Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 28^th Session (6-17 November 2017) : 3rd UPR of the Republic of Zambia – Interactive Dialogue. [Geneva, 13 November 2017]

Mr. Vice President,

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

2. We commend the steps taken by Zambia towards domestication of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) through enactment of the Gender Equity and Equality Act No. 22 of 2015 and the Persons with Disability Act No. 6 of 2012 respectively.

3. We note the efforts of the Government of Zambia towards improving access to integrated health care services through construction of increased number of health facilities, enhanced supply of essential drugs and the continued recruitment of health personnel despite a general public recruitment freeze in effect.

4. We would like to make the following recommendations:

(i) Make efforts to minimize overcrowding, improve sanitation and separation of juveniles from adults in prisons;

(ii) Ensure that national health and HIV policies and strategies are inclusive and accessible to all vulnerable groups, including adults and children with disabilities; and

(iii) Ratify Optional Protocols to the UN Convention on Rights of the Child on involvement of children in armed conflict as well as sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

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

Thank you Mr. Vice President