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U.S. Statement at the UPR of Guinea
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3 MINUTE READ
January 20, 2015

21st Session of the Universal Periodic Review
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America

Geneva,
January 20, 2015

– as prepared –

The United States welcomes the Guinean delegation to the UPR Working Group.

We commend the Government of Guinea’s commitment to respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights while combatting Ebola.

We remain concerned with allegations of ongoing human rights abuses. We call on the government of Guinea to hold accountable perpetrators of the 2009 stadium massacre.

We also note that an estimated 80 percent of inmates in detention in Guinea’s largest prison have not been brought before a judge, prosecuted or convicted of any crime.

We commend the government for launching a nationwide campaign against female genital mutilation/cutting and encourage continued action to address this issue. We encourage the government to continue its cooperation with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Bearing in mind these concerns, we recommend that Guinea:

  1. Place indicted government officials on administrative leave pending conclusion of the investigation related to the 2009 stadium violence, and urge all members of the security forces to cooperate fully with the investigation;
  1. Continue to implement and build on efforts to address female genital mutilation/cutting, including by engaging state and non-state stakeholders in dialogue on education, programming, and legislation needed to eliminate this harmful practice and advance gender equality;
  2. Promptly bring individuals accused of a crime before a judge to demonstrate commitment to respect the rule of law and Guinea’s obligations under Article 9 of the ICCPR.

 

(end statement)

 

Human Rights