The government of Equatorial Guinea has taken steps to strengthen institutional coordination in preparation for the upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a process led by the United Nations Human Rights Council. A recent meeting analyzed a communication from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, which is part of the preparatory work for the review. This review will assess Equatorial Guinea's human rights record.
The meeting also presented a joint call by several special procedures of the Human Rights Council, including the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. Other signatories included the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls. These issues were discussed to ensure a comprehensive approach to the UPR.
In response to these developments, the commission agreed to enhance technical coordination among national departments and institutions involved in the process. As an initial measure, an Inter-Ministerial Working Group will be established under the coordination of the technical secretariat of the permanent commission. This group will analyze the issues raised and gather the necessary legal and documentary elements to prepare the country's official response.
The Inter-Ministerial Working Group has been given a maximum of one week to present a substantial and legally sound proposal, taking into account national legislation and international commitments. The documentation will then be examined by the permanent commission before being submitted to the relevant international bodies. This process aims to ensure a coordinated and well-founded national position.
The permanent commission was established in November 2024 by the President of the Republic, with the mandate to coordinate the preparation of the national report and follow up on UPR-related issues. This meeting marks a new stage in the preparation for the UPR, focusing on ensuring a unified national stance based on official information and legal foundations.
The work will continue in the coming days with the participation of competent departments and institutions. The goal is to present the measures adopted and progress made by Equatorial Guinea in the field of human rights to the UN mechanisms. This process demonstrates the country's commitment to engaging with international human rights review processes.
By strengthening institutional coordination and preparing a comprehensive national report, Equatorial Guinea aims to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and its willingness to engage constructively with the international community. The UPR process provides an opportunity for the country to assess its human rights situation and implement measures to address any challenges.
Key points
- Equatorial Guinea establishes an Inter-Ministerial Working Group to coordinate its response to the UN Universal Periodic Review.
- The country's national report will be prepared through enhanced coordination among departments and institutions.
- The review process aims to assess Equatorial Guinea's human rights record and identify areas for improvement.
