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On 2 November Lithuania presented 2nd report on human rights situation in the country throughout the years of 2012-2016.

Human rights situation in Lithuania was presented by the Head of delegation Vice-Minister of Justice Mr Paulius Griciūnas. Representatives from the ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs, Social Security and Labor, Health, Education and Science, Interior as well as Office of the Government, Prosecutor’s Office and Department of National Minorities. The session was also attended by the Ombudsman Augustinas Normantas. During the introduction speech the Vice-Minister of Justice mentioned that the review of Lithuania’s human rights situation coincided with the special event – this year marks 25th anniversary when independent Republic of Lithuania became a member of the United Nations. He also stressed that Lithuania has gone a long way by joining the most important international documents which ensure human rights as well as cooperating with regional and international human rights monitoring mechanisms and transferring the provisions of international human rights into a national law. While presenting Lithuania’s achievements in the human rights section throughout the period of 2012-2016, an emphasis was put on the work done regarding the adoption and active application of the measures aimed to combat hate crimes, intolerance and discrimination as well as ensuring equal opportunities, seeking more effective protection of the rights of the child and making the foundation for the effective protection of the rights of refugees and their integration.

During the session Lithuania has received more than 150 questions and recommendations on ensuring gender equality, combating domestic violence, rights of the Roma, children rights, protection of people with disabilities and LGBT, improving the conditions in the prisons and accreditation of national human rights institution. Lithuania received questions and recommendations from more than 50 states.

The Universal Periodic Review is a mechanism that emerged in 2008. The Universal Periodic Review is considered as one of the most successful Human Rights Council’s processes ensuring equal treatment to all States. The overall human rights situation in each of the UN Member States is being assessed during this process. The human rights situation is reviewed every 5 years. Other countries, both Human Rights Council Member States and States observers, carry out the evaluation.

The human rights situation in Lithuania was reviewed for the first time in October 2011.