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Reports of the High Commissioner and the Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar on Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar – 8 September 2025, Canada on behalf of CANZ

Thank you, President.

Canada is pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, New Zealand, and my own country Canada.

We thank the High Commissioner and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar for their update.

Reports of escalating war crimes and crimes against humanity committed across Myanmar are gravely concerning.

The human rights situation has severely deteriorated due to the regime's continuing use of airstrikes causing civilian deaths and widespread destruction. Women, children, and the elderly – among the most vulnerable – are caught in the crossfire.

A viable future in Myanmar must include justice and accountability. We commend the leadership of the United Nations in supporting the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and Special Rapporteur in collecting evidence of serious crimes against the people of Myanmar, including to support ongoing justice processes related to crimes committed against Rohingya.

Until there is an end to violence and an inclusive political process, there can be no lasting peace.

We strongly urge the military regime to engage in genuine and inclusive political dialogue with all stakeholders. Elections held without these essential steps risk greater instability.

We call on all parties to the conflict to act in accordance with International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.

High Commissioner, what more could be done to support real inclusive dialogue amongst stakeholders?

Comprehensive report of OHCHR, including a mapping of policies and practices, edits and so-called laws by the Taliban that impar the enjoyment of human rights, and on the oral update of the SR on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan – 8 September 2025

Thank you President / Vice President.

Our thoughts are with the people of Afghanistan following the recent, devastating earthquakes. All recovery efforts must be inclusive and not compound any human rights abuses.

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report. We reiterate our call for the Taliban to grant the Special Rapporteur full and unfettered access.

Australia condemns the Taliban's targeting of women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTQIA+ persons, and civil society actors.

Australia remains deeply concerned by the dire human rights crisis in Afghanistan, particularly the institutionalised discrimination and oppression of women and girls.

The Taliban is seeking to erase women and girls from Afghan public life, and deny them their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Restrictions on women's and girls' access to education, work, healthcare, and legal protection violate international law and deny dignity and self-determination.

The Taliban has also weaponised Afghanistan's justice system—entrenching gender-based discrimination in law, policy, and practice, and interfering in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those most in need.

We ask: how can the international community best support women's and girls' full participation in Afghanistan's future?

Thank you.

Comprehensive report of OHCHR on progress in reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka – 8 September 2025

Thank you President / Vice President. 

Australia thanks the High Commissioner for his report.

Australia remains a long-standing and consistent partner to Sri Lanka. We are committed to supporting Sri Lanka to implement its human rights obligations, and advance reconciliation, accountability and transitional justice.

We welcome the High Commissioner's June visit to Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Government's support for the visit, including to the mass gravesite in Chemmani. 

We recognise the High Commissioner's concerns, including continued surveillance, intimidation and harassment of civil society and minority groups, and the ineffectiveness and insufficient resourcing of the Office for Missing Persons.

We welcome steps taken to rebuild trust with conflict-affected communities in the north and east, including reopening roads and promoting development and infrastructure, and we encourage further measures. 

Australia acknowledges the Sri Lankan Government's commitments to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act which continues to be used to detain individuals arbitrarily, and to amend the Online Safety Act. 

We would welcome the High Commissioner's views on the Sri Lankan Government's planning for practical reconciliation initiatives with conflict-affected communities.

Thank you.

Comprehensive report of the independent international fact-finding mission for the Sudan – 8 September and 9 September 2025

Thank you President / Vice President.

Australia thanks the Fact-Finding Mission for its important report on Sudan.

We are horrified by ongoing reports of gross violations and abuses of human rights and international law by all parties to the conflict. Australia supports all efforts to investigate these violations and ensure accountability.

The humanitarian crisis is worsening, with tens of thousands of civilians killed, over 13 million people displaced, widespread food insecurity, and the collapse of essential health services.

The sharp escalation of violence—including sexual and gender-based violence, attacks on humanitarian personnel, and unlawful killings —is unacceptable and must end immediately.

Australia calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law: including to protect civilians and humanitarian workers, facilitate safe passage for those fleeing conflict-affected-areas, and ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance. A permanent cessation of hostilities is urgently needed.

