U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Cabo Verde
44th Session
Delivered by Leah Field
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
The United States welcomes the delegation from Cabo Verde, led by Joana Rosa, Minister of Justice.
The United States applauds the Government of Cabo Verde for its respect for the rule of law, human rights, transparency, and its dedication to pursuing equal rights for members of the LGBTQI+ community. However, we remain concerned about prison conditions in Cabo Verde.
In the spirit of cooperation, we recommend that Cabo Verde:
1. Improve prison conditions by adding corrections officers; reduce crowding with appropriate alternatives to incarceration, where permissible by law; separate inmates by sex and age; and repair aging detention facilities.
2. Provide adequate training for law enforcement and judicial professionals to respond effectively to survivors of gender-based violence, including victims of sexual abuse and child exploitation.
3. Approve the anti-discrimination draft law presented by the National Commission on Human Rights and Citizenship in 2021.
I thank you.
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