Thank you, Acting High Commissioner, for your update and the continued work of the Office in ensuring a spotlight on human rights violations and abuses.

We also congratulate Mr Volker Turk on his appointment as the new High Commissioner.

The protection and promotion of international human rights law is a priority for Australia. We seek an inclusive multilateral human rights system, that welcomes the perspectives of Indigenous peoples, human rights defenders, and civil society. These voices are vital as we respond to global challenges, including climate change.

Australia welcomes the global trend toward abolition of the death penalty. However, we are gravely concerned about the disproportionate execution of people with disabilities, and the impacts of the death penalty on youth and children.

Australia is deeply concerned about the findings of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ report on Xinjiang. We call on China to address the concerns raised about serious human rights violations against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority peoples in Xinjiang.

Australia remains concerned by the broad application of the National Security Law and the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

International accountability efforts for atrocities committed in Myanmar, including through the Independent Investigative Mechanism, are vital.

Australia is deeply disheartened by the lack of judicial progress on the Beirut port explosion. We call for justice and accountability for the victims. Over 200 people tragically died in the explosion, including 2-year-old Australian Isaac Oehlers.

Thank you.