We ask: How can the international community most effectively respond to the deepening humanitarian crisis and support a negotiated and sustainable resolution?

Fact Finding Mission of the High Commissioner on serious violations and buses of human rights in eastern DRC – 9 September 2025

Thank you President / Vice President.

Australia thanks the Fact-Finding Mission for their updates. We regret that the Commission of Inquiry could not be operationalised due to the liquidity crisis.

We note the OHCHR Fact Finding Mission concluded that all parties to the conflict have committed serious human rights abuses and violations. We call on the DRC and Rwanda to thoroughly investigate possible crimes under international law.

The increased attacks in North Kivu by M23 and other armed groups, despite the 27 June peace agreement and the 19 July declaration of principles, are appalling.

The reports of unlawful killing of civilians, arbitrary detention and use of sexual violence as a weapon of war are deeply concerning.

The worsening humanitarian crisis is alarming and cannot be ignored.

Australia reiterates our calls for de-escalation and accountability for any violations and abuses of international law. We also reiterate our call for Rwanda to cease its support to M23 and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.

Australia encourages all parties to uphold their obligations under international law to ensure the protection of civilians including humanitarian personnel, allow unimpeded access to aid, and ensure a permanent end to the conflict.

We ask, how can the international community address the growing humanitarian crisis?

ITEM 2: General Debate – 9 September 2025

Australia thanks the High Commissioner for his report.

In our region, the climate crisis is eroding human rights, especially in the Pacific, and the most vulnerable are bearing the brunt.

Globally, human rights are under attack. Civic space is shrinking, freedoms are being eroded and transnational repression is growing.

There is an alarming increase in suppression of women's rights and cases of sexual and gender-based violence, including in Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia and Haiti.

LGBTQIA+ people face heightened rates of violence, discrimination and persecution globally.

We remain deeply troubled by the continued use of the death penalty and call for its universal abolition.

As the scourge of antisemitism and Islamophobia continues to rise, Australia remains committed to combating hatred in all its forms.

Australia is gravely concerned by ongoing violations and abuses of human rights of Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

We are alarmed by growing restrictions on independent civil society actors and human rights defenders, including in Russia, China, Myanmar, Belarus, DPRK, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Georgia.

Australia remains gravely concerned by OHCHR, Special Procedure Mandate Holder and Treaty Body findings detailing human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet, and the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

Scrutiny and accountability are essential to fulfil the Universal Declaration of Human Rights' vision.

Thank you.

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery – 12 September 2025

Thank you President / Vice President.

Australia remains committed to countering modern slavery both at home and abroad.

On behalf of Australia's federal, state and territory governments, we thank you, Special Rapporteur, for your comprehensive engagement and insights during your visit to Australia in November 2024.

Special Rapporteur, your report highlights many strengths in Australia's response, including:

  • strong legal and institutional frameworks to address modern slavery
  • the priority placed on survivor engagement and empowerment
  • recent reforms to further address migrant worker exploitation risks, and
  • that Australia's supply chain transparency legislation – the Modern Slavery Act [2018] – has increased businesses' understanding and action to address modern slavery risks.

Since the Special Rapporteur's visit, Australia has:

  • Appointed the first Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner
  • Commenced public consultation on options to strengthen our transparency legislation
  • Launched the Modern slavery in Australia website, a public awareness tool available in 249 languages
  • Introduced a new Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program to provide individual needs-based support to people in or at risk of forced marriage
  • Developed practice guidelines for organisations working with people in or at risk of modern slavery, in consultation with civil society and survivors
  • Continued engagement with people with lived experience to inform development of policies and programs, including through a Survivor Advisory Council
  • And commenced an audit of Government procurement procedures and supply chains to explore practical ways to better trace modern slavery risks.

Special Rapporteur, we will continue to build on the recommendations in your report and our existing work to prevent modern slavery, including through broader efforts to promote human rights, and address disadvantage as a potential driver of exploitation.

In relation to migrant worker concerns in Australia, the Government has continued implementation of recent reforms to combat migrant worker exploitation and increased safeguards for temporary work programs. Two projects are underway to strengthen protection from visa cancellation when reporting exploitation and to enable extended stays for those pursuing workplace justice. The Government has also introduced a new criminal offence for intentional wage theft.

