue and positive cooperation and with the aim of supporting human rights in Mauritania.
President, never mind the difficulty as we see progress in strategies and legislations which support the respect for human rights in the country.
This is clear and evident in line with Mauritania's commitment and in order to tap into the best practices.
In closing, and in light of the acceptance of these recommendations by Mauritania, we recommend the adoption of her outcome wishing Mauritania further progress and prosperity.
Thank you, President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brunei Darusalm.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Bernardo Salam thanks the delegation of Mauritania for its positive update on the advancements made since the review.
We are pleased to note that Mauritania have accepted 229 of the 271 recommendation received, including the proposed by Bernardo Salam on equitable access to healthcare services, inclusive and quality education, and environmental challenges.
In this regard, we recommend the adoptions of the UPR working group report and wish Mauritania every success in the implementation of the accepted recommendation.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso.
President President Burkina Faso warmly welcomes the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and thanks it for the additional information provided.
My delegation hails Sultaneous acceptance of 229 recommendations following the Recommendations that have been presented during the review, an acceptance rate of 84%.
My delegation hails the Mauritanian authorities for their efforts and encourages them to continue to strive to promote and protect human rights.
Burkina Faso wishes Mauritania the best of success in implementing the recommendations accepted and recommends that the council adopt the report.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Cameroon.
Thank you, President.
Cameroon warmly welcomes the Mauritanian delegation and thanks it for the commitment to the UPR.
My delegation welcomes the acceptance of 229 recommendations, as well as those given by Cameroon as part of the reform For the elderly, my delegation is in favor of the adoption of the UPR report by Mauritania in order to help the state to promote and protect human rights.
To conclude, Cameroon wishes Mauritania the best of success in implementing the recommendations accepted under this review.
Thank you.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker that we could accommodate.
Let me remind you that all statements, including those which could not be delivered due to time constraints should be uploaded online.
I will now give the floor to the other stakeholders to make their general comments on the outcome.
The speaking time has been set at 2 minutes for all.
The first speaker on my list is the representative of the British Humanist Association.
We welcome Mauritania's acceptance of recommendations from Estonia, Mexico, and the Netherlands to reform the Criminal Code and other legislation in order to uphold the right to freedom of expression in accordance with Article 19 of the ICCPR.
We would therefore like to remind Mauritania of the Human Rights Committee's general comment 34 on Article 19.
It states that blasphemy laws are incompatible with the covenant and highlights that it would be impermissible for any such laws to discriminate in favor of or against the adherence of one religion or belief system, or the religious over the non religious.
We would also like to remind Mauritania that all rights are indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated, and a reservation against Article 18 does not justify the criminalization of expression that is critical of religion, nor can it be used to prevent the sharing of humanist or atheist beliefs, ideas, and opinions.
The internal forum of the rights of freedom of religion or belief is absolute and cannot be subject to state interference.
We are therefore disappointed that Mauritania has not accepted Australia's recommendation to decriminalize apostasy.
We are also disappointed that Mauritania has not accepted the many recommendations aimed at forming a dejur moratorium on the death penalty or abolishing it altogether.
In particular, Spain's recommendation to repeal the mandatory nature of the death penalty in Article 3 oh six of the Criminal Code for the crimes of blasphemy and apostasy.
Mauritania remains bound by ICCPR Article 6, which limits the death penalty to the most serious crimes.
The Committee's General Comment 36 states that under no circumstances can the death penalty be applied to sanctions against conduct which, if criminalized at all, is itself a violation of the covenant.
This includes apostasy.
We therefore urge Mauritania to repeal its blasphemy apostasy laws in line with its commitment to reform the Criminal Code to uphold Article 19.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Ensemble Co President ensemble and the Maurane Association of Human Rights is pleased with the report of the working group on the UPR Maurtana.
We are pleased to see that for the first time, Maurtan has accepted recommendation on the death penalty out of the 84 it received in this issue.
This is to limit the number of offenses that can be met with the capital punishment No recommendation on the death penalty had been accepted during the previous cycle.
There's a moratorium since 1987.
And the courts are still issuing death sentences.
