Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 44th Session

Universal Period Review of Tuvalu

8 November 2023

Statement by Australia

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia commends Tuvalu on its innovative climate adaptation measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the human rights of people in Tuvalu, such as the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project.

In September 2023, Tuvalu’s amended constitution came into effect. Australia welcomes the inclusion of new language that prohibits discrimination on the grounds of disability and sex, as well as constitutional recognition of the Falekaupule traditional governance structures.

We also welcome Tuvalu’s efforts to advocate against gender-based violence, including through national media campaigns, and will continue to support Tuvalu’s efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Australia recommends Tuvalu :

1. Increase efforts to address gender-based violence, including through stronger avenues for reporting abuse, improved support services for survivors and further integration of women into policymaking.
2. Strengthen the capacity of human rights mechanisms and improve access to human rights, including by seeking National Human Rights Institution accreditation under the Paris Principles for the Office of the Chief Ombudsman.
3. Ratify the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, including considering drawing on technical support to assist with ratification from the Convention Against Torture Initiative.