Mozambique - Universal Periodic Review

UPR 38, May 4, 2021
Recommendations by Canada

Background

Mozambique is a state party to 12 human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Convention on the Rights of the Child, Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Mozambique has taken a number of important steps since its last UPR to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights. The adoption in 2019 of the Law for Preventing and Combatting Premature Unions was a positive step towards implementing its UPR commitments against child marriage. The signing of a Definitive Cessation of Military Hostilities and the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation in 2019, as well as the ongoing disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, are important milestones in the generations-long pursuit of sustainable peace.

Despite these important steps, serious challenges remain. Mozambique continues to have one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world and significant work remains to implement the new legislation. Mozambique has experienced a steady decline in the Freedom House Index each year since 2017, with limitations on the rights to freedom of expression (including for the press), association and peaceful assembly. The media, political opposition members, and CSOs have been subject to criminal charges, intimidation, or harassment. As in many other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted an escalation in gender-based violence against women.

Mozambique is currently facing an extremist Islamic insurgency, led by Ansar Al-Sunna, in its northern province of Cabo Delgado. Members of all religious groups and organizations (Muslims and Christians) have been victims of the insurgency have many have fled the region. Further, serious violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law have been committed by all parties: the insurgents, Mozambique’s Defence Forces, and the private military companies hired by the Mozambican government.

Recommendations

Thank you, Madam President.

Canada commends Mozambique’s adoption of the 2019 Law for Preventing and Combatting Premature Unions as a positive step towards implementing its UPR commitments.

Canada recommends that Mozambique:

1. Adopt measures to end human rights abuses and violations in Cabo Delgado and hold accountable those responsible.
2. Accelerate implementation of a multi-sectoral approach to eradicating domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. This includes training for law enforcement, community and religious leaders, educators, and medical personnel, as well as victim support services and holding perpetrators accountable.
3. Ensure that the protections on freedom of expression provided for under international human rights law are reflected in the text of proposed new laws governing media and broadcasting, and that these are respected in practice.