U.S. Statement at the UPR of Ghana
14th Session October 23, 2012
The United States warmly welcomes the Ghanaian delegation to the UPR Working Group.
We commend the Government for 20 years of democratic governance and peaceful transitions of presidential power.
We recognize that the Government is taking steps to combat human trafficking and the worst forms of child labor. We encourage the Government to increase prosecutions of human traffickers and services offered to victims and to give special attention to the fight against forced child labor in the fishing industry on Lake Volta.
We also remain concerned about societal discrimination and violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people in Ghana and encourage the Ghanian Government to protect all Ghanaian citizens regardless of sexual orientation. LGBT people continue to suffer from threats of violence, extortion, and prejudice based on their status.
Bearing in mind these concerns, the United States makes the following recommendations:
- Fully implement the Ghana Child Labor Monitoring System and link these efforts with programs to promote remediation and ensure adequate resources for the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit for the pursuit of prosecutions.
- Identify and implement best practices to combat child labor in violation of international standards in the fishing industry on Lake Volta.
- Train police, first responders, justice system and social services officials to respect and fully protect all human rights of every Ghanaian, including those who are LGBT.