National Statements

Australian statement at the General Discussion on Human Rights, delivered by H.E. Ambassador James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, 3 October 2025

Thank you Chair.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is grounded in a simple fact: human rights apply equally to all people, without distinction of any kind, no matter who you happen to be or where you happen to be born.

Australia is gravely concerned by the ongoing abuses and violations of human rights occurring globally.

This includes reports of egregious human rights violations and abuses in Myanmar, including the military regime's ongoing attacks against civilians. We reiterate our calls for the immediate cessation of violence, the release of those unjustly detained, and safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

For more than three years, Russia's illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine, has demonstrated Russia's contempt for human rights. We call on Russia to comply with its obligations under international law, including with respect to prisoners of war and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children, and to immediately end its war against Ukraine.

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 unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas for the atrocities of October 7 2023 and its ongoing acts of terror against Israelis and Palestinians alike.

The dire human rights crisis in Afghanistan – in particular the institutionalised discrimination and oppression of women and girls is alarming. The world must not look away as we witness the systematic erasure of women and girls from public life by the Taliban.

This is why Australia, together with partners, has commenced international action against Afghanistan for violations of CEDAW. We call on the Taliban to reverse its egregious edicts and practices restricting the human rights of women and girls and to comply with Afghanistan's obligations under international law.

Iran continues to display contempt for human rights through the persecution of women and girls, detention of activists, oppression of minorities and ongoing repression following the 2022 protests and intimidation of political opponents abroad.

On the DPRK, we have seen no progress since the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights determined in 2014 there had been systematic and widespread human rights violations, amounting to crimes against humanity. Without sustained international pressure and accountability, these grave abuses risk becoming normalised and invisible on the global agenda.

In Syria, there is ongoing violence against innocent civilians. We urge all parties to prioritise dialogue and to protect all Syrians.

We are horrified by ongoing reports of gross violations and abuses of human rights and international law by all parties to the conflict in Sudan.

We continue to see reports of enduring violations and abuses of human rights—including sexual and gender based violence—in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Sudan, Palestine, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and Haiti.

And 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.

The consequences of the National Security Law in Hong Kong on rights and freedoms, including to target democracy advocates extraterritorially is deeply concerning.

Chair, no country has a perfect human rights record. While our political systems, economies and cultures may differ, it is essential to recall that no country is above fair scrutiny of its human rights obligations.

But we cannot ignore that today's human rights challenges are exacerbated by existing and emerging threats that our world is currently facing.

Climate change is more than an environmental challenge, it is an existential threat.  

In our region, the climate crisis is eroding human rights, especially in the Pacific, and the most vulnerable are bearing the brunt.  We will continue to work with the international community to drive collective action to shape global responses to climate change.

New and emerging technologies, including AI pose opportunities and risks – with autocracies deploying new technology to undermine our trust in democracy, institutions and each other.

Longstanding human rights norms and principles are being challenged and undermined.

As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the human rights of women and girls are under threat including by repressive regimes in Afghanistan, Iran and DPRK, who grossly deprive women and girls of their human rights.

The escalating attempts to reverse global progress on gender equality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights is disturbing. 

In many parts of the world LGBTQIA+ people continue to face heightened rates of violence, discrimination and persecution, including with offences punishable by death. Australia will continue to advocate for the global abolition of the death penalty for everyone and in all circumstances.

We must uphold Indigenous Peoples' rights globally, ensuring their participation in matters affecting them. Their leadership is vital in tackling global challenges like climate change and achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

We unequivocally condemn antisemitism, Islamophobia, prejudice hatred or discrimination of any kind in our country and globally.

This is why as part of our ongoing efforts to improve social cohesion in Australia, including fostering inter-faith dialogue, our Special Envoys to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia launched their recommendations in the presence of the Prime Minister.

Civic space is shrinking, freedoms are being eroded and transnational repression is growing.

We are alarmed by growing restrictions on independent civil society actors and human rights defenders, such as the misuse of laws to criminalise their activities and repress dissent, including in Russia, China, Myanmar, Belarus, DPRK, Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Georgia.

And we are concerned by persistent challenges to the achievement of economic, social and cultural rights under the guise of national sovereignty.

While Australia recognizes the significance of national and regional particularities, we emphasise that all States have a duty to promote and protect all human rights, and that such human rights are universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent and mutually reinforcing.

Amid these new frontiers, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains our guiding compass. Its principles – universality, indivisibility, and non-discrimination – are timeless.

