Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for his latest report and welcomes its focus on interference in and attacks on members of the legal profession.

Independent judicial and legal systems are indispensable in the promotion and protection of human rights and consolidation of rule of law. Australia particularly notes the important role of independent judges and lawyers in preventing the miscarriage and failure of justice in death penalty cases. We also value their contribution to global efforts to abolish the death penalty in all circumstances for all people.

Australia shares the Special Rapporteur's concern over a global increase in practices that undermine, restrict and hinder the practice of law. We condemn the use of strategies which inappropriately punish, intimidate and censure legal professionals carrying out professional duties. These disproportionately target human rights lawyers, including women human rights defenders. Australia remains a steadfast supporter of the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of the administration of justice.

Australia would appreciate the Special Rapporteur's advice on effective institutional and legal mechanisms to protect legal practitioners from interference and reprisals