UN Human Rights Council Adopts Universal Periodic Review Second Cycle Outcome for Lithuania
On 16 March 2017, the outcome of the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of the Republic of Lithuania was discussed in Geneva at the 34th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The results of Lithuania’s participation in the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review were adopted by consensus. For the new four year cycle, Lithuania has accepted 153 (out of 172) recommendations made by the UN Member States. Recommendations address accession to international conventions regulating various aspects of human rights; measures to promote tolerance and non-discrimination, to ensure respect for the rights of women, children, members of ethnic minorities, LGBT community, disabled persons; the rule of law; freedom of religion and belief; freedom of speech and freedom of expression, the fight against corruption, combatting trafficking of human beings, countering hate speech, and other related areas.
The Universal Periodic Review mechanism was established by the UN General Assembly in 2006, simultaneously with the Human Rights Council itself. This mechanism applies to all UN Member States, without exception. It aims to improve the human rights situation in each country on the basis of recommendations made by other UN Members and non-governmental organizations. The decisions on acceptance of the recommendations are made by the authorities of the country concerned. At the end of each cycle, the country presents a report on the implementation of the accepted recommendations and the overall progress in the area of human rights.