In 2025, there were still many people being held in detention.
We call on Mauritania to strive to implement this recommendation that has been accepted and continue the path to abolition.
We hope that Mauritania will not go against the resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations calling for a moratorium.
Mauritania should align itself with the global trend for abolition.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Defense for Children International.
President President, Defense for Children International is pleased at the adoption of the UPR report for Mauritania.
We hail the commitment of the state regarding the UPR process and in particular, the observatory on women and girls.
However, there are major challenges for implementation.
Gender based violence, FGM, early marriage, as well as other barriers to access to justice continue to seriously affect women and girls.
In 2024, 428 cases of sexual violence were reported by civil society, 310 concerned children.
These figures highlight the urgent need to bolster prevention mechanisms, and mechanisms for prevention and care.
We are concerned at the absence of a comprehensive act against gender based violence, including violence online and the lack of legislative reform allowing for the prohibition of child marriage.
The persistence of FGM, in spite of their legal prohibition, also shows the need to bolster the application of existing laws.
We call on Mauritania to fully implement the recommendations accepted, notably by adopting comprehensive legislation on gender based violence, harmonizing its legal framework with the convention of the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child by bolstering Tevis Protection Services and assistance for survivors and guaranteeing equitable access to education, particularly for girls and children living in rural areas.
Adoption of this report must be followed up with specific action that can be measured in order to guarantee that commitments taken can be translated into true action.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the Association Police.
I now give the floor to the representative of United Nations Watch.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
United Nations Watch is concerned by the gap between Mauritania's legal commitments and the reality experienced by many of its citizens.
Despite legal prohibitions and repeated government commitments, slavery remains prevalent.
According to the global slavery Index, as of 2023, at least 149,000 people in Mauritania remained enslaved.
This reality has been brought to international attention by Bram D Abed, one of Mauritania's most prominent anti slavery activists and winner of our 2020 Geneva Summit Courage Award.
Mr.
Abed has been repeatedly arrested and imprisoned for his efforts to expose hereditary slavery and defend its victims.
Persecution of anti slavery activists raises serious concerns about the protection of human rights, defenders and the authorities willingness to address slavery in practice, not only in law.
We are also concerned by severe challenges affecting children and women.
According to a 2022 UNICEF report, more than half 1 million girls were married before the age of 18, representing roughly two in five women in Mauritania.
This is particularly concerning because despite Mauritania's formal establishment of 18 as the minimum age of marriage, exceptions remain under national law and are justified by reference to Sara principles.
The true measure of progress is not the number of strategies adopted, institutions created, or laws passed.
It is whether those trapped in slavery are actually freed, whether women and girls enjoy equal protection under the law.
Whether human rights defenders like Birmda Abed can advocate for the values this council claims to strive for without fear of arrest or imprisonment, United Nations Watch therefore urges Mauritania to strengthen enforcement of anti slavery laws, remove barriers to justice for victims, protect human rights defenders, and ensure that legal reforms translate into real changes for all Mauritians.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of International Federation for Human Rights Leagues.
Mr.
President President, the FIDH has the Mauritani authorities for their openness and their efforts.
However, in spite of the reforms, the FIDH remains concerned at the human rights situation.
During a mission to Mauritania in May, we saw a entrenchment of attacks against human rights defenders and dissident voices.
We noted in April and May 2026, at least six peaceful demonstrations were repressed or prohibited.
There were other campaigners again for migration and anti slavery that were detained.
There is a legal framework that restricts the freedom of expression and the freedom of the press and demonstration.
We hail therefore the acceptance of a number of recommendations aimed at protecting civil society and journalists.
We call on authorities to take specific measures to implement these recommendations in close collaboration with civil society and the communities concerned.
President, gender inequalities are still glaring in Mauritania and this restricts opportunities for girls and women.
We also see contrasts between legal progress and customary practices.
The acceptance by Mauritania, of recommendations to accept the eramel law and other measures to combat violence against women are an important step forward that should be implemented swiftly.
However, we are concerned at violence against migrant persons, the persistence of slavery, and a time lag in the implementation of a humanitarian corridor.
