AFRICAN UNION
UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA
African Commission on Human &
Peoples’ Rights
Commission Africaine des Droits de
l’Homme & des Peuples
31 Bijilo Annex Layout, Kombo North District, Western Region, P. O. Box 673, Banjul, The Gambia
Tel: (220) 4410505/4410506; Fax: (220) 4410504; E-mail: au-banjul@africa-union.org; Web
www.achpr.org
REPORT OF THE JOINT PROMOTION MISSION TO THE REPUBLIC OF GUINEA
BISSAU
BY
COMMISSIONER MARIA TERESA MANUELA
COMMISSIONER REMY NGOY LUMBU
COMMISSIONER MAYA SAHLI FADEL
&
COMMISSIONER JAMESINA E.L.KING
16 to 20 JULY 2018
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS………………………………………………………………Pg. 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY………………………………………………………………Pg.4
1.0 INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………….Pg.5
1.1 Composition of the Delegation
1.2 Terms of Reference
1.3 Previous Engagements between the Commission and Guinea Bissau
1.4 Country Profile
1.5 Methodology
2.0 FINDINGS …………………………………………………………………………Pg.10
2.1 Legislative and other measures to implement the provisions of the African
Charter
2.2 Access to Justice
2.3 Right to Life, Extrajudicial and Summary Killings
2.4 Prohibition of Torture
2.5 Prisons and Conditions of Detention
2.6 Judicial Police and Law enforcement Agencies
2.7 Freedom of Assembly and Association
2.8 Freedom of Expression and Access to Information
2.9 Human Rights Defenders
2.10 Rights of Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Migrants and Internally Displaced
Persons
2.11 Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
2.11.1 Right to Housing
2.11.2 Right to Employment
2.11.3 Right to Health and access to health care
2.11.4 Right to Education
2.12 Civil and Political Rights
2.13 Rights of Women and Children
2.14 Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities
2.15 Extractive Industries and Environment
2.16 Conflict and Transitional Justice
3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS…………………………………………………………..Pg.23
ANNEXES ……………………………………………………………………………..... Pg.30
-
Annex 1: List of people met during the various meetings
Annex 2: The Agenda of the Mission
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) would like to
express its gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Guinea Bissau (Guinea Bissau)
for authorizing this Promotion Mission and putting at the disposal of its Delegation all
the facilities and personnel to ensure its success, as well as for the frank and constructive
dialogue during the Mission.
In particular, the Commission wishes to express its appreciation to the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and the Representative of the African Union Mission in Guinea Bissau at
the African Union Liaison Office, who accompanied the Delegation throughout its
Mission, the excellent arrangements put in place which enabled the Delegation to meet a
variety of Government officials and other actors, in order to have a fairly representative
view of the human rights situation in the country.
The Commission also wishes to thank all the representatives from various Government
Ministries, Independent Statutory Institutions, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), other
Institutions, the Media and individuals that found time to meet with its Delegation.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Commission undertook a five (5) day promotion mission to Guinea Bissau, from 16
to 20 July 2018, and met with various Government authorities and representatives from
inter-governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). This mission was
undertaken in line with Article 45(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’
Rights (the African Charter), which mandates the Commission to promote observance of
the rights guaranteed, to monitor its implementation, to ensure the protection of the
rights and freedoms set out therein, and to interpret the Charter.
The promotion mission aimed at engaging State and non-State actors including organized
labour and CSOs on the current state of human and peoples’ rights in the country,
promoting the African Charter and its various Protocols and raising awareness among
stakeholders in Guinea Bissau about the work of the Commission. A number of areas of
concern were noted, for which recommendations have been proposed, in order to ensure
the effective promotion and protection of human rights in Guinea Bissau.
In this Report, the Commission proposes a number of recommendations, including
calling on the Government to: expedite the ratification of regional and international
instruments; and implement existing laws; build new prisons to avoid overcrowding and
improve prison conditions; abolish existing traditional harmful practices including
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early and forced marriages; address the phenomena
of child trafficking, and in particular, the plight of Talibé children; and resolve the
alarming rate of Youth unemployment . The Commission also calls on the Government
to establish an independent Police oversight mechanism to investigate allegations of
human rights violations committed by the Police and also train Police Officers and Law
Enforcement Officials.
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INTRODUCTION
1.1 Composition of the Delegation
1. The Commission’s Delegation comprised the following:
i. Honourable Commissioner Maria Teresa Manuela, Commissioner
Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Republic of Guinea Bissau
and Special Rapporteur on Prisons and Conditions of Detention and Policing
in Africa;
ii. Honourable Commissioner Maya Sahli-Fadel, Special Rapporteur on
Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Internally Displaced Persons and Migrants in
Africa;
iii.Honourable Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu – Special Rapporteur on
Human Rights Defenders; and
iv.Honourable Commissioner Jamesina E.L. King – Chairperson of the
Working Group on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Africa; and
v. Ms. Irene Desiree Mbengue, Senior Legal Officer and Ms. Aminata Jawara
Manga, Legal Officer, from the Secretariat of the Commission, assisted
Honourable Commissioners and provided technical support to the Delegation
during the Mission.
1.2
Terms of Reference
2. The Terms of Reference of the Mission to Guinea Bissau were as follows:
i.
Promote the African Charter, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human
and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) and
other regional human rights legal instruments;
ii.
Strengthen relations between the Commission and the authorities of the
Republic of Guinea Bissau in the area of promoting and protecting the rights
enshrined in the African Charter and other relevant national, regional and
international human rights instruments;
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iii. Exchange of views and sharing of experiences with the Government and the
main stakeholders working in the field of human rights and on strategies to
improve the enjoyment of human rights in the country;
iv. Engage in dialogue with the Government with regards to legislative and other
measures taken to give effect to provisions of the African Charter, Maputo
Protocol and other human rights instruments ratified by the country;
v.
Advocate for the ratification of regional and international human rights legal
instruments that are yet to be ratified by Guinea Bissau;
vi. To seek information on human rights issues of particular concern to the
Commission including inter alia situation of prisons and conditions of
detention, the human rights situation of women and children; refugees,
migrants and internally displaced persons; freedom of expression, association
and assembly; prevention of torture, situation of human rights defenders;
independence of the judiciary; extractive industries; older persons and persons
with disabilities; indigenous populations/communities; and persons living
with HIV/AIDS;
vii. Understand the level of enjoyment of civil and political rights, as well as
economic, social and cultural rights of the people in the Republic of Guinea
Bissau, as well as measures taken by the Government to implement this
category of human rights;
viii. Gather information on the situation of human rights defenders in the
Republic of Guinea Bissau and discuss with stakeholders the challenges that
hamper the effective enjoyment of the human rights of human rights
defenders;
ix. Visit prisons in Guinea Bissau in order to assess the extent to which
conditions of detention comply with regional and international standards, and
hold discussions with prison administrative officials and other stakeholders
on all issues relating to detention and on the work of the Commission on this
theme;
x.
xi.