On the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme:

  • we are enhancing pre-departure and arrival briefings to ensure information provided to workers is clear, accurate and accessible—supporting better understanding and more successful engagement with the scheme, and
  • we continue to implement strategies to more effectively prevent, deter, detect and respond to disengagement of workers within the PALM scheme.

Internationally, Australia has continued its leadership and engagement as one of only a few countries with a dedicated ambassador to counter modern slavery – driving regional and international cooperation on traditional and emerging issues, such as the threat posed by trafficking into online scam centres for forced criminality.

Over the past year, we have stepped up efforts with our partners in Southeast Asia to raise global awareness of online scam centres and offer recommendations on strengthening the international response, given our experience in the region.  

In June, the ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking Program (ASEAN-ACT) supported the development and launch of an ASEAN guideline on implementing the nonpunishment principle: 

  • ensuring victims of trafficking are not penalised for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of their trafficking experience. 

ASEAN-ACT has also supported development of an ASEAN guideline on preventing child and forced marriage in the context of trafficking in persons; expected to be launched later this year. 

Special Rapporteur, your report is a valuable source of information and stakeholder views as the Government continues building on its response to modern slavery, in line with Australia's National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery.

Thank you once again, Special Rapporteur, for your engagement and commitment to eradicating modern slavery in all its forms.

Thank you.

Urgent debate to discuss the recent military aggression launched by Israel against the State of Qatar on 9 September 2025 – 16 September 2025

Thank you President

Australia is deeply alarmed by the conflict in the Middle East.

Australia joins the UN Security Council and others in expressing our condemnation of Israel's strikes in Doha on 9 September.

These strikes were a violation of Qatar's sovereignty. They have risked escalation across the region and imperilled work on a ceasefire.

Qatar, alongside the US and Egypt, has been a tireless mediator. It has consistently called for dialogue with the aim of reaching what we all want — a ceasefire, the release of hostages and the urgent flow of humanitarian aid.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is unacceptable.

We do not want to see the threat of wider escalation looming over the region.

We do not want to see the purposes and principles of the UN Charter undermined.

Australia has been clear that Palestinian civilians cannot pay the price of defeating Hamas—nor should other countries that are facilitating dialogue, negotiation and peaceful settlement of disputes.

We urge the State of Qatar not to be deterred from its commendable efforts to mediate conflicts through peaceful means.

Oral update of the Group of Independent Experts on Belarus – 19 September 2025

We thank the Independent Experts for their sobering update.

Australia is deeply concerned and dismayed by reports of deaths in custody of political prisoners arbitrarily detained in Belarus for exercising their legitimate rights to freedoms of opinion and belief, expression and association. We support calls for a full investigation into these deaths in custody. We call for the immediate release of political prisoners who continue to be arbitrarily detained.

Australia supports the democratic aspirations of Belarusians for a free, democratic and independent Belarus.

We commend Belarusian civil society organisations and human rights defenders, including those in exile, who continue to undertake vital work in increasingly challenging conditions. We reiterate our calls on the Belarusian authorities to comply with their international human rights obligations, including to uphold the civil and political rights of Belarusians.

Australia also reiterates its condemnation of the Belarusian Government's complicity in the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine. We call on Belarus to immediately cease its support for Russia's illegal invasion. 

How can the international community ensure that the Belarusian Government is held accountable for the ill treatment and deaths of those political prisoners arbitrarily detained in Belarus?

Oral update of the COI Ukraine – 19 September 2025

Australia thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its update and its tireless efforts to document Russia's grave and ongoing human rights violations.

We are deeply concerned by findings regarding Russia's widespread and systematic use of torture, sexual violence, enforced disappearance and summary executions of Ukrainian prisoners. These acts are abhorrent and demand accountability.

Russia's continued attacks on critical and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, are especially alarming amid ongoing discussions to end the war. Any deliberate targeting of civilians is a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

The forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children by Russian authorities is deeply disturbing—undermining family unity and violating core international legal protections.

Australia reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukraine's defence is also a defence of our shared values, enshrined in the UN Charter.

