Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 20th Session
Universal Periodic Review of Angola
30 October 2014
Australia welcomes steps Angola has taken to fulfil its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, including introducing a Children’s Act. Australia recommends that Angola continue to introduce legislation to fulfil its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Australia commends Angola for measures put in place to implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. We are concerned by reports that measures to combat violence against women have not been implemented. Australia recommends that Angola implement fully the 2011 law against domestic abuse and continue its efforts to fulfil its obligations under CEDAW.
Australia is very concerned by reports of repressive measures taken by the Angolan authorities to restrict freedom of expression, association and assembly. Australia recommends that Angola respect the right to peaceful assembly in accordance with Angolan and international human rights law; take steps to decriminalise press offences, in line with international standards; and ensure journalists and human rights defenders are not intimidated.
Persistent reports of human rights abuses in Angola, in particular forced evictions, violent removals of street traders and arbitrary detentions are of great concern. Australia recommends that Angola immediately cease all forms of forced displacement, in accordance with applicable international humanitarian and human rights law and the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (1998).