Views expressed by member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome

2. Views expressed by member and observer States
of the Council on the review outcome

578. Canada indicated that during the review, it had highlighted reports of abuse of migrants in South Africa and recommended that it ensure that the rights of migrants are respected. The violence that subsequently occurred in Johannesburg and a number of other urban areas in South Africa shows that addressing issues related to xenophobia and the abuse of foreign nationals will not be easy. The challenge is made greater by the ongoing movement of large numbers of Zimbabweans seeking to escape the deteriorating political and humanitarian situation in their country. It was encouraged by South Africa’s strong condemnation of these attacks and remains confident that the Government will do its utmost to promote tolerance, to combat prejudice and to ensure the safety of migrants. It also expressed its support to South Africa for its efforts.

579. Tunisia expressed its gratitude to South Africa for its commitment during the universal periodic review process. It commended it on the presentation and its efforts in the area of human rights, and noted with interest the information contained in the national report and the new provisions adopted in various areas in follow-up to the recommendations which resulted from the review. It also paid tribute to the leadership of South Africa in the area of combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. It further noted that the experience of South Africa in this area remains for all a source of inspiration and pride.

580. China noted that South Africa has not only completed successfully the peaceful transition from apartheid to a democratic society but has also established a comprehensive national system for safeguarding human rights and taken positive measures for the protection of human rights with remarkable progress. It noted that South Africa had hosted the historic conference against racism and had excellent cooperation with various United Nations human rights bodies.

581. Pakistan thanked the delegation of South Africa for its elaborate presentation on the outcome of the universal periodic review. It noted that South Africa faces a complex and challenging internal situation after years of racial discrimination. South Africa has invested great human and material capital to improve the human rights situation in the country, and it was urged to continue to implement its reforms policies to promote economic, social and cultural rights, democracy and the rule of law, the national programme against discriminatory policies, rights of vulnerable groups, education, and racial integration policies and policies against

xenophobia. It understands that the challenges faced by South Africa are enormous, but with the commitment displayed by the Government, South Africa will soon be able to overcome these challenges.

582. Botswana was encouraged by South Africa’s willingness to accept the recommendations of the Working Group and that most of them are already being implemented. It noted with appreciation the stance taken recently against xenophobic attacks on expatriates, which demonstrates the commitment of the Government to safeguarding the human rights of both South Africans and other nationals within its borders.

583. Algeria commended South Africa on having adopted, after the first democratic election in 1994, a reconstructive framework the primary goal of which was to address the historical legacy of inequality and create an integrated service delivery system to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. It noted that the Government is demonstrating a firm commitment to continuing to implement its human rights obligations and to address in the most appropriate manner xenophobic attitudes towards immigrants from neighbouring countries. It commended South Africa on following a coherent and structural approach to tackling poverty and underdevelopment by integrating appropriate measures into sectoral policies and strategies and by providing appropriate budgetary allocations thereto. With regard to HIV/AIDS, Algeria highlighted that through the establishment of the Medicine Pricing Regulation in 2004, the Government has made medicine affordable for all. It appreciated the fact that the challenge was addressed with a special focus on preventive programmes targeting adolescents. Concerning housing issues, it is impressed by the challenge that South Africa has met notably in addressing the phenomenon of “homelessness-landlessness”. Beyond the impressive increase in available housing and the adoption of legislation to address the issue of land reform, it acknowledged the strong constitutional and legislative protection measures taken to prevent illegal evictions and to provide judicial recourse for victims of illegal evictions. It stated that South Africa will continue to be a source of inspiration in the field of human rights.

584. Malaysia noted with appreciation the positive engagement of the Government of South Africa in the universal periodic review process, including its forthcoming responses during the interactive dialogue in the session of the Working Group. It noted South Africa’s commendable transformation into a vibrant democratic nation embracing the principles of the rule of law and sound socio-economic policies for its population. The benefits thereof have been acknowledged during the review of South Africa’s national report. It congratulated the Government on its efforts to further enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in the country, despite the existing challenges it continues to face. It reiterated its support to the Government’s leading role in the global fight against racism and racial discrimination.

585. Egypt congratulated South Africa on the efforts made in the short period since independence, and in getting rid of the repulsive system of colonialism, apartheid and racial discrimination. It noted the progress achieved, including the framing of a modern constitution and legislation, as well as the establishment of proactive institutions. Egypt noted that these achievements were a good basis, though a work in progress, and was satisfied with the constructive and open spirit in which the Government would address any new and remaining challenges.

586. Angola welcomed the readiness of South Africa to engage in an open and constructive dialogue regarding the situation of human rights and its cooperation with the universal periodic review. It expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the Government to improve the situation of human rights in all areas in spite of the challenges. It noted that South Africa is creating strategies to improve civil and political rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights and is showing a great commitment to improving human rights by ratifying a number of international human rights instruments and by accepting several recommendations to enhance human rights. It welcomed South Africa’s commitment to overcoming social challenges it faces and welcomed the policies undertaken to promote gender equality, notably in education. It expressed its appreciation for the South Africa Bill of Rights as it enshrines the rights of all people and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. It also welcomed South Africa’s efforts to achieve universal primary education by 2015. In this regard, it underlines the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996. It believes that only through education can a nation aspire to achieving sustainable growth and development.

587. The Syrian Arab Republic noted that South Africa’s acceptance and endorsement of the various recommendations was indicative of its determination in the field of human rights, despite the heavy legacy it inherited from the shameful ex-apartheid regime. These include the commitment to improve the handling by police of rape cases and to curb rates of violence, particularly against women and girls, to ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to ensure that the rights of migrants are respected, particularly by law enforcement officials, and to take measures to address the inequities in access to HIV/AIDS treatment and support, particularly in rural areas. It noted that the development burden inherited by South Africa was enormous, but that its achievements in the areas of housing, basic services, education and medical care in favour of the historically disadvantaged masses are genuinely unsurpassed in developing countries and deserve encouragement and full support.

588. Djibouti welcomed the review of South Africa, which after years of deprivation of the human rights of its people who suffered so much and after the apartheid regime has been able to establish an atmosphere and climate conducive to the establishment of a democracy which is multicultural and multi-ethnic. It noted that South Africa has been able to promote and protect human rights and dignity of its people. It encouraged it to continue along these lines.