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 38851 - 38875 of 58160 recommendations found
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    Outcome Report

    Issue:
    • Training for state personnel on sexual rights issues
    • Rights of same-sex desiring persons
    • Transgender persons' rights
    Type:
    Comment
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    N/A
    Contents:
    Provide sensitivity training to police, judicial and other authorities in order to promote respect for all persons, including on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity; and to ensure that lesbian, gay and transgender citizens are treated equally by State authorities. Consider applying the Yogyakarta Principles to assist in policy development.
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    Panama

    Panama
    Regional group
    GRULAC
    Political group
    OAS
    OEI
    ACS
    Issue:
    • Violence against women / gender-based violence
    • Training for state personnel on sexual rights issues
    • Domestic violence
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    24th session, January 2016
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Establish shelters and other support services for victims and implement programmes in order to provide human rights education, in particular to the police, lawyers and judges.
    Explanation
    It is the position of Palau to accept these recommendations. Palau continues its efforts to work towards a more permanent shelter for victims or a resource center for victims of domestic violence through dialogue with international and regional partners. Palau Government is exploring ways to improve services for victims such as safe houses, counselling, immediate health responses and protection orders for victims and children. Palau seeks funding and technical assistance from partners and organizations in the establishment of a center for victims of domestic violence.
    Implementation
    National Report:
    Para 32) The national government, through Asian Development Bank (ADB), developed and funded a project to “Strengthen Social Protection of Vulnerable Populations Impacted by COVID-19”. The project addresses the immediate COVID-19 related needs (health, social, and income support) for … victims of family and gender-based violence.
    National Report:
    Para 43) The FPA is both a civil and a criminal process. The civil side addresses the immediate need for victim shelter and the restraining order process while the criminal side addresses the abuser’s behavior. • Short-term, temporary accommodation is available for victims of domestic violence who are accessing court services. • Informal support is being provided through cultural and family connections and church networks to provide shelter for the victims of domestic violence. • There are limited formal or recognized support services provided for victims of domestic violence. • There is no victim advocate that has the knowledge and skills to support victims of domestic violence.
  • 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:
    Recommended that the Human Rights Council urge Palau to bring its legislation into conformity with its commitment to equality and non-discrimination, and its international human rights obligations, by developing anti-discrimination laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and inter sex status ... [Para 13]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    Norway

    Norway
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    • Gender equality
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Unclear Response
    Contents:
    Ratify the ICCPR, the ICESCR and CEDAW.
    Explanation
    Ratifying ICCPR and ICESCR - It is the position of Palau to take note of these treaties. Palau is working towards building public awareness on this instrument and on determining the capacity and resources of the Republic to fulfill the obligations of this instrument.
    Ratifying CEDAW - 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.
    - ICCPR
    - ICESCR
    - CEDAW

    Stakeholder Summary:
    Para 1) ... on the 20 September 2011, Palau had become a signatory to the ... ICCPR, ICESCR, CEDAW
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Sexual and / or reproductive rights and / or health broadly
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    24th session, January 2016
    Status:
    Neglected
    Contents:
    The country team stated that Palau had a comprehensive national policy, the Palau Public Health Strategic Plan 2008-2013, that provided sexual and reproductive health services at no or minimal financial cost. This Plan included universal access to quality reproductive health services for women and young people, including girls. The country team recommended that Palau allocate dedicated funds to procure some of the essential reproductive health commodities, and limit its dependency on outside sources, which could affect the health of Palau's population, especially women and girls. [Para 33]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    National Report

    Issue:
    • Gender perspective in policies, programmes
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    24th session, January 2016
    Status:
    N/A
    Contents:
    To address the effects of climate change in relation to Palau's agriculture and fisheries the Government of Palau completed its national policy in August 2015, "Achieving Resilient Agriculture and Aquaculture" aimed at strengthening food security in Palau as a priority climate change adaptation measure. The policy recognises the specific risks and vulnerabilities faced by different groups and are responsive to the needs of ... women ... [Para 120]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    National Report

    Issue:
    • Gender equality
    • Women's and / or girls' rights
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    N/A
    Contents:
    The Constitution of Palau guarantees its citizens: … non-discrimination on the basis of sex … the rights to marital and related parental rights, privileges and responsibilities on the basis of equality between men and women, mutual consent and cooperation. [Para 30]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Women's participation
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Reference Addressed
    Contents:
    The United Nations country team recommended that Palau increase the participation of women in the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, particularly at decision-making levels, including by adopting and implementing temporary special measures; and identify and address social factors that impeded women’s participation in public and political life, particularly at decision-making levels. [Para 38]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    National Report

    Issue:
    • Marital rape
    • Violence against women / gender-based violence
    • Sexual violence
    • Women's and / or girls' rights
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    N/A
    Contents:
    "Despite the constitutional protections, two laws have been identified that discriminate against married women – one with respect to rape and the other with respect to inheritance.
    • “Every person who shall unlawfully have sexual intercourse with a female, NOT HIS WIFE, by force or against her will, shall be guilty of rape, and upon conviction thereof shall be imprisoned for a period of not more than 25 years.” (17 PNC §2802, emphasis added).
    • “In the absence (of a will)... lands held in fee simple... shall, upon the death of the owner, be inherited by the owner’s oldest legitimate living male child of sound mind, natural or adopted, or if male heirs are lacking, the oldest legitimate female child...” (25 PNC §301). [Para 70]"
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Sexual exploitation / slavery
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Neglected
    Contents:
    "The CRC recommended that Palau undertake studies [on commercial sexual exploitation] with a view to implementing appropriate policies and measures in that regard. [Para 38]"
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Abortion
    • Sexual abuse
    • Sexual violence
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Neglected
    Contents:
    CRC recommended that Palau review its legislation concerning abortion, with a view to guaranteeing the best interests of child victims of rape and incest. [Para 9; CRC]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    Malaysia

