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Bhutan - Universal Periodic Review

UPR 33, May 8, 2019
Recommendations by Canada

Background

According to UPR Info, a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) that tracks the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, in the first two cycles of the UPR, Bhutan received 371 recommendations, of which 199 were accepted (an acceptance rate of 54%). Canada’s previous recommendations to Bhutan were related to refugees, the rights of religious communities and child and early forced marriage.

Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy where respect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, and the rule of law are enshrined in the constitution.  However, concerns with the country’s Buddhist identity have limited the practice of religious freedom. The constitution requires religious groups to obtain licenses to hold public gatherings, and the Government of Bhutan has registered only Buddhist groups and one Hindu umbrella organization; there are no indications of any registered Christian or Muslim groups.

Despite improvements since 2012, gender-based violence and child, early and forced marriage remain significant concerns. Bhutan’s National Study on Women’s Health and Life Experiences 2017 revealed that more than a quarter of interviewed women have been victims of domestic violence and that half believe such abuse is justified for abrogating domestic responsibilities. While less prevalent than elsewhere in South Asia, according to UNICEF (2018), approximately 26% of girls in Bhutan are married before 18 and 6% by the age of 15.

Bhutan’s Penal Code criminalizes same-sex sexual conduct, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community continues to face challenges in Bhutanese society despite government awareness and sensitization campaigns.

Since 2007, Bhutan has taken concrete legislative steps to promote greater freedom of expression (Information, Communications & Media Act, 2018), enhanced the independence of the judiciary (Judicial Service Act, 2007), reduced corruption (Anti-Corruption Act, 2011and Audit Act, 2018) and introduced more favourable labour conditions in the country (Labour and Employment Act, 2007).

Recommendations

Thank you, Mr. President.

Canada welcomes the steps taken by Bhutan to address women’s empowerment, including the enforcement of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act. We remain concerned with the situation of Bhutanese refugees and encourage authorities to resume dialogue with Nepal to address this issue

Canada recommends that Bhutan:

1. Eradicate child and early forced marriage by providing incentives to girls and their families to remain in school and by addressing rural poverty.
2. Address violence against women and girls, including the perception that domestic abuse is normal and accepted, by raising awareness of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act and by providing additional services and physical infrastructure to victims.
3. De-criminalize same-sex sexual conduct between consenting adults by amending sections 213 and 214 of the Penal Code.
4. Ensure respect for the rights of all individuals belonging to religious communities and ensure their inclusion by facilitating the registration of minority religious groups.

Canada applauds efforts to keep girls in school, including the provision of sanitary pads, and commend the inclusion of women and girls empowerment as a National Key Result Area in Bhutan’s 12th Five-Year Plan.