Australia is a stable, democratic and culturally diverse nation with a highly skilled workforce and one of the strongest performing economies in the world.
Australia commends those states that have engaged with the Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and those who have sought technical assistance to improve the human rights situation in their country.
Australia recognises African-led diplomatic efforts in support of a peaceful solution in the Eastern DRC and call on regional states and parties to cease support for armed groups perpetrating human rights violations and abuses.
Australia urges the Malian authorities to adopt legal mechanisms to protect children, combat child marriage and take steps to eliminate the practice of female genital mutilation.
Australia notes the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations for both immediate and long-term responses to improve the protection and promotion of human rights for minority peoples.
Australia commends the courageous advocacy of civil society organisations, human rights defenders and others who continue to carry out essential human rights work in difficult circumstances.
Australia is encouraged by improving humanitarian access in northern Ethiopia yet notes many challenges remain. We urge all parties to continue working together to remove barriers to humanitarian assistance reaching all affected communities.
Australia urges the military regime to immediately cease violence, engage in meaningful dialogue, and return Myanmar to the path of democracy. We continue to call for justice and accountability for crimes committed against the people of Myanmar.
Australia condemns Iran’s systemic oppression of women and girls. The Special Rapporteur's accounts of gender-based and sexual violence, and rape and torture of children and young people, are utterly reprehensible.
Australia is deeply concerned by reports Russian authorities have committed violations of international humanitarian law, war crimes and violations of the right to life.
Australia praises the advocates who support accountability and put their lives at risk to advance human rights. We condemn reprisals against civil society and human rights defenders.
Through the work of Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Australia is driving progress on the principles, implementation measures, and remedies needed to combat violence against children online.
On behalf of Australia, New Zealand and Canada, we welcome the Special Rapporteur’s report celebrating the achievements of human rights defenders since the adoption of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders 25 years ago.
Australia is deeply concerned by the scale and extent of torture crimes being perpetrated by national authorities and public officials across the globe.
Australia recognises the importance of moving away from traditional service and support models based on impairments to focus on the creation of universal systems which support the rights and agency of all people.
Australia condemns all discrimination and persecution based on religion or belief. We are committed to protecting the rights of all people to adopt, manifest, change or leave any religion or belief.
It is our responsibility to recognise early warning signs and react swiftly and decisively to protect populations at risk, but also to confront deeply entrenched racism.
Today we want to focus on mayors of towns and cities Russia has attempted to illegally annex. At least 30 mayors have been detained since 24 February 2022. At least six remain in Russia’s custody.
Our countries are committed to adopting continued and effective long-term health policies that protect Indigenous Peoples communities and individuals’ rights.
We are convinced that parties to conflict can prevent crimes against children and protect children by abiding with their international law obligations.
We are committed to championing the work of human rights defenders, including young activists; amplifying their experiences; countering narratives that discredit their work; and engaging them on opportunities to ensure a better future.
The pledge to “Leave no one behind” made by UN member States at the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development means that implementation of the SDGs should take into account the specific needs of vulnerable countries.
All of us joining this statement today hope that understanding and addressing the root causes of this disastrous event will prevent the occurrence of a similar tragedy in the future.
Today we want to focus on mayors of towns and cities Russia has attempted to illegally annex. At least 30 mayors have been detained since 24 February 2022. At least six remain in Russia’s custody.
