Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 36th Session

Universal Periodic Review of the Republic of the Marshall Islands

Statement by Australia

9 November 2020

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia commends the Republic of the Marshall Islands on its efforts to strengthen human rights since the last review, including work to address domestic and family violence. Important legislative instruments relating to human rights have been introduced since the last review. Australia also congratulates the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands on its election to the UN Human Rights Council.

Australia recommends that the Republic of the Marshall Islands:

1. Ensure sufficient resourcing for the implementation of the Child Rights Protection Act (2015), Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2015), Human Rights Committee Act (2015), and Gender Equality Act (2019) legislation.
2. Effectively implement the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Act (2018), including through advocacy and awareness-raising amongst targeted audiences.
3. Establish a National Human Rights Institution compliant with the Paris Principles.

With the opening of Australia’s first resident Embassy in the Republic of the Marshall Islands in 2021, Australia looks forward to deeper cooperation, including to advance the rights of women and girls.

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