Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 40th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Timor-Leste

Statement by Australia

27 January 2022

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia welcomes actions and commitments taken on human rights by Timor-Leste since its last UPR appearance.  These include the adoption of the Anti-Human Trafficking Law, the National Action Plan for People with Disabilities, as well as progress made in implementing the National Action Plan on Gender-based Violence.  

Australia remains concerned about the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence and low levels of government investment to support victims of violence, as well as groups with multiple vulnerabilities including disability, age, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Australia recommends that Timor-Leste:

1. Accelerate efforts to accede to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, consistent with commitments under previous Universal Periodic Reviews, including establishing a National Council on Disability.
2. Implement additional measures to reduce all forms of sexual and gender-based violence and support victims and survivors of violence.
3. Ensure that women, children, rural communities and those in vulnerable situations are prioritised in Timor-Leste’s COVID-19 economic recovery measures, including better access to healthcare, education and adequate income.

[171 words]