National Statements

1. High Level Segment – 24 February 2025
2. Biennial high-level panel discussion on the question of the death penalty – 25 February 2025
3. Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner's report on the Situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem – 27 February 2025
4. Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan – 28 February 2025
5. Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Myanmar – 28 February 2025
6. Item 2 General Debate – 3 March 2025
7. Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment – 4 March 2025
8. Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders – 6 March 2025
9. Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on rights of person with disabilities – 10 March 2025, delivered by New Zealand on behalf of CANZ
10. Annual Interactive Debate on the Rights of persons with disabilities: digital and assistive technologies, countering cyberbullying, and digital inclusion – 10 March 2025
11. Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy – 12 March 2025
12. Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children – 13 March 2025
13. Joint Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Independent international fact-finding mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran - 18 March 2025
14. Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic – 18 March 2025
15. Interactive Dialogue on the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine – 19 March 2025
16. Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK – 19 March 2025
17. Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar – 19 March 2025, delivered by Australia on behalf of CANZ
18. Panel Discussion on Commemoration of International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination – 27 March 2025

Joint Statements

1. Joint statement at the Item 2 General Debate – 3 March 2025, delivered by the European Union on behalf of group of a group of countries
2. Joint statement at panel discussion on early warning and genocide prevention – 5 March 2025, delivered by Australia on behalf of Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect
3. Joint statement at the annual debate on the rights of persons with disabilities – 10 March 2025, delivered by the United Arab Emirates on behalf of a cross regional group of countries
4. Joint statement of the Group of Friends on Children and Armed Conflicts – 12 March 2025, delivered by Belgium
5. Joint statement on behalf of the undersigned Members of the Freedom Online Coalition – 14 March 2025, delivered by Estonia on behalf of Freedom Online Coalition
6. Joint statement on behalf of a group of 62 countries on women's participation in decision-making systems – 14 March 2025, delivered by France on behalf of Women's participation in decision making systems
7. Joint Statement to accelerate implementation of the SDGs to promote gender equality – 14 March 2025, delivered by Vietnam on behalf of a cross regional group of countries
8. Joint statement at the Joint Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur and the Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran – 18 March 2025, delivered by Costa Rica, on behalf of Human Rights in Iran
9. Joint statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine – 19 March 2025, delivered by the Republic of Moldova on behalf of Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine
10. Joint statement at the Item 5 General Debate – 21 March 2025, delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of Friends of Special Procedures
11. Joint statement on Digital technologies and the rights of women and girls – 27 March 2025, delivered by Armenia on behalf of a cross regional group of countries
12. Joint statement at the Item 8 General Debate, follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action – 27 March 2025, delivered by Estonia on behalf of Media Freedom Coalition
13. Joint statement on importance of multilateral human rights cooperation – 27 March 2025, delivered by Kyrgyzstan on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries
14. Joint statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on Ukraine – 28 March 2025, delivered by Poland on behalf of Group of 37 states

National Statements

High Level Segment – 24 February 2025

High Commissioner, President, Secretary-General, Excellencies, Distinguished Representatives

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the Charter of the United Nations. The Charter commits all Member States to work co-operatively to solve international challenges.

It commits us all to respect, promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all – irrespective of where we were born, our race, our gender or our religion.

No state is above fair scrutiny. In 2024, Australia welcomed visits from the Special Rapporteurs for Myanmar, Privacy and Contemporary Forms of Slavery.

Together we must continue to strengthen the multilateral human rights system and protect the principles it is built on – universality, indivisibility and non-discrimination.

As home to one of the oldest enduring cultures on the planet, Australia welcomes Indigenous Peoples’ increased participation in the work of the Council. Pacific Island countries are also essential in shaping the system to ensure it serves the needs of small island states.

The world faces enormous challenges, including the largest number of conflicts since World War Two.