    Malaysia
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    ASEAN
    OIC
    Commonwealth
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    • Gender equality
    • Women's participation
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Continue efforts aimed at increasing the participation of women in the economic and political spheres as well as to consider ratification of CEDAW.
    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:

    New Zealand

    New Zealand
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    PIF
    Commonwealth
    Issue:
    • Sexual exploitation / slavery
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Enact legislation that addresses exploitation of children via sexually explicit videos, movies, photos and electronic images.
    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:

    Philippines

    Philippines
    Regional group
    Asia-Pacific Group
    Political group
    ASEAN
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Continue to pursue the ratification of ... the CRPD...
    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:

    Norway

    Norway
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Issue:
    • Domestic violence
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Take concrete steps to strengthen the protection of victims of domestic violence, ensuring that complaints of domestic violence are properly registered and investigated by the police, and that perpetrators are prosecuted and convicted.
    Implementation
    National Report:
    Para 107) The Bureau of Public Safe, Family Court and the Belau National Hospital each have separate data-bases on domestic violence cases, which could be improved and centralized. [See table]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    Russian Federation

    Russian Federation
    Regional group
    EEG
    Political group
    CIS
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Continue effectively integrating provisions of the CRC in the internal legal system.
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    Argentina

    Argentina
    Regional group
    GRULAC
    Political group
    OAS
    OEI
    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Ratify the CEDAW.
  • 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
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Unclear Response
    Contents:
    Integrate as soon as possible the provisions of the CRC and the CRPD into national legislation.
    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:
    • Early marriage
    • Women's and / or girls' rights
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Unclear Response
    Contents:
    Amend legislation in force to prohibit corporal punishment of girls, boys and adolescents in all settings, raise the minimum age for marriage to 18 years and bring the juvenile justice system in line with the CRC.
    Explanation
    Noted.
  • 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:
    24th session, January 2016
    Status:
    Accepted
    Contents:
    Continue taking steps towards the ratification of the international human rights conventions to which Palau is a signatory, in particular the ICCPR, the 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:

    Spain

    Spain
    Regional group
    WEOG
    Political group
    EU
    OEI
    Issue:
    • Right to marry
    • Rights of same-sex desiring persons
    Type:
    Recommendation
    Session:
    24th session, January 2016
    Status:
    Unclear Response
    Contents:
    Legislate in order to permit marriage between persons of the same sex.
    Explanation
    It is the position of Palau to take note on these recommendations made on sexual orientation, gender identity and same sex marriage. Further work and consultations need to be taken to further progress in this area in the Republic.
    Implementation
    UN Compilation:
    Para 17) The United Nations country team noted that during the second review cycle, Palau had noted recommendations that it combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, including by recognizing same-sex couples and marriage between persons of the same sex. In July 2019, the President had expressed his disagreement with the amendment to the Constitution in 2008 that had prohibited same-sex marriage and advocated equal rights for all. However, no legislative changes had been introduced.

  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    Stakeholder Summary

    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    24th session, January 2016
    Status:
    Reference Addressed
    Contents:
    KHRF stated that the ICCPR and ICESCR formed the cornerstone of the international legal framework for the protection of human rights and that the ratification of these covenants would assist in strengthening Palau's obligations under international law. It recommended that Palau ratify all significant international human rights treaties (and their OPs) to reinforce its implementation of, and compliance with, international human rights law. [Para 2]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • Gender equality
    • Women's and / or girls' rights
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    24th session, January 2016
    Status:
    Neglected
    Contents:
    The country team indicated that, under the Constitution of Palau, women were afforded equality of opportunity with men. Customary law had constitutional status in Palau, and the application of customary practices influenced formal criminal procedures. [Para 14]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    UN Compilation

    Issue:
    • International human rights instruments
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    38th Session, May 2021
    Status:
    Reference Addressed
    Contents:
    The United Nations country team recommended that Palau ratify CEDAW without further delay, and the remaining seven core international human rights treaties and their optional protocols. [Para 2]
  • State Under Review:

    Palau

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

    National Report

    Issue:
    • Sexually transmitted infections
    • HIV and AIDS
    Type:
    Review Documentation
    Session:
    11th session, May 2011
    Status:
    N/A
    Contents:
    Since testing and surveillance were implemented in 1989, only eight persons have been identified as HIV-positive in the Republic of Palau. Confidential testing and referral are conducted at the Belau National Hospital in the Family Health Unit (Family Planning; Antenatal Clinic) and at the Communicable Diseases Unit. A clinic was set up in 2007 at Palau Community College campus to provide free counseling, testing and referral. A resource center at the same college campus location was also set up in 2007 for education, information, referral and distribution of condoms. Rapid test kits are used for initial testing with preliminary confirmatory tests conducted in Palau using repeated rapid tests and ELISA tests. All such testing is voluntary and services are free. HIV and STI cases are reported to the Reportable Diseases Surveillance System at the Ministry of Health (MOH). [Para 65]

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