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Oral Statements

Angola UPR: Progress Made but More Action Needed

The 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council

 Item 6: UPR adoption outcomes of Angola 

Joint statement by Association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration and Geneva International Centre for Justice

1 July 2025

By Skye Visser / GICJ 

Angola’s continued engagement with the UPR process is commendable, particularly its acceptance of 209 recommendations and acknowledgment of 74 others. However, the full realiSation of human rights requires not only acceptance but also meaningful and impactful implementation in line with international obligations. We acknowledge Angola’s positive steps, including the adoption of a new Criminal Code that decriminaliSes same-sex relationships and prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Additionally, efforts to advance women’s rights, particularly through the promotion of women to senior leadership positions in government and the judiciary, deserve recognition. These developments represent important progress, although further steps imperatively need to be taken. It is of utmost importance that Angola fully criminalises child marriage without exception. The Government should remove provisions in the Family Code that currently allow minors, as young as 15 years old, to marry under certain circumstances. Over 2.9 million women and girls in Angola have already experienced the devastating consequences of child marriage.

Dear Assembly, without decisive action, millions more remain at risk. Therefore, Angola is strongly encouraged to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, a long-standing recommendation still under review. This is especially urgent given ongoing reports of arbitrary arrests, excessive force against protesters, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly notably, four activists were unjustly detained in 2023 for planning a peaceful protest.

GICJ and the Association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration calls for the full respect and protection of human rights in Angola, which is essential not only for the dignity and safety of its citizens but also for the country’s international credibility and standing. Immediate action is needed.

Muito Obrigada

 Angola UPR: Progress Made but More Action Needed
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The 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council

 Item 6: UPR adoption outcomes of Angola 

Joint statement by Association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration and Geneva International Centre for Justice

1 July 2025

By Skye Visser / GICJ 

Angola’s continued engagement with the UPR process is commendable, particularly its acceptance of 209 recommendations and acknowledgment of 74 others. However, the full realiSation of human rights requires not only acceptance but also meaningful and impactful implementation in line with international obligations. We acknowledge Angola’s positive steps, including the adoption of a new Criminal Code that decriminaliSes same-sex relationships and prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Additionally, efforts to advance women’s rights, particularly through the promotion of women to senior leadership positions in government and the judiciary, deserve recognition. These developments represent important progress, although further steps imperatively need to be taken. It is of utmost importance that Angola fully criminalises child marriage without exception. The Government should remove provisions in the Family Code that currently allow minors, as young as 15 years old, to marry under certain circumstances. Over 2.9 million women and girls in Angola have already experienced the devastating consequences of child marriage.

Dear Assembly, without decisive action, millions more remain at risk. Therefore, Angola is strongly encouraged to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, a long-standing recommendation still under review. This is especially urgent given ongoing reports of arbitrary arrests, excessive force against protesters, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly notably, four activists were unjustly detained in 2023 for planning a peaceful protest.

GICJ and the Association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration calls for the full respect and protection of human rights in Angola, which is essential not only for the dignity and safety of its citizens but also for the country’s international credibility and standing. Immediate action is needed.

Muito Obrigada

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