Australia welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza and urges all parties to respect its terms and for all phases of the deal to be implemented in full. We want to see the enormous suffering in Gaza alleviated, civilians protected, and all the hostages released.

Three years into Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, we continue to see Russia’s blatant disregard for its international humanitarian law and international human rights law obligations. The deployment of thousands of North Korean troops to fight alongside Russian forces is a dangerous escalation of Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine. We reiterate our calls on Russia to adhere to its obligation under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and put an end to its senseless war.

Human rights underpin peace and security, and are critical to realising the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Yet human rights violations continue.

Australia remains gravely concerned by human rights violations against Uyghurs, Tibetans and other minorities in Xinjiang, Tibet and across China, as well as the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. Australia continues to call on China to address the credible findings of UN experts, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The sustained and systemic oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan by the Taliban is a deplorable attempt to erase them from public life. This is why Australia, together with partners, has commenced international action against Afghanistan for violations of the CEDAW Convention. We call on Afghanistan to reverse its egregious decisions and practices restricting the human rights of women and girls.

2024 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel. Australia, together with partners, established the Ministerial Group for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. This group is driving work on a new declaration, open to all member states, to reinforce international humanitarian law and drive action to protect the lives and human rights of humanitarian personnel in conflict zones.

Australia will continue to advocate for the global abolition of the death penalty. We remain deeply disturbed by Iran’s extensive and persistent use of the death penalty, including for women and girls, juvenile offenders, political opponents, protestors and ethnic and religious minorities.

Climate change is the single greatest shared threat to all countries. Australia remains deeply concerned about the detrimental effects of climate change, on human rights, including the acute impacts on Pacific nations.

We recognise the leadership of the Pacific in driving global climate action and are partnering with the Pacific in our bid to deliver a COP in 2026 that brings profile to the region’s unique challenges, elevates Pacific voices, and accelerates global action on climate.

The challenges are many. We cannot work in isolation. The multilateral human rights system depends on the commitment from all States to work together to realise a just, inclusive and peaceful world that respects the human rights of all.

Biennial high-level panel discussion on the question of the death penalty – 25 February 2025

Australia welcomes this important and timely discussion. We reiterate our longstanding and principled opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances for all people.

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

Australia remains deeply concerned about the persistent use of executions by certain states that have not abolished the death penalty, particularly for crimes that do not meet the threshold of the most serious crimes under the ICCPR.

We recognise that the judiciary can play a critical role in applying domestic laws that give effect to applicable international human rights obligations restricting use of the death penalty, and safeguarding against its imposition. The judiciary can also play an important role when exercising discretion in sentencing based on the circumstances of each case.

Australia acknowledges the important contribution of the broader legal profession and civil society in advancing human rights in debates on the question of the death penalty.

How can states practically support legal professionals across different regions of the world to contribute to legal reforms which move retentionist states towards abolition of the death penalty?

Thank you.

Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner’s report on the Situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem – 27 February 2025

Australia welcomes the ceasefire in Gaza after 15 months of conflict and a devastating loss of civilian life

We urge all parties to respect the agreement's terms and for all phases of the deal to be implemented in full, to safeguard a lasting peace and ensure respect for the human rights of all.

Civilians must be protected, including the humanitarian workers and medical workers essential to life-saving care, and hostages released immediately.

Australia hopes the ceasefire offers an opportunity for the Palestinian people to rebuild, reform their governance and pursue self-determination.

We repeat our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its terrorist actions – there can be no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.

We are deeply concerned by increased violence in the West Bank, including the actions of Palestinian militant groups and ongoing acts of settler violence. We call on Israeli and Palestinian authorities to hold perpetrators to account and ensure civilians are protected during security operations.

Australia's longstanding position is that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law and a significant obstacle to peace. We call on Israel to cease settlement activity.

Australia is committed to working with the international community towards a two-state solution – a Palestinian state and the State of Israel, living side-by-side in peace and security, with the human rights of all respected.

Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan – 28 February 2025

Thank you Special Rapporteur for your latest report. We are deeply concerned by the Taliban’s ongoing campaign of oppression targeting women and girls, the LGBTQIA+ community, ethnic and religious minorities, civil society and human rights defenders, among others.

We are alarmed by your findings that since 2021, more than 80 edicts have been issued that target and restrict women’s and girls’ education, employment and personal freedoms.

We are gravely concerned by the institutionalised discrimination and segregation, and the ongoing and pervasive disregard for the human rights of all women and girls, which undermines their agency and attempts to erase them from public life.

Human rights underpin peace, security, stability, prosperity, and sustainable development, and are essential to commence on the path towards Afghanistan’s international integration.

Australia supports strong international action to respond to the Taliban’s oppressive practices against women and girls. That is why, together with Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands, we have taken action under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Special Rapporteur, what further steps can we take to ensure accountability for human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan, commensurate with the gravity of the situation on the ground?

Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Myanmar – 28 February 2025

We thank the High Commissioner for his update.

We condemn in the strongest terms the Myanmar military regime's escalating violence against its people, now at unprecedented levels.  We are deeply concerned by reports of serious international crimes and gross human rights violations, including those targeting women and LGBTQIA+ leaders across Myanmar.

Reports of extreme brutality, including beheadings, burnings, mutilations, executions, torture and the use of human shields are gravely concerning. As are the regime's increasing airstrikes, mass displacement, and restrictions on humanitarian assistance.

The current trajectory is not sustainable.

We call on the regime to cease violence and for all States to stop the flow of arms, military and dual-use materials to the Myanmar military.

Humanitarian needs have increased twenty-fold since the coup. The regime must stop impeding humanitarian access and allow assistance to reach the people who need it most.

We continue to strongly support ASEAN's efforts to resolve the crisis, and the work of the ASEAN and UN Special Envoys.

High Commissioner, what can States do to help bring an end to the violence and return Myanmar to the path of inclusive democracy?

Item 2 General Debate – 3 March 2025

Human rights apply equally to all people. Yet, globally, human rights are under attack.

The backsliding on gender equality and women’s and girls’ human rights is alarming, particularly in Afghanistan and Iran, and conflict-related sexual violence in the DRC, Sudan and South Sudan.

The targeting of civil society, human rights defenders, journalists, and dissenting voices continues, including in Russia, Venezuela, Belarus, and China.

Australia strongly disagrees with Thailand’s decision to deport 40 Uyghurs to China against their will and urges China to uphold its human right obligations in Xinjiang, Tibet and across China.

Australia condemns the Myanmar regime’s escalating violence and human rights abuses, and calls for the immediate cessation of violence, including the targeting of civilians.

Australia continues to urge Hamas and Israel to implement the ceasefire in Gaza in full, including the release of hostages and sustained and unimpeded humanitarian aid.

Around the world, we see the stubborn scourges of antisemitism, Islamophobia and violent extremism.

Globally, LGBTQIA+ people face heightened rates of violence, discrimination and persecution, including the death penalty.

The proliferation of technology-enabled threats, including transnational repression via online surveillance and the use of artificial intelligence, pose an increasing challenge.

The Human Rights Council and the multilateral human rights system are needed now more than ever. Accountability and transparency are key – no country is above scrutiny.

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment – 4 March 2025

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report.

Australia condemns all forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including in the context of hostage-taking and arbitrary detention.

The use of these practices in state-to-state relations or for diplomatic leverage is particularly concerning.

As the Special Rapporteur highlights in her report, psychological and physical harm imposed on individuals in detention including acts that amount to torture or other ill treatment are unacceptable and can violate international law obligations. The human rights of detained individuals must be upheld at all times. Access to consular assistance from individuals’ country of nationality must also not be restricted.

This year marks the fourth anniversary of the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations. Australia takes this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the Declaration and encourages other states to do the same. This will contribute to the protection of individuals from the risk of arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment.

