31. Appreciates the efforts made by Gabon in combating unemployment through the
establishment, with the support of the European Union, of a project to promote the
vocational training and re-integration of the youth;
32. Takes note of the integrated development project for indigenous communities which
includes the registration of birth certificates issued to indigenous children and the
vaccination of indigenous children;
33. Notes with satisfaction the establishment of a Climate Commission, the
development of a national policy on the management of environmental hazards, and
the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions;
34. Commends the establishment of a national media development fund which
provides subsidies to private audio-visual and print media;
II. Factors restricting the enjoyment of human rights guaranteed by the African
Charter
35. Sociological and cultural factors and deeply-rooted prejudices against women
continue to prevent women from fully participating in the public affairs of their
country.
36. Harmful cultural, religious and traditional practices continue to restrict Gabonese
women and children from fully enjoying their rights, and are often the cause of
several human rights violations against women and children.
37. Lack of knowledge, by the majority of the population, about the national, regional
and international human rights promotion and protection instruments ratified by
Gabon also restricts the effective enjoyment of human rights in Gabon.
III.Areas of Concern
While acknowledging the significant efforts made by the Government of Gabon to
promote and protect human rights, the Commission is however concerned about the
following:
38. The non-ratification of some relevant regional and international human rights
instruments, namely:
The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights
of Women in Africa;
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