Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

statement592

Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 19th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Equatorial Guinea

Statement by Australia

5 May 2014

Australia welcomes Equatorial Guinea's 2012 decision to create the Office of the Ombudsman and recommends that the Ombudsman be selected without delay and in line with the Paris Principles.

Australia is concerned about the population's limited access to electricity and potable water. Australia recommends Equatorial Guinea increase social spending to meet basic needs, and establish independent means to monitor and evaluate this expenditure.

Noting the high rates of violence against women Australia encourages public education programs on domestic violence. Australia recommends Equatorial Guinea do more to ensure the effective prosecution of domestic violence cases.

Australia welcomes the decision to impose a moratorium on the death penalty. Australia recommends Equatorial Guinea remove the death penalty from its criminal statutes and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Australia notes the convictions of law enforcement personnel found to have arbitrarily detained, kidnapped or tortured detainees and that reparations were made to their victims. We remain concerned that arbitrary arrests and prolonged incommunicado pre-trial detentions continue. Australia recommends Equatorial Guinea provide all those arrested with early access to legal representation.