Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 37th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Nepal

Statement by Australia

21 January 2021

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

We appreciate the Government of Nepal’s commitment to continue to build on Nepal’s Constitution of 2015 to realise the protection and promotion of human rights and to implement previously accepted recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review. While we recognise the challenges facing Nepal due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, we encourage Nepal to proactively progress the promotion and protection of human rights and play a leadership role as a member of the Human Rights Council.

Australia recommends that Nepal:

1. Take necessary steps to ensure the effective functioning of the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal in accordance with the Paris Principles, including through the financial autonomy of the Commission and implementation of its recommendations.
2. Advance a credible and victim-centric transitional justice process that is consistent with the judgements of Nepal’s Supreme Court and international law.
3. Step up efforts to end gender-based violence and caste-based discrimination; and ensure access to justice for victims of sexual violence, including by bringing rape laws in line with international standards.
4. Ensure the right to freedom of expression and ensure all individuals are protected against threats, intimidation and violence when engaging in public discourse.

[195 words]