Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 17th Session
Universal Periodic Review of Senegal
21 October 2013
Australia welcomes the Government of Senegal’s ongoing efforts to combat female genital mutilation and its actions to reach a greater gender balance in its legislature through the Act on Gender Parity of May 2010. Australia recommends that Senegal further safeguard and promote the rights of women by placing greater emphasis on the fight against domestic violence and violence against women.
Australia commends Senegal for abolishing the death penalty in practice but recommends Senegal ratify the Second Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Australia is concerned that some minorities in Senegal continue to be discriminated against, including members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and intersex (LGBTI) communities. Australia recommends that Senegal enact laws criminalising acts of discrimination against minorities such as hate speech.
Australia welcomes the creation of the Extraordinary African Chambers in Senegal with the objective of trying former Chadian President Hissène Habré for crimes including war crimes, torture and crimes against humanity. Australia recommends that Senegal bring the case against former President Habré to trial as quickly as possible.
Australia regrets that the Senegal Human Rights Committee (SHRC) has fallen to “B” status in the current accreditation cycle. Australia recommends that the Government of Senegal ensure the SHRC has the necessary resources to enable it to function independently and in accordance with the Paris Principles.