UPR Sexual Rights Database

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UN Member State that is reviewed on its human rights record as part of the UPR process.

Categories of the types of information used during reviews

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Source of Reference

Recommending State

UN Member State or Permanent Observer making sexual rights related recommendations, comments or asking questions to the State under Review.

Review Documentation

Sources of information used as the basis for a State’s review.  Includes the State’s National Report, UN Compilation Report and a Stakeholder Summary.

UN Regional Group to which State under Review belongs.

UN Regional Group to which Recommending State belongs.

This will only match recommendations where the Source of Review is a State.

Implementation notes

State responses to recommendations and issues raised in the UN Compilation and Stakeholder summary.

Displaying 38676 - 38700 of 58160 recommendations found
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    New Zealand

    New Zealand
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    PIF
    Commonwealth
    Issue:
    • Domestic violence
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Urgently enact legislation to protect women from domestic violence and establish facilities to provide temporary shelter and protection for victims.
    Implementation
    National Report:
    Para 23) Human Rights are protected under the Constitution of Palau. Additionally, new laws have been passed by Congress that further protect human rights. These include:
    - Family Protection Act(FPA) of 2012 (Chapter 8, Domestic Relations Act).

    Para 47) The Judiciary Branch recently constructed a new court building specifically for the Court of Common Pleas which included construction of a temporary dwelling for victims of domestic violence. In addition, religious organisations offer support to the government by opening their churches for victims in need of a safe house. Furthermore, the Belau National Hospital allows for social admissions to victims in need of shelter.

    Para 99) Since the first report, marital rape is now a crime of sexual assault. By removal of marriage as a defense, sexual assaults may be committed in a marital relationship.

    Para 105) The Judiciary recently constructed a new building for the Court of the Common Pleas, which included a location for filing protection orders for victims of domestic violence and temporary dwelling quarters. An MOU was signed between the Ministry of Community & Cultural Affairs and the Bureau of Public Safety, Family Court, Ministry of Health and the Victims of Crime Assistance Unit to aid implementation of the FPA, including raising awareness and education of the new law.

    UN Compilation:
    Para 17) The country team highlighted that Palau had taken steps to address domestic violence and child abuse in the country. In 2012, Palau had passed the Family Protection Act, which criminalized domestic violence, instituted a no-drop policy for domestic violence and stipulated that customary restitution for domestic violence cases did not do away with criminal charges for the acts of violence committed. The Family Protection Act provided for a broad definition of domestic violence, made protection orders accessible and highlighted the need for the establishment and coordination between services for survivors of violence. More specifically, the Act expanded on and strengthened the ability of police officers to assist family violence victims and outlined legal penalties for acts of family violence and abuse

    Para 20) The country team commended Palau for passing the Family Protection Act and encouraged the Government of Palau to raise awareness and advocacy among targeted audiences for greater understanding and knowledge of the provisions of that law.
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Thailand

    Thailand
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    ASEAN
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities by, among others, involving persons with disabilities in all phases of ratification of the CRPD and the Palau National Policy on Disability, and ensuring access to education as well as an inclusive education system at all levels for children with disabilities.
    Implementation
    National Report:
    Para 26) In 2013, the Government of Palau ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and has completed its combined 2nd and 3rd reports on the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

    UN Compilation:
    Para 1) The United Nations country team stated that Palau had acceded to or ratified only two of the nine international human rights treaties listed in the table above, namely CRC and CRPD, the latter of which it had ratified in 2013 after its previous universal periodic review ...

    Stakeholder Summary:
    Para 1) ... It noted that Palau had ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 11 June 2013
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    United States

    United States
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    OAS
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    • Trafficking in women and / or girls
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Unclear Response
    Contents:
    Ratify the Palermo Protocol.
    Explanation
    Palau takes note of these recommendations as it is working to develop awareness and determine the capacity and resources of the Republic to fulfill its obligations under this instrument. Palau has existing legislation and enforcement mechanism addressing human trafficking.
    Implementation
    National Report:
    Para 111) Palau has yet to review, consult and ratify the Palermo Protocol.
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Finland

