U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Lithuania,
as delivered by Sheila Leonard
Geneva, Switzerland
26th Session, November 2, 2016
The United States warmly welcomes the whole delegation of Lithuania to the UPR Working Group.
The United States commends Lithuania’s longstanding commitment to the promotion of human rights, both domestically and internationally.
We welcome the recent reforms on children in institutional care and efforts to address domestic violence. We welcome the government’s establishment of an inter-ministerial body with NGO representation to coordinate national anti-trafficking efforts and the appointment of a national coordinator.
We commend the Vilnius municipality for its support to the annual “Baltic Pride” march in the capital in 2016.
We are concerned, however, that domestic violence remains widespread; that funding for protection services for trafficking victims is insufficient; and that societal prejudice against LGBTI persons continues. Moreover, members of the Roma community still lack non-discriminatory access to housing services, despite efforts to improve integration.
Bearing in mind these concerns, we recommend that Lithuania:
- Develop measures to prevent child abuse and corporal punishment, to include passing the draft legislation on children’s rights.
- Increase funding for NGOs to provide sustainable care to trafficking victims.
- Conduct thorough investigations of alleged hate crimes against LGBTI persons, Roma and refugees.
(end statement)