Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 44th Session

Universal Period Review of the Russian Federation

13 November 2023

Statement by Australia

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia condemns Russia’s grave human rights violations, including in the context of its illegal invasion of Ukraine.

There is clear evidence Russia is committing egregious war crimes, comprising torture, mass executions, rape, deliberate shelling of civilians and forced deportations, including of children.  

Australia is appalled by Russia’s crackdown on civil society, human rights defenders, independent journalists, opposition figures and minority groups, including LGBTQIA+ people.

Australia calls on Russia to:

1. End its illegal war in Ukraine.
2. Repeal ‘foreign agents’ and ‘undesirable organisations’ laws and amend ‘extremism’ legislation to protect freedom of association and expression.
3. End its abuse of human rights in Russia, including for imprisoned politicians
   Alexei Navalny and Vladimir Kara-Murza and other opposition voices, and ensure effective redress for violations.