    Finland
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    EU
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Ratify human rights treaties that it has signed, namely the ICCPR, the ICESCR, the CEDAW, ...
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Iceland

    Iceland
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Ratify the CEDAW without delay.
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Canada

    Canada
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    OAS
    OIF
    Commonwealth
    Issue:
    • Discrimination based on sexual orientation
    • Discrimination based on gender identity
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Unclear Response
    Contents:
    Prohibit discrimination in employment, including discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
    Explanation
    Noted.
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Denmark

    Denmark
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    EU
    Issue:
    • Violence against women / gender-based violence
    • Sexual violence
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Unclear Response
    Contents:
    Take effective measures to better assist victims and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including by establishing a coordinated referral system.
    Explanation
    Noted.
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Violence against women / gender-based violence
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Reference Addressed
    Contents:
    The UN country team ... recommended that Palau ... commit resources to establish shelters and safe homes for women and children subjected to violence … [Para 43]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Thailand

    Thailand
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    ASEAN
    Issue:
    • Sexual exploitation / slavery
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Adopt legislation aimed at protecting children from economic and sexual exploitation.
    Implementation
    National Report:
    Para 57) The new Penal Code, effective July 2014, defines Child Exploitation crimes in 17 PNC 1801-1808. These include Electronic Enticement of Children, 17 PNC § 1807, which criminalizes the possession and promotion of child pornography and use of the computer to engage in sexual activities and entice children under the age of 18 to meet with predators. Sexual Assault Offenses, 17 PNC Chapter, have been expanded to include offenses such as pornography, continued sexual assault of a minor, sexual harassment and incest.

    Para 58) The mandatory Registration of Sex Offenders, 17 PNC Chapter 17, is also in the new Penal Code. The Office of the Attorney General, in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Safety, has created a sexual offender registry list. There is ongoing work between the two agencies to implement the sex offender registration program and eventually post it publicly online.

    UN Compilation:
    Para 27) The enactment of the FPA and revision of the Penal Code to increase penalties for offences against children provide protective measures for children and deterrence of targeted crimes against children. The Domestic Relations Act provides for ... mandated reporting of child abuse, neglect and sexual abuse.

    Stakeholder Summary:
    Para 24) Regarding recommendation 61.38 on human trafficking, MLSC (Micronesian Legal Services corporation) reported that Palau's recently updated Penal Code now contained detailed provisions regarding human and labour trafficking, inter alia: ... the codification of the offence of people trafficking, which broadly included recruiting, transporting, transferring, harbouring or receiving a person for the purposes of exploitation (sexual servitude, prostitution, forced labour or services, or slavery) by threat, use of force, abduction, fraud, deception, etc ...
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Japan

    Japan
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    24th session, January 2016
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Continue its efforts to ratify the main human rights treaties without delay, including the ICCPR and ICESCR.
    Explanation
    It is the position of Palau to accept the recommendations made on these treaties. Palau will work towards consultations with its leadership and community including public awareness on these instruments and determine the Republic's capacity and resources to fulfill its obligations on these treaties.
    Implementation
    National Report:
    Para 7) Although Palau has yet to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (“ICCPR”), the Constitution of the Republic of Palau gives the people living in Palau the right to enjoy their civil and political rights, as well as their economic, social and cultural rights. Article IV of the Palau Constitution enumerates fundamental rights. Specifically, Article IV, § 5 of the Palau Constitution provides in relevant part: “Every person shall be equal under the law and shall be entitled to equal protection. The government shall take no action to discriminate against any person on the basis of sex, race, place of origin, language, religion or belief, social status or clan affiliation ….”
    Para 8) Article IV, § 3, further states, “The government shall take no action to deny or impair the right of any person to peacefully assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances or to associate with others for any lawful purpose including the right to organize and to bargain collectively.”
    Para 9) The people of Palau continue to enjoy the freedom to exercise their civil and political rights without discrimination in any form. Palau continues to work towards ratification of the ICCPR, however, challenges remain the same as with the ratification of the other human rights treaties in terms of funding, capacity building, and resources.
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Canada

    Canada
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    OAS
    OIF
    Commonwealth
    Issue:
    • Gender equality
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Revise existing laws identified in its national report as being discriminatory against women.
    Implementation
    UN Compilation:
    Para 5) ... PTT reported that this had led to the creation of the "Family Protection Act" and the new reformed Penal Code as well as other new laws to be undertaken to ensure the protection of women's rights and antidiscrimination. PTT asserted that the national government still needed to work on better cohesive resources, capacities and coordination to enforce laws and provide necessities for women, the elderly and vulnerable groups ...

