Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 45th Session

UN Human Rights Council – 56th Session

Universal Periodic Review of China

4 July 2024

Statement by Australia

Thank you, President

Australia acknowledges China’s participation in its fourth UPR cycle, but is disappointed that China did not accept any of the recommendations that Australia made or answer Australia’s advance questions.

Australia’s recommendations were based on objective information from independent experts, including from the OHCHR, human rights treaty bodies, Special Procedure Mandate Holders and other UN experts.

Drawing on these findings, Australia made a range of carefully considered recommendations, including for China to repeal legislation which discriminates against Tibetans and Uyghurs on the basis of race or religion; repeal the National Security Law in Hong Kong; cease the suppression of freedoms of expression, assembly, media and civil society; and end enforced disappearances.

The value of the UPR process is in enabling all UN member states to raise valid concerns, and for all states to consider these concerns.

China’s failure to respond to these questions or consider Australia’s concerns does not, however, detract from the credibility of those independent experts or the ongoing value of their findings. In this context, we welcome the translation of OHCHR’s 2022 report on the human rights situation in Xinjiang into all UN languages, making its important findings more accessible.