World news story

UPR51: UK Statement on São Tomé and Príncipe

Delivered at São Tomé and Príncipe's Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

• From: UK Mission to the WTO, UN and other international organisations (Geneva)
• Published: 3 February 2026

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

The United Kingdom recognises São Tomé and Príncipe’s efforts to protect human rights through its accession of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its continued engagement with international human rights mechanisms.

The UK commends São Tomé and Príncipe for the delivery of peaceful and inclusive elections in 2022. We encourage a free and transparent electoral process, in accordance with international human rights standards, for their 2026 Presidential elections.

We recommend that São Tomé and Príncipe:

1. Accelerates efforts to eliminate all forms of child labour, in line with the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, and through the full implementation of the National Action Plan.

2. Establishes a fully independent National Human Rights Institution in line with the Paris Principles, including by adopting the necessary legislation and ensuring adequate resources to enable effective monitoring and protection of human rights.

3. Ratifies the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Thank you.

Published 3 February 2026