Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 28^th Session (6-17 November 2017) : 3rd UPR of the Republic of Gabon – Interactive Dialogue. [Geneva, 7 November 2017]

Mr. Vice President,

1. India thanks the delegation of the Republic of Gabon for presentation of its National Report.

2. We commend Gabon’s ongoing consultations with the civil society for the promotion and protection of the rights of the child. We also welcome efforts to uphold the right to health for all with finalization of the National Health Development Plan for the period 2011-2015 and implementation of the National Health Insurance and Social Protection Fund with wider coverage and increased allocation of resources in recent years.

3. We recognize Gabon’s efforts aimed at reducing poverty.  We also take note of developments in the sphere of women’s empowerment and implementation of the National Strategy on Gender Equality and Equity. In this context, we recognize the important measures aimed at bringing about relevant amendments in the constitution that have been worked out by consensus through political dialogue amongst the political parties, the opposition and the civil society.

4. We take note of ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about the situation of children without birth certificates through a sectoral plan of action and national strategy to register births. We recommend intensified efforts to provide easy and free access to registration of birth to all children. We also encourage adoption of necessary measures to ensure freedom of association, expression, and peaceful assembly.

5. We wish the delegation of the Republic of Gabon all success in its future endeavors.

Thank you Mr. Vice President.

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