Meet with the relevant human rights stakeholders and discuss about their
programmes, assessment of the human rights situation in the country and the
challenges faced in carrying out their activities;
Raise awareness of the activities of the Commission in Guinea Bissau,
especially among the relevant Government departments and Civil Society
Organizations (CSOs);
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xii. Follow up on recommendations given in the Report of the Promotion Mission
to the Republic of Guinea Bissau, which was conducted by the Commission
in 2005;
xiii. Follow up on the implementation of Resolutions and Press Releases which
have been issued by the Commission with regards to the Guinea Bissau; and
xiv. Encourage the Government of Guinea Bissau to submit outstanding Periodic
Reports and to participate regularly in the activities of the Commission
including attending Sessions of the Commission.
1.3 Previous Engagements between the Commission and Guinea Bissau
3. The present Mission was the second (2) mission to Guinea Bissau. The first mission
was undertaken from 16 to 22 March 2005, by Former Commissioner E.V.O Dankwa,
the Commissioner who was responsible for promotional activities in Guinea Bissau.
1.4 Country Profile
4. Guinea-Bissau was colonized by Portugal and gained independence on 10 September
1974.1 The Constitution of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, which was adopted in 1984
and amended in 1991, 1993 and 1996 respectively, established Guinea Bissau as a
sovereign, democratic, secular and unitary republic.2 At the time of the mission, the
President of the Republic was José Mário Vaz (Head of State), while the Prime
Minister was, Aristides Gomes (Head of Government).There are three (3) branches of
Government: Executive, Judicial, and Legislative.
5. Guinea-Bissau is a unitary semi-presidential republic, and since 1991 with a multiparty system. Head of state is the president, head of government is the prime minister.
But a long-running dispute between factions in the ruling of the African Party for the
Independence of Guinea and Caper Verde (PAIGC) party has brought the
Government to a political impasse; there have been five prime ministers since August
2015. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in
both the government and the unicameral National People's Assembly. The Supreme
Court is the highest Court in the judicial system. 3
1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Guinea-Bissau
2 Article 1, the Constitution of the Republic of Guinea Bissau.
3
https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/guinea_bissau.htm
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6. Guinea Bissau is a State with Unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia
Nacional Popular (comprising of 102 seats; 100 members directly elected in 27 multiseat constituencies by closed party-list proportional representation vote and 2 elected
in single-seat constituencies for citizens living abroad (1 for Africa, 1 for Europe); all
members serve 4-year terms)4.
7. Guinea Bissau has a mixed legal system of civil law, which incorporated Portuguese
law at independence and influenced by Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS), West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), African
Francophone Public Law, and customary law. The civilian court system is essentially
a continuation of the Portuguese colonial system. Nine Supreme Court judges are
appointed by the president and serve at his pleasure. The Supreme Court has
jurisdiction over serious crimes and serves as an appeals court for the regional
military courts. State security cases are tried by civilian courts. Military courts try only
cases involving armed personnel under the code of military justice. In rural areas,
persons are often tried outside the formal system by traditional law. Dispute
resolution before traditional counselors avoids the costs and congestion of the official
courts5.
8. The highest Court in Guinea Bissau is the Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal de Justica
(which consists of 9 judges and organized into Civil, Criminal, and Social and
Administrative Disputes Chambers). The Supreme Court has both appellate and
constitutional jurisdiction, including judge selection and term of office. It oversees
judges nominated by the Higher Council of the Magistrate, a major government organ
responsible for judge appointments, dismissals, and judiciary discipline; as well as
judges appointed by the president for Appeals Court; regional (first instance) courts;
and the military court6.
9. The 1991 constitution guarantees many civil rights and fundamental freedoms,
including freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The constitution provides for
an independent judiciary, but its functioning is hampered by a lack of training,
resources and by corruption. The president has authority to grant pardons and reduce
sentences7.
4
https://www.indexmundi.com/guinea-bissau/legislative_branch.html
https://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Africa/Guinea-Bissau-JUDICIAL-SYSTEM.html
6
https://www.indexmundi.com/guinea-bissau/judicial_branch.html
7
ibid
5
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1.5 Methodology
10. During the Mission, the Delegation held discussions with various State and Non-State
Actors (see Annex 1) involved in the promotion and protection of human and peoples’
rights in Guinea Bissau, including:
i.
His Excellency Dr. José Mário Vaz, President of the Republic of Guinea
Bissau;
ii.
His Excellency Dr. Aristides Gomes, Prime-Minister;
iii.
His Excellency Dr. Paulo Sanha, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court;
iv.
His Excellency Dr. Cipriano Cassama, Speaker of the People’s National
Assembly (ANP);
v.
Hoourable Dr. Mutaro Djaló, Minister of the Interior;
vi.
Honourable Mr. Camilo Simões Pereira, Minister of Education, Higher
Education, Youth, Culture and Sports;
vii.
Honourable Maria Adiato Diallo Nndinga, Minister Of Fisheries &
Substitute For The Prime Minister;
viii. Special Representative of the African Union in Guinea Bissau and Head of
the AU liaison Office in Guinea Bissau;
ix.
The United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office;
x.
The National Commission on Human Rights
xi.
Honourable MP Higino Cardoso, Chairperson of the Standing Specialized
Commission on Legal and Human Rights Affairs;
xii.
The leadership of the UM party;
xiii. The leadership of the PND party;
xiv. The leadership of the PCD party;
xv.
The leadership of the PRS party;
xvi. The leadership of the PAIGC party;
xvii. Group of Political Parties without a seat in Parliament;
xviii. The Institute for Women and Children (IMC);
xix. The Chairperson of the Guinean Human Rights League (LGDH);
xx.
The Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Police (Polícia
Judiciária);
xxi. Honourable Dr. Basílio Sanca, Chairman of the Bar Association;
xxii. The National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons;
xxiii. Amílcar Cabral University Students;
xxiv. Civil Society Organizations (NGOs)(Including NGOs dealing with the
Rights of Women); and
xxv. The Media.
11. The Delegation also visited the Criminal Investigation Police Detention Centre
at Bandim and the Mansoa Prison.
