Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 38th Session

Universal Periodic Review of the Republic of Palau

Statement by Australia

7 May 2021

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia commends the Republic of Palau for its efforts to strengthen human rights since the last review, including progressing measures to implement the Family Protection Act 2012. Australia was pleased to provide assistance to Palau through its former Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs and Ministry of State to support its implementation of this act.

We welcome the Republic of Palau's engagement in the Human Rights Council through collaboration with other Pacific Island States and Australia through joint statements on shared areas of concern.

Australia recommends that the Republic of Palau:

1. Pursue accreditation of the Office of the Ombudsman as a National Human Rights Institution in compliance with the Paris Principles.
2. Continue to prioritise the promotion of gender equality though its policies and programs, including through the allocation of adequate resources.
3. Ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its Second Optional Protocol