Thank you Mr. President,
Norway would like to thank the delegation of Liechtenstein for their national report and the presentation here today.
We welcome the importance Liechtenstein attaches to the UPR and the follow-up on the recommendations from the first examination. Since the last UPR session, Norway has especially noted the Government's efforts in preparing for ratifications of important Human Rights Conventions, and its commitment to strengthening the rights of sexual minorities. Norway is also encouraged by Liechtenstein's goal to reach an Official Development Assistance (ODA) share of 0.7 per cent of its GNI. We would encourage Liechtenstein to reach this goal as soon as possible.
Underrepresentation of women in elected and appointed bodies in Liechtenstein was mentioned as a concern in the first UPR cycle. We would like to learn more about how Liechtenstein's Government has addressed this issue in order to increase the women's share of parliamentary seats after the forthcoming election in February 2013. Furthermore, it has been reported that women's wages on average are nearly 20 % lower than men's wages. Norway recommends that Liechtenstein develops a strategy to even out the inequality in wages between women and men.
Finally, Norway notes that Liechtenstein has taken measures to combat racism and to ensure the rights of minorities. However, both the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and the Council of Europe have recently pointed out that there is room for improvement. Norway recommends that Liechtenstein takes further steps to improve the integration of persons belonging to different minority groups and adopts a comprehensive policy to ensure effective implementation of the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
I thank you, Mr. President
Advance questions from Norway:
UPR of Liechtenstein
During the first UPR review, Liechtenstein was recommended to 'take special measures to accelerate women's participation at all levels and in all areas of public life'. The recommendation was accepted. Could you please elaborate on which measures have been taken to increase women's share of parliamentary seats after the forthcoming election in February 2013?
Norway has noted with some disappointment that the average wage of women in Liechtenstein is 19.5 % lower than men's wage, which is a considerable gender wage gap. Does Liechtenstein have a strategy to decrease this gap?
What further measures is the Government planning to take in order to protect the rights of minorities and combat racism?