Staff Reporter
THE Human Rights Council has adopted Namibia’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) outcome by consensus, marking a significant milestone in the country’s continued engagement with the international human rights system.
Namibia’s fourth-cycle UPR outcome reflects the country’s constructive participation in the review process and its commitment to advancing the protection and promotion of human rights for all. During the interactive dialogue held on 4 May 2026, 111 delegations participated and submitted a total of 290 recommendations.
Following comprehensive consultations among the relevant offices, ministries and agencies, Namibia supported 255 recommendations, representing 87.9 per cent of all recommendations received. The remaining 35 recommendations were noted and will remain under review in accordance with Namibia’s constitutional, legal and policy frameworks.
The outcome was presented by Dr Audrin Mathe, Executive Director of the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, who led Namibia’s delegation during the review process.
“This high level of support demonstrates Namibia’s commitment to continuous improvement, constructive international cooperation and the implementation of human rights obligations. It reflects the spirit of the UPR: a process in which progress is encouraged, challenges are acknowledged and solutions are pursued together,” Dr Mathe said.
The supported recommendations will be integrated into Namibia’s National Implementation Plan and aligned with the Sixth National Development Plan and Vision 2030. This will provide a framework for translating the outcome of the review into practical measures, measurable progress and tangible improvements in the lives of the people of Namibia.
The recommendations supported by Namibia include measures relating to gender equality and women’s empowerment; the prevention of discrimination and protection from human rights violations; the rights of children; economic, social and cultural rights; education; health; social protection; trafficking in persons; and the strengthening of human rights monitoring and implementation mechanisms.
Namibia also reaffirmed its support for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and highlighted its ongoing implementation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and the National Gender Equality and Equity Policy for 2025–2035.
The Government further reported progress in the implementation of the National Action Plan on Trafficking in Persons 2023–2027 and in the development of legislation to domesticate the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Namibia acknowledged that significant challenges remain, including gender-based violence, violence against children, unemployment, income inequality and poverty. The Government reaffirmed that addressing these challenges remains a national priority and committed to strengthening inter-agency coordination, improving data collection for human rights monitoring and maintaining inclusive dialogue with civil society, traditional authorities, development partners and the Office of the Ombudsman, Namibia’s National Human Rights Institution.
Regarding the 35 noted recommendations, Namibia clarified that noting a recommendation does not signify disagreement with its underlying human rights principles. Rather, it may reflect the need for further national consultation, legal or constitutional consideration, or differences in the approach to implementation while pursuing the same objective.
Namibia also reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with the Human Rights Council, its mechanisms and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as to fulfilling its obligations under international human rights instruments.
“Namibia leaves this review with gratitude for the dialogue, with clarity about the work ahead, and with renewed determination to advance human rights for all,” Dr Mathe said.
The Government of Namibia expressed its appreciation to the UPR Secretariat, the Troika – Bulgaria, Egypt and Italy – as well as all delegations for their constructive engagement and cooperation throughout the review and preparation of the outcome report.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: UN