We call for a process for transitional justice.
This would be a first step forward.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of international President International takes note of the presentation of the report of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, we're seeing some institutional progress in the field of national human rights strategy and protection of women.
There's still concerns as to the persistence of structural discrimination against historically marginalized communities, in particular, Black Mauritanians, and inequalities are still persistent in terms of access to justice.
We call for effective strengthening of legislation and mechanisms to combat all forms of discrimination, to guarantee real access to justice for victims, and to step up reforms for the protection of women and girls against violence.
We have taken note of the declaration on not conflating humanitarian legacy.
Whilst reaffirming the truth, justice, and respect for the rule of law, we deny or we refuse any political instrumentalization of this case, as well as any attempt to make it a factor for division.
Mauritania must focus on peaceful and responsible treatment for its historic memory and avoid confrontation.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of Jubilee campaign.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Jubilee campaign would like to thank the delegation of Mauritania for engaging with the universal periodic review process.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Australia and Spain for recognizing the importance of freedom of conscience, religion, and belief and lifting the chilling effect the death penalty for apostasy and blasphemy has in the country.
We urge Mauritania to support recommendation 130 65 adopt a legal moratorium on executions as a first step towards the total abolition of the death penalty, repeal the mandatory nature of the death penalty in Article 3 oh six of the Criminal Code for the crimes of blasphemy and apostasy, reduce the number of crimes punishable by death, and commute or pardon death sentences, and 130.94 Asking Mauritania to decriminalize apostasy and amend the Constitution to protect freedom of religion and allow people of non Muslim faith to remain citizens.
Mauritania cannot deny citizenship because someone chooses to follow different belief or chooses to practice differently.
Sheikh Moheir was urging Mauritania to not justify slavery and authorities sentenced him to death for apostasy and forcibly divorced him from his wife at the time.
While the authorities eventually released him, they have not acknowledged their wrongdoing or provided compensation for the five years of arbitrary detention spent inhuman conditions.
We also call for the release of Maria Obed, a university student sentenced to death for blasphemy.
There is a proverb, He conceals his transgression will not prosper, but whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy.
This proverb brings true both our personal lives but also for the prosperity of our countries.
We urge Mauritania to choose prosperity, to confess, and to change its course.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Geneve Poul Dis de Lomb Formation International.
Thank you.
We thank Mauritania for its engagement and recognize the legislative architecture it has built against slavery, torture, and racial discrimination.
Our concern is the gap between the law as written and the laws enforced.
The instrument exists, the protection doesn't follow.
Slavery was abolished in 1981 and criminalized in 2007, yet victims must still fill their own complaints while the organization that assists them cannot.
Cases are reclassified as slavery disputes and sentences fall below the statutory minimum.
Heritage, the largest community in the country remain near absent from its institution.
The death penalty and le in law for apostasy and blasphemy mandatory and without appeal, a standing threat to life and to freedom of conscience.
The death in custody of the deaf and st Mr.
Out Chine attributed by the national mechanism to torture shows how far practice departs from the state's own safeguards, while the 1993 amnesty keeps truth, justice, and reparation from the Pacifmanita out of reach.
Inequality also remain embeded in law.
Women still cannot transmit nationality on equal terms.
The criminalization of same sex relations sits uneasily with equal dignity and despite the specialized court, descendants of slaves still face discrimination and limited reparation.
In a constructive spirit, we respectfully encourage Mauritania to establish the RE moratorium on death penalty and commute existing sentences.
Repeal the 1993 amnesty law and create an independent truth and justice mechanism, protect human rights defenders and safeguard freedom of expression and belief.
Review and repeal the provision that discriminates against women and LGBTQ abused person.
We offer these in partnership, confident that sustained implementation would give full effect to the commitment Mauritania has undertaken.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the Representative of Center for Global Non Killing.
Human beings President, people of Mauritania, authorities of Mauritania, everyone everywhere.
We are talking about life, planetary life, equal life for all in all circumstances, life upheld and cherished, preserved without discrimination.
At the largest scale, we was speaking about the number of people or social groups in danger, we're talking about the prevention of genocide.
