Investor Presentaiton

M. President Ms. High Commissioner Excellences Members of the Council, It is a great honour for me to represent the Republic of Cape Verde in this forum, and present some of the achievements and challenges placed by the cape-verdean society in matters of human rights. On behalf of the cape-verdean delegation and on my behalf, we thank for the opportunity, certain that it will be a very constructive dialog. Not ignoring however, the fact that due some internal constraints it was not possible for us to submit on time a written report. We are convinced that the Universal Periodic Exam is an important mechanism for the debate regarding human rights situation in any part of the world including Cape Verde. It represents an opportunity for the auto evaluation and reflection of new strategies to be adopted, as well as increase the demand for more effective solutions in matters that deserve priority treatment. We hope that the Counsel will consider the oral presentation of this report, as a renewed commitment gesture from the Cape Verde Government to fulfil all commitments assumed internationally regarding human rights." Cape Verde is a country with an insular nature, formed by 9 populated islands, with an exclusive economic area superior than 600 thousand km2, and total population inferior then 500 thousand habitants. The country's GDP growth has been above global African region countries. The benefits of economic reforms which have taken place have been followed by a democratic process which has made the country's regime as one of the most stable in the continent. Since 1991, there has been regular elections were democratic rotation have been reached. Turned 33 years, as independent country, Cape Verde manages to reduce in more than 40 percent the illiteracy rate, now estimated as 20%, accompanied by a general basic school attendance (95%). The result of education policies has been the abrupt reduction of illiteracy in populations with ages comprised of up to 49 years old. The literacy rate of the population 1

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