Mr President,
Allow me to extend the gratitude of Sweden to the delegation of the Republic of Congo for taking an active part in our dialogue here today and for having responded to the questions that we submitted in advance. We would like to raise three issues:
First; Sweden welcomes the law of 2006, and the National Strategy from July 2008, on Indigenous issues. Discrimination against members of the minority Pigmy ethnic group has, as you mentioned, continued to be reported. We thank you for the reply on this topic and recommend to continue your efforts with a view to fully tackle the problem of discrimination against minority groups.
Second; The CEDAW committee has expressed concern about domestic violence, rape, including marital rape; and other forms of sexual abuse of women. We welcome your reply today that a new law is being prepared and recommend to continue implementing measures to handle the problem of violence against women and combat impunity in this regard.
Third; Sweden welcomes that The Republic of Congo is a state party to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and also note that torture is prohibited by the Congolese constitution. We are however concerned about reports that prisoners and detainees are still subject to abuse of this kind. We would recommend to implement the laws that have been passed, to ensure full compliance with the CAT and other international standards.
Thank you, Mr President.