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12. At each of these meetings, the Delegation introduced the work of the
Commission by outlining its organisation, composition, mandate, activities and
subsidiary mechanisms. It further presented the objectives of the Mission and
the need to bring out good practices as well as to highlight challenges in order
to make relevant recommendations.
13. The Delegation distributed publications and documents of the Commission to
the stakeholders it met.
14. The Mission ended with a Press Conference.
2.0 FINDINGS
15. The Mission lasted for five (5) days during which the Delegation visited various
offices and institutions within Bissau, as well as the Criminal Investigation Police
Detention Centre at Bandim and the Mansoa Prison. During the Mission, the
Delegation had the opportunity to meet and interact with a cross-section of relevant
stakeholders.
16. The interaction that the Delegation had with a wide segment of relevant stakeholders
gave it valuable insights about the human rights situation in the country. This forms
the basis of the following observations.
17. Overall, the Delegation observed that the interaction during the meetings with the
various Government representatives and other stakeholders were very extensive.
Furthermore, owing to the short period of time in which the Mission was conducted;
the Delegation had an intense programme of work but to a large extent, the
stakeholders meeting provided adequate information, which gave the Delegation an
insight into the human rights situation in Guinea Bissau.
18. Based on the interviews conducted and the information obtained by the Delegation
during its exchanges with various stakeholders, the findings of the mission are
discussed below, taking into account the mission’s Terms of Reference.
2.1 Legislative and other measures to implement the provisions of the African Charter
19. The Delegation took note of information provided on the measures taken by the
Government to implement provisions of the African Charter. The Government had
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adopted laws to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights, including a
law prohibiting FGM of 2009 and law prohibiting domestic violence of 2015.
20. Additionally, the Delegation noted with concern that the Government has not
established a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) in line with the Paris
Principles, dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.
There is however a National Human Rights Commission which is not in accordance
with the Paris Principles. It is an inter-ministerial Commission with 30 members, of
which half of the Members are from Ministries and other entities.
21. Through its various interactions with State and non-state actors, the Delegation took
note of Guinea Bissau’s relatively low level of ratification of regional and international
human rights instruments. Various Government institutions attributed the lack of
ratification of most regional and international human rights treaties to the consistent
instability in the country. In particular, Guinea Bissau was not a party to the following:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
Protocol to the African Charter on Human And Peoples' Rights on the
Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights;
Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the
Rights of Older Persons;
Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities in Africa;
Optional Protocols to the Right of the Child;
Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights;
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant
Workers and Members of Their Families;
The Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced
Disappearance;
Rome Statute on the International Criminal Court.
2.2 Access to Justice
22. . In terms of access to justice, the Delegation was informed about the Centre for
Access to Justice which was established in 2009, with a primary mandate to create
awareness on rights to civil society, including women and children in rural areas.
The Centers which have since been established in Bissau and other regions in the
country, also provide legal services. Additionally, the Centre partners with the Bar
Association in the country to provide legal services to indigents. The Delegation
however noted that there is need to carry out reforms in the judicial system to work
with local and international partners to ensure consistent access to justice.
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23. The Delegation further noted the need for access to justice in some regions of Guinea
Bissau as the Delegation was informed that there are no Courts in some regions, and
as such people need to travel long distances to other regions to have access to justice.
2.3 Right to Life, Extrajudicial and Summary Killings
24. The Delegation learnt that impunity is a major human rights issue that is of concern
for the international community and needs to be addressed by the national
authorities. The Delegation noted that impunity impacts on the general human rights
situation in the country. The Delegation was informed that there have been political
assassinations and other crimes committed in Guinea Bissau between 2004 and 2012.
The Delegation further noted that several calls have been made by the UN Secretary
General and other international organizations post 2012 for investigations to be
made.
2.4 Prohibition of Torture
25. The Delegation was informed that there is no information on torture cases in Guinea
Bissau, and there are no records of institutionalized torture or outright cases of
torture.
2.5 Prisons and Conditions of Detention
26. The Delegation visited the Criminal Investigation Police Detention Centre of
BANDIM Detention Centre in the capital city of Bissau and the Mansôa Prison located
in the Mansôa, town near the source of the Mansôa River in central Guinea-Bissau.
27. During its site visit to the Detention Centre of BANDIM, the Delegation interacted
with the Director of the Prison system in Bissau, who provided relevant information
on prisons and the conditions of detention in Guinea Bissau. The Delegation took a
tour of the Detention Centre, to inspect the facilities and interact with inmates.
28. Specifically, the Delegation was informed that the capacity of the Detention Centre is
fifty(50) detainees, however at the time of the visit, the Detention Centre was
overcrowded with eight-two (82) detainees ( comprising of eighty (80) men and two
(2) women , including seven(7) foreigners from Guinea Conakry and Nigeria). There
were eight (8) cells for men, one (1) for women, and a kitchen. Each cell has a capacity
of eight (8) detainees, but there were ten (10) detainees in each cell at the time of the
visit. There were no beds or mattresses in the cells and inmates were lying down on
the bare floor. Most of the detainees had spent a year or more in the Detention Centre
12
and were arrested on drug trafficking charges.
29. The Delegation noted with concern that there was one (1) juvenile aged sixteen (16)
years, who was detained in the same cell as adult detainees. The Delegation further
noted the Detention Centre was dilapidated and the extremely poor conditions. The
delegation was informed that the AU Liaison Office funded and facilitated the
rehabilitation of the Detention Centre not too long ago, including installation of CCTV
cameras. However, within a short period of time, the Detention Centre was
dilapidated and the CCTV was also not functioning, at the visit of the visit. The
Delegation was informed that detainees were not provided with toothbrushes
because they could use it as a weapon.
30. The female wing which was equipped with one (1) cell housed two (2) young women
and no children. The Prison Director’s office was small and the kitchen was not
adequately equipped. The Delegation was further informed that the Centre had no
vehicles and as such, when a detainee is sick, they were taken to hospital by a taxi.
31. The Delegation also visited Mansôa, Prison. The prison was not overcrowded with
about twenty (20) inmates (all male). This prison was well organised with two (2)
inmates per cell. The prison conditions were satisfactory and the environment was
clean and calm. The delegation was informed that inmates were provided with meals
and they were allowed to leave their cells every day to attend to recreational and
educational activities. During the visit, the Delegation was offered lunch, which was
prepared on-site.
32. Generally, the Delegation noted that there was a need to mobilize more material
resources to upgrade the prison systems in Guinea Bissau to internationally
recognized standards.
