United Nations
Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 37th Session
Universal Periodic Review of the Federated States of Micronesia
Statement by Australia
18 January 2021
Thank you, [President/Vice President]
Australia commends the Federated States of Micronesia on efforts to strengthen the protection of human rights, including ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities[1], and progress in drafting child protection policy and legislation in support of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Australia acknowledges the work undertaken towards the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution.
Australia congratulates the Federated States of Micronesia on passing the Pohnpei Domestic Issues Act, criminalising domestic violence.[2] We have been pleased to work with the Federated States of Micronesia through the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development program to implement this act.
Australia recommends that the Federated States of Micronesia:
- Build on work done to date by consistently criminalising domestic violence across the whole of the Federated States of Micronesia, including by introducing legislation to criminalise domestic violence in Yap and Chuuk States.
- Establish a National Human Rights Institution in full compliance with the Paris Principles.
- Sign and ratify the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
[181 Words]