Statement by: Rebecca Bryant, Australia's Deputy Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations
As delivered

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for this report.

Australia is a strong advocate for freedom of religion or belief.

This reflects our character as a vibrant multicultural society and our commitment to the universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of all human rights.

We are committed to protecting the rights of all people to adopt, manifest, change or leave any religion or belief without experiencing hatred, discrimination or violence.

We are deeply concerned by the increase of discrimination and intolerance of different religions and beliefs, including the desecration of sacred books, places of worship, and religious symbols.

Such acts are entirely inconsistent with the UDHR.

Australia asks: How can states improve alignment across sectors and jurisdictions to ensure freedom of religion or belief is protected at all levels?

Thank you.