2.6 Judicial Police and Law enforcement Agencies
33. The Delegation noted that there was only one office in the capital of Bissau
responsible for judicial police matters and where there are cases that need police
attention in the provinces, the police have to travel to those areas. The Delegation
learnt that there are different units in the Police Department dealing with issues such
as reports on corruption and mismanagement by government institutions, domestic
violence, forced and early marriages, children’s rights issues, migration and human
trafficking issues, terrorism, theft and other criminal activities.
34. The Delegation was informed that there are 160 Security Agents in Bissau, out of
which 19 are Female Officers (of which 3 are Inspectors dealing with issues of women
and children, trafficking in persons and Interpol).
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35. The Delegation further noted with concern the lack of adequate vehicles and
equipment’s at the disposal of the Police to effectively carry out their work; and the
lack of prosecution of drug traffickers due to their constant release without
prosecution by the Public Ministry.
36. The Delegation noted with appreciation, measures taken in respect of rights of
detainees by the Police in particular, respect for the 48 hours rule and right to a
lawyer etc. The Delegation also took note of the efforts being made by the Police in
providing human rights training for Police Officers, including trainings conducted
in collaboration with NGOs and United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in
Guinea-Bissau (UNORGBIS) at national and sub regional levels- where experiences
are shared with other Police Officers from countries that share borders with Guinea
Bissau.
37. Furthermore, the Delegation noted that Police Inspectors also engage in the
preparation of daily or weekly reports submitted to the Office of the Director, on
violations of the rights of persons who come in contact with the Police; conduct
sensitization campaigns in various communities to raise awareness on criminal
activities taken place in the communities; and established a judicial police service
that operates 24hrs, where citizens can report violations of human rights by the
Police.
2.7 Freedom of Assembly and Association
38. The right to Assembly with prior authorization is provided by the Constitution of
Guinea Bissau, and when demonstrations are not authorized, they are prohibited.
The Delegation was informed that in the last couple of years, the right to freedom of
Assembly has been constantly violated as the right to protest is being curtailed. The
Delegation was further informed that sometimes demonstrations are interrupted and
organizers beaten when they carry out Assemblies.
39. The Delegation was also informed that there have been a proliferation of political
demonstrations over the years due to political instabilities which led to the adoption
of a law to prohibit such demonstrations. The law was based on another outdated
law which existed during the colonial period.
40. Regarding Associations, the Delegation was informed that everybody has a right to
form an Association, provided they comply with the requirements imposed by the
Government. When Associations are formed, they are required to be legitimized in
the Ministry of Justice through submitting statutes; name of the Association; and
members Identity Cards. This enables the Ministry of Justice certify that the
Association is not duplicated and that its objectives are legitimate.
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2.8 Freedom of Expression and Access to Information
41. The delegation was informed that there are attempts to control the press and
journalists are threatened for expressing opinions related to the Government. In
addition, the Delegation was informed that sometimes there is abuse of freedom of
expression and information by state authorities especially during political impasses.
The Delegation noted that apart from Constitutional guarantees, there were no laws
that protect the rights to freedom of expression and information in the country.
42. The Delegation learnt with concern that journalists lack professional training and
they had a serious misinterpretation of what freedom of the press entails.
Furthermore, that Journalists use internet and blogging which have a large influence
in the society and instigates violence in some cases. The Delegation was informed
that Journalists work under precarious conditions, with no contracts and
remuneration.
43. The Delegation learnt further that due to the series of uprisings in the country, the
public press was susceptible to censorship and Journalists who belong to political
parties were seriously penalized. It was noted that the political parties other than
those forming the Government, are not covered on TV, and Radio stations that report
the reality of the political situation in the country are threatened. It was also noted
that there is lack of access to sources of information; and giving this lack of access,
the reality of the country is not reported in the Press.
2.9 Human Rights Defenders
44. Regarding human rights defenders, the Delegation was informed that there are a
number of NGOs working in the area of promotion and protection of human rights
in the country, however they focus mainly on civil and political rights, and not
economic, social and cultural rights. It was noted that there is no legislation or
mechanism which protects the rights of human rights defenders in the country. In
addition, they are not organised, but with the support of UNIOGBIS, human rights
defenders are in the process of organising themselves to effectively deliver on their
mandates.
2.10 Rights of Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons
45. The Delegation was informed that Guinea Bissau established the National
Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (the Refugee
Commission) in 2008, which is an inter-ministerial Commission comprising of the
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Ministries of Justice, Interior, Education and Health. The Refugee Commission
derives its mandate from the International Convention on Refugees and the AU
Convention on Refugees, and gives advice to the Government on issues of refugees
and internally displaced persons.
46. The Delegation noted that refugees are in different regions in the country and are
treated with dignity and respect. 98% of the refugees in Guinea Bissau are Senegalese
refugees and are living in the cashew nut area regions. The remaining 2% include
people from Nigeria, DRC, Rwanda, Chad and The Gambia. The Delegation was
informed that when refugees return to their respective countries, they do so
voluntarily. It was noted that there are no internally displaced persons in Guinea
Bissau.
47. The Delegation noted with appreciation that Guinea Bissau is the second country in
Africa to naturalize and provide citizenship to refugees in large numbers. Refugees
are provided with small jobs while going through the process of naturalization and
citizenship. In addition the State provides land to the Refugee Commission to house
refugees; refugee children attend schools; and at the time of the visit, there were no
refugees in prison.
48. The Delegation noted that the various challenges encountered by the Refugee
Commission in the area of refugees include the lack of a statutory provision for
unaccompanied children. The Delegation was informed that by September 2018, the
new law on children which includes “unaccompanied children”, would be validated.
Other challenges were noted, including the fact that some refugees who are already
under international protection move to Bissau, thereby delaying the work of the
Refugee Commission.
2.11 Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
49. The Delegation was informed that Economic, Social and Cultural Rights are at the
same level as other rights which are guaranteed by the Constitution of Guinea Bissau.
The Delegation noted that these rights are justiciable in the local courts. However,
the Delegation was informed that Civil and Political rights had more prominence in
Guinea Bissau than Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
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2.11.1 Right to Housing
50. The Delegation learnt that the increase in population in Guinea Bissau has resulted
in an increment of shortages in housing in the country. The Government is working
with microfinance institutions and non-bank financial institutions to assist people
working in informal sectors, as well as people living in rural areas to receive funding
for the construction of adequate housing for its people.
2.11.2 Right to Employment
51. The Delegation was informed that there is a level of poverty which promotes
instability. The economy in Guinea-Bissau which is mostly dependent on cashew
nuts, has deteriorated due to the political instability over the years, compounded by
mismanagement of funds and corruption. This has greatly affected the employment
rate in the country, particularly the youth population. The Delegation noted with
concern the extremely high rate of unemployment for the youth and the very low
salary rates in the public sector, with the low minimum wage of about $50.
