Portugal - Universal Periodic Review

UPR 33, May 8, 2019
Recommendations of Canada

Background

According to UPR Info, a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) that tracks the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, Portugal received 272 recommendations of which 247 were accepted (a rate of 91%) in the first two cycles of the UPR. Canada’s previous recommendations to Portugal were related to the implementation of its National Plans against Domestic and Gender-Based Violence against Women, as well as investigations regarding excessive use of force by law enforcement officials. Sustained efforts are still needed on both issues.

Respect for human rights is enshrined in the Portuguese Constitution. Portugal is a party to the vast majority of international human rights instruments. Since the last review, Portugal has put in place new legislation to strengthen the protection of transgender and intersex people’s rights. It has also strengthened legislative measures against hate speech and discrimination, including on social media. Portugal is taking a generous approach to address migration flows in Europe and has developed innovative ways to support the integration of newcomers. 

In May 2018, it adopted its 2018-2030 National Equality and Non-Discrimination Strategy which contains action plans on:  1) equality between women and men; 2) preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence; and 3) combating discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sexual characteristics.

In January 2019, the Council of Europe, Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence released its report on Portugal, which noted improvements in the way investigations and processes are carried out, but indicated that conviction rates for crimes related to domestic violence remain low. The effective enforcement of legislation against domestic violence remains a challenge, partly due to judicial delays. There has been a high number of femicides committed in Portugal since the beginning of 2019 (8 in the month of January alone), and 28 were committed in 2018.

Two high profile cases of violent acts committed by law enforcement officials against members of minority communities are currently being dealt with by the judicial system.

Recommendations

Thank you, Mr. President.

Canada welcomes the generous approach taken by Portugal to address migration flows, as well as the innovative ways in which it has supported newcomers. We also welcome the positive measures taken by Portugal to protect the rights of LGBTI persons and recognize the steps taken to prevent and respond to domestic violence, as well as the legislative measures put in place to fight trafficking in persons and assist its victims in the context of its National Equality and Non-Discrimination Strategy.

Canada recommends that Portugal:

1. Make available adequate resources to improve housing conditions, particularly for marginalized groups.
2. Continue its effort to fight domestic violence, with the implementation of the Plan of Action contained in the 2018-2030 National Equality and Non-Discrimination Strategy, especially the measures that take aim at preventing femicides.
3. Increase the resources available to provide human rights and cultural awareness training to officers involved in proximity policing activities.

Canada would like to commend Portugal for the positive role it played as a member of the Human Rights Council from 2015 to 2017.  Canada acknowledges and welcomes Portugal’s support for human rights at the United Nations.