U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Gabon

42^nd Session, January 24, 2023

 Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor

Thank you, Mr. Vice President, and welcome to the role.

The United States welcomes the delegation of Gabon. We wish to express our sincere condolences on the loss of your Foreign Minister. We value the cooperation of the United States and Gabon on the Human Rights Council and we commend Gabon for the decriminalization of same-sex relations between consenting adults and for its efforts to advance gender equality.

We remain concerned by restrictions on freedom of expression.

In the spirit of constructive engagement, we recommend that Gabon:

1. Intensify the work of the Human Rights Commission to address cases of abusive or excessive detention.
2. Strengthen training for officers at the High Authority for Communication on international human rights law.
3. Resume labor inspections to protect internationally recognized worker rights and eliminate the worst forms of child labor.

We wish Gabon a successful UPR.  I thank you.

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