2.11.3 Right to Health and Access to Health Care
52. The Delegation was informed that access to adequate health care and services,
including to sexual and reproductive health and related information, remain a
challenge, especially in rural areas. This is exacerbated by conditions of extreme
poverty and evidenced by the alarming rate of child/infant and maternal mortality.
53. The Delegation learnt that in an effort to curb the prevalence of HIV/AIDs, the
Government developed a National Strategic Plan, which includes the expansion of
customer call centres. The Government also established a National Secretariat
specialized to give assistance to people with disabilities and persons living with
HIV/AIDs, and the provision of free ARVs to persons living with HIV/AIDs.
54. The Delegation was informed that each region in Guinea Bissau has a health
centre, however there are shortages of doctors and medical staff, which affects the
quality of health care provided.
17
2.11.4 Right to Education
55. The Delegation was informed that the right to education was a major challenge in
Guinea Bissau and according to statistics from UNICEF, 44% of children in the
country do not go to school. The Delegation noted that one of the customs in Guinea
Bissau encourages girls not to go to school, not to be immunized, to practice FGM
and forced marriages. Furthermore, the life expectancy rate in Bissau is very low
with an average life expectancy rate of 46 to 47 years of age. Bissau also has the
highest infant mortality and maternal mobility rate in the region. These were all
attributed to the lack of education, especially to women and girls.
56. The Delegation learnt that the Ministry of Education prioritized the need for girls to
attend school and get educated. The Ministry entered into a partnership with the
World Food Programme and Plan International, to encourage girls to go to school by
providing school feeding programmes, as well as uniforms and books for students.
The Delegation also learnt that Nursery and Primary school education are free and
the payment of school fees only applied to secondary and university school levels.
The Delegation further learnt that a special Commission was established to deal with
school curriculums which ensured that human rights was incorporated in all school
curriculums. Furthermore, the Education system was becoming weaker due to lack
of appropriate conditions for teachers as well as the low level of salaries for teachers.
This was a major setback for the education system as teachers were mostly on strikes.
57. In addition, the Delegation learnt that Bissau has three (3) different Teachers Union.
The Ministry of Education has a Coordination Unit comprising of staff of the Ministry
and representatives of the Teachers Union. In a bid to enhance the education system,
the Ministry of Education signed a one year ‘Stability Agreement’ with the Teachers
Union in 2017, to prevent strikes within the education system. The Delegation was
informed that there are special needs schools in Bissau established for special needs
students such as the deaf, blind etc. There are schools called Beungela Branco
(meaning “white cane”) for the blind and deaf. However, the Government is also
trying to create more schools for other children with disabilities.The Ministry of
Education expressed interest in assisting students with disabilities, particularly
adapting public schools with facilities to allow access for persons with disabilities.
However it noted the lack of adequate resources to do so.
58. The Delegation was concerned to note that education comprised 3% to 4% of the
National Budget of Guinea Bissau and the majority of the allocated budget goes to
salaries, which leaves a minimal amount for the functioning of the Ministry. It was
further noted that priority given to the Ministry of Education was less than that given
to other Ministries.
18
59. The Delegation was further concerned that there were a shortage of schools in both
the rural and urban areas of Guinea Bissau, accompanied by lack of adequate
facilities and access to education. Statistics from UNICEF indicate that 44% of
children in the country do not attend school.The majority of girls that go to school,
do not make it past fourth (4th) or sixth (6th) grade and this was mainly attributed to
the dominance of a patriarchal society in the country. Another major challenge with
the education system relates to the fact that there is no policy on linguistic rights, to
ensure that students that do not speak Portuguese have access to education. This is
because Portuguese and Guinean Creole are the most spoken languages in Guinea
Bissau, however Portuguese is the only language used in schools.
60. At University level, the Delegation learnt that there is only one (1) University in
Guinea Bissau called University of Amilcar Cabral. The University was at a
restructuring phase and the only subjects taught at the time were Computing and
Communications. The university gives students the opportunity to undertake a
variety of courses and students conduct researches whereby they go to the
communities to do surveys on different aspects of the realities of the Guinea Bissau.
The delegation was concerned to note that the Lecturers and students were only
familiar with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights and not aware of the
African Charter and the African Commission. The Dean noted that more work needs
to be done in learning about the African Human Rights system and promised to
ensure that this was part of the curriculum of the University.
2.12 Civil and Political Rights
61. The Delegation learnt that the longstanding political situation in Guinea Bissau
remains fragile and concerning for various reasons, including that political leaders
in the country are unable to reach lasting and consensual solutions. The Delegation
also learnt about the Conakry Agreement on the Resolution of the Political Crisis in
Guinea Bissau (the Conakry Agreement), which was adopted on 14 October 2016 as
a primary framework for a peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Guinea Bissau.
62. Additionally, the Conakry Agreement calls for the involvement of CSOs in the
election process, and the Delegation stressed the importance of implementing the
Conakry Agreement especially for the legislative and presidential elections
scheduled for 2018 and 2019, respectively. This is more so, as inclusive and credible
elections were essential for reform efforts spelled out in the Conakry Agreement and
the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) six-point road map.
19
2.13 Rights of Women & Children
63. The Constitution of Guinea-Bissau, in Articles 25 and 26, provides for equality
between men and women in all spheres of life. However, the Delegation learnt that
in practice, these constitutional guarantees are not implemented effectively. In its
interaction with both State and Non-State actors, the Delegation was informed that
even though Guinea Bissau is a party to CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol, there
exist legislations that discriminate against women. By its own admission, the
Government acknowledged the persistence of harmful cultural beliefs and practices,
commenting that traditional harmful practices such as FGM; forced marriages, and
child marriages, still exist which affects women’s right to health and wellbeing. The
Delegation learnt that even though, there is a law prohibiting FGM, no one has been
detained or prosecuted for practicing FGM. In addition, because the majority of the
population are unaware of their rights, harmful cultural beliefs and practices persist.
64. In order to curb the scourge of FGM, the Government of Guinea-Bissau, adopted the
Law to Prevent, Fight and Suppress FGM (Law No. 14/2011) further implementing
the 2010–2015 National Action Plan to Combat FGM Mutilation. These are aimed at
explicitly prohibiting and punishing the practice of FGM with a view to its
abandonment. The Government further established a national multi-stakeholder
committee mandated to address harmful traditional practices. Despite these efforts
however, the practice of FGM is still prevalent in Guinea-Bissau. The Delegation was
informed that the judicial system was sensitized about the law criminalizing FGM in
August 2018. The Delegation learnt that the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights
will be carrying out a campaign against female circumcision and child marriage in
the following months.
