UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review – 46th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Vanuatu

2 May 2024

Statement by Australia

Thank you, Vice President, and welcome to the distinguished Minister and delegation, our friends and neighbours from the Blue Pacific.

Australia commends Vanuatu's efforts to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks in the health and education sectors to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

Australia is concerned by the continued under-representation of women in politics, high prevalence of gender-based violence, high levels of intolerance and online bullying of LGBTQIA+ persons, and absence of legislative protections for children.

Australia recommends Vanuatu:

1. Introduce measures to increase women's political participation, including reserving seats for women in provincial and national elections.
2. Allocate more resources to the Department of Women, to strengthen coordination and enhance capacity to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
3. Pass legislation on Child Protection, Juvenile Justice and Adoption to guarantee the rights of the child.