When we talk about Mauritania, we talk about the need to ratify the convention the prevention and the punishment of the decrim of genocide.
As no state, no peer to beer recommendation was made to Mauritania during this cycle, let it be said that such a recommendation exists, at least from a previous cycle and not from civil society.
We would be honored if the delegation of Mauritania would acknowledge this recommendation and provide information and progress towards its implementation.
Thank you.
When we talk about individual life, respective lives, we talk about the full abolition of the death penalty.
The state serves the people, the life of the people, of all people.
The state has a duty to be exemplary and such a duty should not depend on the opinion of the people.
The state should forge such an opinion towards the dignity of life.
The life of one should be equal to the life of all so that we as humanity may beyond survival and live well.
President, thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of International Organization for the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
We welcome Mauritania's engagement during the fourth cycle of the Universal periodic Review.
We commend Mauritania's decision to accept 229 recommendations which demonstrate a clear political will to advance the state's human rights architecture.
We welcome the institutional steps taken to implement a national strategy for the promotion and protection of human rights, 2024, 2028.
The establishment of the National Authority for combating trafficking in persons, and the specialized courts represent essential structural reforms to eliminate contemporary forms of slavery and hereditary exploitation.
Praise the ongoing consultation surrounding the Karma's draft law, which represents a critical legislative opportunity to protect women and girls from pervasive gender based violence.
However, robust frameworks on paper must be matched by narrowing of protecting gaps in practice.
We deeply regret that recommendations to amend the nationality code were merely noted as denying women equal rights to transmit nationality perpetrates systemic gender discrimination and risk statelessness.
Additionally, while we acknowledge Mauritanes de facto moratorium on execution since 1987, the refusal to formalize this into a re moratorium or to review restrictions on freedom of expression remains a serious concern.
To bridge these remaining gaps, we offer the following recommendations.
First, enact the Kara's law while preserving its original protective intention to comprehensively criminalize all forms of gender based violence and second, establish a formal de jure moratorium and on executions and hopefully the abolition of the death penalty.
Third, reform the Nationality code to guarantee absolute equality between men and women in the transmission of citizenship.
Thank you.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker that we could accommodate within the existing time frame.
Before giving the floor to the delegation of Mauritania for concluding remarks, allow me to inform that out of 271 recommendations received, 229 enjoy the support of Mauritania and 39 are noted.
Additional clarification was provided on another three recommendations indicating which parts of the recommendations were supported and which parts were noted.
I I give the floor back to Your Excellency for your concluding remarks.
You have the floor.
Thank you, President President, ladies and gentlemen, my country and my delegation followed with great interest all the interventions and statements provided during this meeting.
We wish to stress that we view these recommendations as an additional opportunity to further consolidate the gains and to continue along the path of reform and development.
The adoption of this report is not a conclusion of the UPR process, but rather, it is the start of a new phase entitled implementation, follow up and Evaluation.
In this context, the government of my country has already started developing a national plan of action in order to implement the accepted recommendations in consultation with various national stakeholders, technical partners and financial partners in a manner that ensure the implementation of these recommendations and to translate them to measurable measures that will follow up going forward.
In this slide, we wish to underscore that the implementation of the accepted recommendations will be a part and parcel of our national efforts aiming to reinforce human rights and enshrine good governance and achieving the goals of sustainable development.
In closing, I reaffirm the commitment of Islamic Republic of Mauritania to continue its constructive cooperation with the Human Rights Council and its diverse mechanisms together with various international partners in a manner that reinforces human rights and enshrines the values of justice, equality, and human dignity.
I thank you all and peace be upon you.
I thank His Excellency for the presentation and the constructive participation of Mauritania throughout the UPR process.
I now propose that the council adopt the decision on the outcome of the Universal periodic review of Mauritania as it appears on screen.
I see no objection.
The decision is adopted Excellencies, distinguished representatives.
This brings us to the end of this meeting.
We will reconvene this afternoon at 3:00 P.M.
To continue with the consideration and adoption of the outcome documents of Nauru and other states examined during the 51st session of the UPR working group.
I hereby declare close the 23rd meeting of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.