44th session of the Universal Periodic Review
Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 44th Session
Universal Period Review of Azerbaijan
14 November 2023
Statement by Australia
Thank you, [President/Vice President]
Australia encourages Azerbaijan to continue to work with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to build a disability rights framework and to combat gender-based violence. We take note of your earlier assurances that rights and security of ethnic Armenian residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, including those who wish to return from Armenia, will be upheld.
Australia recommends Azerbaijan:
- Immediately investigate allegations of illegal killings and torture by Azerbaijani soldiers during the 2020 war with Armenia, and during fighting in September 2022.
- Cease arbitrary arrests of those critical of the Government, and release those held on politically-motivated charges.
- Investigate allegations of ill-treatment within the Azerbaijani criminal justice system and hold perpetrators to account.