65. Regarding forced and early marriages, the Delegation learnt that Guinea-Bissau Law
establishes that the legal age of marriage is 18 years. However, there are no
corresponding punitive measure for those who force children, particularly girls, into
marriage.The Delegation also learnt that the Ministry of Justice was elaborating a
revised Code that will be completed in December 2018, in the area of prohibiting
early and forced marriages. As already stated, various harmful cultural beliefs and
practices are still prevalent in the country all of which have a direct impact on
Gender-based violence (GBV).
66. The Delegation also learnt that GBV is frequent in Guinea-Bissau and takes various
forms, ranging from intimate partner violence, sexual violence, verbal abuse,
financial deprivation, food deprivation and child/forced marriage. Of particular
concern is the underreporting of cases of GBV due in part to persistent cultural
beliefs, particularly in rural areas. To address this issue, the Delegation learnt that in
2013, the Guinea-Bissau Parliament passed a Bill on the prohibition of Domestic
20
Violence. However, this law was yet to be promulgated or published in the official
gazette.
67. The Delegation was informed that access to justice is also a major challenge with only
25% of women having access to justice. Colonial and Customary Laws still exist that
discriminate against women. Customary laws still have a lot of influence in
communities, therefore a lot of women do not have access to inheritance due to
customary laws and traditional beliefs. The Delegation learnt that most of the laws
that existed during colonial times still exist. The Delegation noted that a large
proportion of women do not know their rights or have knowledge of the Maputo
Protocol and other human rights instruments. The Delegation was informed that for
the few women who know the law and attempt to seek justice, they are disowned by
their families. To address the problem, the Government adopted Law No. 11/2010,
from which it created five (5) Access Centers to Justice, in different parts of the
country. These centres work in conjunction with the Bar Association, courts, police
stations, detention centres and prisons.
68. With regards to political participation of women, Articles 24 of the 1996 Constitution
of Guinea-Bissau, provides that “all persons are equal before the law, enjoy the same rights
and are subject to the same duties...” Thus, Articles 24 and 25 of the Constitution of the
Republic of Guinea-Bissau, as stated above, guarantee the right of a woman to
participate in the political, social and economic life of the country irrespective of the
race to which she belongs or the role she plays in society. However, the Delegation
learnt that women have generally less access to economic and social development as
well as political rights.
69. The Delegation was informed that there is a very low representation of women in
government at decision making levels and in parliament. There are only two (2)
women Parliamentarians at the National Assembly. Furthermore, the Country’s
Electoral Act does not have any mechanisms to govern the equitable participation of
women in the electoral process, and there is no law establishing a quota to ensure the
equal representation of women in politics. It is within this context that a group of
NGOs submitted a petition to the Specialized Committee in Assembly for Women
and Children, to advocate for the implementation of the quota for women to 40%
representation of women at decision making levels, in line with the Maputo Protocol.
70. With respect to abortion, the Delegation learnt that abortion is illegal in Guinea
Bissau unless it is done to save the women’s life and done in a medical institution
with proper hygiene and by a medical professional – this is independent of how the
pregnancy occurred. The Delegation noted that while the law allows for abortion, it
is limited and falls short of the standards set by the Maputo Protocol. Furthermore,
the Delegation was informed that maternal and infant mortality rates are very high
particularly in the rural areas. This is attributed to the lack of financial and technical
21
resources, resulting in the death of many women during childbirth. Specifically on
infant mortality, Government is making efforts for women to have regular checkups
when they are pregnant.
71. On peace building, the Delegation noted that it has been difficult for women to be
part of the peace talks. A lot of women attempted to be part of the peace talks,
however there was resistance. The Delegation noted that there were women
mediators referred to as facilitators, to facilitate the implementation of the Conakry
Agreement. However there were a lot of threats levied against them and the women
retracted.
72. Regarding the rights of children, the Delegation was informed that the Government
recently adopted the Law on Prevention and Fight against Trafficking in Persons,
Particularly Women and Children (Law No. 12/2011) and also adopted a national
Action Plan. However, implementation of the law remains wanting. The Delegation
noted with concern the phenomena of traffic of infants and children, particularly the
plight of Talibé children, sent abroad under the pretext of going to learn the Quran
and end up begging on the streets.
73. The Delegation was informed that by December 2018, the Government intended to
propose laws that protect the rights of children and this would be done using
international principles and standards not just on trafficking of children, but also
women.
2.14 Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities
74. The Delegation noted with concern that that there is no specific legislation protecting
the rights of older persons and persons with disabilities. However apart from the fact
that Guinea Bissau has signed international treaties that protect the rights of this
category of people, the Constitution also prohibits any form of discrimination against
older persons and persons with disability. The Government is also carrying out
sensitization campaigns relating to their protection.
2.15 Extractive Industries and Environment
75. The Delegation was informed that Guinea Bissau is at its early stages of extractive
resource development due to the oil prospects likely to boost the country’s economy.
In this regard, the Delegation stated the importance of strengthening the
Government’s capacity before venturing into extraction of natural resources. The
Delegation particularly underscored that the Government should have a strategy;
collaborate with international development partners; and not rush into the process
without understanding the standards and modalities.
22
2.16 Conflict and Transitional Justice
76. Despite Guinea Bissau’s political instability over the years, the delegation noted that
there are no transitional justice mechanisms in the country.
3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
77. Based on the findings of the Delegation, the Commission calls on the Government of
Guinea Bissau to adopt the following recommendations, in order to ensure the
effective promotion and protection of human rights in the country.
Legislative and other measures to implement the provisions of the African Charter
78. The Commission notes with concern the low rate of ratification of regional and
international instruments, and calls on the Government to expedite their ratification.
Specifically, the Commission calls on the Government to ratify the following:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
xi.
The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the
Establishment of an African Court on Human and People’s Rights; and
make the declaration under Article 34(6) of the Protocol to the African
Charter on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’
Rights to allow individuals to bring cases before the African Court;
The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the
Rights of Older Persons;
The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa;
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and
its Optional Protocol;
The Optional Protocol on the Convention of the Rights of the Child;
The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture;
Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights;
The Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty;
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its
Optional Protocol;
The Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced
Disappearance; and
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All
Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
23
79. The Commission also calls on the Government to:
i.
ii.
Expedite the drafting and enactment of all pending laws, including laws
protecting human rights defenders and activists in the country, amongst
others;
Expedite revision of the Statute of the National Human Rights Commission
(Comissão Nacional dos Direitos Humanos (CNDH)) to bring it in line with the
Paris Principles.
