Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 42nd Session

Universal Periodic Review of Pakistan

Statement by Australia

30 January 2023

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia congratulates Pakistan on the 2018 Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act and welcomes the 2021 Supreme Court ruling prohibiting execution of persons with mental health conditions, and encourages Pakistan to enact them fully.  We remain concerned that many crimes still attract the death penalty.  

Australia is concerned by reports of discrimination and violence toward religious minorities.

We encourage Pakistan to foster religious tolerance and protect the human rights of minorities, including the Ahmadiyya community. We remain concerned about violence against women and girls and attacks against journalists.

Australia recommends that Pakistan:

1. Re-establish a moratorium on the death penalty and reduce the number of death penalty offences as steps toward complete abolition.
2. Uphold freedom of expression, including by amending the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act to avoid unnecessary restrictions on journalists and protect their safety and welfare.
3. Enact the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill 2021 and take tangible steps to reduce high rates of violence against women and girls.

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