Namibia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the universal periodic review process and to the principles of universality, equality, and human dignity.
Delivering the country's national statement at the 52nd Universal Periodic Review session of the UN in Geneva, Justice and Labour Relations Minister Wise Immanuel said Namibia remains committed to strengthening human rights protections and fulfilling its international obligations.
The 52nd session of the Universal Periodic Review examines the human rights records of Namibia and 14 other countries.
Immanuel highlighted milestones since Namibia's last review, including the successful conduct of the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections and the 2024 Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections.
All these, he said, demonstrate the country's commitment to democracy, accountability and the rule of law.
He also pointed to the country's progress in gender representation, pointing out that for the first time, the country is governed by a female President, a female Vice President, while the top leadership is also female-dominated.
In. This level of representation places Namibia among the leading countries in Africa and globally that are advanced in human political participation, surpassing the global average of an estimated 26% of women in National Assemblies. It reflects clear and tangible evidence of Namibia's commitment at the highest level of governance to address gender disparity and promote inclusive leadership. Since our last review, Namibia has continued to consolidate democratic governance."
Immanuel further outlined progress in labour rights, social protection, education and gender equality.
These include the ratification of key International Labour Organisation conventions aimed at protecting workers and promoting dignity in the workplace.
He said the government continues to strengthen legislative and institutional measures to combat discrimination, gender-based violence, human trafficking and other human rights violations.
Despite these gains, the minister acknowledged that challenges such as poverty, unemployment, income inequality and violence against women and children still remain national concerns.
"Through NDP 6, we aim to address structural inequality, enhance prevention and response to violence, and expand employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women, to ensure that no one is left behind. Namibia remains, or reaffirms rather, its commitment to fulfilling its obligation under the international human rights instrument and continuously improving the limited realities of its people."