We support all meaningful efforts, including those led by the United States and our European partners, towards a just and lasting peace with Ukraine at the table.

We call on Russia to comply with its international human rights obligations, engage in good faith and end its war of aggression.

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Russia – 22 September 2025

Thank you, Special Rapporteur.

The findings in this report are damning and show the extent of President Putin's continued contempt for human rights within the Russian Federation, including in the context of Russia's illegal and immoral war on Ukraine.

We are appalled by reports of continued widespread and systematic torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment by Russia against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war. We call on Russia to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law, including with respect to prisoners of war and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children, and to immediately cease its aggression against Ukraine.

Australia is deeply troubled by Russia's ongoing crackdown on civil society, human rights defenders, opposition voices and minority groups, including LGBTQIA+ people. We are concerned by Russia's continued censorship and control of independent voices, including through ongoing intimidation and increasing restriction of internet freedoms. Russia's application of 'extremism' legislation, and 'foreign agent' and 'undesirable organisation' laws denies Russians their human rights, including rights to freedoms of expression and association.

Special Rapporteur, what more can the international community do to support ordinary Russians and independent voices who seek a democratic Russia where human rights are upheld?

Enhanced Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the comprehensive report on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea since 2014 – 22 September 2025

Thank you President / Vice President.

Australia remains deeply concerned by the continued widespread human rights violations in the DPRK, including enforced disappearances, forced labour, restrictions on freedom of expression, impunity for sexual and gender-based violence, and the increased use of the death penalty.

High Commissioner, your comprehensive report draws a clear link between heightened government control and the increased human suffering of DPRK citizens.

We continue to be alarmed by reports of forced repatriations to the DPRK, where returnees—particularly women and girls—face a high risk of torture, arbitrary detention, and other grave human rights violations.

Civil society and victim survivor voices are vital to expose human rights violations, and we encourage the DPRK to allow civil society to return to ensure victim survivors are heard.

We encourage States to integrate human rights concerns into all engagements with the DPRK. We commend efforts to explore both judicial and non-judicial accountability pathways, including memorialisation and education.

Given the report's findings on the DPRK's intensified self-isolation and control, what are the implications for access to independent information and the ability for individuals to exercise their human rights?

Thank you.

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples – 23 September 2025

Thank you, President.

I acknowledge Indigenous Peoples joining us and pay my respects to you, your elders past, present and emerging.

Australia welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on the recognition of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.

Australia also welcomes a proposed visit by the Special Rapporteur in 2026.

President, the Australian Government does not impose its own criteria for Indigenous status but instead relies on the three-part test, which requires that the person is:

  • of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent,
  • identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander,
  • recognised/accepted as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person by the community in which they live or have previously lived.

Australia understands that recognition must be grounded in the perspectives and practices of Indigenous Peoples themselves, while respecting their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and right to self-determination.

Australia asks, how can recognition of Indigenous Peoples enhance their full and effective participation in decision-making?

Thank you.

ITEM 4: General Debate – 23 September 2025

Thank you President/Vice President.

Iran and Afghanistan display contempt for human rights through the persecution of women and girls, detention of activists and oppression of minorities.

We have seen no progress since the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights determined in 2014 that the DPRK committed systematic and widespread human rights violations, amounting to crimes against humanity.

We remain concerned about reports of increasing human rights violations in Myanmar, including airstrikes targeting political activists.

Israel's illegal settlements severely impact the human rights of Palestinians and undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

The catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza is unacceptable – we again call on all parties to comply with international law.

Australia remains deeply concerned by ongoing violence against innocent civilians in Syria. We urge all parties to prioritise dialogue and to protect all Syrians.

We remain gravely concerned by ongoing human rights violations against Uyghurs and Tibetans. Consistent with international law and norms, governments should not interfere in the selection of religious leaders – including the Dalai Lama.

We remain deeply concerned by the consequences of the National Security Law in Hong Kong on rights and freedoms, including to target democracy advocates extraterritorially.

Interactive Dialogue with Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous People – 24 September 2025

Thank you, President.

