Speech

43rd Universal Periodic Review: UK statement on France

The UK's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Simon Manley, delivered a statement at France’s UPR at the Human Rights Council.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Simon Manley CMG
Published
2 May 2023
Location:
Geneva
Delivered on:
(Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)
Simon Manley CMG

The UK recognises France’s strong commitment to maintaining and strengthening human rights.

We commend France’s commitments to tackle human trafficking, to advance gender equality, and to address gender-based violence. We note that the number of female victims of domestic violence in France has decreased from 2019 to 2022. However, in 2021, one woman was killed every three days by a partner or ex-partner.

We recommend:

  1. Developing capacity to tackle the exploitation of vulnerable people, including victims of human trafficking and modern slavery.

  2. Improving access to justice for victims of sexual crimes and domestic violence.

  3. Improvements to conditions and over-crowding in prisons.

Thank you, Mr President.

Published 2 May 2023