We ask the Special Rapporteur: how can the UN Human Rights Council best maintain international attention on issues of torture or other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment?

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders – 6 March 2025

Thank you [President / Vice President]

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report.

Human rights defenders provide a first line of response to human rights violations and abuses. Their efforts to defend their rights and the rights of others support accountability.

This is especially the case in isolated, remote and rural contexts – where state presence is weaker, civil society support structures fewer and media reach more difficult.

We note with concern the practices of a number of countries highlighted in the report of detaining inmates far from their homes and support networks, as well as instances of enforced disappearances.

We are deeply concerned by your findings that remote and rural human rights defenders who are Indigenous, women, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, and persons in conflict, post-conflict and crisis settings face increased threats to their wellbeing and lives for their efforts to secure their human rights.

It is also worrying that people in isolated, remote and rural contexts, who know their own needs best, are too often omitted from consultations on projects that will directly impact their livelihoods. Special Rapporteur, what are some best practices for effective collaboration between states and National Human Rights Institutions to strengthen support networks for human rights defenders outside of capital cities?

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on rights of person with disabilities – 10 March 2025, delivered by New Zealand on behalf of CANZ

HRC58 ID with the Special Rapporteur on rights of person with disabilities Report on Thirty years of implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: its potential for women and girls with disabilities

Thank you Mr President,

I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

We thank the Special Rapporteur Ms Heba Hagrass for her report. We welcome the report’s analysis of how the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action has impacted women and girls with disabilities.

Women and girls with disabilities face unique forms of discrimination. They encounter distinct challenges, including access to education, employment, health services, political participation, and protection from violence and abuse. We welcome the focus on domestic violence against women and girls with disabilities, given that discrimination against women is intensified for those who also experience intersecting forms of marginalization.

Progress has been made to amplify the visibility of women and girls with disabilities, as well as recognise the unique challenges and compounded discrimination they face.

The CRPD has significantly contributed to shifting paradigms from a medical to a human rights-based model of disability, providing a robust framework for mainstreaming disability rights. However, there are gaps that remain in implementing the text in light of the main principles of the Convention, particularly in areas such as legal capacity, independent living, and multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. Furthermore, systemic barriers, limited accessibility, and a lack of meaningful inclusion persist, preventing the full realisation of rights.

We welcome the recommendations of the report and ask the Special Rapporteur, how can the international community shed light on the challenges and barriers that women and girls with disabilities face?

I thank you.

Annual Interactive Debate on the Rights of persons with disabilities: digital and assistive technologies, countering cyberbullying, and digital inclusion – 10 March 2025

Thank you Chair,

Thank you to the panellists for sharing insights on this important emerging topic.

Australia was proud to release a new International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy in November, embedding disability equity and rights as a key component of our international engagement.

Throughout consultations, we consistently heard that assistive technologies are critical enablers to the full and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities.

In response, the Strategy identified the promotion of preconditions for inclusion – a framework to remove barriers to the equal participation of persons with disabilities, which includes assistive technology - as a strategic priority.

To deliver on this priority, we are increasing our support for equitable access to assistive technologies across the Indo-Pacific. This will include enabling school-aged children to access high-quality vision, hearing and mobility screening and affordable, high-quality devices – supporting them to live healthier, more productive, independent, and dignified lives.

Panellists, how can the preconditions for inclusion be used to promote the rights of persons with disabilities in digital and cyber environments, including to counter cyberbullying?

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy – 12 March 2025

Thank you, President.

The Australian Government is deeply committed to positive and constructive engagement in the UN human rights system.

We maintain a standing invitation for all Special Procedures Mandate Holders to visit Australia. This reflects our readiness to cooperate with UN human rights mechanisms, and our commitment to independent scrutiny of our human rights record.

Engagement with Special Procedures Mandate Holders is a valuable opportunity to share insights on challenges faced and good practices.

