LONDON, 03 May 2021 / PRN Africa / --

The UK delivered a statement on Namibia at the 38th Session of Universal Periodic Review (UPR), sharing recommendations to improve their human rights record.

The United Kingdom commends Namibia's continued constitutional commitment to uphold human rights and tackle sexual and gender-based violence, but notes the high prevalence of violence against women.

We congratulate Namibia on its efforts in tackling human trafficking and encourage efforts to continue to increase public awareness of the issue.

We recommend that Namibia:

1- Enhance public education programmes on human trafficking and ensure sufficient resources to fully train law enforcement and judicial staff in support of the Combatting of Persons in Trafficking Act 2018.

2- Take steps to prevent and respond to all forms of gender-based violence, including through funding women-led and women's rights organisations on the frontline and ensuring perpetrators are held to account.

3- Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections.

Thank you.

SOURCE UK Mission to the WTO