Australia recognises the strength of diversity, including the important contributions from indigenous peoples. It is critical that people from minority groups can participate directly in international discussions.

Australia does not recognise Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and we once again call on Russia to cease its occupation of Crimea.

It is crucial not to interfere with the delivery of humanitarian assistance to intended beneficiaries and to ensure that all Afghans have access to basic health services, food and shelter.

Australia continues to hold grave concerns for the human rights of Venezuelans. We urge all parties to return to negotiations that help identify a peaceful and democratic resolution to the situation in the country.

Australia is gravely concerned by alleged human rights violations and abuses documented in multiple reports, including in Western Tigray.

Australia is deeply concerned by the devastating and deteriorating human rights situation in Myanmar and the ongoing violence inflicted by the military regime on the civilian population.

Australia firmly support the aspiration for the Syrian people to live their lives free from persecution and violence, and with full enjoyment of all their human rights.

Australia calls for the immediate release of all individuals arbitrarily detained for exercising their legitimate rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom of association.

As we confront the climate crisis, women’s and girls’ human rights must be at the centre of our collective efforts. Climate change and its consequences can exacerbate the risk of sexual and gender-based violence. This risk is most acute for women and girls facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and inequality, including indigenous women and girls.

The new Australian Government has already committed to a more ambitious 2030 target, to reduce emissions to 43% below 2005 levels, putting Australia on track to achieve net-zero by 2050.

Transparent, responsible, accountable and participatory government underpins the protection of human rights, especially when confronted with unprecedented crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Menstruation is a normal and natural part of life. However, in many parts of the world, gender inequality, discriminatory social norms and cultural taboos, and a lack of access to sexual and reproductive health services mean that menstrual hygiene needs go unmet.

Human trafficking and all forms of modern slavery have a devastating impact on individuals, communities, economies, and security.

Independent judicial and legal systems are indispensable in the promotion and protection of human rights and consolidation of rule of law.

We share the Special Rapporteur's concern regarding the lack of training for medical personnel in meeting the needs of LGBTI persons, and the high rates of mental health concerns and suicide attempts among LGBTI people.

Violence against indigenous women and girls is a human rights violation, underpinned by intersecting forms of structural discrimination. Australia is committed to combatting this scourge.

Australia is committed to ensuring no one is left behind in our health policies and programs.

Australia is committed to working with, and protecting space for, civil society, especially women and girl human rights defenders.

Australia is appalled by increasing reports of acts of sexual violence against women and girls by Russian forces in Ukraine. Deliberately targeting innocent civilians is a war crime. Australia condemns these acts in the strongest possible terms.

Australia urges Nicaragua to engage with the international community and to avail itself of multilateral and regional technical assistance, to assist with re-establishing dialogue and renewing trust in democracy.

As a result of Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine, millions of people around the world are being pushed into extreme poverty or severe food insecurity, with serious implications on the enjoyment of their human rights. The immediate priority is to provide emergency relief. We must also step up existing efforts to support countries to boost their production capacity, strengthen the resilience of their food systems and make markets more sustainable.

We reaffirm our commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters.

Over eleven years of armed conflict in Syria have deeply traumatized children in the country and the region. As extensively documented by the Commission of Inquiry in its report presented to the 43rd HRC session, children endured multiple violations and abuses of their human rights, having been regularly targeted, killed, maimed, recruited, detained and used in armed conflict. 

We invite to continue participating in key discussions and report on the promotion and protection of human rights related to water, including identifying best practices and concrete areas and means for international cooperation.

We believe a coordinated, whole of government and society approach – with respect for, and protection of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law at its core – is the only way to preempt, expose, and successfully counter disinformation.

MIKTA countries are strong supporters of the rules-based international system, good global governance, and the protection of human rights. The achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls is central to this aim and is a core priority for MIKTA.

Women and girls are often the primary caregivers for children, elderly relatives and family members with disabilities. This is important and valuable work but it is often undervalued, unrecognised, unpaid, or underpaid. This is why we need to take a gender responsive approach to improve our care and support systems.

As the international community continues to grapple with the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, hundreds of millions of people could be pushed into extreme poverty this year as a result of the combined effects of the health crisis, the climate crisis, and of the war in Ukraine and its impact on global food and energy markets.

Our Group is gravely concerned about the decline of media freedom and the rise in threats to the safety of journalists and media workers across the globe, with severe negative consequences for human rights, the resilience of democracy, the rule of law, and development more broadly.

Education is a human right. The digital transformation provides unique opportunities to accelerate the achievement of SDG4 on ensuring access to inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to deliver this statement on behalf of “The role of good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights” resolution core group, comprising of Australia, Chile, Republic of Korea, South Africa and my own country Poland.

As highlighted in your report, national authorities must take all necessary measures to ensure the protection of the legal profession and the right to practice law without prejudice or interference.

It is my pleasure to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of the mandate of the Independent Expert on the protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Since women and girls are uniquely affected and targeted in many situations where atrocity crimes are being perpetrated, the systematic application of a gender lens by HRC mechanisms and procedures would enhance holistic atrocity prevention strategies and improve the effective implementation of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)

As it is noted in the report, neglecting to address the challenges created by discrimination and violence based on SOGI could significantly compromise achievement of many of the sustainable development goals.

On behalf of 42 Member States of the Equal Rights Coalition, a cross-regional intergovernmental body dedicated to the protection of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people and to promoting inclusive development in both member and non-member countries. The full list of ERC sponsors can be found in the online version.

I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the 46 member states in Geneva of the Group of Friends of Accountability Following the Aggression against Ukraine.

The Council is only as good as its members and as GA resolution 60/251 makes clear, all members elected to the Council are required to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights and to fully cooperate with the Council.

Today's commemorative event not only provides us with a moment of reflection on the past 49 sessions of the Human Rights Council but also an opportunity to warmly thank you, Madame High Commissioner, on behalf of over 100 countries, for your tireless work throughout the past years.