Human rights

The death penalty is a brutal and degrading punishment. It is irrevocable, and disproportionately affects people living in poverty, people with intellectual disabilities, people living with drug or mental health problems, Indigenous Peoples, minorities and people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

Australia welcomes employment law reforms by the United Arab Emirates, including the introduction of compliance measures and provisions against discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Australia commends Tonga for launching an Empowerment and Gender Equality National Policy Plan and developing a National Disability Policy to improve the rights of women and persons with disabilities.

Australia welcomes Romania's commitment to fulfil its human rights obligations and its introduction of an anti-corruption strategy. We commend Romania for the considerable support it has provided to people forced to leave Ukraine.

Australia acknowledges Montenegro’s efforts since its last UPR appearance to provide stronger legal protections to journalists and the introduction of the Law on Same-Sex Life Partnerships.

Australia commends Mali for maintaining its moratorium on the use of the death penalty since its last review.

Australia acknowledges Luxembourg’s strong human rights record, in particular its demonstrated commitment to gender equality. We note Luxembourg has the lowest gender pay gap in the European Union.

Australia commends France on its continued commitment to human rights, particularly its progress on promoting gender equality, LGBTI equality and freedom for all from discrimination.

Australia commends Burundi for its efforts to tackle corruption and improve governance since its last UPR.