E/C.12/NAM/CO/1
United Nations
Economic and Social Council
Distr.: General
23 March 2016
Original: English
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Concluding observations on the initial report of Namibia*
1.
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights considered the initial
report of Namibia on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/NAM/1) at its 3rd, 4th and 5th meetings
(E/C.12/2016/SR.3-5), held on 23 and 24 February 2016, and adopted the following
concluding observations at its 20th meeting, held on 4 March 2016.
A.
Introduction
2.
The Committee welcomes the submission, although with considerable delay, of the
initial report of the State party, the submission of the common core document
(HRI/CORE/NAM/2014) and the submission of the written replies to the list of issues
(E/C.12/NAM/Q/1/Add.1). The Committee also appreciates the frank and constructive
dialogue that it had with the State party’s delegation. Moreover, the Committee welcomes
the additional information submitted in writing after the dialogue.
B.
Positive aspects
3.
The Committee welcomes the legislative, institutional and policy measures taken to
promote economic, social and cultural rights in the State party, including:
(a)
The adoption of the Human Rights Action Plan (2015-1019);
(b)
The extension of free education to the secondary level since January 2016;
(c)
The provision of the old age pension grant to all older persons;
(d)
The allocation of a considerable share of the public budget to social sectors
and the introduction of gender-responsive budgeting;
(e)
The increase in women’s representation in elected bodies;
(f)
The establishment of a school of medicine;
(g)
The expanded immunization programmes that have led to the eradication of
measles, neonatal tetanus and polio.
*
Adopted by the Committee at its fifty-seventh session (22 February-4 March 2016).
GE.16-04777(E)
*1604777*