19 June 2024

Australian Statement

Human rights apply equally to all people, no matter who you are or where you are born.

Alarmingly egregious systemic discrimination against women and girls continues in Afghanistan. Persecution of women and girls continues in Iran. Conflict related violence is escalating in Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, the DRC and Haiti – we call for the full implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

We condemn all allegations and reports of conflict related sexual violence in Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Hamas’ use of sexual violence on 7 October 2023.

LGBTQIA+ people continue to face violence and discrimination, including last year’s troubling new legislation in Uganda.

Australia is deeply concerned about CEDAW’s findings on the treatment of women and girls in China. Australia remains gravely concerned by OHCHR, Special Procedure Mandate Holder and Treaty body findings detailing ongoing human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet, and the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

No country has a perfect human rights record. Where we fall short, we strive to do better - accepting the message, not attacking the messenger.