45th session of the Universal Periodic Review
Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 45th Session
Universal Periodic Review of the Republic of the Congo
30 January 2024
Statement by Australia
Thank you, Vice President
Australia welcomes the distinguished delegation from the Republic of the Congo and thanks them for the presentation of their national report.
Australia commends the Republic of the Congo for enacting the Mouébara law to combat violence against women since its last UPR review. We also commend the Republic of the Congo for its ongoing moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
Australia remains concerned by limits on freedom of expression, including journalists’ freedom to report, and by the prevalence of human trafficking.
Australia recommends the Republic of the Congo:
- Ratify the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.
- Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
- Protect the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, including by ceasing state harassment of journalists.