Australia welcomes the Annual Report of the Expert Mechanism and study on the rights of Indigenous Peoples to their traditional economies.

We echo the study's conclusion that States must protect Indigenous Peoples' traditional economies, including traditional knowledge systems which play a critical role in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable resource management.

The Annual Report also highlights the progress made following the Expert Mechanism's Country Engagement Mission to Western Australia in 2023.

We know that there is more work to be done.

Australia is committed to the implementation of UNDRIP through the Priority Reforms under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to advance the rights, interests, and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.

President, Australia also concurs with the Expert Mechanism's urging of the Council to continue to enhance the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the work of the Council, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples.

The voices of Indigenous Peoples are vital to our ongoing dialogue.

Australia asks, how can we collectively mobilise resources to ensure Indigenous Peoples participation in the work of the Council is meaningful, impactful and sustained?

Thank you

Interactive Dialogue with Secretary-General report on cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms, Australia on behalf of CANZ – 24 September 2025

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

We welcome this report. While not forgetting those cases that go unreported and unaddressed, we want to highlight five cases in the report:

  • We condemn severe restrictions imposed by Nicaragua on civil society, including forced dissolution of civil society organisations.
  • Amidst ongoing allegations of reprisals, we share concerns about Russia's designation of the International Committee of Indigenous Peoples of Russia as 'extremist' for its cooperation with the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
  • We are deeply concerned by instances of reprisals against human rights defenders in China, and against Jimmy Lai's legal team and their families. We object to the application of Hong Kong's national security legislation, including extraterritorially, to arrest or pressure activists.
  • We call on Iran to cease reprisals against human rights defenders stemming from the 2022 protests.
  • We are alarmed that in Afghanistan, UNAMA has recorded at least four instances of reprisals against individuals, including women and media workers, for their cooperation with the UN.

Mr President, our countries value and respect the independence and integrity of UN experts and mandate holders. We condemn all reprisals, including rising incidents of transnational repression with States reaching beyond their borders to intimidate and silence individuals.

Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the HRC, New Zealand on behalf of CANZ – 30 September 2025

Thank you, Mr. President.

I speak today on behalf of Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

We reaffirm our commitment to advancing the full, equal, and meaningful participation of all women and girls, in all their diversity, in peacebuilding and transitional justice.

Mainstreaming gender is essential to ensuring justice, accountability, and sustainable peace. UN Security Council Resolution 1325, and subsequent resolutions, recognise that not only are women and girls disproportionately impacted by conflict and violence, but that they also play critical roles as agents of peace and security. Some 25 years on, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that women's and girls' participation in peacebuilding and transitional justice leads to better and more sustainable outcomes, including a 35 percent greater likelihood of peace agreements lasting at least 15 years.

Transitional justice must address the causes of all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination, including sexual violence. Ensuring accountability, and advancing gender equality and women's and girls' empowerment, are fundamental to social cohesion, economic development and, in turn, long-lasting peace.

We commend the important contributions of human rights defenders and civil society organisations in transitional justice processes and remain committed to working with all partners to promote approaches that uphold justice and human rights, foster reconciliation, and build inclusive societies.

Thank you.

Special Rapporteur on the human rights in Cambodia – 3 October 2025

Thank you President.

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report and welcomes Cambodia's ongoing engagement with him.

Noting Cambodia's efforts to address scam centres, a cross regional issue, we encourage the Government to take stronger steps to eliminate scamming compounds within Cambodia and ensure protection and justice for trafficked victims.

Australia calls on Cambodia to allow political parties and civil society, including environmental activists, human rights defenders, trade unionists and independent media, to operate freely and exercise their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

In applying new and existing laws, including the Law on Nationality, we urge Cambodia to respect rights enshrined in its constitution and commitments in international declarations and conventions, and to ensure due process and procedural fairness in the judicial system.

We support Cambodia's efforts to improve education, healthcare, social protection, social accountability, gender equality, and LGBTQIA+ and disability rights.

Australia welcomes cooperation with Cambodia to address the effects of climate change and ensure a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy.

How can Australia support Cambodia in implementing the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur's report, particularly addressing challenges around environmental sustainability, in alignment with Cambodia's development strategy?

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