STATEMENT
41st UPR Session of the Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in South Africa, as delivered by Ms Jannicke Graatrud, Minister, Deputy Permanent Representative.
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16 November 2022
President,
Norway welcomes South Africa’s ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, and the adoption of the National Strategic Plan on Genderbased Violence and Femicide.
[Norway remains concerned about the levels of gender-based violence and violation of the rights of LGBTIQ persons, whistleblowers and human rights defenders.]
Norway recommends that South Africa:
1) ensures adequate human, financial and technical resources for the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-based Violence and Femicide;
2) strengthens the protection of any person who discloses information to reveal corruption, fraud or undue influence;
3) establishes and implements measures to prevent, investigate and adequately prosecute threats, attacks and discrimination against LGBTIQ persons;
4) promotes a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders, including by facilitating the visit by the UN Special Rapporteur on HRDs.
Thank you.