Australia welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy following her visit in August 2024. We thank the Special Rapporteur for her recommendations and insights and will consider them closely, including through the Australian Government’s ongoing privacy reform agenda.

Australia’s Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) is the principal piece of Australian legislation that regulates the handling of personal information in the federal public sector and the private sector. The Act is principles-based and technology-neutral, which allows it to adapt to different business models and new technologies such as artificial intelligence. Australia is committed to ensuring that its privacy legislation is fit for purpose in the digital age.

Since the Special Rapporteur’s visit, the Australian Parliament legislated a first tranche of reforms following a comprehensive Privacy Act Review. This legislation introduced: stronger enforcement powers for the Australian Information Commissioner, a statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy, greater transparency for individuals regarding automated decisions that affect them, and a framework for the development of a Children’s Online Privacy Code.

The Australian Government welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s comments on the importance of privacy protections for vulnerable groups and is committed to protecting the privacy rights of all Australians. In this regard, the reforms will increase protections for children, by requiring the development of a Children’s Online Privacy Code which applies to social media and other internet services likely to be accessed by children. The legislation also criminalises doxxing, or the malicious release of an individual’s personal data online, which will provide greater protection for women impacted by family or domestic violence, who are disproportionately affected by this practice.

The legislation was just the first step in the Australian Government’s commitment to bring Australia’s privacy protections into the digital age and provide individuals with greater control over their information. The Australian Government is continuing work on a further tranche of reforms to the Privacy Act, through ongoing consultation. Australia is also committed to strengthening online safety and is implementing the Scams Prevention Framework to further protect vulnerable individuals online.

Australia wishes to again thank the Special Rapporteur for her visit. We will carefully consider all the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations as we continue to work to strike the right balance between protecting people’s personal information and allowing it to be used and shared in ways that benefit individuals, society and the economy.

Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children – 13 March 2025

Thank you, President.

Australia is committed to preventing and eradicating all forms of the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children.

We would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for her insights and engagement during her visit to Australia in October and November 2023.

We also thank the Special Rapporteur for her valuable feedback on good practices in Australia relating to the protection of children from sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as recommendations on areas for improvement.

We recognise that a cohesive approach between Australia’s state, territory and Commonwealth governments, is critical to keeping children safe. Under Australia’s National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021- 2030, all levels of Australian government are delivering outcomes under five key themes: awareness raising and education, supporting and empowering victims and survivors, enhancing national approaches to children who display harmful sexual behaviours, offender prevention and intervention and improving the evidence base.

Since the Special Rapporteur’s visit, we have implemented further prevention efforts, and initiatives to better support recovery of victims and survivors:

• The ‘One Talk At A Time’ campaign, and children’s storybook, ‘My superhero voice’, continues to encourage and support adults, parents, and carers to learn about child sexual abuse and have preventative conversations with the children and young people in their lives.
• The National Office for Child Safety has partnered with children’s music group, Teeny Tiny Stevies, on a song to teach children and young people about their bodies’ warning signs, not keeping secrets and talking to trusted adults. It has also published a guide for workers and organisations on engaging with victims of child sexual abuse.
• Australia’s online safety regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, has launched resources including animated videos to assist parents and carers to discuss online child sexual abuse with their children, and support children who have experienced this.
• Lastly, a new set of resources has been developed to strengthen the capability of Australia’s primary health care workforce to better respond to children and adults who have experienced sexual abuse.

We are encouraged by the Special Rapporteur’s acknowledgement of our robust online safety legal framework. Australia’s Commonwealth Criminal Code Act criminalises the use of a carriage service to groom, sexually exploit and abuse children. Additionally, our Online Safety Act regulates digital industry to keep Australian children safe online including by empowering the eSafety Commissioner to seek removal of child sexual abuse material. To highlight the message about the crucial role of technology companies in the fight against online child sexual abuse, in August 2024 Australia’s Attorney-General launched the documentary Shadows of the Web – Protecting our children in the digital world.

