Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 45th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Malta

31 January 2024

Statement by Australia

Thank you, Vice President

Australia commends Malta for releasing a new National Strategy on Gender-Based and Domestic Violence, and incorporating the Istanbul Convention into domestic law, and welcomes progress on implementation.

We also welcome Malta’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights through the government’s third LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy and Action Plan.

Australia recommends Malta:

1. Strengthen women’s sexual and reproductive rights by embedding comprehensive sexual education into the national curriculum, expanding access to contraception and legalising safe abortions.
2. Investigate and prosecute cases of intimidation and violence against journalists, and enact reforms that support freedom of the press and journalists’ safety.
3. Accelerate internal processes to establish a national institution for human rights, in accordance with the Paris Principles.