  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Mexico

    Mexico
    Regional group
    GRULAC
    Political group
    OAS
    OEI
    ACS
    Issue:
    • Sexual harassment
    • Sexual exploitation / slavery
    • Trafficking in women and / or girls
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    24th session, January 2016
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Strengthen legislation on the prevention and combat of sexual harassment, trafficking in persons and sexual tourism.
    Explanation
    It is the position of Palau to accept these recommendations specific on human trafficking. Palau will look into its laws and take necessary steps to ensure its laws on human trafficking are in compliance with international standards.
    Implementation
    UN Compilation:
    Para 45) [CRC] expressed concern that there was no legislation specifically addressing the exploitation of children via sexually explicit videos, photographs and electronic images.
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    National Report

    Issue:
    • Sexual exploitation / slavery
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    N/A
    Contents:
    There is no legislation that specifically addresses exploitation of children via sexually explicit videos, movies, photos, and electronic images. There are anecdotal reports of children being exploited through payment for posing for sexually explicit photographs, but these reports could not be substantiated for this analysis. [Para 52]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Stakeholder Summary

    Issue:
    • Discrimination based on sexual orientation
    • Discrimination based on gender identity
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    24th session, January 2016
    Status:
    Reference Addressed
    Contents:
    KHRF also recommended that Palau ensure that proposed legislation punishing hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity were enacted as soon as possible. [Para 14]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Marital rape
    • Gender equality
    • Sexual violence
    • Women's and / or girls' rights
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Reference Addressed
    Contents:
    "UNICEF noted that despite the constitutional protection of women, two laws discriminated against married women. With respect to rape, the law did not extend to married women the same level of protection against coerced sex as it extended to unmarried women. With respect to inheritance, the law discriminated against a wife whose rights to inherit property acquired during a marriage were not recognized. It also discriminated against female children whose rights to inherit were recognized only if there were no surviving male children. [Para 25]"
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Training for state personnel on sexual rights issues
    • Women's and / or girls' rights
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    24th session, January 2016
    Status:
    Reference Addressed
    Contents:
    UNESCO recommended that Palau be encouraged to further promote human rights education and training, especially on the rights of women, children and persons with special needs, including for the police forces and law enforcement staff. [Para 38]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Spain

    Spain
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    EU
    OEI
    Issue:
    • Domestic violence
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Urgently adopt of the law on family protection, which is currently under discussion in the Congress, with a view to improving the protection and prevention against domestic violence, as well as the compensation and assistance to the victims.
    Implementation
    National Report:
    Para 23) Human Rights are protected under the Constitution of Palau. Additionally, new laws have been passed by Congress that further protect human rights. These include:
    - Family Protection Act(FPA) of 2012 (Chapter 8, Domestic Relations Act).

    Para 99) Since the first report, marital rape is now a crime of sexual assault. By removal of marriage as a defense, sexual assaults may be committed in a marital relationship.

    UN Compilation:
    Para 17) The country team highlighted that Palau had taken steps to address domestic violence and child abuse in the country. In 2012, Palau had passed the Family Protection Act, which criminalized domestic violence, instituted a no-drop policy for domestic violence and stipulated that customary restitution for domestic violence cases did not do away with criminal charges for the acts of violence committed. The Family Protection Act provided for a broad definition of domestic violence, made protection orders accessible and highlighted the need for the establishment and coordination between services for survivors of violence. More specifically, the Act expanded on and strengthened the ability of police officers to assist family violence victims and outlined legal penalties for acts of family violence and abuse

    Para 20) The country team commended Palau for passing the Family Protection Act and encouraged the Government of Palau to raise awareness and advocacy among targeted audiences for greater understanding and knowledge of the provisions of that law.
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    France