Australia also has comprehensive laws to address all forms of human trafficking and modern slavery – crimes that can also involve the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children. We are progressing work to further strengthen these laws and to support and protect victims and survivors. This includes our work with state and territory governments to enhance civil protections and remedies for people in or at risk of forced marriage – a practice that disproportionately affects children.

We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, skies, waters, and community. Australia is committed to listening and working in partnership with Indigenous Australians to combat the sexual exploitation, sale and abuse of children. Through Safe and Supported: the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031, the Government is working across Federal and State Governments, and with community organisations and First Nations leaders to reduce child abuse and neglect, and its inter-generational impacts.

In January 2025, Australia established an independent National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People. The National Commissioner is dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights, interests and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people across a range of issues, including the over representation of Indigenous children in out-of-home care.

Australia envisions a future where children are safe, supported and protected from modern slavery, sexual exploitation and abuse. We will continue to build on existing work to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse, in particular the work of the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation and support services for victims and survivors.

Again, we wish to thank the Special Rapporteur for her visit and we will continue to carefully consider the recommendations from her Report.

Thank you.

Joint Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Independent international fact-finding mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran - 18 March 2025

Thank you, President.

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur and the Independent international fact-finding mission for their reports.

Australia remains gravely concerned by Iran's persecution of women and girls and the use of violence to enforce mandatory hijab compliance. We call on Iran to cease its systemic oppression of women.

Urgent action is also needed to address the increased incidence of femicide, as reported by the Special Rapporteur.

Australia is alarmed by Iran's increased and extensive application of the death penalty in 2024.

We call on Iran to halt any further executions and establish a moratorium on the death penalty.  

Australia is concerned by the Special Rapporteur's finding that trials conducted in Iranian courts continue to fall short of internationally acceptable standards of fair trial or due process. Reports that confessions have often been extracted by force and detainees have been subjected to inhumane conditions are unacceptable

Women and girls, persons belonging to minority groups and political activists in Iran have reportedly experienced some of the harshest treatment, including arbitrary detention, death sentences and executions, torture and sexual and gender-based violence.

What more can be done to hold Iran to account for targeting women and girls and minority groups, including through its justice system?

Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic – 18 March 2025

Thank you, President [/Vice President]

We reiterate our strong support for the Commission’s mandate at this critical time.

As the Commission has highlighted, under the Assad regime Syrian civilians were subjected to arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearance and other human rights abuses to quash dissent and erode opposition.

We are closely monitoring the words and actions of Syria’s interim authorities.

Australia condemns the horrific violence in Syria in recent weeks, including reports of the summary execution of civilians from ethnic and religious minority groups.

We expect the interim authorities to hold accountable all those involved in the bloodshed, as they have pledged to do.

All minorities must be protected, including Alawite, Christian, Druze and Kurdish communities.

The fall of the Assad regime must also mean the end of persistent conflict, oppression and displacement of Syria’s population.

Australia calls on Syria’s interim authorities to ensure an inclusive political transition that protects the rights of all Syrians, consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

At this time of transition, Australia remains committed to our longstanding support for Syria’s immense humanitarian needs. Since 2011, we have provided over half a billion dollars in response to the Syrian crisis.

Only lasting political change and inclusive governance can achieve sustainable improvements for Syrians.

How can States best support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process to help deliver peace, security and stability?

Interactive Dialogue on the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine – 19 March 2025

Australia thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its update.

Russia’s ongoing illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine continues to have devastating impacts on the human rights of all Ukrainians.

Australia is profoundly concerned by Russia’s reported grave violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including widespread and systematic attacks against the civilian population.

We are appalled by reports of Russia’s widespread and systematic use of torture, including sexual violence and rape as forms of torture, and the Committee’s findings that Russian authorities have committed the crime against humanity of enforced disappearances and torture.

