Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 36th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Panama, Statement by Australia

4 November 2020

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia welcome Panama’s reforms to improve its human rights framework since its last review, including efforts to  strengthen Panama’s democratic, electoral and judicial institutions through the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.

Australia recommends that Panama:

1. Implement further reforms to strengthen the independence of the judiciary and rule of law.
2. Continue to improve living conditions for prisoners, including reducing overcrowding, as well as ensure compliance with article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
3. Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation prohibiting all forms of discrimination, including on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

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