UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review – 46th Session

Universal Periodic Review of the Comoros

3 May 2024

Statement by Australia

Thank you, Vice President.

Australia commends the Comoros for observing a de facto moratorium on the death penalty and urges consideration of its abolition.

Australia is deeply concerned by the Comoros' limited progress on advancing democratic freedoms, and the high prevalence of violence against women and children, particularly girls.

Australia recommends the Comoros:

1. Respect and protect democratic freedoms, including the rule of law and freedom of the press.
2. Strengthen institutional capacity at all levels to support the implementation of gender equality policies and programs, including as they relate to eliminating gender-based violence.
3. Abolish the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.