UPR adoption of Seychelles

Human Rights Council - 48th Session
Outcome of the Universal Periodic Review – Seychelles

Thank you President.

Action Canada makes this statement on behalf of Wildlife Clubs of Seychelles and the Sexual Rights Initiative.

Firstly, we welcome the finalization of the UPR process and express our gratitude to the reviewing countries for their recommendations, and to the state for the commitments made at ICPD+25 Nairobi Summit to improve education, access to sexual and reproductive health services and gender equality while seeking to make us more climate resilient.

However, young people continue to face challenges and need to get more involved in order for these commitments to materialize. The adolescent fertility rate remains high, at 65 births per 1,000 girls aged 15-19 years, contraceptive prevalence rate is currently 46.2%, and high levels of teenage pregnancy is reported as 100 per 1,000 with associated high levels of unsafe abortion. These figures indicate a need for a review of and improvements to sexual and reproductive health and family planning services in Seychelles. Young people are also among the most vulnerable regarding Gender-Based Violence as substantial proportions are victim of sexual abuse. Moreover, these gaps are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent us from reaching our full potential.

We would like to conclude by acknowledging the government’s support for most recommendations and take it as a sign of its strong commitment to young people. We, youth, stand ready to monitor and to work with the government towards the full implementation of the UPR recommendations to allow us to reach our full potential and be more climate-resilient.

Thank you.