Access to Justice
80. Establish courts in different regions of the country to enable easy access to justice
and provide adequate resources for their functioning.
81. Provide adequate resources for effective legal aid programmes.
82. Develop regular sensitization programmes and campaigns for the people of Guinea
Bissau on their rights and access to justice.
Right to Life, Extrajudicial and Summary Killings
83. Take appropriate measures to end impunity and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Prohibition of Torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment
84. Consider enacting a legislation prohibiting torture.
85. Ensure that no detained person is subjected to mental abuse, including isolation.
86. Establish an independent oversight mechanism to investigate allegations of torture
and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Prisons, Conditions of Detention & Policing
87. Address the challenge of overcrowding in prisons by building more prisons across
the country and expediting the trials of awaiting trial inmates.
88. Build and provide adequate healthcare facilities in prisons.
89. Develop recreational and educational programmes and activities in prisons.
24
90. Improve conditions of detention in all detention centers by developing and
implementing a strategy to curb overcrowding in prisons, including by limiting the
use of pre-trial detention.
91. Make use of the Luanda Guidelines on the Conditions of Arrest, Police Custody and
Pre-trial Detention in Africa, while conducting training for prison officers and
reviewing laws and policies relating to arrest, police custody and pre-trial detention.
92. Consider an in-depth reform of the prison system.
Judicial Police and Law enforcement Agencies
93. Establish Judicial Police Offices in different regions of the country.
94. Provide adequate resources including vehicles and equipments for the Police to
effectively carry out their work.
95. Establish an independent Police oversight mechanism to investigate allegations of
violations committed by the Police.
96. Organize regular human rights training to Police Officers and Law Enforcement
Agents in the country; including the Commission’s Guidelines on the Conditions of
Arrest, Police Custody and Pre-Trial Detention in Africa (the Luanda Guidelines),
the Guidelines for the Policing of Assemblies by Law Enforcement Officials in Africa
and the Principles on the Decriminalization of Petty Offences in Africa.
Freedom of Assembly and Association
97. Take appropriate measures to regulate the activities of Associations without undue
interference.
98. Enact Legislation protecting human rights defenders in the country.
99. Recognize the status of human rights defenders or any person working for the
promotion and protection of human rights, as recommended in the Grand Bay and
Kigali Declarations and the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
25
Freedom of Expression and Access to Information
100. Adopt legislation on the right of freedom of expression and access to information,
in line with the Commission’s Model law on Access to Information for Africa and the
Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa.
101. Safeguard freedom of speech and decriminalize defamation.
102. Ensure protection of journalists in the course of duty without regard to their
affiliation to political leaders or not.
103. Ensure professional training of journalists, including ethics and human rights
training.
Rights of Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
104. Provide adequate material and financial resources to the Refugee Commission to
effectively carry out its mandate.
Right to Housing
105. Provide adequate resources for the construction of new homes for the people of
Guinea Bissau.
106. Ensure people have access to low cost housing, in particular vulnerable groups
such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, women and children.
Right to Employment
107. Develop programmes to alleviate poverty and provide employment opportunities
for the people of Guinea Bissau.
108. Intensify initiatives to address youth unemployment in the country, particularly
provision of skills and professional training to the youth as a revenue for
empowerment.
26
Right to Health and Access to Health Care
109. Take necessary steps to increase budget allocation to the health care sector and
services.
110. Ensure access to quality health care and services including, to sexual and
reproductive health and related information.
111. Create conducive environment to ensure the exercise of the right to health for all
citizens without discrimination, including people living in rural areas.
112. Provide adequate and effective HIV/AIDS care and access to anti-retroviral drugs.
113. Adopt urgent measures to reduce the rate of HIV infections in the country
particularly young girls and women.
114. Provide adequate resources and take appropriate measures to develop
programmes and initiatives to curb infant mortality rates.
Right to Education
115. Take measures to increase the rate of children going to school.
116. Include the African Human Rights System in the curriculum of schools and
especially in Universities.
117. Increase the salaries of teachers to improve the quality of the education system
and prevent regular strikes.
118. Provide adequate resources to adopt schools with facilities to allow access for
persons with disabilities.
119. Build more schools in rural and urban areas of Guinea Bissau.
120. Promote sensitization campaigns to enable citizens understand the right and
benefits of education, especially as it relates to the girl child.
121. Increase the rate of the National Budget for education and provide the Ministry
of Education with adequate resources to raise the standard of education in Guinea
Bissau.
27
122. Invest in teacher education and continuous training, school infrastructure and
learning materials for all schools across the country.
123. Provide the University with adequate resources to function properly and
increase its modules and courses.
Civil and Political Rights
124. Implement the Conakry Agreement, with the objective to promote peace and
stability in Guinea Bissau.
125. Ensure that elections are free, fair, and involves CSOs in the planning, monitoring
and all the elections-related modalities where they could be involved.
Rights of Women and Children
126. Implement the existing laws criminalizing FGM and human trafficking.
127. Promulgate or publish the Bill on domestic violence in the official gazette, in order
to enable public debate
128. Adopt a legislation which spells out the quota for the participation of women in
politics, and institute concrete measures in order to encourage women’s effective
participation in politics.
129. Consider harmonizing the law relating to abortion and bring it in line with the
Maputo Protocol.
130. Expedite adoption of the revised Code prohibiting early and forced marriages.
131. Expedite adoption of laws that protect the rights of children.
132. Take steps to stop the phenomena of child trafficking, and in particular, address
the plight of the Talibé children.
133. Investigate and hold perpetrators accountable in cases of gender based violence
including domestic violence.
28
Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities
134. Adopt legislation that specifically addresses the rights of older persons and
persons with disabilities.
135. Adopt measures that prohibit discrimination against older persons and persons
with disabilities.
136. Ensure that all public spaces are equipped to assist and are accessible to persons
with disabilities.
Extractive Industries and Environment
137. Set up international standards for resource governance, and also put in place, legal
and institutional measures to regulate the extractive process, and ensure citizens
benefit from process; ensure that there is value addition to the country’s natural
resources; and build capacities of the citizens to work at different levels of the
extractive process.
Conflict and Transitional Justice
138. Establish transitional justice mechanisms in the country.
139. Effectively implement the Conakry Agreement to ensure sustainable peace and
development in Guinea Bissau.
29
4.0 ANNEXES
Annex 1: List of people met during the Meetings
Monday 16 July 2018
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
xi.
xii.
xiii.
Briefing with Special Representative of the African Union in Guinea Bissau and
Head of the AU liaison Office in Guinea Bissau.
