Statement170

Universal Periodic Review 10th Session
Intervention by Australia

NAMIBIA

Australia welcomes the delegation from Namibia and appreciates its constructive engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process.

We recognise that poverty, HIV/AIDS, and food insecurity present significant obstacles to the full enjoyment of human rights in Namibia.
We welcome Namibia’s strong record in ratifying international human rights treaties and call on Namibia to implement these commitments into domestic legislation.

While we note progress made by Namibia in promoting women’s rights, we are concerned that violence against women remains a serious problem. We are deeply concerned by continued high rates of rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence. We call upon Namibia to ensure that all violence against women is addressed in accordance with the law.
Australia welcomes Namibia’s recent steps towards improving human rights. However, Australia remains concerned that children in Namibia continue to be subject to abuse including sexual violence and trafficking. Australia encourages Namibia to enact the draft Child Care and Protection Bill as soon as possible.

Australia recommends Namibia:

1. Accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or degrading Treatment of Punishment, and incorporate into domestic law.

2. Develop a National Plan of Action on eliminating violence against women and strengthen efforts to fulfil obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); and

3. Strengthen efforts to fulfil obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.