We are deeply concerned by reports of Russia’s attacks on critical energy infrastructure, which have left many Ukrainians without electricity, access to water or heating during the winter months and risk causing a catastrophic nuclear incident.

We condemn the inhumane, degrading and unsanitary conditions so many detainees endure, and call on Russia to treat all detainees, including prisoners of war, with dignity and in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Every day that Russia refuses to agree a ceasefire prolongs human suffering.

We again call on Russia to immediately withdraw from Ukraine and end this senseless war.

What more can the international community do to advance a comprehensive, just and lasting peace that upholds the rights of all Ukrainians?

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK – 19 March 2025

Thank you, President [Vice President]

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her sobering update. We reiterate our strong support for her mandate, and call for DPRK to lift entry restrictions to UN, humanitarian and development workers.

Australia condemns the regression of human rights in the DPRK. The 2014 Commission of Inquiry identified evidence of crimes against humanity including torture, enforced disappearances, and murder in the form of summary executions, including in political prison camps.

Special Rapporteur, we are deeply concerned by your reporting on the introduction of several laws restricting citizens’ rights to freedom of opinion and freedom of expression. The reintroduction of public executions, the widespread use of forced labour, and the increase in the use of the death penalty to punish citizens for minor crimes is deeply concerning.

We are also disturbed that the DPRK continues to prioritise military expenditure over the wellbeing of its own people, resulting in a lack of sanitation, inadequate food, healthcare services and education, particularly for women and girls.

Australia calls on the DPRK to work with the international community to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and human rights, including to end gender-based violence.

We urge the DPRK to reprioritise its budget allocation and undertake comprehensive reforms to, and eliminate discrimination based on Songbun.

How do human rights violations in the DPRK contribute to its poor societal outcomes, including on the SDGs?

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar – 19 March 2025, delivered by Australia on behalf of CANZ

Thank you, President/Vice President

Australia delivers this statement on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

We remain deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, and by the reports of violence and oppression, including the targeting of civilians, en masse executions, widespread sexual violence and acute food insecurity, highlighted by the Special Rapporteur.

Reports of landmine casualties, political prisoners, and rising rates of tuberculosis, malaria and cholera are also gravely concerning.

In this challenging context, persons with disability are among the most affected by the political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. We welcome your upcoming conference room paper focusing on the rights of persons with disability in Myanmar.

The regime’s actions have had a devastating impact on national systems, reversing progress towards disability equity and creating additional barriers for persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls.

The number of persons with disabilities has increased, due to landmine injuries, limited or no access to health services, malnutrition, and trauma. Myanmar is the deadliest country for landmines and unexploded ordinance casualties, with children – not aware of the dangers -disproportionally affected.

We are concerned by reports the regime is discriminating against persons with missing limbs and associating them with resistance activity.

How can the international community better support persons with disabilities and their representative organisations in Myanmar?

Panel Discussion on Commemoration of International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination – 27 March 2025

Thank you.

Australia is proud to be home to the world’s oldest continuing culture and to a multicultural and multi-faith society. We stand for eliminating racial discrimination, prejudice and hatred in all forms, wherever it occurs.

The sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of ICERD is a valuable opportunity for the international community to renew our collective effort in the fight against racism.

Last year in Australia, the independent Australian Human Rights Commission launched a National Anti-Racism Framework. This Framework identifies key reform areas to eliminate racism across a variety of sectors such as education, health and the justice system.

Our Closing the Gap Framework sets ambitious targets to improve life outcomes experienced by Indigenous Australians. It also commits our national and sub-national governments to identify and eliminate racism, including by challenging unconscious biases that result in decisions based on stereotypes.

Addressing racism also requires change at the societal level. Institutions based on the rule of law, independent judiciaries, free media and active civil society must be effectively harnessed against racism and other forms of hatred and intolerance, including Islamophobia and antisemitism.

Could the panel share good practice examples of how governments have successfully partnered with CSOs to change societal attitudes?