44th session of the Universal Periodic Review
Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 44th Session
Universal Period Review of Colombia
7 November 2023
Statement by Australia
Thank you, [President/Vice President]
Australia commends Colombia’s commitment to improving human rights and pursuing ‘total peace’. We welcome Colombia’s commitment to advancing gender equality and the rights of First Nations and LGBTQIA+ persons.
Australia is concerned by increased assassinations of activists since the 2016 Peace Agreement was signed, and continued gender-based violence, which disproportionately impacts Indigenous Peoples and Afro-Colombians.
Australia recommends Colombia:
- Commit the necessary legal, institutional and financial resources to fulfill the 2016 Peace Agreement by the intended implementation deadline.
- Protect human rights defenders, including by investigating alleged human rights violations and abuses against them.
- Continue efforts to achieve justice for victims of the conflict through the Special Jurisdiction of Peace’s investigation into past crimes.