UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review – 47th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Equatorial Guinea

11 November 2024

Statement by Australia

Thank you, Vice President.

Australia welcomes Equatorial Guinea’s abolition of the death penalty for ordinary crimes since its last review.

Australia remains deeply concerned by the narrowing political and civic space in Equatorial Guinea and the use of torture and extra-judicial killings by state officials.

Australia recommends Equatorial Guinea:

1. Investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment with a view to ensuring full accountability and preventing recurrence.
2. Release any political dissidents, human rights defenders or journalists who have been detained for legitimately exercising their freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
3. Abolish the death penalty for all crimes and accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.