UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review – 47th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Brunei Darussalam

8 November 2024

Statement by Australia

Thank you, Vice President.

Australia welcomes Brunei Darussalam's commitment to ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the increase in female representation in government and the granting of citizenship to over 4,500 stateless long-term residents since its last review.

Australia recommends Brunei Darussalam:

1. Fulfil commitments in the Sultan’s 2019 Royal Decree on the implementation of the Syariah Penal Code in a manner consistent with international human rights standards, including ratifying UNCAT and respecting individuals’ right to privacy.
2. Ensure the right to privacy applies to all sexual activity between consenting adults.
3. Develop a timeline for concluding the State of Emergency and the restrictions it imposes on freedom of expression and association.
4. Accede to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
5. Implement an official moratorium on the death penalty.