Universal Periodic Review 33: Brunei

Thank you, Mr President,

The UK appreciates assurances given by Brunei, which address concerns about the final phases of the Sharia Penal Code, including the unequivocal decision by His Majesty The Sultan to outlaw all forms of cruel, inhumane or degrading punishments under any circumstances, through ratifying the UN Convention Against Torture. We welcome His confirmation that the de facto moratorium on the death penalty will apply to punishments under the new laws. We call for the formal abolition of capital punishment and judicial corporal punishments. We also call on Brunei to formalise its commitment to respecting individual rights, including those of LGBT people.

We recommend:

1. Ratifying the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment without reserve.

2. Lifting the State of Emergency and remove related restrictions, including on the media.

3. Strengthening measures around investigating, prosecuting and punishing those responsible for modern slavery offences, and ensuring adequate victim protection and care.

Thank you, Mr President.