While eighty years is a significant milestone, the true value of the United Nations is not counted in decades, it is measured in deeds and in actions that make a positive difference to people's lives such as delivering food to villages in the grip of famine or liberating children from exploitation or abuse.

The principles on which the United Nations was founded still hold meaning and hope for the people who need them most.

But we also need to work together to ensure the United Nations can continue to serve us all in the future.

We welcome the UN Secretary-General's UN80 reform initiative – an opportunity to enhance UN efficiency and effectiveness and to ensure the UN system focuses on what it does best.

And in seeking solutions we must have human rights at the front and centre.

In the face of these enormous challenges, all is not lost.

Australia reiterates our commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which helps ensure that human rights are at the centre of our efforts to address other global challenges, such as climate change, poverty and global health.

We all have a part to play - and Australia, just as we always have - will always seek to play our part, to deliver the ambitions of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights.

Thank you.

Australian Youth Representative Statement, 9 October 2025

Chair and Honourable Delegates,

I acknowledge that we are gathering on the lands of the Lenape people and pay my respects. From across the oceans, I also honour the First Nations peoples of Australia – the first diplomats and defenders of human rights.

I address you today as Australia's Youth Delegate to the United Nations. Having spent the past year travelling across our nation's 7.7 million square kilometres, I have the privilege of carrying the voices, dreams and experiences of thousands of young Australians into this room.

I've sat with children as young as ten locked up in detention. I've spoken to kids in refugee centres drowning in bureaucracy. And I've met children with disabilities struggling to be heard because no one can understand the languages they use. These issues are not isolated, nor specific to Australia – they are global, interconnected and contemporary challenges facing youth around the world.

But I'd like to begin by bringing into the heart of the UN, these words, from a youth detention centre in Australia:

"We're not just what we've done. We're still sons, brothers, friends. Some of us are artists, some are cooks, some write music. But when we're locked up, people stop seeing us as human."

Children should never have to convince the world that they are human.

I carry forward the wide-ranging concerns of young people from my country and region. But among the issues I have heard, two stand out.

Firstly, youth in our region - the Asia-Pacific - are on the frontlines of climate devastation. Indigenous children and those across the Pacific are already experiencing the brutal impact of a warming world - their homes and futures under threat of being swept away by rising seas. Our country's connection to the Pacific is more than geographic - it is familial. The rising tide is not a metaphor for us; it is the lived reality of our neighbours and kin whose human rights – including with respect to land, culture, and identity – are under threat.

Secondly, young people in Australia are deeply concerned by the prevalence and treatment of children in the criminal justice system. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is clear: detention must only ever be a measure of last resort. Yet it occurs all too often. Each year 261 000 children are incarcerated globally. We must find another way - to raise the age of criminal responsibility, and to invest in community-led care that restores rather than punishes, that helps children heal, rebuild and belong.

The UN exists to serve the marginalised - and if those it was built to protect do not know it exists, then it has lost its way.

The 2030 Agenda is a promise to every child around the world - you are seen, you are heard, and you matter.

So, I'll end by reminding us who I am speaking for, and who the UN was built to serve - the schools where children dream, the farms where families toil, the detention centres where hope fights to survive, the town camps where culture and strength endure, and the communities carrying the weight of the future.

Thank you.

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue on the Advancement of Women with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, the Chair of the Committee on elimination of discrimination against women and girls and the Chair of the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls, 10 October 2025

Thank you Chair.

Australia welcomes the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women's report on the 88th to 90th sessions.

We applaud its emphasis on inclusive decision-making, addressing gender stereotypes, and strengthening protections for all women and girls, including those with disabilities. These priorities strongly resonate with Australia's commitment to gender equality.

We commend the Committee's attention on emerging challenges, including technology-facilitated gender-based violence and the digital economy's impact on women.

Australia reaffirms its commitment to CEDAW and engaging constructively with its future review processes, including regional cooperation initiatives in the Pacific.

We also thank the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls for highlighting the gendered dimensions of care and support systems.

We acknowledge the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls's report on surrogacy. We note the issues identified in relation to exploitation, coercion and trafficking that can occur in unregulated and commercial surrogacy markets – while highlighting the importance of strong safeguards and international cooperation to prevent harm to women and children.

At the same time, we emphasise that surrogacy itself is not inherently violent or exploitative when conducted within clear, rights-based legal frameworks.

