Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 43rd Session

Universal Periodic Review of France

1 May 2023

Statement by Australia

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia commends France on its continued commitment to human rights, particularly its progress on promoting gender equality, LGBTI equality and freedom for all from discrimination.

We welcome France’s introduction of their 3rd International Strategy for Gender Equality and its National Action Plan to Promote Equal Rights and Combat Anti-LGBTI Hatred and Discrimination.

Australia recommends France:

1. Continue to address unnecessary and excessive use of force by law enforcement authorities, and to ensure use of force complies with principles of necessity and proportionality.
2. Implement measures to reduce overcrowding in prisons and prevent occupancy rates from being exceeded.
3. Introduce mechanisms to improve education outcomes in its overseas territories aligned with national education priorities.