News

At the 40th session of the Working Group of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on 24 - 25 January 2022 in Geneva, Lithuania offered human rights recommendations to Syria, Iceland and Venezuela.

At the UPR of Syrian Arab Republic, Lithuania expressed its deep concern about the dire human rights situation in the country and recommended to abolish the death penalty, prohibit trial of civilians in Military Field Courts. Furthermore, Lithuania recommended Syria to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Optional Protocol to Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT). Lithuania encouraged Syria to ensure access to Syria for humanitarian aid and independent human rights monitors to investigate all human rights abuses and violations.

At the UPR of Iceland, Lithuania commended the Icelandic government for continuously placing human rights at the forefront of the national and international agendas. Acknowledging Iceland’s great efforts in combating gender-based violence, particularly during the pandemic, Lithuania recommended Iceland to strengthen the prevention of new forms of violence, such as online harassment. Lithuania also recommended Iceland to develop a national plan on human rights, and ratify the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

At Venezuela’s UPR, Lithuania expressed its deep concern about the human rights situation in the country, and recommended to develop and adopt a new national plan on human rights, promote national reconciliation by releasing political detainees and ensure that detention conditions comply with the Nelson Mandela Rules. Furthermore, Lithuania recommended Venezuela to cooperate with the Fact-Finding Mission,implement its recommendations, and ensure respect for freedom of assembly and expression for peaceful protesters.

The Universal Periodic Review is a human rights mechanism employed since 2008. The UPR assesses the human rights situation in each individual country and provides recommendations for improvements. At the end of each UPR cycle, UN Members produce reports about the implementation of the adopted recommendations and overall progress in the area of human rights. Countries undergo the UPR every five years. Lithuania had its reviews in 2011 and 2017. The third-cycle review will take place during this UPR session on 26 January.