In Australia, surrogacy is governed by strict legal frameworks to mitigate risks of exploitation and violence and offers a safe and compassionate pathway to parenthood while respecting the autonomy and wellbeing of surrogates.

Australia remains committed to ethical surrogacy practices that comply with international human rights law and welcomes ongoing dialogue on addressing risks and evolving standards.

Thank you.

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, 13 October 2025

Thank you Chair.

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

Australia continues to support the Special Rapporteur's mandate and welcomes the Interim report.

We value the knowledge and skills of Indigenous Peoples in addressing international security challenges.

We recognise that Indigenous Australians were our first diplomats, peacemakers, and peacebuilders.

This year, together, Papua New Guinea and Australia are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Torres Strait Treaty entering into force.

This landmark Treaty allows communities to continue their way of life across borders for traditional activities and to help preserve their ties across the Torres Strait, acknowledging the importance of cultural continuity.

This creative solution reflects the thousands of years of engagement and cultural connection that exist between Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Further, as a member of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, Australia is advancing discussions on how Indigenous People can strengthen peacebuilding efforts through taking an inclusive approach.

Australia asks, how can the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples globally address international security issues?

Special Rapporteur, we look forward to welcoming you to Australia in 2026 to continue this dialogue.

Thank you.

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities and the Chair of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 23 October 2025

Thank you, Chair.

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur and the Committee for their important work.

We welcome the focus of the Special Rapporteur's report on children with disabilities and their caregivers, as well as the importance of inclusive and human-rights based care and support systems.

We also welcome the report and the Committee's attention on the gendered dimensions of caregiving, particularly the disproportionate burden placed on women and mothers. It is essential to recognise unpaid care as a barrier to gender equality.

We therefore support efforts to promote shared caregiving responsibilities and ensure all caregivers have access to adequate support, social protection, and mental health services.

We also recognise the importance of inclusive education, early intervention, and assistive technology as key enablers of participation and long-term outcomes for children with disabilities.

Through Australia's partnership with the ATScale Global Partnership, we are expanding access to assistive technology across the Pacific, enabling school-aged children in seven countries to access screening and high-quality devices.

Our National Disability Insurance Scheme also provides tailored, lifelong support for Australians with permanent and significant disability, including children. Australia also provides early intervention for children with developmental delay and disability.

For caregivers, Australia offers support including social protection payments, counselling, respite care, and equipment.

Internationally, Australia's International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy prioritises the care and support economy as central to disability equity and gender equality.

Madame Special Rapporteur and Chair, how can Member States foster a cultural shift that enables more equitably shared caregiving responsibilities within families, particularly considering the gendered dimensions of care?

Thank you.

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion of Belief, 24 October 2025

Thank you Chair.

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for her timely report, which underscores that too often freedom of religion or belief is overlooked for 'people on the move'.

Religiously motivated discrimination or violence is never acceptable. The report's findings of denial or revocation of citizenship on the basis of religion or belief, and the restricted access to places of worship, are seriously concerning.

Australia is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals - irrespective of their situation - to adopt, manifest, change, or leave any religion or belief, without experiencing religious hatred, discrimination or violence.

This is why the Australian Government appointed Special Envoys to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia are considering their reports as part of our ongoing efforts to improve social cohesion in Australia, including fostering inter-faith dialogue. It's why we have established an Office for Social Cohesion which works to strengthen social cohesion and democratic resilience in Australia.

Australia supports addressing the root causes of human rights violations through dialogue, inclusion and respect for diversity.

Today we ask, how can the international community strengthen early prevention and protection efforts to address violations of freedom of religion or belief?

Thank you.

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, 27 October 2025

Thank you Chair.

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

Australia supports longstanding aspirations for a free, democratic and independent Belarus.

No election can be considered free, fair or in line with international standards when it is held in a climate of ongoing repression, marked by arbitrary detentions, restrictions on genuine political participation, and a clampdown on civil society.

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 calls on the Belarusian authorities to comply with their international human rights obligations.

Australia also reiterates its condemnation of the Belarusian Government's complicity in the Russian Federation's illegal invasion of Ukraine, including its involvement in the forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children. We call on Belarus to immediately cease its support for Russia's war.

Special Rapporteur, how can the international community ensure the Belarusian Government is held accountable for the ill treatment and deaths of political prisoners arbitrarily detained in Belarus?

Thank you.

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Ukraine, 27 October 2025

Thank you Chair.

