UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review – 46th Session

Universal Periodic Review of the Dominican Republic

7 May 2024

Statement by Australia

Thank you, Vice President.

Australia welcomes the Dominican Republic's adoption of a Strategic Plan for a Life Free of Violence for Women. We acknowledge its efforts to address poverty and improve police transparency, including through amendments to the National Police Law.

Australia is concerned by the high prevalence of gender-based violence in the Dominican Republic. We are also concerned by state-based racial profiling, arbitrary detention and mass deportation of migrants, and the state's treatment of stateless people.

Australia recommends the Dominican Republic:

1. Implement Special Law 169–14 to address statelessness.
2. Implement the Strategic Plan for a Life Free of Violence for Women.
3. Strengthen protections for LGBTQIA+ people, including by embedding anti-discrimination provisions and banning conversion therapy in law.