30 June 2026 Geneva
Oral Statement
62nd session of the Human Rights Council
NGO: Jubilee Campaign
Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
Jubilee Campaign would like to thank the delegation of Mauritania for engaging with the Universal Periodic Review process.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Australia and Spain for recognizing the importance of freedom of conscience, religion and belief and lifting the chilling effect the death penalty for apostasy and blasphemy has in the country both in their recommendations but also in the advance question.
We urge Mauritania to implement recommendation 130.94 to decriminalize apostasy and amend the Constitution to protect freedom of religion and allow people of non-Muslim faith to remain citizens. We also ask that Mauritania immediately repeal the mandatory nature of the death penalty in article 306 of the Criminal Code for blasphemy and apostasy penalty as stated in recommendation 130.65 and also reduce the number of crimes punishable by death in the country, and commute or pardon death sentences in line with UNGA resolution on the moratorium on the death. [operative paragraphs. 8f and 8 j],
Mauritania cannot deny citizenship because someone chooses to follow a different belief or chooses to practice differently. Cheikh Mkhaitir was urging Mauritania to not justify slavery – authorities sentenced him to death for apostasy and forcibly divorced him from his wife at the time. While the authorities eventually released him they have not acknowledged their wrongdoing or provided compensation for the five years of arbitrary detention, spent in inhumane conditions.
There is a proverb: “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy.” This proverb rings true for both our personal lives but also for the prosperity our countries. We urge Mauritania to choose prosperity, to confess and change its course.
Thank you.