Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 17th Session
Universal Periodic Review of Chad
29 October 2013
Australia acknowledges the efforts by Chad to strengthen protection of women’s rights, including by adopting a national policy on gender and establishing a national strategy and campaign to combat gender violence. However, Australia remains concerned by reports that rape and other forms of violence against women and girls remains widespread. Australia recommends that Chad continue to increase its efforts to prevent violence against women and conduct thorough, prompt investigations into all reports of violence against women and end impunity for these crimes.
Australia welcomes President Deby’s 10 October directive that clearly stipulated the recruitment of children as illegal and specified punishment for recruiters. Australia recommends that Chad continue efforts to end child recruitment by the national armed forces and all non-state armed groups.
Australia acknowledges the important role played by civil society, journalists and opposition parties in Chad, including their role in enlarging the space for democratic debate and governance. We recommend Chad ensure the freedoms of expression and opinion are respected, including in its consideration of the draft media laws currently before the Parliament.
Australia welcomes the unofficial moratorium on the death penalty in place in Chad since 2003. Australia recommends that Chad abolish the death penalty for all crimes and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).