ORAL STATEMENT
Humanists International
UN Human Rights Council, 58th session (24 February–4 April 2025)
UPR Outcome of Brunei Darussalam
Speaker: Leon Langdon
Thank you Mr. President,
We thank the Government of Brunei for their engagement with the UPR process and for their presentation today.
However, there are a number of important recommendations which have not been accepted that we would like to draw attention to.
Firstly, Brunei’s failure to accept recommendations on the decriminalisation of abortion is incredibly disappointing.[1] Abortion is not a crime, but a human right that is protected under a variety of international instruments.[2]
Secondly, Brunei’s decision not to accept the recommendations on its blasphemy laws contravenes international law.[3] Just six months ago, the UN Secretary-General called for the repeal of blasphemy laws around the world, underscoring their incompatibility with international law.[4]
And thirdly, Brunei’s “noting” of numerous recommendations related to the decriminalisation of same-sex relations is appalling,[5] with stoning to death being the punishment in law – and the de facto punishment being several years in prison.[6] The rejection of these recommendations was not even substantively explained or expanded upon.[7]
The moratorium on the use of the death penalty is not enough. Such punishment remaining on the books – be it for blasphemy, same-sex relations, or extramarital relations – violates international norms. These acts should not be illegal, let alone punishable by death.
Underpinning these laws within Brunei is the Sharia Penal Code – the repeal of certain provisions of which was another “noted” recommendation in response to the Working Group’s Report.[8] The right to freedom of religion or belief is a right which manifests within individuals, and does not permit states to limit rights in the name of religion.[9]
Brunei cannot hide behind national sovereignty while remaining a member of the international community. We urge Brunei to bring its domestic laws in line with international human rights law.
Thank you.
[1] e.g. A/HRC/58/12 p. 124.187
[2] https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/Women/WRGS/SexualHealth/INFO_Abortion_WEB.pdf
[3] https://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrc/docs/gc34.pdf; https://end-blasphemy-laws.org/about/the-international-human-rights-consensus-against-blasphemy-laws/
[4] A/79/284 p. 31, 32, 62
[5] e.g. A/HRC/58/12/Add.1 p. 124.48
[6] https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/05/22/bruneis-pernicious-new-penal-code
[7] A/HRC/58/12/Add.1 p. 124.48
[8] e.g. A/HRC/58/12 p. 124.50
[9] https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-religion-or-belief/international-standards
'UPR outcome of Brunei', Humanists International