Meeting with His Excellency Dr. João Ribeiro Butiam Cô, Minister of Foreign
Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities.
Meeting with His Excellency Mr. Iaia Djalo, Minister of Justice and Human
Rights.
Meeting with Mr. Lino Leal da Silva, Director General of the Prisons Service.
Meeting with Her Excellency Mrs. Maria Inácia Có Sanhá, Minister of Public
Health, Family and Social Cohesion.
Meeting with the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission.
Meeting with the leadership of the UM party
Meeting with the leadership of the PND party
Meeting with the leadership of the PCD party
Meeting with the leadership of the PRS party
Meeting with the leadership of the PAIGC party
Meeting with a group of Political Parties without a seat in Parliament
Meeting with the Media
Tuesday 17 July 2018
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Meeting with the Chairperson of the Guinean Human Rights League (LGDH).
Meeting with the Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Police (Polícia
Judiciária).
Meeting with His Excellency Dr. Basílio Sanca, Chairman of the Bar
Association.
Meeting with His Excellency Mr. Camilo Simões Pereira, Minister of
Education, Higher Education, Youth, Culture and Sports.
Meeting with the Institute for Women and Children (IMC)
Meeting with the National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced
Persons.
30
Wednesday, 18 July 2018
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Meeting with the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office.
Meeting with His Excellency Dr. Mutaro Djaló, Minister of the Interior.
Meeting with His Excellency Dr. Paulo Sanha, Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court.
Meeting with His Excellency Dr. Aristides Gomes, Prime-Minister.
Meeting with Amílcar Cabral University students
Thursday 19 July 2018
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Meeting with Civil Society Organizations/NGOs (Including NGOs dealing
with the Rights of Women).
Meeting with His Excellency Dr. Cipriano Cassama, Speaker of the People’s
National Assembly (ANP).
Meeting with Honourable MP Higino Cardoso, Chairperson of the Standing
Specialized Commission on Legal and Human Rights Affairs.
Meeting with His Excellency Dr. José Mário Vaz, President of the Republic.
Friday 20 July 2018
i.
ii.
iii.
Visit to the Criminal Investigation Police Detention Centre at Bandim.
Visit to the Mansoa Prison
Press Conference
31
ANNEX 2: The Agenda of the Mission
PROGRAMME FOR THE WORKING VISIT TO GUINEA-BISSAU BY A HIGHLEVEL DELEGATION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISISON ON HUMAN AND
PEOPLES’ RIGHTS FROM 16 TO 20 JULY 2018
Monday, 16 July 2018
09:00-09:35 – Audience with His Excellency Dr. João Ribeiro Butiam Cô, Minister of
Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities.
Venue: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Government Palace)
09:45-10:15 – Audience with His Excellency Mr. Iaia Djalo, Minister of Justice and
Human Rights.
Venue: Ministry of Justice
10:17-10:45 – Meeting with Mr. Lino Leal da Silva, Director General of the Prisons Service.
Venue: Ministry of Justice
10:30-11:15 – Meeting with Her Excellency Mrs. Maria Inácia Có Sanhá, Minister of Public
Health, Family and Social Cohesion.
11:30-12:30 – Meeting with the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission.
Venue: Commission’s Headquarters
13:10-14:00 – Lunch
Afternoon
14:10-14:35 – Meeting with the leadership of the UM party
Venue: African Union Liaison Office
14:40-15:05-Meeting with the leadership of the PND party
Venue: African Union Liaison Office
15:10-15:35-Meeting with the leadership of the PCD party
Venue: African Union Liaison Office
15:40-16:05-Meeting with the leadership of the PRS party
Venue: African Union Liaison Office
16:10-16:35-Meeting with the leadership of the PAIGC party
Venue: African Union Liaison Office
32
16:40-17:05- Meeting with a group of Political Parties without a seat in Parliament
Venue: African Union Liaison Office
17:10-18:00- Meeting with the media
Venue: African Union Liaison Office
Tuesday, 17 July 2018
09:30-10:30 – Meeting with the Chairperson of the Guinean Human Rights League
(LGDH).
Venue: LGDH Headquarters
10:35-11:30- Meeting with the Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Police
(Polícia Judiciária).
Venue: Criminal Investigation Police
11:35-12:30 – Meeting with His Excellency Dr. Basílio Sanca, Chairman of the Bar
Association.
Venue: Secretariat of the Bar Association.
13:10-14:00 – Lunch
Afternoon
14:15-15:10 – Audience with His Excellency Mr. Camilo Simões Pereira, Minister of
Education, Higher Education, Youth, Culture and Sports.
Venue: Ministry of Education
15:20-16:00- Meeting with the Institute for Women and Children (IMC)
Venue: African Union Liaison Office
16:05-17:00- Meeting with the National Commission for Refugees and Internally
Displaced Persons.
Venue: African Union Liaison Office
Wednesday, 18 July 2018
09:30-10:30- Meeting with the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office.
Venue: UN Head Office
10:45-11:40 – Audience with His Excellency Dr. Mutaro Djaló, Minister of the Interior.
Venue: Ministry of the Interior.
11:55-12:45 – Audience with His Excellency Dr. Paulo Sanha, Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court.
Venue: Palace of Justice
13:00-14:00 – Lunch
Afternoon
14:15-15:30 – Audience with His Excellency Dr. Aristides Gomes, Prime-Minister.
33
Venue: Primatura (Government Palace)
15:40-16:30- Meeting with Amílcar Cabral University students
Venue: Amílcar Cabral University
Thursday, 19 July 2018
09:30-10:30 – Interactive Meeting with Civil Society Organizations/NGOs (Including
NGOs dealing with the Rights of Women).
Venue: African Union Liaison Office
10:40-11:40 – Audience with His Excellency Dr. Cipriano Cassama, Speaker of the
People’s National Assembly (ANP).
Venue: ANP Headquarters (Colina de Boe Palace)
11:45-12:40 – Meeting with Honourable MP Higino Cardoso, Chairperson of the
Standing Specialized Commission on Legal and Human Rights Affairs.
Venue: ANP Headquarters (Colina de Boe Palace)
13:00-14:00 – Lunch
Afternoon
14:30-15:30- Audience with His Excellency Dr. José Mário Vaz, President of the Republic.
Venue: Palace of the Republic
Friday, 20 July 2018
09:30-10:20 – Visit to the Criminal Investigation Police Detention Centre at Bandim.
10:30-12:30 – Visit to the Mansoa Prison
13:00-14:00 – Lunch
Press Conference
21 July 2018 – Delegation Leaves for the Airport
***********************************
34