    France
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    EU
    OIF
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    • Gender equality
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Unclear Response
    Contents:
    Finalize the process for the ratification of CEDAW and take all the necessary steps to implement the provisions of the Convention.
    Explanation
    It is the position of Palau to take note of these recommendations. Palau is continuously working towards the ratifications of this instrument.
    Implementation
    National Report:
    Para 25) Following the first UPR report, the Government of Palau implemented the recommendations of the Human Rights Council by signing the core human rights treaties at the margins of the 66th UN General Assembly in 2011.
    - Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

    Para 93) Palau is one of three Pacific Countries that has progressed MDG 3 on Achieving Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women. Steps taken towards ratification of CEDAW have focused on awareness programs and consultations with key stakeholders, including the Mechesil Belau.

    Stakeholder Summary:
    Para 1) ... It noted that Palau had ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 11 June 2013 and that on the 20 September 2011, Palau had become a signatory to the ... CEDAW ...
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Georgia

    Georgia
    Regional group
    EEG
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Continue steps towards the ratification of the ICCPR, the CEDAW …
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Fiji

    Fiji
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Commonwealth
    Issue:
    • Women's and / or girls' rights
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Continue and intensify nationwide awareness-raising programmes on human rights and the enjoyment of human rights, including programmes specifically targeting women, youth, and children.
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Netherlands

    Netherlands
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    EU
    Issue:
    • Sexual and / or reproductive rights and / or health broadly
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Unclear Response
    Contents:
    To repeal and amend laws and regulations establishing age and third party authorization requirements for adolescents to access sexual and reproductive health information, education and services.
    Explanation
    Noted.
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Mexico

    Mexico
    Regional group
    GRULAC
    Political group
    OAS
    OEI
    ACS
    Issue:
    • Women's participation
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Unclear Response
    Contents:
    Formulate policies to promote the participation of women in public positions and decision-making processes at the national level.
    Explanation
    Noted.
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Discrimination based on sexual orientation
    • Women's and / or girls' rights
    • Discrimination based on gender identity
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Reference Addressed
    Contents:
    [CRC] recalled its previous concluding observations and recommended that Palau ensure that children with disabilities and girls had equal access to education, health care, employment and a decent standard of living; revise the Constitution to explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and align other laws in that regard to ensure that discrimination on those grounds was prohibited; [Para 18]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Sexuality education
    • Contraception
    • Sexual and / or reproductive rights and / or health broadly
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Neglected
    Contents:
    CRC recommended that Palau increase its efforts to promote adolescent health policies and services and to strengthen reproductive health education, including the promotion of male acceptance of the use of contraceptives... [Para 55]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

    Palau
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    PIF
    Source Of Reference:

    Canada

    Canada
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    OAS
    OIF
    Commonwealth
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    24th session, January 2016
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Ratify the ICCPR and ICESCR.
    Explanation
    It is the position of Palau to accept the recommendations made on these treaties. Palau will work towards consultations with its leadership and community including public awareness on these instruments and determine the Republic's capacity and resources to fulfill its obligations on these treaties.
    Implementation
    National Report:
    Para 7) Although Palau has yet to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (“ICCPR”), the Constitution of the Republic of Palau gives the people living in Palau the right to enjoy their civil and political rights, as well as their economic, social and cultural rights. Article IV of the Palau Constitution enumerates fundamental rights. Specifically, Article IV, § 5 of the Palau Constitution provides in relevant part: “Every person shall be equal under the law and shall be entitled to equal protection. The government shall take no action to discriminate against any person on the basis of sex, race, place of origin, language, religion or belief, social status or clan affiliation ….”
    Para 8) Article IV, § 3, further states, “The government shall take no action to deny or impair the right of any person to peacefully assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances or to associate with others for any lawful purpose including the right to organize and to bargain collectively.”
    Para 9) The people of Palau continue to enjoy the freedom to exercise their civil and political rights without discrimination in any form. Palau continues to work towards ratification of the ICCPR, however, challenges remain the same as with the ratification of the other human rights treaties in terms of funding, capacity building, and resources.

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