Universal Periodic Review 31: Senegal
This UK statement was delivered during the 31st session of the Universal Period Review during the discussion of Senegal's Human Rights Record on 5 November 2018.
The Universal Periodic Review takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The UK welcomes Senegal’s progress since the last review, including the improved representation of women in government; the initiated gender mainstreaming strategy in the armed forces; and the introduction of a social security allowance.
Despite progress, gender-based violence and female genital mutilation remain of concern, as do the number of children who are victims of trafficking and exploited as beggars, subject to abuse and kept outside of the formal education system.
[The UK urges Senegal to continue efforts to tackle gender-based violence and sexual abuse, and improve access to sexual and reproductive health care services. We also encourage the government to take steps towards the decriminalisation of homosexuality.]
We recommend:
1) Implement existing laws on child begging, child trafficking and child, early and forced marriage, ensuring sufficient funding is made available.
2) Fully implement the ‘loi orientation sociale’; in so doing meeting quotas for recruitment of disabled people; raising awareness among the population and with disabled people about their rights’; and tackling violence towards disabled people.
3) Ensure that national candidates to human rights treaty body elections are selected through an open and merit based process.