UN Human Rights Committee Publishes Findings On Andorra, Canada, Chad, Moldova And Slovakia

GENEVA (23 March 2026) – The UN Human Rights Committee issued today its findings on Andorra, Canada, Chad, the Republic of Moldova, and Slovakia after examining the five States Parties during the latest session.

The findings contain the Committee’s main concerns and recommendations on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as positive aspects. Highlights include:

Andorra

While taking note of the information provided by the State Party that the criminalisation of voluntary termination of pregnancy under the Penal Code is not applied in practice, the Committee underscored its concern that these provisions remain in force, leading women to travel abroad to have an abortion, and could encourage the resort to unsafe abortions. The Committee recommended that Andorra review its legislation to ensure effective access to legal and safe abortion when the life or health of the pregnant woman is at risk, or when carrying the pregnancy to term would cause physical or mental pain contrary to article 7 of the Covenant, particularly when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

The Committee took note of the various legislative measures taken to strengthen and expand the mandate of the Raonador del Ciutadà (Ombudsman). However, it expressed concern about the fact that Andorra has not yet established a national human rights institution. The Committee recommended that the State Party take the necessary steps, in consultation with civil society, to establish a national human rights institution that fully complies with the Paris Principles and to allocate sufficient human, financial, and technical resources to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively and independently.

Canada
While welcoming Canada’s adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and its Action Plan, the Committee remained concerned about the lack of an effective mechanism to monitor and enforce these commitments. It also raised concern about inadequate consultation with Indigenous peoples on legislation impacting their rights and economic development projects affecting their territories. The Committee called on Canada to strengthen efforts to promote, protect and fully recognise the rights of Indigenous peoples, particularly regarding their lands, resources, cultures, languages, and ways of life. It asked Canada to guarantee effective and systematic consultation ensuring free, prior and informed consent for legislative measures and development projects. It further recommended full implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and its Action Plan, with adequate resources and independent monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

The Committee welcomed the appointment of the first Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise in 2019 but was concerned that the post has been vacant since 2025. It also underscored its concern about allegations of human rights abuses and environmental harm linked to companies domiciled in Canada or operating under its jurisdiction, particularly in the mining sector and their overseas operations. It also highlighted that victims, especially those outside Canada, continue to face obstacles to effective remedies. The Committee recommended that Canada urgently appoint a new Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise and ensure the office’s independence and adequate resources. It called on Canada to strengthen mechanisms to ensure that business enterprises under its jurisdiction respect human rights standards, including when operating abroad. It further called for legislation on mandatory human rights due diligence and for guaranteeing effective access to judicial and non-judicial remedies.

Chad
The Committee expressed concern about the lack of accountability for alleged serious human rights violations, including summary and extrajudicial executions during events between 2016 and 2022, and the lack of full reparation for victims under the government of Hissène Habré. It urged Chad to investigate past allegations of serious human rights violations, prosecute perpetrators, and impose appropriate penalties if they are found guilty. It also asked the State Party to guarantee victims access to effective remedies, promote national reconciliation, and recommend structural reforms to combat impunity and establish comprehensive transitional justice measures.

While welcoming the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, the Committee was concerned by reports that the Commission is not fully independent, lacking financial autonomy and unhindered access to places of deprivation of liberty. It called on the State Party to provide the Commission with sufficient human and financial resources and to amend the law to confer on the Commission an explicit mandate to carry out unannounced visits to places of deprivation of liberty.

Republic of Moldova
The Committee welcomed substantial steps taken to eradicate violence against women and domestic violence, including strengthened criminal legislation and the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. However, it remained concerned by the continued prevalence of such violence, particularly against women with intersecting vulnerabilities, and by the lack of a fully consent-based definition of rape. It recommended that Moldova continue strengthening its legal framework against gender-based violence, including adopting a consent-based definition of rape, and ensuring prompt, thorough investigations, and prosecutions of acts of gender-based violence.

The Committee noted reforms to combat corruption, including legislative amendments on electoral corruption and the adoption of the Law on whistleblowers. Nevertheless, it remained concerned that corruption persists at all levels, including allegations involving senior public officials and the judiciary, and that final convictions from corruption investigations remained low. It recommended, inter alia, strengthening anti-corruption institutions’ operational independence, ensuring the implementation of the asset declaration and verification system, and redoubling efforts to investigate and prosecute allegations of corruption independently, promptly, thoroughly, and impartially.

Slovakia
The Committee expressed concern over the 2025 constitutional amendments introducing Article 7 (6) and (7), affirming the State party’s sovereignty in matters relating to “national identity consisting mainly of basic cultural and ethical issues” and precluding the transfer of powers in such matters. It warned that “national identity,” without sufficient clarification, could create uncertainty regarding the relationship between Covenant and domestic law, affect legal certainty and the protection of Covenant rights, and contribute to exclusionary attitudes, discrimination, and intolerance. It called on Slovakia to ensure that these provisions are interpreted and applied in full conformity with its obligations under the Covenant.

The Committee raised concerns about restrictions on civic space, noting a particular Act that limits peaceful assembly through blanket prohibitions within 50 metres of certain public buildings and broad powers for municipalities to prohibit assemblies. It also expressed concern about the amendment to the law on non-profit organisations to require disclosure for organisations funded by non-Slovak sources, creating a chilling effect on civil society and human rights defenders. Despite the Constitutional Court’s decision finding the law incompatible with fundamental rights, it remained concerned about broader impacts on freedom of association. It called on Slovakia to review and amend its legislation to ensure that the right of peaceful assembly is fully protected and that any framework for non-governmental organisations is consistent with the Covenant.

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