34th Universal Periodic Review: UK statement on Madagascar
The UK delivers statement on Madagascar at the 34th Session of Universal Periodic Review (UPR), welcoming Madagascar’s ratification in 2018 of six ILO Conventions.
The Universal Periodic Review takes place in Geneva.
The United Kingdom welcomes Madagascar’s ratification in 2018 of six ILO Conventions and the 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention, and recognises its progress on developing bilateral agreements to ensure protection of Malagasy migrant workers from exploitation and all forms of modern slavery.
However, we are concerned by harsh, life-threatening prison conditions and use of extended pre-trial detention, including of minors. We encourage the Government to take measures to address this.
The UK calls on Madagascar to protect and promote the rights of women and children, ensuring equality of legal rights and protection from violence and prohibiting discriminatory actions and practices. We urge the Government to fully uphold and enforce laws prohibiting rape and child abuse and ensure perpetrators are held properly accountable within the law.
We recommend that Madagascar:
1) Strengthen existing legislation to ensure that all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking are criminalised in line with international conventions and standards, including the sexual exploitation of children.
2) Integrate measures to identify and combat abusive pre-trial detention into national action plans on prison reform.
3) Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections.