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Angola - Fourth and fifth periodic report [2014] UNCESCRSPR 6; E/C.12/AGO/4-5 (1 July 2014)

	United Nations	E/C.12/AGO/4-5
	Economic and Social Council		Distr.: General 3 July 2014 Original: English

Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under articles 16 and 17 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Combined fourth and fifth periodic reports submitted by States parties due in 2013

Angola[*]

[Date received: 26 February 2014]

Contents

Paragraphs Page

I. Introduction... 1–4 3

II. Adopted measures for the progressive implementation of economic, social

and cultural rights in the framework of the Committee recommendations 5–32 3

Article 1: State responsibility in promoting the enjoyment of economic, social

and cultural rights 7–32 3

III. Policies, strategies and programmes for the implementation of the rights

enumerated in the Covenant, coordination and monitoring mechanisms 33–282 7

Article 2: Guarantees and enforcement of economic, social and cultural rights,

without any discrimination 33–83 7

Articles 3 and 4: Respect of gender equality in the enjoyment of economic

and social rights 84–97 16

Article 5: Promotion of the respect of fundamental freedom guarantees —

reform of the judicial system 98–104 20

Article 6: Right to employment 105–123 21

Article 7: Right to conditions of work, pay and promotion 124 26

Article 8: Right to freedom of association and union affiliation 125–128 26

Article 9: Right to social security system 129–132 26

Article 10: Right to assistance and social protection 133–170 27

Article 11: Right to adequate housing and proper feeding 171–213 34

Article 12: Right to physical and mental health 214–244 44

Articles 13 and 14: Right to education 245–271 53

Article 15: Right to culture and artistic creation 272–282 59

IV. Observation... 283 62

I. Introduction

1. As stated in Articles 16 and 17 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Angola presented and defended in 2008, its 1st report that incorporated the 1st, 2nd and 3rd periodic reports, which was the subject of Recommendations by the Committee. Angola presents now its 2nd report for the period 2009-2013.

2. The 2nd report incorporates the 4th and 5th periodic reports and reflects the main measures aimed at implementing the Recommendations, as well as other strategic measures and policies to give effect to each specific right contained in the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, evaluating the progress made and the challenges that still remain.

3. The process of elaboration of the present Report was conducted by the Intersectoral Commission for Reporting on Human Rights (CIERDH), coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and composed of sixteen other Ministerial Departments and two Public Institutions. The same had the collaboration and involvement of the National Assembly (AN), the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), the Ombudsman (PJ) and organizations and associations of the Civil Society (SC).

4. This Report complies with the guidelines of the Committee, as to the form and the substantive content contained in the referenced Document (E/C.12/2008/2 of March 24, 2009). Information on the progressive implementation of many of the Committee Recommendations, made in the Concluding Observations of the 2008 exam, as well as of the relevant articles of the Covenant are reflected in the Report, according to Articles 16 and 17.

II. Adopted measures for the progressive implementation of economic, social and cultural rights in the framework of the Committee recommendations

5. The 2012 general elections were a further step towards broad democracy that is helping the country to achieve progress and socio-economic development. However, it is never too much to infer that, as a result of many years of war, there was a great migratory movement from rural to urban centers, whose condition has not been reversed, which has deserved careful planning for the development of the provinces, with a view to create the conditions for an amplified social welfare and reduction of asymmetries.

6. Gradually the model of the Angolan economy is being consolidated with the adoption of policies and economic reforms which include the construction of the necessary infrastructure and democratic institutions, towards to a sustainable development.

Article 1

State responsibility in promoting the enjoyment of economic,

social and cultural rights

7. The Republic of Angola respect and implement the principles of the United Nations Charter and the African Union Charter, and establishes relations based on the principles of the right to self-determination, peaceful resolution of conflicts, respect for human rights, advocates the abolition of all forms of oppression, domination and exploitation in relations among people, is also committed in strengthening Angolan identity and strengthening State action in favor of enhancement of cultural heritage, throughout the national territory.

8. In consideration of the principles set forth in the Constitution of the Republic of Angola (CRA), the Angolan State reserves an undifferentiated treatment among people who form the populational mosaic of the nation, maximum expression of the practical application of the “non-discrimination” based on race, sex, ethnicity, nationality, religion or other status of a national or ethnic groups in the implementation of public policies, especially those aimed at observance of economic, social and cultural rights.

9. On this regard, the report lists the main measures adopted in order to respond largely to the concerns and Recommendations of the Committee, issued in the 2008 Concluding Observations (E/C.12/AGO/CO/3).

10. The Ombudsman of Angola is a public and independent entity, which aims to defend the rights, freedoms and guarantees of the citizens ensuring, through informal means, the justice and legality of public administration. It is the defender of citizens against injustices and illegalities of Public Administration.

11. The Ombudsman is appointed by the National Assembly and elected by a majority of two thirds of its members. The Ombudsman may, in the case of flagrant human rights violations, investigate and make recommendations on its own initiative to restore legality and repair any potential loss or damage.

12. The Statute of the Ombudsman of Angola is in accordance with the Paris Principles on the powers, responsibilities and constitutional provisions. Regarding the independence and pluralism, it has its own infrastructure and its appointment process is made following the principles of civic aptitude and technical competence of the candidate. On the methods of operation, the Ombudsman may address to public opinion, and make inquiries upon request or on its own initiative.

13. Despite their informal nature of the processes under investigation, the Ombudsman may invite any person or agents of public entities to testify or provide information, and clarifications concerning possible cases under its consideration.

14. From the complaints received verbally or in writing, an average of 14% is closed as considered unfounded and 42% pursue the normal course. The provinces where there are more complaints are: Luanda, Benguela and Cabinda. Most complaints relate to issues of land and housing rights of aliens detained and labor issues.

15. The Ombudsman of Angola is also the President of the Association of Ombudsmen, Mediators and Ombudsmen of Africa (AOMA), an organization which has the observer status of the African Union.

16. A new building of the Ombudsman was inaugurated on August 28, 2012, seven years after its creation. The inauguration falls within the implementation of the Recommendation of the Committee, confirming the commitment of the Government to justice, as well as the creation of a mechanism for implementation to seek for social and economic development in the country.

17. The budget of the Ombudsman in 2013, is 1.900.348.673,00 (one billion nine hundred million, three hundred forty-eight thousand, six hundred seventy-three Kwanzas), corresponding this amount in dollars of 1.900.000,00 American Dollars. The budget of the Ombudsman has steadily increased last years, as shown in the tables below:

Figure 1

Graph of the progression of the Ombudsman Budget Office

Graph of the progression of the Ombudsman Budget Office

18. The Angolan Government has taken a number of measures to strengthen the national justice system and improve the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and other relevant international instruments for the promotion and protection of human rights, through the incorporation of their provisions into the Constitution of the Republic adopted in 2010, including the right to property, the right to water, housing, education, health, employment, equal pay between men and women, the right to free private initiative and entrepreneurship, among other articles in the Covenant (paragraph 9 of the Concluding Observations).

19. In relation to the education and training of judges, magistrates and prosecutors, in 2008, the National Institute of Legal Studies (INEJ) of Angola was created, the only institution responsible for the training of Angolan magistrates and has entered into the training curriculum, the provisions of the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other instruments (in accordance with paragraph 12).

20. On average, INEJ graduates annually 40 magistrates (judges and prosecutors), having been trained to date 159,73 judicial magistrates and 86 prosecutors.

21. To strengthen the system of justice, a remuneration scheme was approved for carriers of judges and judicial officers, for example, a magistrate has a remuneration ranging between 800.000 -10.000.000 Kwanzas, equivalent to 8000 and 10.000 US dollars respectively.

22. The Government built a new courthouse that reassembles the superior courts, namely the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court, as well as the General Attorney.

23. Regarding the Recommendation about the participation and involvement of organizations of civil society in the process of realization of economic, social and cultural rights, the Government adopted the Law No. 14/91, as of 11 May, which regulates the activities of these organizations, and the Article 19 establishes ways to support them by the Angolan State.

24. In the scope to combat corruption (paragraph 10), the Government has adopted legislative and administrative measures to prevent and fight corruption, in order to improve the transparency of the governmental action. In this sense, the National Assembly ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption, and approved the Law on Money Laundering and the Law on Public Probity, that requires to the senior officials of the Government to provide a statement of their assets to the Attorney General’s Office.

25. Other significant steps were recorded for the improvement of transparency, regarding financial operations and economic transactions, with the introduction of new measures on the implementation of the “Stand by Agreement”, signed between the Angolan Government, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), in 2009. The Public Procurement Law has been amended, strengthening the control mechanisms for the approval of social and economic development projects.

26. Regarding the relationship between registered and legalized civil society organizations and Angola Government, such relationship is based on a climate of social harmony, and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Angola.

27. Regarding the alleged constraints on freedom of expression, it should be noted that this is a constitutionally guaranteed right. The limitations to this right are in accordance with the interpretation and practical application of the point a) of the paragraph 3 of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in conjunction with paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 40 of the Angola Constitution, as well as Articles 407 and 410 of the Penal Code currently under revision.

28. The assembly and expression rights are regulated by Law No. 16/11, as of 11 May, which establishes the freedom of all citizens to assemble and to demonstrate freely and peacefully, in public places, having its Articles 3 and 5 to be interpreted in harmony with the provisions of Articles 26 and 47 of the CRA. It must be emphasize that in case of conflict, the Constitution prevails and the courts are competent to assess the legality of the public administration acts, upon request presented by the interested parties.

29. With regard to cooperation between the Angolan State and the United Nations System on Human Rights, it is important to note that Angola was a member of the United Nations Council on Human Rights, in period 2008-2013, and has developed numerous of joint actions on human rights field, in partnership with the Resident UN Office and the agencies represented in Angola. Moreover, it should be stressed that the visit of Ms. Navi Pillay, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to Angola, in April 2013, witnessed the political will of Angola to strengthen cooperation with this institution of the United Nations, which has been developed in a sound and harmony climate.

30. Regarding the Recommendation on the implementation of population census to serve as the basis of assessment of the impact of policies and programs adopted on the population (constant in paragraph 8 of the Concluding Observations of the Committee), it is noteworthy to stand out that the first phase of the general census on population started in May of 2013, with the project entitled “Pilot Census”, and aims to prepare the General Census of Population by Housing in May 2014. The achievement of the Pilot Census served to evaluate the efficiency of operational and logistical conditions to the realization of the General Population Census next year.

31. The population census will enable to collect reliable information and data on the entire population as well as living conditions, to evaluate the impact of programs and projects for poverty reduction, to measure the progress reached in the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights, and to correct human and social indicators.

32. An ongoing preparatory process of completing the census includes the reinforcement of the technical capacities of the Statistics National Institute (INE), the construction of a new headquarters, and the creation of representations facilities of the INE at the level of all provinces.

III. Policies, strategies and programmes for the implementation of the rights enumerated in the Covenant, coordination and monitoring mechanisms

Article 2

Guarantees and enforcement of economic, social and cultural rights, without any discrimination

1. Recent performance and current situation of the national economy and finance

33. Over the last five years, Angola’s economy grew at an average rate of 9,2% per year. If we consider only the non-oil economy, the average growth rate was of 12,0% in the same period, which represents a doubling of the non-oil economy in the last five years.

Figure 2

Graph of the growth rate of real GDP

Table 1

Rate of Real GDP Growth

(%)

Source: Ministry of Planning and Territorial Development.

34. The Government Program implemented between 2009 and 2012, aimed to relieve liquidity pressures, reestablish market confidence, restore the pre-crisis macroeconomic excellent position and carry out major structural reforms supported by the International Monetary Fund on the base of the Stand-By Arrangement (through which the Government of Angola received a funding of 1,4 billion USD dollars). This program also had as one of its particularly important purpose, to promote the completion of major investments that characterize the stabilization of the growth rate of non-oil sector.

Table 2

Growth Rates of GDP at Constant Prices

(%)

Source: Ministry of Planning and Territorial Development.

(a) Monetary Sector

35. Monetary policy has been conducted with the main objective to control the general level of price and the stability of the domestic financial system, which allowed the Government to achieve in 2011 an inflation rate of around 11,38% and 9,2% in 2012 (an inflation rate of one digit achieved for the first time in 20 years).

36. For an economy with high potential growth as the Angolan one, inflation rates between 5-8% are expected. It is believed that, above these levels, inflation induces a lower increase than possible, due to distortions in investment. Thus, the Government will continue to prioritize the reduction of the inflation rate, using instruments of monetary and fiscal policy (with short-term effects), and industrial policy instruments that induce greater productivity of factors (in the long-term).

(b) External Sector

37. A variable signaling on the degree of stability and encouragement to informality in the forex market is the differential between the exchange rate in the primary market and the exchange rate in the informal market. Since early 2010, the exchange rate differential has been stable (albeit at a higher level), with a declining trend in recent months.

38. The sale to the market, through the BNA, of the foreign exchange proceeding from petroleum taxes is essential for the normal execution of the General State Budget (OGE), as well as to meet the demand for foreign currency by economic agents. The table below shows the behavior of indicators in the forex market.

Table 3

Indicators of Foreign Exchange Market

Source: National Bank of Angola.

39. The volume of net international reserves is one of the main foundations of macroeconomic stability robustness of Angola. In the last five years, these have grown by about 100%, which enabled overcome the barrier of USD 30 billion in 2012, which corresponds to coverage of approximately eight months of imports.

Table 4

Net International Reserves

Source: National Bank of Angola.

40. The data of Angola’s external account show a positive recurrent Balance of Payments (BoP), except for the year 2009. Underpinning the positive performance of the Balance of Payments has been in the Trade Balance. Between 2008 and 2009, the fall of the amount on this Balance from USD 42,900 million to USD 18,100 million, was enough to incur a deficit situation in the BoP around USD 4,6 billion, as the Balances of Services, Incomes and Transfers presented, structurally, negative balances.

41. The fall recorded in 2009 in balance of the Trade Balance resulted, largely, from the fall of the price and quantity of the product that represents 94% of exports combined with an increased rigidity of imports face to a crisis that came from outside.

Table 5

Balance of Payments

(Millions of USD)

Source: National Bank of Angola.

42. In 2012, as a result of a higher value of petroleum exports, there was an increase in the balance of goods. However, the increase in the negative balance of the remaining balances, led to a situation where the overall balance was lower than in the previous year.

(c) Public Finances

43. In the area of public finances, in 2011, Total Fiscal Revenue corresponded approximately to 50,4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at market prices, which is equivalent to 6,9 percentage points more than in 2010. In 2012, there were tax revenues around Kz 4.775,6 billion, of which represents 80% of oil revenues.

44. The expected average price of a barrel of crude oil is US$ 103,8, above the price assumed in the State General Budget (US$ 77/barrel). This factor was predominant, since the programming provided larger quantities for oil production.

45. Regarding Total Fiscal Expenditure, its level corresponded about 39,9% of the GDP in 2011, 3,2 percentage points more than in 2010. A considerable increase in current expenditure contributed to this increase. In 2012, there was an increase in nominal expenditure values, although representing a decrease in percentage terms of the GDP.

46. Thereby, in 2011, the Overall Balance in the optical compromise of State accounts has a surplus of Kz 1.000.900 million, equivalent to 10,6% of the GDP, which translates into an improvement, compared to 2010, of approximately 4 percentage points. Considering the decrease of arrears of around Kz 151,8 billion, equivalent to 1,6% of the GDP, Cash Balance was calculated with a surplus equivalent to 12,2% of the GDP, representing about Kz 1.152,6 million.

47. In 2012, Fiscal Indicators continued with a good performance level, having been an overall balance in the optical box of Kz 954,8 billion (8,7% of the GDP) and a non-oil primary balance (as a percentage of the not oil GDP) of 38,6%, representing an improvement compared to 2011, where this indicator was ciphered in 48,2%.

(d) Fiscal Sector

48. Between 2007 and 2011, with the sole exception of 2009, the balance of the OGE, in the perspective of the commitment, has been consistently positive, around 9,0% of the GDP. The negative balance of the State General Budget, recorded in 2009, was a result of the brusque fall in oil tax revenues following the global financial crisis that started in 2007.

49. Beyond the marked reduction in oil tax revenues, delays in the billing process by contractors, difficulties in obtaining domestic financing and certain inadequacies in the management of public finances resulted in the accumulation of domestic arrears. To avoid more serious effects on the domestic economy, from 2010 on, the Government carried out a robust program of regulation and not further accumulation of arrears.

Table 6

Fiscal Sector Indicators

Source: Ministry of Finance.

50. In 2012, tax revenues were of Kz 5.039.760 million and fiscal expenditures of Kz 2.842.030 million, which results in an overall balance in the optical commitment equivalent to 8,09% of the gross domestic product, a value denoting the soundness of the fiscal balance.

51. Beyond the wish to affect the level of economic activity in the short term, Angola fiscal policy aimed the rise and sustainability of the growth trajectory. Thus, special attention was given to the accumulation of physical capital (via the Public Investment Program) and to the accumulation of human capital (setting a lower limit on expenditures on education and health functions).

52. To finance investment programs, it was decided to resort to internal and external financing, within the limits internationally recognized as sustainable. In September 2012, the total public debt stock was of USD 33.314,0 million, 60,4% of which consists of external debt.

Table 7

Public Debt

(Millions of USD)

Source: Ministry of Finance; International Monetary Fund.

53. The estimate for the total stock of public debt in 2012 was US$ 33,314 million, of which US$ 13,180 million corresponding to domestic debt and US$ 20,134 million to the part allocated to the foreign debt, thus making a ratio of 31% (Public Debt/GDP).

54. Data concerning the same time shows that 61,0% of external debt is commercial, 31,6% is bilateral and the remaining divided between multilateral debt and debt to suppliers. Regarding domestic debt, securitized debt was 88,0%, the remaining being allocated in late Public Investment Program and non-securitized debt.

(e) Public Debt

55. The sustainable and robust recovery in revenue levels of tax enforcement in 2010 and 2011, created the conditions for the completion of the strategy of regulation of arrears accumulated during the 2009 crisis, using a minor emission of new debt.

56. The implementation of the strategy defined by the Government in the Annual Plan of Public Debt for 2012, enabled to ensure the needs of revenues anticipation, financing the Public Investment Program, without the increased costs inherent to loans operations, without the engagement of external loans, and an anticipated rescue of titles, if conditions justified that.

57. On the other hand, the Government continued to introduce improvements in the State Liabilities Management Program, giving it a better distribution of maturities by extending the maturities of domestic debt. It is important to highlight that Government initiated a regular emission of medium-term instruments (Treasury Bonds) through weekly bond auctions of 2, 3, 4 and 5 years.

58. At an external debt management level, the Government continued to implement the Strategy of mobilizing credit lines to ensure the financing of the public investment program, using primarily the mechanisms of risk export credit insurance of various bilateral partners. In this sense, credit agreements with strategic bilateral and trade partners, have been strengthened, which allowed to broaden and diversify the sources of funding available to support the Public Investment Program.

59. On the other hand, new conditions were created in order to address the capital market with the enhanced sedimentation of the strategic positioning of Angola in major international financial centers. In this quadrant, the Government privileged a permanent relationship with the market, having been held the second annual review of the sovereign rating. In this respect, it is worth highlighting that the risk rating for Angola has been improved to BB with a positive outlook for Fitch and Moodys agencies, while Standard & Poors reaffirmed the BB-rating with stable outlook. In the same vein, the OECD decided in October 2012 to improve the risk classification of Angola from category 6 to 5, which shows the gains recorded in the management of fiscal accounts and the general macroeconomic environment in the country.

60. At the stock of public debt level, including the State business sector, the public total debt, internal and external, in 2011, amounts to the equivalent valor of US$ 31,546 million, corresponding to 30% of the GDP projected for this year, level that complies with the internationally agreed sustainability ratios.

61. Furthermore, its sustainability is reinforced by automatic protection against currency risks arising from the fact that 81% of the debt is denominated in US dollars, the currency which also predominates in the revenues of the State General Budget, given that 78% of tax revenue of the country correspond to tax obligations collected in dollars of the oil and diamond sectors.

2. National Objectives

62. The main National Goals set in the National Development Plan 2013-2017 are namely:

(a) Preservation of national unity and cohesion.

(b) Ensuring the basic conditions necessary for development.

(c) Improving quality of life.

(d) Inclusion of youth in the labor force.

(e) Developing private sector.

(f) Competitive insertion of Angola in the international context.

63. The reduction in inflation in a sustainable way to single-digit levels, obtaining positive current fiscal balances and overall fiscal balances (excluding public investment of structuring type) in relation to GDP, close to equilibrium, exchange rate stability and emptying the function of the parallel market, as well as the reorganization of the financial system, are among its specific objectives.

3. Fundamental Action Programs. Objectives and Policy Measures

64. The implementation of these priorities will be made on the basis of the following Fundamental Action Programs, guided by the following objectives:

(a) Control of Inflation – Ensure price stability, in order to improve the standard of living of the population, providing a favorable environment for high levels of economic activity and, consequently, to an increase in employment.

(b) Sustainability of Public Accounts – Ensure the solvent capacity of the State and limit the burden on future generations.

(c) Stability Exchange – Ensure stability of the exchange rate, in order to encourage domestic production.

(d) Regulating the Financial Sector – Increase the available credit for financing the development of the Angolan economy.

65. The challenges that Angolan fiscal policy are facing are large, in particular to cope with the reduced capacity for revenue collection and the inability to broaden the tax base, also by the significant weight that the informal sector has on the national economy.

66. The Executive Project for Tax Reform (PERT), created by the Presidential Decree No. 155/10, of 28 July, has already led to significant steps in the sense to overcome existing constraints, through the optimization and modernization of the system, of the institutional machinery and legal framework in the taxation area, to transform taxation into a fundamental and effective instrument of economic and social development and equity in the redistribution of national income.

67. Policy for the Real Sector of Economy (diversification of the national economy, promotion of entrepreneurship and development of the domestic private sector, import substitution and export promotion).

68. The basis for the intensification of the process of structural diversification of the economy have been launched through a great effort of public investment in infrastructure to support the development and through the creation of a favorable macroeconomic environment for private investment in the non-oil sector (thanks to a better coordination between fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policies), inducing private investment.

69. In addition to the need to continue this effort, the effectiveness of the diversification process also result from the implementation of a policy to support the development of various sectors of the national economy, development that will result in creating jobs.

70. The national objectives of the Promotion and Diversification of Economic Development Policy for 2013-2017 are the following:

(a) To promote balanced growth of various sectors of economic activity focused on economic growth and the expansion of employment opportunities;

(b) To value natural resources, allowing the lengthening of value chains and building clusters and rows based on endogenous resources.

(c) To increase the self-sufficiency of the country, through the gradual replacement of selective/competitive imports.

71. The implementation of these priorities implies preserving the unity and national cohesion, ensuring the basic assumptions of development, improving quality of life, as well as the inclusion of youth into employment and insertion of Angola in the international context. These depend on the strategic choices and policies of the State.

72. The strategic objective of macroeconomic policy in Angola implies in creating conditions of stability, effectiveness and efficiency of the economy, in order to achieve long-term sustainability development objectives in a scenario for the diversification of economic activity and the increase self-sufficiency of the country.

73. Concerning the Fundamental Action Programs, the Government privileged policies such as the Human Development as those that aimed to reduce poverty, social inequalities, the valorization of family, the full protection of the rights of the child, and the improvement of their living conditions, with special attention to the promotion of gender equality in all areas of economic, social and political life.

74. The structuring of settlement and land-use planning and building of a network of transportation and communications are vital, both for the balanced development, by ensuring the respect for the cultural heritage of the country, and for the integration, inclusion and circulation of individuals, goods and services.

75. The development strategy of the national territory seeks to combat the existing regional imbalances prevailing in the country, by developing a network of development poles, balancing poles, internationalization platforms and development axes, consolidated and potential, taking into account the clusters considered as priorities (food and agro-industry, energy and water, housing and transportation, and logistics).

Table 8

Assumptions used in the preparation of the State Budget (OGE)

Source: 2013 State Budget Report.

76. The growth assumed for Global real GDP (7,1% in 2013) shows itself above the rate expected by the IMF for countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (5,7%) and for emerging countries (5,6%), reflecting a greater growth prospects of the non-oil sector (6,6%), compared to the growth of the oil sector (6,6%), consistent with the objective of national planning in the sense to gradually reduce the economic dependence of the country into the oil sector.

77. Alongside the non-oil sector, the growth prognosis stems from the perspective of the acceleration of the economic activity and of the territorial development, induced by public investments in economic and social infrastructure, which have ensured the re-launching of agriculture, industry and services, providing the increasing employment and crescent substitution of the import of population consumer staples.

78. Alongside the oil sector, it is projected an average on barrel price of crude oil of US$ 96,00 in 2013, higher than the US$ 77,00 assumed in the proposed 2012 State General Budget, but still conservative compared to the real average prices recorded in 2011 (US$ 110,10) and in 2012, until October (US$ 103,80). Furthermore, it is expected that the eventual fall of the prices in 2013 would not be significant, given the gradual recovery of the Advanced Economies provided by the IMF (1,5% in 2013, against 1,3% in 2012), as shown in the table on Evolution of Worldwide Product, it is expected that the average crude oil price of the branches Brent, Dubai and WTI would be equal to US$ 103,10 per barrel.

79. Thereby, considering that the annual oil production shall reach 673,6 million oil barrels in 2013, reflecting the real GDP growth of 6,6% in oil sector.

Macro Fiscal Framework

80. Global flows of the 2013 OGE are presented in the Table of the Macroeconomic Fiscal Balance 2011-2013, in absolute values ​​and as percentages of the GDP. Note that 2013 State General Budget has tax revenue (excluding disbursements of loans and sale of assets) projected at about Kz 4.570,4 billion and tax expenditures (excludes amortization of debt and pledging of assets) fixed in Kz 4.975,8 billion, resulting in a fiscal deficit of Kz 407,4 billion (US$ 4,210 million), equivalent to 3,4% of the GDP.

Figure 3

Frame of the: Macroeconomic Fiscal Balance 2011-2013

Nominal GDP in billion Kz

Exports of oil million in barrels

Average price of oil in US$

81. There is a decrease in the expenditure on financial charges and economic sectors, in favor of the Administration and the social sectors, continuing these one to benefit from the greater allocation of the total resources of the State General Budget.

82. The increased weight of the social sector leads the growth in costs of operation and maintenance of social institutions providing public health services, education and care for children and elderly.

83. Budgetary allocations for the social sector, particularly in health, education and higher education sectors aimed at ensuring the implementation of the National Development Plan 2013-2017, emphasizing the reduction of maternal, infant and child mortality, as well as morbidity and mortality from diseases of the nosological situation; widening access to education through the construction, rehabilitation, expansion and equipping of educational institutions; ensure gratuitous and compulsory pre-school education, as well as developing and structuring the training of teachers.

Articles 3 and 4

Respect of gender equality in the enjoyment of economic

and social rights

84. With regard to gender equality, it is ongoing the implementation of a process for gathering information and reliable statistics concerning the situation of domestic violence pursuant to Law No. 25/11 on the prevention and combating violence; assistance and guarantee of the victims rights; awareness, education towards to make the authors criminally responsible.

85. Resolution No. 9/02 of March 28, 2002, of the National Assembly resulted in the report of 20.543 cases of various types of domestic violence, of which 16.286 (79%) against women, in an annual percentage corresponding to 45% in 2010, 24% in 2011 and 31% in 2012.

86. During the year of 2012, the sector has developed several activities, such as awareness and mobilization of society, promotion of equality and integrity of gender, promotion and empowerment of women, education, employment, increased household incomes, increase in decision making of the organs in the private and public spheres, participation in decision making and control over the family and individual domain.

87. The table below gives us the evolution of gender representation in main decision-making bodies of the country:

Table 9

Percentage of Women and Men in High Office

Source: Ministry of Family and Women Promotion.

88. According to the table above, it appeared that during the period under review were kept the levels of participation of women in positions of public magistracy, judiciary power, as well as in senior positions in central civil public service.

89. For the positions of parliamentary representation, central and local governance, there was a reduction in the levels of participation of women. In terms of diplomacy, there has been a considerable increase.

90. The sector has introduced a system of information in the process of gathering information on violence. This system provides reliable and objective data regarding the situation of violence by men against women and the control mechanisms used.

91. Among the main activities carried out by the sector, we highlight those under the Law Against Domestic Violence, taking measures to give effect to the principle of prevention and combating violence, as well as the assistance and guarantee of the victim rights in a situation of violence. These activities aimed at social aspects, awareness, prevention, education, care for the victim, emancipation of women and prosecution of crimes, as well as civil aspects which affect the family environment, without forgetting the conquest of equality and respect for human dignity and freedom of people.

92. The table below shows the evolution of recorded cases of violence:

Table 10

Registered Cases of Violence

Source: Ministry of Family and Women Promotion.

93. The above table shows that in the period under review, there was an increase in cases of violence, whether against women or against men.

Goals

94. For the period on balance, the planned targets were performed according to the following table:

Table 11

Goals of Family and Women Promotion Sector

Source: National and Provincial Directorates of MINFAMU (Ministry of Family and Women Promotion).

Notes: (1) Cases of violence for 2012 refer only to cases registered by the Central Authority and the Provincial Directorate of Luanda; (2) Beneficiaries of micro-credit from banking institutions and of credit that participated in the Fifth National Microfinance Forum; (3) Information of the actions undertaken by the Central organ of the Ministry.

95. In partnership with the civil society, the Government is implementing a National Strategy for the Promotion of Gender Equality, in accordance with the platforms of Beijing and Dakar and with the Millennium Development Goals. In this context, were approved by Presidential Decree No. 138/12, the National Support Program for Rural Women, for the development of small family farms, in rural municipalities that have contributed significantly in reducing hunger and poverty. Another important tool in fighting poverty is the National Microcredit Program that consists of funding initiatives for entrepreneurs, where majority are women, equivalent to 80% of capital employed in the project.

96. The Angolan electoral legislation ensures increased participation of women in decision-making positions at all levels, in general, and, particularly, in order to reach the thirty percent of the seats required for the promotion of equality between men and women. Still, results from the general elections of 2012, a population of two hundred and twenty deputies in Parliament, of which seventy-three are women representing 33%, with a decrease in the order of 4% compared to 2008. However, it must be considered that some women elected not assumed its mandate, due to the exercise of positions in governmental structures.

97. The evolutionary table of women representation in the various offices of State and Government, reiterated the trend in percentage terms as follows: (a) Parliament 38,6 (2010), 39,1 (2011), 33,0 (2012); (b) Central Government 23,5 (2010), 23,2 (2011), 20,9 (2012); (c) Local Government 11,0 (2010), 19,4 (2011), 16,9 (2012 ); (d) Diplomacy 16,2 (2011), 28,3 (2012); (e) Public Magistracy 22,2 (2010), 34,4 (2011), 34,4 (2012); (f) Judicial Magistracy 28,6 (2010), 31,0 (2011), 31,0 (2012); (g) High Office of Central Civil Service 30,5 (2011), 30,5 (2012).

Figure 4

Graph of the Evolution of the Participation of Gender in Angola 2010-2012

High Office of Central Civil Services

Judicial Magistracy

Public Magistracy

Diplomacy

Local Government

Central Government

Parliament

Article 5

Promotion of the respect of fundamental freedom guarantees –

reform of the judicial system

98. It was created a Committee on Reform of Justice and Law which is engaged in the drafting and adequacy of the national legislation in harmony with the international human rights instruments, which resulted in the approval and effecting of the Customs Code, the Law Society of Lawyers, the Law on Mediation and Dispute Resolution, the Organic Law of the Judicial Magistrates, the Organic Law of the Public Ministry and the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), the Organic Law of the Judicial Courts, the Decree Amendment of the Legal Secretaries, among others.

99. A particular reference on Mediation Law which consists in an alternative form of dispute resolution, without the need for recourse to the courts, with the aim of reducing the burden of court proceedings whose number has caused delays in their treatment.

1. Action taken by the State in the context of combating corruption

100. Corruption is a global phenomenon which worries also the Government of the Republic of Angola which has been adopting legislative and administrative measures to prevent and combat it, in order to improve the transparency of governance.

101. One of the mechanisms created lies in the intervention of the Court of Auditors, body that controls the General State Accounts in the approval of all contracts awarded by public bodies. The National Assembly scrutinizes each year the implementation of the General State Budget and the Government has led training actions of politicians, legislators, public officials, police forces, regarding the prevention of corruption which has great impact on the national economy.

2. Legal guarantees against discrimination

102. Article 25 of the CRA states that foreigners and stateless persons enjoy the same rights, fundamental freedoms and guarantees, as well as the ones protected by the State, with only restrictions on the enjoyment of civil and political rights.

103. There are legal instruments in force in Angola, which guarantees the legal capacity on an equal condition for people with disabilities, namely: Law No. 21/12; Law No. 6/98; Law No. 07/04; Presidential Decree No. 105/12 establishing the Council of People with Disabilities (CNAPED); Decree No. 21/82.

104. The materialization of actions in favor of the disabled person allowed to support 88.504 people, 73.730 of them through the Allocation Program of Locomotion Means and Technical Assistance, and 14.774 through the Rehabilitation Program based on the Community, with coverage throughout the country.

Article 6

Right to employment

105. The General Labor Law is under a revision phase. The project was submitted to public consultation to society, to fit the current context. It will encompass apprentices, trainees, foreign residents hired within Angola, the service rendered by national employers, foreign non-resident workers, without prejudice to more favorable provisions for workers and to public order provisions in the workplace.

106. The General Labor Act does not apply to civil servants or workers exercising their professional activity in the central or local public Administration, a public institute or any other governmental agency; workers with a permanent contract at the service of diplomatic or consular representations of other countries or international organizations; to members of cooperatives or non-governmental organizations, since their work would be regulated by statutory provisions, or failing that, by the provisions of commercial law; to the family work; to occasional work; to activity of the personal involved in commercial operations, if they are personally obliged to answer for the results of operations assuming their risk; to advisers and members of the administration or management body of enterprises or social organizations, since they only undertake tasks inherent in such positions without a relationship of subordination titrated by employment contract.

107. The General Labor Law in force, in its Article 3, stipulates that all citizens have the right to a work freely chosen, with equal opportunities and no discrimination based on race, color, sex, ethnic origin, marital status, social condition, religious or political ideal, trade union membership or tongue.

108. The right to work is inseparable from the duty to work, except for those suffering from loss of capacity due to age, illness or disability. All citizens have the right to free choice and exercise of profession without restriction, subject to the exceptions provided by law. The conditions under which the work is performed shall respect the freedoms and dignity of the worker, enabling him or her to meet his or her normal needs and those of his or her family, protect his or her health and enjoy decent living conditions.

109. The unemployment situation is relatively high in Angola, for this reason, the Government is taking measures and actions to increase the level of skills and valorization of national frameworks, in the short and medium term, to occupy most of the jobs that require high education; promotion and intensification of training of highly qualified personnel that meet national requirements; the implementation of mechanisms for monitoring and controlling the application of the principle of fairness and equality of treatment between national workers and expatriates; the control of the jobs created (in particular through foreign investment).

110. Promoting the filling of vacancies in senior management positions, in large foreign-capital enterprises by nationals; and the adoption of a coordinated training policy of hand labor and national frames between the different subsystems of education (higher, technical-professional and professional) that correspond to the objectives and priorities of growth and development of the country.

111. The adoption of a coordinated training policy of hand labor and national frames between the different subsystems of education (higher, technical-professional and professional) meeting the objectives and priorities of growth and development of the country.

112. During the period under review, thousands of jobs were created, most notably, in descending order, the contribution of the agricultural and fisheries sectors, urban planning and construction, trade, energy and water, hospitality and tourism.

113. In the agricultural sector, 9.863 jobs were created, in 2012, against the 21.045 created in the same period of 2011, representing a reduction of about 53,1%. In the fisheries sector, 4.100 jobs, against the 985 created in the same period of 2011, representing an increase of 316%. In geology and mining sector, 975 new jobs were created in the year 2012. In the manufacturing sector, 2.332 jobs were created in 2012, against 4.559 created in the same period of 2011, representing a decrease of 48,8%.

114. The commercial activity produced, in 2012, 17.000 jobs, less than the registered in 2011. In 2012, 18.500 new jobs were generated among teachers and the administrative staff on the level of the teaching base, primary and secondary sector. In the health sector, 8.249 new jobs were generated among technical and non-technical personnel.

Table 12

Jobs Generated by Economic Activities Sectors

Source: Multisectoral Technical Group for Treatment of Numerical Data About the Job Market; Source: Ministry of Fisheries; Source: Ministry of Geology and Mines; Source: Ministry of Industry; Source: Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Energy and Water; Source: Ministry of Communications and Information Technology; Source: Ministry of Hotels and Tourism; Source: Ministry of Education; Source: Ministry of Higher Education; Source: Ministry of Health.

115. Regarding the workforce, a number of 77.974 employees was recorded, being 342 employees of Oil Ministry and 9.610 employees of the Sonangol Group. The table presented below shows the evolution of this indicator:

Table 13

Jobs Generated in the Oil Sector

Source: Oil Ministry.

116. The Multisectoral Working Group for the Treatment of numeric data on the job market (GTME) established the creation of new jobs in different sectors of economic activity that generated about 222 thousand jobs, observing an increase in the order of 49,6%.

Table 14

Job Generated in the Subsector of Vocational Training

Source: Multisectoral Working Group for the Treatment of Numeric Data on the Jobs market (GTME).

Table 15

Number of Employees by context

Source: Ministry of Public Administration Labor and Social Security.

117. The table above shows that in the period under review, there was a slight increase in the number of civil servants, the local government representing over 88% of total employees.

Table 16

Number of Employees by Gender

Source: Ministry of Public Administration Labor and Social Security.

118. As regards the participation of gender, it can be inferred from the above table that the increase of employees of Public Administration had greater impact on females with a growth of 1,4%.

Table 17

Jobs Generated by the Public Administration Sector

Source: Ministry of Public Administration Labor and Social Security.

119. During the year of 2012, fewer jobs were generated, compared with the same period in 2011, which were generated over 39 thousand jobs. Education was the sector with the most number of civil servants, with about 19.000 employees.

120. During the year of 2012, the sector has not created jobs. The establishment of 91 BUE(Entrepreneurship Office) allowed, all over the country, to create 2.159 direct jobs in Public Administration, 20.980 direct jobs in the firms created, and 41.960 indirect jobs, with funding provided. In total, were generated 64.336 new jobs.

121. It is noteworthy that in the three year period of 2010/2012, considering the needs of human resources, staff was recruited and selected for the INE in order to fulfill the main objective of the statistical production. The staff National Institute of Statistics (INE) is characterized by civil servants/officials and contracted persons. From the year of 2012, with the preparation for the realization of 2014 General Census of Population by Housing (RGPH), beyond the specific personal of the INE was also recruited staff for this activity as shown below.

Table 18

Jobs Generated in the INE

122. During the reporting period, 66 new jobs were generated, being 5 senior technicians, 2 medium technicians and 1 driver admitted by public tender under the Ministry of Territorial Administration and 58 administrative staff were hired to support the diverse areas as can be seen from the table below:

Table 19

Jobs Generated by the Reform of Local Government

123. Under the Support to Small Business Program, it was estimated, in 2012, the creation of 14.000 jobs.

Table 20

Jobs Generated in Economics and Business Sector

Article 7

Right to conditions of work, pay and promotion

124. Under wage income, adjustments to the salaries of the civil service continued, in accordance with the expected annual inflation, and the national minimum wage was increased from Kz 8.500,00 to Kz 25.000,00, amount subject to exemption from tax on labor income (IRT).

Article 8

Right to freedom of association and union affiliation

125. A very expressive instrument in the realization of labor rights is the Strike Act (Law No. 23/91) which recognizes that employees have a right to resort to strike under the Constitution and the present Act, aimed at economic, social and professionals purposes related to the employment status of workers who is responsible to decide, under the law, on the scope and nature of the interests that they wish to defend, within the individual freedoms and to join or not, without suffering discrimination, in any way, or being affected in their relations with their employer or in their union rights.

126. Although all the workers enjoy this right, the Strike Act does not permit the exercise of the right to strike to military and militarized forces, the police, the office holders of sovereignty and judiciary prosecutors, agents and employees of the prison administration, civilian employees of military establishments, firemen, being considered illegal and punishable under the Act, strikes pursuing other objectives than those legally allowed.

127. To ensure the exercise of this right, labor unions can be created. Taking into account the important transformations that occur in Angola in the political, economic and social fields, of which highlights the importance of private enterprise and market economy, was approved a Trade Union Act which guarantees the right of association of workers (Law No. 21-D/92).

128. Employment is one of the macroeconomic variables that influence the economic, social and cultural development of the country. Aware of this responsibility, the Government has provided the gradual framing of young people in various staff, promoting education and training in various fields to ensure sustainability in the short and medium terms of human resources, in the implementation of policies and measures in all domains, thanks to macroeconomic growth.

Article 9

Right to social security system

129. Social security has a legislation which gives universal social coverage in the categories of health, disease, old age, unemployment, accidents at work, family and child support, maternity, invalidity and survival, and orphans, under the legislation in force, in particular:

(a) Law No. 7/04 of 15 October (Law on Social Protection Bases);

(b) Joint Order No. 256/08, of the Ministries of Finance and National Defense (on percentages of the Fund for the Social Security System of the Armed Forces);

(c) Decree No. 1/05, of 10 January (on the Day of the Elderly in Angola);

(d) Decree No. 49/05, of 8 August (about the funeral grant);

(e) Decree No. 50/05, of 8 August (on the protection in the event of death);

(f) Decree No. 52/05, of 8 August (regulating maternity protection);

(g) Decree No. 53/05, of 15 August (legal regime of accidents at work and occupational diseases);

(h) Decree No. 76/05, of 12 October (defines and regulates the protection in old age);

(i) Decree No. 76/08, of 12 October (defines and regulates the protection in old age);

(j) Decree nº 38/08, of 19 June (regulates legal regime of binding and contribution of compulsory social protection);

(k) Decree No. 40/08, of 2 July (regulates the protection in old age implemented through the allocation of old age pension, early retirement pension and old age allowance);

(l) Decree No. 41/08, of 2 July (establishing the system of social protection of citizens who are engaged in lawful religious activity in Angolan territory);

(m) Decree No. 42/08 of 3 July (regulates the regime of self-employed workers).

130. The basic social protection is financed by transfers from the State Budget and revenue of the local administrative organs of the State, national, international donations or any other legally permitted form, for specific projects, with contributions from users of social service and equipment, taken into account their income or their household.

131. The General State Budget (OGE) for 2013, aims more 30 per cent of total spending to social sector. The spending on social sector represents 33,5 percent of the total expenditure of the State Budget.

132. Social programs covered by the basic social protection should be multiannual programming and can be funded through a National Solidarity and Assistance Fund, essentially composed of transfers from the State Budget resulting from appropriate tax measures. Activities plans for annual and multi-annual budgets and annual budgets of base social protection shall be subject for approval of the Minister responsible and the supervision of the Court of Auditors, under the current law.

Article 10

Right to assistance and social protection

133. The system of maternity protection, working conditions and prohibition of dismissal during pregnancy:

• Women involved in atypical work and motherhood covered by work-related;

• The duration of paid maternity leave before and after childbirth, monetary values, measures of medical support and other services provided during pregnancy, childbirth and after childbirth;

• The concept of paternity leave to men, and parental leave for men and women.

134. The compulsory social protection is financed by contributions from workers and employers, interest on arrears due to the late payment of contributions, amounts resulting from the application of penalties, income from assets, transfers from the State Budget, grants, gifts, legacies and heritages, contributions prescribed by law, other revenues.

135. During the period under review, it has been developed various programs, projects and actions for the implementation of assistance policy and social reinsertion in favor of vulnerable groups. Indicators to assess the level of activity of the sector are presented in the following table:

Table 21

Indicators of Sector Assistance and Social Reintegration

Source: Ministry of Social Welfare.

136. According to the table above, there was a considerable increase in assistance to people in vulnerable situations (488,7%), Angolan refugees repatriated (510,8%), refugees in Angola (461,7%), as well as in the distribution of compensation mechanisms and means of transport (92,5%). Both the number of elderly people in institutions and beneficiaries in nursing homes declined during the period under review, both in 22,7%.

1. Goals

137. For the period on balance, the planned targets were performed according to the following table:

Table 22

Goals of Assistance and Social Reintegration Sector

Source: Ministry of Social Welfare.

2. Investments

138. For the period under review, it was approved for the IPP sector, the budget of Kz 10,9 billion, the value of Kz 9,1 billion corresponding to an implementation rate of 83,5%.

Former combatants and motherland veterans

139. The activities of the sector in 2012, consisted of actions in the areas of the institutional capacity, strengthening, census and control, as well as assistance and social-economic reintegration. In the period under review, the sector showed the following indicators:

Table 23

Sector Indicators of Former Combatants and Motherland Veterans

Source: Ministry of Former Combatants and Motherland Veterans.

140. In the table above, in relation to the census, there were monitored during the year of 2012, more than 160.000 assisted at the country level, lower than the effective controlled in 2011, on the order of 4%. This decrease is a result of deaths, removal of widows under the age of 50 years old, and orphans of legal age without academic performance, during the process of relisting.

141. It was also noted that the number of registered disabled war persons in 2012 was lower than in the years of 2010 and 2011, having been registered, in the period under review, a decrease of 0,21% over the staff registered in the previous period.

142. During the period under review, there was an increase in the number of pensioners in the order of 19,5% compared to 2011. The number of unbanked in the period decreased by 28%, due to the removal by death, widows aged less than 50 years old, and orphans of legal age without academic performance, and the effects and/or impact of the ongoing Project of Modernization of the National Census and Control System.

3. Goals

143. Regarding the targets set in the National Plan 2011-2012, the sector achieved the following performance:

Table 24

Sector Goals of Former Combatants and Motherland Veterans

Source: Ministry of Former Combatants and Motherland Veterans.

4. Investments

144. Regarding the Public Investment Program, work continued on the elaboration of studies of projects and supervision, as well as the execution of projects of construction and rehabilitation of veterans’ homes. 78 residences of former combatants were rehabilitated in various provinces of the country such as Benguela (11), South Kwanza (8), Malanje (7), Namibe (10), Uíge (10) and Luanda (32).

145. For physical implementation of projects related to Public Investment Program was attributed to the sector the amount of Kz 2.941,9 million, of which Kz 336,0 million were used, corresponding to 11% of the budget for the period.

146. The family is the fundamental nucleus of the society organization and is subject to special protection by the State, either it is founded in marriage, or in a de facto union between a man and a woman. Everyone has the right to freely found a family in accordance with the Constitution and the law, being men and women equals within the family, society and the State, enjoying the same rights and having the same duties, and the law regulates the requirements and the effects of the marriage and the de facto union, as well as its dissolution (Article 35 of the CRA). 467 children’s institutions (CIC and CI^[1], and Children’s Centers) controlled by the State, were assisted, with a frequency in the order of 92.500 children aged from 0 to 6 years. For pedagogical and organizational guidance, it was used training manuals of vigilant childhood, teaching materials of class initiation and the status of pre-school education subsystem.

147. With support from UNICEF, it has been drafted and submitted for discussion of the 6th National Forum on Children, the National Policy on Early Childhood, that was the basis for the adoption of Law No. 25/12 on the Protection and Integral Development of Children, and sets out the responsibilities of the Government, at all levels, in support of education and the development of early childhood.

Protective and assistance measures taken on behalf of children and youth, includes:

• The age limits below which the paid employment of children in different occupations is prohibited by law, and the application of the criminal law provisions, punishing the employment of minor children (below 17 years old) and the use of forced labor of children;

• The impact of the measures taken to protect children from working in dangerous and harmful conditions to their health and against exposure to various forms of violence and exploitation.

148. Law No. 25/12, which has immediate application, adds several legal instruments that contribute to the promotion, protection and defense of the rights of children and reinforces the responsibility for the materialization of the eleven commitments of the Government, the United Nations system and the civil society on the Angolan child, establishes common provisions, handling measures, judicial protection, multisectoral protection system and integral development. It still established operational instruments to support children’s rights and methods of evaluation of its implementation.

149. Regarding violence against children, in 2009-2013, 8.054 cases were reported, being: homicide 2%; abandonment of infant 5%; sexual abuse 13%; assault 18,5%; trafficking aborted 1%; escape from the parental responsibility 24%; paternal escape 30,5%; accusation of witchcraft 0,2%; neglect 1,8%, others 10%.

150. A Strategy for Preventing and Combating Violence against Children was adopted to respond to all forms of violence that are taking place in the country, namely: the National Observatory, which aimed at standardizing methods of collecting and processing statistical data on the situation of child; the SOS-children Help Line, which creates the conditions for citizens to report cases that violate the rights of the child; the Expansion and Strengthening of Provincial, Municipal, Communal and Local Networks for Protection and Promotion of the Rights of the Child, which are mechanisms of coordination and articulation of actions to prevent and combat violence; the National Children’s Fund, designed to strengthen the institutional capacities, with funding from programs and activities not covered by the General State Budget.

151. Networks of Protection and Promotion of the Rights of the Child are extremely useful mechanisms in implementing the Strategy of Prevention and Combating Violence against Children, which manifest themselves throughout the country in various forms.

152. In order to reduce the infant mortality rate, it was delivered across the country 377.243 metric tons of infant milk, whole milk, milky flour and papas of diverse flavors, which benefited 20.919 families to care for 53.290 children aged 0 to 2 years and affected and infected with HIV/AIDS.

153. In order to prevent the institutionalization and child mortality of children younger than 2 years old, orphaned of mothers and deprived of parental care, 899 of this group were placed in 821 mothers’ guardianship.

154. Protective and assistance measures taken on behalf of children and youth, includes:

• The age limits below which the paid employment of children in different occupations is prohibited by law, and the application of the criminal law provision in force, punishing the employment of minor children (below 17 years old) and the use of forced labor of children;

• The impact of the measures taken to protect children from working in dangerous and harmful conditions to their health and against exposure to various forms of violence and exploitation.

155. Decree No. 31/07, which establishes the free birth registration for children, is being implemented in all urban and rural areas of the country, and led to the creation of conditions at the maternities, child care centers, hospitals, municipal and communal administrations to bring this service to communities, strengthen response capabilities of registry offices, which provided to newborns these rights enshrined in the Law and the Covenant.

156. The extension of opening hours at registration stations and in the registry offices, now running from 08:00 to 19:00, has contributed in reducing the demand for these services and the increasing number of people served daily in equal circumstances, for the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights enshrined in the Covenant and national legislation.

157. In some regions, one can not assign a name to a child while the family, in the broadest sense of the maternal and paternal lineage, does not meet to choose the name of consensus. Meanwhile, the child will reach ages above five years. In other regions, the accentuated cultural belief does not allow the child to be registered before the age of five years old, age range covered by Decree No. 31/07.

158. Given the constraints arising from cultural and other similar situations, the Government increased the awareness and information campaigns, including developing information booklets in permanent distribution to parents in maternities, so as to prepare them to registry.

159. In addition to these purposes, the project “Born Citizen” was conceived, a computerized system to manage the database on the registration of newborns. However, all these constraints factors do not relieve the State of its responsibility to provide necessary assistance when children without birth registration need it, nor it is an obstacle to access to education, health care and other social services

160. To implement the Joint Executive Decree No. 18/08 on the Measure of Crime Prevention for the Provision of Community Services as an alternative to deprivation of liberty of children in conflict with the Law, provided by paragraph d) of Article 17 of Law No. 9/96, of 19 April, Law of Minors Trial, training seminars were realized for 80 technicians from different institutions of the administration of juvenile justice and journalists, lectures, manuals and brochures were distributed on the subject.

161. In the field of social assistance and promotion, it has been developed the following:

• The Program of Social Support with actions to assist families in vulnerable situations (1.560.205 in 2008, 422.250 in 2009, 612.679 in 2010, 559.564 in 2011 and 238.507 in 2012);

• Assistance to people affected by disasters and accidents (391.547 in 2008, 177.604 in 2009, 147.248 in 2010 and 239.310 in 2011);

• Social support to families with children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS (391.547 in 2008, 177.604 in 2009, 147.248 in 2010 and 239.310 in 2011);

• Improvement of living conditions of vulnerable people (2.588 in 2008, 3.319 in 2009, 10.191 in 2010, 2.370 in 2011 and 163 in 2012);

• Care to elderly people (1.205 in 2008, 1.207 in 2009, 1.378 in 2010, 1.333 in 2011 and 981 in 2012);

• Implementation and revitalization of Community Education Centers (130 in 2008, 64 in 2009, 170 in 2010), integration of elderly people in projects of occupational therapy in institutions and in the community (286 in 2008, 1.453 in 2009, 2.974 in 2010, 3.146 in 2011 and 447 in 2012).

• Under the Work and Income Generation Program, 85.206 people have been assisted, including youth, elderly, disabled, returnees, refugees in Angola and other categories of vulnerability in communities in various professional areas, with 36.460 kits for the following occupations: agriculture, livestock tailoring, beekeeping, barber shop, plumbing, carpentry, trade in soft drinks, cutting and sewing, electricity, shoeshine parlour, mechanical, milling, motorcycle taxi, construction, shoe repair, refurbishment, joinery, among others, having been created 84.710 employment opportunities. Assistance is being enhanced with the construction of twenty integrated arts and crafts workshops in the provinces of Benguela, Cabinda, Uíge and Zaire.

• The Program of Social Support as a measure of social protection, enshrined in Law No. 07/04, Law for Social Protection, attributed 34.313,321 metric tons of goods, having beneficiated over 3.000.000 people, of whom 1.560.205 recorded in 2008 in a vulnerable situation by lack of goods, and 391.547 affected by calamity and natural disasters. In 2012, 19.712 assisted persons were repatriated and remained being supported by neighboring countries of Angola.

• In the context of Sub-Program of Food and Non-Food Assistance to people in a situation of vulnerability, 19.002,511 metric tons of food and non-food were available for the 1.560.205 people in 2008, 422.250 in 2009, 612.679 in 2010, 559.564 in 2011 and 238.507 in 2012.

162. There were major actions to assist the people in vulnerable situations in 2008, compared to subsequent years, which is a result of the Government’s performance in combating poverty and sustained implementation of social policies.

163. The Government develops an Assistance Program for the Elderly, as a social response to the conditions of this target group, having been rehabilitated and equipped with new appliances, existing nursing homes for over ten years, and built new modern ones in cities like Kuito, Huambo and Luena, thus ensuring better living conditions.

164. The Angolan legislation enshrines harmonizable principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and guarantees legal capacity on an equal circumstance for this social group, such as the Law No. 21/12 which establishes the legal regime applicable to qualification and participation of people with disabilities in social life, the Law No. 6/98 which sets out pecuniary provisions for people with disabilities, the Law No. 07/04 which sets out the basis of social protection.

165. The implementation of legal instruments has been strengthened with the entry into force of the Strategy for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities and its National Policy, approved by Presidential Decrees No. 237/11 and 238/11. This action allowed the execution of the Allocation of Means of Locomotion and Technical Help and Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs, having covered 88.504 people in the target group, which resulted in the allocation of wheelchairs, manuals tricycles, guides for the blind, crutches, walkers, cargo and passengers motorized tricycles, to 73.730 people, among children and adults. Regarding the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program, 14.774 disabled people were directed to job market, health, special education, physical rehabilitation, education and training, vocational training, office of justice.

166. Of the measures taken to combat domestic violence, particularly against women and children, were adopted Laws No. 25/11 and 25/12 respectively against Domestic Violence and of Protection and Integral Development of Children.

167. In the period of 2010-2012, were reported 20.543 cases of violence of various kinds, of which 16.286 (79%) refer to women. Of the total of complaints 45% were registered in 2010, 24% in 2011, and 31% in 2012. The 16.286 registered complaints show that women are becoming aware about gender-based violence, which is based on a phenomenon of unbalanced power relations inequality. The types of violence recorded are of economic, physical, occupational, psychological and sexual character.

168. Law No. 25/11 establishes the legal framework for domestic violence prevention, protection and assistance to victims, with the purpose of punish the perpetrators of acts of violence, inform victims of their rights, create spaces for counseling and temporary shelter for those involved, among other purposes.

169. Within the framework of the campaign on “Sixteen Days of Activism”, were held awareness activities and social mobilization to strengthen family capacity, as well as lectures with the aim of disseminating the contents of the Law No. 25/11 against Domestic Violence, through leaflets and the media, that involved communities from all provinces of the country.

170. Were also held lectures on the prevention of violence, in a total of 382 across the country, which were attended by 143.854 people, among adults and children, as well as awareness campaigns. Were also distributed pamphlets and leaflets with messages about key aspects that depict children’s rights and against violence in: schools, units of the national police, hospital units, municipal administration, communities, private and public companies, in an annual rate of 15.000 units, totaling 30.000, and to society in general, with coverage of 10.320 citizens. Were also developed training actions for members of the Networks and Centers for Protection and Promotion of the Rights of the Child and Friends of Children Clubs in the provinces of Bengo, Kuando Kubango, Moxico, Cabinda and Cunene, totaling 1.216 participants.

Article 11

Right to adequate housing and proper feeding

171. Despite the steady progress in improving social conditions since 2002, the country still faces major challenges in reducing poverty, unemployment and increase in the Human Development Index. The Government has allocated more than 30% of its budget for social spending, which has allowed an increase to 33,3% in 2012, which constitutes double spending on defense, security and public order.

172. GDP growth is projected to 7,1% in 2013, being in line with estimates of population growth of about 3% per year.

173. The poverty derived from the situation of deprivation of some dimensions of well-being of citizens, such as limited access to health services, low human capital, inadequate housing, poor nutrition and lack of certain goods and services, motivated the construction of the line which followed a methodological approach of the cost of basic needs. The total poverty line was estimated at 4.793 kwanzas per adult equivalent per month at prices of December 2008, and is equal to the sum of the food poverty line (2.396 kwanzas) and non-food poverty line (2.397 kwanzas).

174. Two specific aspects to be taken into account, which are: the poverty line, consisting of food and non-food goods, incorporates some value judgments regarding the needs of food consumption and the level of satisfaction of basic and non-food; the poverty estimates of the Population Welfare Enquire (IBEP) are not directly comparable to any of the earlier estimates of poverty in the country. The methodological procedures used in the analysis of poverty are:

(a) The choice of the monetary indicator composed of the income and consumption, determinants of well-being;

(b) The construction of aggregate consumption in the year before the examination regarding food component, the non-food components, durable goods and housing;

(c) The adjustment of prices to adjust consumption to the actual terms;

175. The rectification of the household composition from of a measure of standard of living defined at the household level to another one at the individual level;

176. Poverty line defined as the monetary cost for a given person, at a given time and place, of a reference level of welfare.

177. Specific local characteristics determined the effective combination of policies, and to achieve the general objective and the specific objectives, the following priority intervention areas were identified: (i) Social reinsertion, (ii) Demining (iii) Food security and rural development; (iv) HIV/AIDS; (v) Education; (vi) Health; (vii) Basic infrastructure; (viii) Employment and vocational training; (ix) Governance; and (x) Macro-economic management.

178. An analysis has been made in order to allow a continuous monitoring and an evaluation of progress achieved, identify any factors or constraints and obstacles, to the necessary corrections and adjustments of the different programs. The volatility of the context in which the ECP is implemented has forced to constant renovations and learning to ensure the coordination of the mechanisms.

179. Strengthening measures of the organisms that produce information in the country have been implemented continuously and rigorously with regard to consultations, aiming at monitoring socio-economic indicators needed to analyze the evolution of the phenomenon.

180. The interests of target social groups are the National Assembly^[2], civil society organizations, organizations from the private business sector and representatives, as valid interlocutors of the monitoring and evaluation process. A Technical Committee was created as a support body of the Interministerial Commission, responsible for coordinating the work of monitoring and evaluation.

181. Priorities in the implementation of the Government Program are: demining of roads and railways, agriculture areas, land reserves with a socio-economic impact, lines of electricity transmission, in short, throughout the national territory.

182. Demining activities were confined: in the verification of demining of 3.027km of road; demining of 361.184m² of customs perimeters; demining of 958.749.070m² agricultural areas, land reserves with a socio-economic impact; verification and demining of 115km of line of electricity transmission; verification and demining of 327.379m² of useful areas of railways; in the discovery, dismantling and destroying 6.257 anti personnel mines; the discovery, dismantling and destroying of 303 anti tank mines; the discovery, dismantling of 302.010 of unexploded ordnance; destruction of 1.223.871kg of lethal material; in the owning and collecting 141.377kg of metal; in sensitizing 22.984 people about the danger of mines.

183. The economic and social impact on the development of the country resulting of these actions are summarized in the safely movement of persons and goods, resettlement and settlement of populations, rehabilitation of roads and bridges, rehabilitation of airports and aerodromes, rehabilitation of dams, reservoirs and lines transportation of high-voltage electricity, rehabilitation of railways, development of poles and agricultural areas, construction of new residential units, installation of drinking water mains and standpipes, installation of fiber optic telecommunications network, supporting the electoral process.

184. In the field of Social Support Programs under the Control of Government Institutions:

• were assisted 467 institutions of 1st child (Kids Community Centers and Children’s Centers) of the State at the rate of 92.500 children aged 0 to 6 years, representing an increase of 12.571 (13,6%) compared to previous years, having been elaborated manuals for forming childhood agents, revised instructional materials class initiation and statutes of preschool education subsystem;

• was adopted Law No. 25/12 on the Protection and Integral Development of the Child;

• was carried out the follow-up of 23 religious institutions dealing with education, vocational education and training, in the provinces of Benguela, Bié, Huambo, Huíla and Malanje;

• was given vocational training to 1.899 teenagers and young people in the provinces of Luanda and Bengo, including 217 boys and 1.682 girls from the street, that allowed their reintegration into their communities.

185. The project developed for the mapping of families with children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, initially in the provinces of Bié, Benguela, Cunene, Kuando Kubango, Huambo, Huíla, South Lunda, Moxico and Uíge, allowed to inquire 78.963 families and 213.287 vulnerable children, being 14.440 orphaned by HIV/AIDS, and 7.500 children received school kits in Cunene province to ensure school attendance.

186. In 2009, were awarded monthly basic food baskets to 1.500 families, with 2.500 vulnerable children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS in 3 districts of southern Cunene Province, in particular Ombandja, Cuanhama and Namacunde. In this regards, were also developed partnerships with UNICEF and ADRA^[3] for the protection and care to this group of children, in order to improve their well-being and increase the ability to create alternative sources of access to food and services, with the creation of plowings, kitchens, community canteens and small animals. Particularly with UNICEF, were developed training actions on prevention of HIV/AIDS to 180 peer educators in vulnerable communities, of the provinces of Cunene and Moxico, whose work has contributed to an increased access to information and a behavior change in the population.

187. The evolutionary table of actions undertaken in the period of 2008-2012 shows:

Table 25

Actions Taken in the Period of 2008-2012

188. The Program of Assistance and Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Angola attended, up to 2009, 14.298 refugees in vulnerable situations.

189. The Government approved the National Strategy for Food and Nutrition Security (ENSAN), a strategic tool to promote overall coordination and articulation of all initiatives on food security and nutrition. This tool encourages broader and more diverse participation of stakeholders at all levels, facilitates dialogue and social concertation, promoting synergies for global effectiveness of the combat against food insecurity and vulnerability in the country.

190. This strategy is framed in the Development Plan at Medium Term, of 2009-2013, in the Strategic Program for Long-Term Development (PEDLP, 2025) and in the various sectoral policies. The overall objective of the ENSAN is to contribute so that all Angolans have at any time availability of food with appropriate quality and variety.

191. In recent years, domestic food production has experienced significant improvements. For some basic foods, it is considered that the country has achieved self-sufficiency, as in the case of cassava, sweet potato and banana. The production of cereals and legumes in agricultural year of 2011/2012, was severely hit by the drought which affected 11 of the 18 provinces of the country, and caused a substantial reduction in the production of basic food. Evaluations carried out denote a cereals deficit estimated in 505.706 tones, while domestic needs were estimated at 2.405.875, representing a deficit of 78%. Regarding meat, there is a strong upward trend in the potential provinces of animal production due to drought.

192. Angola has a long maritime coast and other surface water resources, which enable the production of fish, an important element in the diet of the population and as a source of income, that is concentrated in the Downtown Area and that contributes about 30%, preceded by South Zones of about 28%, and the North with a contribution of 25% of the national production.

193. The investments in the productive sectors of the country resulted in improvements of the primary, secondary and tertiary communication pathways, allowing increased trade flows between regions, significantly contributing to the stabilization of the prices of basic foods. The Consumer Price Index (IPC) in the city of Luanda, published by the National Institute of Statistics, registered a growth of 0,99% between January and February 2012, less than monthly growth recorded in the previous five months. This situation occurred particularly in the South and Southeast region of Angola, which affected both crop production and livestock, in a ratio of about 347.183 people only in Cunene province.

194. To ensure food security of the population and stability of livelihood, an Emergency Plan is being implemented to provide adequate and regularly food to the population in need.

195. The fisheries sector is developing actions to promote aquaculture development, with the construction of center’s hatchery, particularly in rural communities, to increase fish production and employment opportunities to reduce hunger and poverty. Moreover, studies have been conducted in order to improve and optimize salt production and iodization, as a way to combat diseases caused by insufficient iodine in the human body.

196. In the framework of the Government Program “Water for All” in progress since 2007, 646 projects between water points and supply systems were executed, providing drinking water for 1,2 million citizens in various locations around the country. The focus of the Government is to increase the supply of the product to the populations, to cover, by 2012, 80% of rural people and 100% of the urban ones, to contribute to fighting poverty and hunger, developing coordinated actions between the Programs “Water for All” and Municipal Integrated of Rural Development.

197. The first phase of the project covered localities of the provinces of Bengo, Benguela, Uíge and Cabinda and the second marked a generalization of prospecting activities throughout the country. The third, ongoing, requires the Technical Committee further action. The rural population in 2010 was estimated at over seven million; from this only 38% received drinking water supply. With the completion of construction projects and strengthening of water supply systems to the cities of Dundo (North Lunda), Saurimo (South Lunda) and Ndalatando (North Kwanza), it was improved the water supply and the increase of the cover level in those cities.

198. Following, the Government approved the National Strategic Program for Water (2013-2017), a working document which aims to promote sustainable and articulate of surface and groundwater resources management in the country, improvement of basic sanitation and water supply to the population, promotion of agriculture and fishing activities in inland waters, the development of potential tourism associated with water resources, as well as reducing energy dependence on non-renewable sources, favoring the production of electricity from hydropower.

199. With the implementation of the actions contained in this national program, Angola also seeks to achieve the objectives contained in the United Nations Declaration on the Millennium Development Goals and the national strategy for implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol.

Table 26

Number of Projects Completed and Population Benefited in the Framework

of the Water for All Program

Source: Ministry of Commerce.

200. The Water for All Program allowed serving more than 2.140.666 new residents, as a result of the construction of 1.703 water points (PA) and 413 small water supply systems (PSA).

Table 27

Evolution of the Numbers of Fountains and Water Points Existing

Source: Ministry of Energy and Water.

201. In some cities, the water supply is supplemented by a network of fountains, as well as through the supply of tanks. The number of fountains and existing water points grew around 27,8% compared to the year 2011.

Table 28

Evolution of the Capacity of the Water Supply Systems of the Capitals Cities

of the Province

Source: Ministry of Energy and Water.

Basic infrastructures

202. In addition to the projects planned by the Water for All Program, the Municipal Programs to Combat Poverty, were held other complementary projects, such as building fountains, borehole drilling, construction of fountains, open water points, construction of small water systems, open ponds and chimpacas, enhanced and treated, and also the construction of adjacent laundry to fountains.

203. With regard to water for all projects, the completed projects provided a coverage rate of 52,3%. Were built 383 fountains, were open 13 holes, 10 fountains, 78 water points, 48 small water systems, 8 laundries and 1 cacimba improved and treated.

Table 29

Water for All Program – Population Served and Coverage Rate

Source: Ministry of Energy and Water.

204. The capacity of water supply to the rural population in the year of 2011 was of 47,1%, ie 10,9% more than in the year of 2010. In 2012, the coverage rate rose to 52,3%. The Program of the Year of 2012 operates now also in Luanda province, due to changes in the administrative division of the province, which now contains the municipalities of Quissama and Icolo e Bengo.

Table 30

Number of Projects Completed and Population Benefited in the Framework

of the Water for All Program

Source: Ministry of Commerce.

205. The Water for All Program allowed serving over 2.140.666 new inhabitants, as a result of the construction of 1.703 water points (PA) and 413 small water supply systems (PSA).

206. The guarantee of the right to adequate housing is the responsibility of the State, which conducts its activities in accordance with the Constitution, that establishes: respect and protection of the life of the individual by the State (Article 30); the inviolability of the moral, intellectual and physical integrity of people (Article 31); respect and protection, by the State, of the person and human dignity; guarantee of the right to private property (Article 37); everyone’s right to live in a healthy environment (Article 39).

207. Reducing the housing deficit is a strategic objective of the Government. A number of programs is geared towards the fulfillment of this goal, with emphasis on the major capital cities of the province, municipalities, as well as to the communes and rural villages. In this area, lies the biggest highlight to the project of the Kilamba City, the largest project ever built in the country.

Table 31

Houses Constructed under the Government Housing Program

Source: Ministry of Urbanism and Housing and Provincial Governments.

208. The Construction Program of 200 homes per municipality was performed in 13,6%, with about 3.455 completed homes. The building of function houses amounts to a total of 438 dwellings.

209. In New Centralities 115 buildings are completed in Kilamba, 87 in Cacuaco, 3 in Capari, 10 at Km 44 and 2 in Cabinda.

210. In compliance with the constitutional provisions cited, sustainable programs and projects have been developed in all social areas that often require the Government to take additional actions to correct aspects of architectural character, basic sanitation and the prevention of accidents which may occur in built-up and inhabited areas as a result of population exodus, without minimum security conditions. Many of these measures culminate with the necessity and inevitable transfer of populations of risk areas to others in relative safety, with due regard to the rights to health, education, employment, drinking water, electricity and spaces to practice sports.

211. Due to its specificity, a diagnosis was performed in the province of Huambo, consisting in the analysis and identification of citizens living in vulnerable areas, inadequate housing, structurally unsafe or overcrowded housing, in order to ensure access to infrastructure and basic services, such as water, disposal waste, sanitation and electrical energy. Along with this, it was also continued to implement the National Program of Urbanism and Housing, with the main focus on building centers and housing schemes by the State, private companies and cooperatives, with the participation of the population through self-construction directed to urban lots allocated for this purpose.

212. In this framework, 214 land reserves were established around 170 hectares, of which are being implemented the provincial urban plans, measure supplemented by halving the fees payable to the registration and transfer of property, that is a clearly costly process. Were also approved legislation that regulate the mechanisms of bank lending for home ownership and the legal regime of savings account-housing.

213. The procedures for granting land totaled 192, corresponding to an area of ​​about 217.710 hectares in the provinces of Luanda, Benguela, South Kwanza, North Kwanza, Huila, Zaire, Malanje, Uíge, Moxico, Cunene, Huambo, Bié, North Lunda and Bengo. The National Directorate of Environment has implemented several actions intended to contribute to improving the quality of life of the populations, by protecting the environment and also in relation to adequate housing. These programs are:

• National Environmental Management Program, which aims to introduce clean and environmentally friendly technologies, an eco-management of production activities and the improvement of infrastructures that will enable the achievement of sustainable development.

• Program of Environmental Education and Awareness (PECA) aims to contribute to a change in behavior among populations through the various forms of education (formal and informal). In this vein, have been developed various activities, such as cleanups in communities, raising awareness actions in neighborhoods through the media.

• Program of Total Sanitation led by Community/Schools began to be developed since 2008, including peri-urban and rural areas. This program has contributed to improve sanitation through the eradication of open defecation and adoption of hygienic practices, such as hand washing, at national level. The program was implemented as a pilot project in Moxico, Bié, Cunene and Huila; and due to the success of its implementation it has been extended to 6 provinces, witch are: Benguela, South Kwanza, North Kwanza, Malanje, Namibe and Uíge.

• Strategic Plan for Urban Waste Management was adopted in 2012 and aims to regulate the management of municipal waste at the country level, as well as to provide support in the process of sustainable development in Angola, through the stimulation of the waste recovery sector, which will significantly contribute to improving the well-being of the population and to promote the creation of jobs within a green economy.

Article 12

Right to physical and mental health

214. The National Health Policy was approved by Presidential Decree No. 262/10 on National Health System and the Law No. 21-B/92 on Universal Access to Primary Health Care, as a duty laid down in Article 77 of the Constitution, according to which “the State shall promote and guarantee the necessary measures to ensure to all, the right to medical and health care, as well as the right to assistance in childhood, maternity, invalidity, disability, old age, and in any situation of incapacity for work”.

215. Over the years, public financial resources were not guided by their regularity. The percentage of the State General Budget allocated to health increased from 6,68% in 2008, to 8,38% in 2009, while in 2010 and 2011 this percentage decreased to 5,02%, increased slightly to 5,14% in 2012, and 5,56% for the year of 2013. In 2008, during the Conference of Ouagadougou, Angola signed an undertaking to create an increase in resources allocated to the health sector and raise them progressively to 15% of the National Budget.

216. In fulfilling this constitutional obligation, the Government implements the policies and programs that have resulted in improving the situation in the most varied fields of health in the country.

217. Of the most recent results reported in the country, there is progress, compared to the years 2008-2010, regarding life expectancy who spent 48 years in both sexes to 52 years; maternal mortality, maternal deaths went from 1.400 to 450 per 100.000 live births; neonatal mortality from 98 to 42 per 1000 live births; the infant mortality rate from 150 to 116 deaths per 1.000 live births; mortality in children under five years from 250 to 194.

Figure 5

Graphic evolution of social indicators, 2008–2010

Mortality under

5 years

Infant mortality

Neonatal mortality

Maternal mortality

Life Expectancy

218. In order to reduce the infant mortality rate, under the Milk and Papa Project, were delivered across the country 377.243 metric tons of infant milk, whole milk, milky flour and papas of diverse flavors, which benefited 20.919 families, and assisted 53.290 children, in particular from 0 to 2 years, maternal orphans and children affected or infected with HIV/AIDS. 899 children were placed in 821 mothers’ guardianship, preventing, thus, the institutionalization of children and child mortality in children under 2 years of age, maternal orphans and deprived of parental care.

219. There have also been improvements in health status in pregnancy, with increased coverage of consultation prenatal up to 60%; in the prevention of avoidable diseases with increased vaccination coverage up to 88%; in the reduction or stabilization of incidence, prevalence and mortality in endemic diseases, in particular malaria, with a reduction in the number of deaths of about 90%, and of HIV and AIDS.

220. Despite the improvement recorded in health indicators, Angola also notes: high rates of maternal, infant and under-five mortality; high incidence of infectious and parasitic diseases, with emphasis on major endemic diseases, respiratory diseases and diarrheal diseases; a still high level of malnutrition in children under five years; prevalence of outbreaks of cholera, rabies and measles; exponential rise of chronic non-communicable diseases (DCNT) and road accidents, being the transmissible diseases account for more than 50% of registered deaths in the general population.

221. Among women of 11.852 households, of which 5.707 urban and 6.145 rural, it was noted that 69% made at least one prenatal consultation, of these, 47% have made the four recommended; 42% of births took place in a health care institution, mainly public, and 49% were attended by skilled personnel.

222. The prevalence rate of HIV infection in Angola was estimated at 1.9%, the lowest in the SADC region. Although a decrease of 5% were registered in the period of 2000-2010, the occurrence of new infections is of 0,2%, being higher in urban areas, with 0,4%. HIV transmission is predominantly heterosexual, with 79,2% of reported cases. The distribution of the epidemic in the country is different, depending on the province, ranging from 0,8% in the province of Malanje to 4,4% in Cunene, with a national median pointing up to 2,8%. The border provinces have the highest prevalence, reaching 4,4% in Cunene province, and the lowest one in Uige province, with 1%. In general, increases were recorded in absolute numbers, with 167 thousand in 2009, to about 187.000 in 2012.

223. It does not exist – at least while the largest survey (general census of the population) started in May 2013 will not be completed – notable data about people suffering from psychological, neurological or related problems to use of psychoactive substances. The few hospital records point out, however, a tendency to increase. In demonstrating indicators on non-communicable diseases and mental disorders, the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that morbidity among patients treated at health establishments with diseases of mental health correspond to ¼ of the total.

224. The rising trend results from the strong impact on mental health from exposure to episodes of war, alcohol abuse, domestic violence and the stress of modern life, particularly in urban areas. The assistance to these patients is still very limited, with care only offered in the tertiary level of attention, in most cases.

225. The National Health Development Plan (PNDS) adopted, intend to guide the implementation of treatment in primary care, ensure the training of technicians, and provide psychotropic medications, which must be provided and kept available. Providing care in the community with early interventions in order to limit the stigma associated with treatment, educate and raise public awareness through campaigns on mental health and engaging communities, families and users in actions and decision making, as well as developing research-oriented action. These actions are accompanied by clinical trials, to evaluate interventions and models that can contribute to improving the quality of mental health services.

226. The records of consultations held towards higher 15 years old patients indicate 4.073 in 2008, 15.663 in 2009, 5.601 in 2010, 1.594 in 2011, and 6.355 in 2012.

Figure 6

Mental health patients over 15

Mental health patients over 15

Mental health patients

over 15

227. The strategic goals were oriented to mental health, with a view to:

(a) Elaborate a National Strategic Plan for Mental Health by the end of 2013;

(b) Create mental health legislation until the end of 2015;

(c) Promote habits and healthy lifestyle and combat the stigma attached to mental health problems with the participation of the population;

(d) Elaborate a protocol on “healthy mind” with different health institutions to collect information on mental health;

(e) Implement programs of mental health empowerment/training in all types of health training structures by 2017;

(f) Conduct an inquiry into the situation of mental health at the national level by 2015;

(g) Increase the availability of mental health services in 18 general hospitals and in 216 other health facilities in the primary level of attention by 2021;

(h) Create 36 mental health units with day hospital services and 36 centers for psychosocial rehabilitation of patients with special pathologies by 2025;

(i) Create an information and collecting data system on mental health by 2021;

(j) Implement psychosocial rehabilitation and community intervention programs in all municipalities by 2025.

228. Epidemics and natural disasters (floods and droughts) unexpectedly affect the health and development of communities. On the face of it, the health sector has made early diagnosis and prepared answers to all the consequences that might result to minimize its impact on the health of populations.

229. Recent years have been worrisome, because of the spread of endemic communicable diseases, emerging and re-emerging, such as cholera, polio, rabies, hemorrhagic fevers, influenza A H1N1, caused by natural disasters or related to human action (such as conflicts and refugee movements). This situation contributed to the destruction of infrastructure, causing the exodus of many families who were forced to seek safer places precipitously, getting sometimes deprived of basic means, especially basic health services.

230. Activities of routine vaccination against rabies (for pets), and polio, are frequent; the last 4 cases of polio were reported in 2011, and Angola does not record cases since 1 year, a sign that the national and provincial campaigns have been effective.

231. The monitoring and management of cholera are made weekly by the National Commission for the Fight Against Cholera, coordinated by the Ministry of Health. For rabies, there is also a National Commission, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Angola also has the Contingency Plan for Calamities and Disasters Natural, prepared in 2008.

232. During the period under review, efforts continued in the field of rehabilitation, expansion and equipping of hospitals, centers and health posts. The health coverage has steadily improved, with increased diagnostic capability and advances in the management of cases of treatments, with the implementation of the National Health System.

233. The activities developed by the sector between 2009-2012 essentially aimed at improving national health system, characterized by a national nosological picture still dominated by communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases (cancer, hypertension and diabetes), in order to reduce the rates of mortality and morbidity, particularly maternal and child mortality.

234. Other activities were essentially turned over to combat endemic diseases (malaria, human African trypanosomiasis, HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, etc.).

235. In terms of public health, it was observed that the statistical analysis of data from the Epidemiological Surveillance System of the country allowed concluding that communicable diseases occupy the top causes of morbidity and mortality in the population. Malaria, acute respiratory diseases and acute diarrheal diseases represent about 90% of all diseases reported in 2012, against 96,3% in 2011. The National Epidemiological Surveillance System reported 4.012.950 clinical cases with 10.047 deaths, representing a mortality rate of 0,3%, similar to the previous year.

236. During the period under review was recorded an overall mortality rate from communicable diseases of 54/100.000 inhabitants, twice more than in the previous year that was of 21.2 /100,000, and there were no reported cases of polio. In 2012, there was a slight decrease in the number of cases by 19%, compared with the same period of the previous year; probably it will be due to the improvement of laboratory diagnosis, allowing early detection of outbreak of malaria in Cafunfo. The improvement of the Epidemiological Surveillance System allowed the detection of four epidemics, in particular that of the Measles (8,064 cases), Cholera (2,198 cases), and Malaria in Cafunfo, municipality of Kuango (23,750).

237. Regarding the number of deaths, it is observed that these begin to decline sharply from 2004 until 2008, having increased slightly in 2009, compared to 2008 and 2010. At the level of maternal health indicators, there was an increased coverage of PF, from 8% to 25%, and the reduction of institutional maternal deaths went from 620 deaths in 2011 to 304 in 2012. There was also an increase in coverage of measles vaccination, that went from 88% for 95%, yellow fever, that went from 61% to 66%, pentavalent, that went from 83% to 89%, polio, which went from 82% to 86%, and BCG slightly increased from 88% to 89%.

238. At the institutional level, must be highlighted the adoption by the Council of Ministers of Presidential Decree No. 52/12, of March 26, 2012, which lay down the Regulations of the National Commission for the Prevention and Audit of Perinatal and Maternal Deaths, the launch, in April, of the Reinforcement of Municipal Health Services Project, that has the financial support of the World Bank and Total & Angola, strengthening of health care and management at primary level of attention with 267 Cuban technicians, and the approval of projects for tuberculosis and malaria with funding from Global Fund.

239. With regard to the activities of the National Institute for the Fight Against AIDS (INLS), and considering that prevention is one of the components of highest priority in the fight against HIV/AIDS by contributing to the stabilization of prevalence rates in Angola, as it intervene in reducing the incidence, the INLS launched a nationwide campaign called “Red Ribbon campaign” for the early and massive diagnosis of the sexually active population of Angola.

240. This action will contribute to achieving the goals set with emphasis on universal access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment for people living with HIV. For this purpose, it was shown that it is necessary to prioritize/strengthen some interventions, including: the integration of services for prevention of vertical transmission (PTV) in antenatal services; the integration of treatment services with ARVs and sexually transmitted infections (ITS) under the decentralization of health services; supervision and optimization of existing services that make diagnosis and treat people living with HIV/AIDS; the elaboration of the National Plan to Eliminate Transmission of Mother to Child; preparing the Nurse Manual for a New Approach to Prevention and Treatment of Pregnant Women, with antiretroviral drugs; and monitoring the drug resistance to ARVs (primary and secondary).

241. Finally, the table below shows the reported cases of incidents caused by major diseases that affect populations:

Table 32

Obligatory Referral Diseases to the National Surveillance System

Source: Ministry of Health

242. The occurrence of these diseases were the leading causes of death, as shown in the table below:

Table 33

Deaths Caused by Diseases of Compulsory Notification

Source: Ministry of Health.

1. Goals

243. For the period on balance, the planned targets were performed according to the following table:

Table 34

Goals of the Health Sector

Source: Ministry of Health.

2. Investments

244. For the period under review, the Public Investments Program of the sector was approved with a value of Kz 23.500 million, having been implemented the value of Kz 17,600 million corresponding to an execution rate of 75%, as it can be seen in the table below:

Table 35

Investments of the Health Sector

Source: Ministry of Health.

Table 36

Number of Health Units Constructed and Rehabilitated

PM – Municipal Program.

PP – Provincial Program.

Sources: Ministry of Trade and Provincial Governments.

Articles 13 and 14

Right to education

245. Concerning education, the students that attend the different subsystems of education increased, with the exception of class initiation, and went from 5.658.993 in 2008 to 7.156.600 in 2012.

246. In the literacy area, the calculations of the rate shall be determined by the results of the general census of the population that had its beginning in May 2013. However, the Inquiry About the Population Welfare (IBEP) of 2008-2009, of the National Institute of Statistics, shows a literacy rate of 65,6% for the population aged 15 to 42 years. It should be noted that the definition used for the literacy rate is related to the proportion of the population who can read a newspaper and write a letter.

247. There was a revitalization of the literacy process at national level and a rising educational levels of young people and adults with a greater involvement of the social partners, taking into account the objectives of the United Nations Decade for Literacy and the Objectives of Education for All, to reduce the incidence of illiteracy in this population.

248. There was a decrease in the actual class of initiation in the order of 19,8%, a fact that worries, and everything is being done to increase the rate to 100%. Concerning the growth in the other levels, it is recorded: 30,4% in Primary Education, 29.6% in Special Education, 75,8% in 1rst Cycle of Secondary Education, and 52,5% in the 2nd cycle, these indicators showing an improved access of students in the Education System, compared to the previous.

249. A total of 25.220 students with hearing, intellectual, visual, multiple, or motor disabilities, behavioral disorders, and developmental disorders, are welcomed by the subsystem of Special Education, which aims to be increasingly inclusive.

250. In order to provide the welfare of children within the education system, as well as mitigate the costs of poorer families and reduce repetition rates and dropout, the School Lunch Program is being implemented, whose budget coming from State General Budget was 4.501.365.918.00 Kz in 2011, 4.830.378.999.00 Kz in 2012, and 5.750.000.000.00 Kz being the prediction for 2013, benefiting about 5.247.032 students.

251. There are also: i) the School Deworming Program with praziquantel and albendazole, which benefited until 2012 a total of 4.113.192 students across the country; ii) the School Health Program (HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and STIs) in partnership with WHO and UNICEF, to prevent and develop healthy habits and reduce the health problems that compromise the educational background; and also iii) the Awareness Program for the Use of Salt with Iodine, also in partnership with WHO and UNICEF, to ensure the physical and mental development of school children.

252. In 2008, the total number of teachers was 185.220, according to the needs of the sector; this number rose to 245.979 in 2012, representing an increase of 32,8%. The number of classrooms in the levels of Primary and Secondary Education increased from 50.516 in 2008 to 58.564 in 2012, signifying an increase of 14,9%, and an annual average construction of 1.609 new rooms. The school system currently has 192 polytechnic schools in industrial, agricultural, administration and management, arts and health branches, being 98 public and 94 private, distributed in all provinces of the country.

253. The approval rate increased, due to the reduction of the repetition and dropout rates at all levels of education, and the efficacy was improved compared to the previous education system. With the increase in educational offer and the improvement of internal efficiency, the number of graduates increased from 35.402 in 2008 to 57.201 in 2010, representing a growth of 61,6 during that period.

254. Private education and part-financed schools play an extremely important role in the development of this partnership, contributing significantly to the widening access, expanding and consolidating of the system. A salutary partnership has allowed the growth of students in these schools, in a proportion of 10% of total students from the Primary and Secondary Education.

Figure 7

Comparative Graphs of Educational Strategy Government

Number of graduated students

Number of classrooms for the primary and secondary levels

Total number

of teachers

Total number

of students enrolled

Number of classrooms for the primary and secondary levels

Number of graduated students

Total number

of teachers

Total number

of students enrolled

255. The main funding source of the education sector is the General State Budget (OGE), which percentage of total public expenditure rose from 7,9% in 2008 to 8,18% in 2012. The expense for education in 2008, compared to the GDP corresponded to 2,9%, reaching to 4,1% in 2012.

Figure 8

Graphs Demonstrating the Relationship Education Sector /OGE/GDP

Expenditure for education sector compared to the GDP

Expenditure for education sector compared to the General State Budget

256. For the academic year of 2013, has begun the process of experimentation of the methodological guide of human rights for teachers of preschool and primary education throughout the country, covering civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, focusing on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, content that already is included in the curriculum grid of all disciplines system.

257. Seven national languages were introduced in the education system (kimbundu, umbundu, kicongo, cokwe, ngangela, kuanhama, nhaneca and fiote or ibinda), in order to preserve the cultural identity and include in the system children from ethnic minorities or from indigenous communities, in an experimental phase covering a target group of around 12.000 students from 240 classes.

258. The Assessment National Program of Learning disciplines of the Portuguese language, mathematics and environmental medium study, in partnership with the World Bank, is running in parallel with the Global Assessment Program of Educational Reform financed with funds from the State Budget, with a view to correction of any eventual defects and achieving of the targets established by law.

259. The Basic Law of the Education System, Law No. 13/01 of 31 December, ensures the free and compulsory primary education, the materialization of which is guaranteed by plans in the medium and long term, in order to achieve the objectives and targets set for each subsystem of the Education System in the period of 2008-2012. To improve and guarantee the exercise of the right to education, were approved various Presidential and Ministerial Decrees, which aim to regulate school and teaching activities in public and private sectors.

260. In the period under review, the sector conducted activities that allowed a positive evolution of students’ number that attend the different subsystems of education, with the exception of the class of initiation. Thus, the Education Sector recorded an overall growth rate of student numbers of 6,2%, although lower than that recorded in 2011 (about 9%).

261. At the provincial level, the frequency of students in 2012 was more differentiated, the provinces of interior having registered a larger number of students (58,6%) than those of the coast (41,4%), which reflects the implementation of the Government Program with the support of partners and community.

262. In the literacy area, adherence to alphabetization campaigns and adult education is obvious, registering a growth of 5,3% in 2011, and 3,0% in 2012.

263. In initiation class, we witnessed a decrease of pupil numbers, of 11,4% in 2011 and 2,9% in 2012, which reflects the compliance with Order No. 176/08 of 23 December, of the Minister of Education, that limits enrollment in this class for children up to 5 years old, with the aim of normalizing the gross enrollment rate of 100%. This guidance aims to increase the enrollment of children with 5 years old, thus contributing to the increase in the net enrollment rate in this class, and consequently reducing the education gap.

264. At the Primary Education level – the one that frame the largest number of students, with over 70% of the total – recorded a growth of 3,4% in the period. The Secondary Education, 1srt and 2nd cycles were those with the highest relative growth rate of their school students with respectively 22,2% and 24,1% in 2011. This growth of students in the Primary Education reflects a gross enrollment ratio from 161,11% in 2011 to 155,7% in 2012.

265. Primary Education of six classes still welcome, in all school years, children enrolled outside of the official age of enrollment, i.e. from 6 to 11 years old. With this in mind, there was a gross enrollment rate exceeding 100% over the analyzed period. The perspective is to lower these rates in order to allow schooling for children from 6 to 11 years old.

266. In Secondary Education, the concern of the sector has always been to increase shelter capacity, in order to improve the absorption of the demand for education and quality of education. There was a gross enrollment rate, averaging 35,8% in 2011, and it reached 37,9% in 2012.

267. The fundamental goal of the Special Education is to provide disabled students with a comprehensive education, enabling them to acquire knowledge, habits and skills that allow them to work, aiming at their integration into social life of the country. In 2011 and 2012, were recorded growth rates of around 4% and 3% respectively.

268. In the period under review, the number of classrooms in the Primary and Secondary Education subsystem went from 52.593 in 2010 to 58.564 in 2012, as a result of investments made by the Government and social partners, in order to expand access to Primary and Secondary Education. Despite the increase in classrooms around 9,3% in 2012, the capacity to meet the demand for education is still insufficient.

269. Private education is an important ally for the widening of access to education and, currently, it is deployed in almost all provinces in the country. Students’ number in this type of education has been growing, accounting for over 10%.

270. The evolution of the main indicators of the sector can be seen in the tables below:

Table 37

Number of Students Enrolled

Source: Ministry of Education.

Table 38

Gross Enrolment Rate

Source: Ministry of Education.

Table 39

Number of Classrooms

Source: Ministry of Education.

Table 40

Summary Table Indicators of 2010-2012

Source: Ministry of Education.

Higher Education

271. For the Higher Education Sector, the National Plan of 2011-2012 set the objective of the development of quality higher education, contributing to the development of science and technology, the democratization of employment opportunities and income, improving the quality of life, eradicating extreme poverty, and the sustainable development of the country. The table below shows the evolution of the indicators in recent years.

Table 41

Main Indicators of Higher Education Sector

Source: Ministry of Higher Education.

* The data presented are estimates based on programmed values for the respective indicators:

Table 42

Goals of the Higher Education Sector

Source: Ministry of Higher Education.

Article 15

Right to culture and artistic creation

272. In the cultural context, were undertaken several actions for the recovery of the historical, natural and cultural heritage, such as the reopening of the Regional Museum of Dundo, the dissemination and valorization of historical figures, the assessment of the state of conservation of historic sites. The Government proceeded to the survey and classification of cultural heritage, the inscription on the World Heritage List of the historical zone of Mbanza Kongo, Kwanza corridor and cave paintings of Tchitundo Hulo, the harmonization and standardization of the spelling of the national languages, combating piracy and plagiarism of the works, among other actions.

273. The celebration of anniversaries related to culture, which the higher pole has been the carnival; were held fairs, national awards culture, popular music festivals and gardens of children’s books, to ensure access of all segments of the population to concerts, theater, movies, sporting events, cultural heritage of humanity, the new information technologies.

274. To eliminate the physical, social and communication barriers that prevent the elderly and disabled people to participate fully in cultural life, and encourage participation by children in cultural life, including the poorest families and migrants or refugees, were carried out, among several activities, actions of cultural diffusion, such as conferences, roundtables and workshops.

275. The promotion policy of cultural industries, as the revival of enterprises in the cultural sector, the training of human resources and the creation of a files network, created conditions for the access to cultural property with the following results: Readers of the National Library of Angola, 47.431 in 2009, 35.324 in 2010, 35.685 in 2011 and 30.652 in 2012; readers of the Historical Archives of Angola, 1.211 in 2009, 1.050 in 2010, 711 in 2011 and 615 in 2012; visitors in museums in activity 40.107 in 2009, 46.858 in 2010, 54.636 in 2011 and 66.213 in 2012. To improve and increase the population’s access to services, public investments were made in the order of Kz 393.162.207.00 in 2010, Kz 94.801.815.00 in 2011 and Kz 110.912.000.00 in 2012, totaling Kz 598.876.022.00.

Figure 9

Graph Illustrating the Cultural Industries, 2009-2012

Readers Historical Archive

Museum Visitors

Readers National Library

276. A regular dissemination of the Concluding Observations at all levels of the society, especially among Government officials and legal professionals and civil society organizations, has been implemented with the realization of seminars, workshops, roundtables, meetings, awareness campaigns, and in all favorable occasions.

277. The sector has completed a number of activities to preserve, protect and enhance the historical, natural and cultural heritage, related to the commemoration of anniversaries highlighting the cultural November, 2012 Carnival, the fair of Dondo (North Kwanza Province.), the National Prize of Culture, the Festival of Popular Music, and the Garden and Children’s Book.

278. With a view to creating a network of archives, libraries and cultural centers, such activities were performed as records management courses at the level of some provinces (Luanda, South Kwanza., etc.), methodological support in relation to the national program of construction and rehabilitation of libraries and cultural centers.

279. The table below presents the main indicators of the sector:

Table 43

Access to Cultural Goods

Source: Ministry of Culture.

1. Goals

280. For the period on balance, the planned targets were performed according to the following table:

Table 44

Goals of the Culture Sector

Source: Ministry of Culture.

* Some students did not enroll in Art Schools because the works of the new facilities of the Art Medium Institute will only be completed in the second half of 2013. It is planned to perform new enrollments for the academic year of 2014.

** These are data disaggregated into short and long term in the areas of theater, dance, music, cinema and files management.

2. Investments

281. In 2012 was begun the construction of the 2nd phase of the Institute of Fine Arts, in Camama, and was completed a large parte of the renovation project of the exhibition of the Dundo Museum.

282. According to the data available, it can be stated that improvements were recorded in the field of public investment. The degree of implementation in 2012 was higher than in 2011 and 2010, as shown in the following table:

Table 45

Investment in the Cultural Sector

IV. Observation

283. Despite high rates of economic growth, Angola still has before it many challenges, among others poverty reduction in order to achieve successfully the socio-economic transformation; it ensures that it will continue to improve the quality of development policies and to implement them effectively, in order to guarantee to all Angolans social welfare and economic development.

[*] The present document is being issued without formal editing.

^[1] CIC – Community Children’s Center, alternative institutions to IC – Children’s Centers.

^[2] The National Assembly (AN) is the Angolan Parliament.

^[3] Action for Rural Development and Environment.