Australia thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its update and continued efforts to document Russia's ongoing human rights violations in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukraine's defence is also a defence of the values enshrined in the UN Charter.

We are deeply concerned by findings of Russia's widespread and systematic use of torture, sexual violence, enforced disappearances and summary executions of Ukrainian prisoners. These grave violations demand accountability.

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

We are troubled by the forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children, which violates international legal protections and undermines family unity.

And we are disturbed by credible reports of systematic repression in the temporarily occupied Crimea, including forced conscription, suppression of ethnic and religious identity, political persecution, and the silencing of independent media.

Australia supports all meaningful efforts, including those led by the United States and our European partners, toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Russia must immediately and unconditionally withdraw from Ukraine's internationally recognised borders, including Crimea, and comply with its international obligations and end its war of aggression.

Thank you.

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia, 27 October 2025

Thank you Chair.

The findings in this report are damning and show the extent of President Putin's continued contempt for human rights within the Russian Federation and 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 laws on 'foreign agents' and 'undesirable organisations' denies Russians their human rights, including rights to freedom of expression and association.

Special Rapporteur, what more can the international community do to support ordinary Russians and independent voices who remain in Russia?

Thank you.

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, 28 October 2025

Thank you Chair.

Australia thanks the Commission for its report, the details of which are of serious concern.

What we have seen in Gaza has been unacceptable, with more than two years of immense suffering and devastation.

We reiterate that Israel must comply with the binding provisional orders made by the International Court of Justice in the case against it under the Genocide Convention.

Every effort must be made to safeguard innocent life and end the suffering of the people of Gaza.

The agreement to President Trump's peace plan and the beginning of a ceasefire in Gaza is a rare and important moment of hope.

Australia welcomes what we hope will be an enduring peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.

We welcome with immense relief the release of the hostages and continue our call for the return of hostage remains.

The suffering of the people in Gaza must also end – aid now must flow unimpeded to those in need.

We want to see the ceasefire maintained and urge all parties to adhere to the terms of the agreement and for its full implementation to be implemented in full.

In the West Bank, the expansion of Israeli settlements and violent attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians undermine the prospects for peace and a two-state solution.

Settlements are illegal under international law.

We repeat calls for Israel to cease settlement activity and hold perpetrators of settler violence to account.

Australia supports Palestinian statehood and the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

We have recognised the State of Palestine as part of international efforts to inject new momentum for peace.

Australia will continue to contribute to a just and enduring two-state solution.

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, Head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, 28 October 2025

Thank you Chair.

We thank the Special Envoy, Special Rapporteur and head of IIMM for their updates and their important work on Myanmar.

We are deeply concerned by the escalating conflict, the briefer's reports of steadily declining conditions, and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.

Australia condemns in the strongest terms the military regime's continued attacks against civilians, including an airstrike on the Buddhist Festival of Light in central Myanmar in October. The regime has killed more than 7,000 civilians since the February 2021 coup. The violence must stop.

We urge the regime to cease violence, release all those unjustly detained, allow safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance, and engage in genuine and inclusive political dialogue with all stakeholders. Elections held without these essential steps risk greater division and instability.

Australia wants to see a peaceful transition of power in Myanmar to a civilian democratic government that reflects the will of the people. This is the only path to resolving the crisis.

Australia asks: What more can the international community do to support a peaceful resolution to the crisis and to return Myanmar to the path of inclusive democracy?

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, 29 October 2025

Thank you Chair.

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for her sobering report and reiterates our deep concern over the DPRK's systematic disregard for human rights, both within and beyond its borders.

We are alarmed by credible reports of increased transnational repression, including enforced disappearances, and forced labour of overseas workers. We continue to condemn in the strongest possible terms DPRK's military cooperation with Russia through the export of its ballistic missiles to Russia and the training of DPRK troops.

These actions would violate international law, and underscore the regime's prioritisation of militarisation over the welfare of its people.

Australia condemns the continued repression of escapees, including cyberattacks targeting diaspora communities. We echo calls for the international community to respect the principle of non-refoulement for people from the DPRK who are at risk of torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment upon repatriation.

We welcome the DPRK's partial engagement with the UPR, but urge full cooperation with UN mechanisms and access for humanitarian actors.

Australia further commends the work of civil society organisations to preserve testimonies for future accountability.

We ask, what further steps can Member States take to protect escapees and overseas workers from transnational repression, and ensure accountability for actions committed beyond DPRK borders?

Thank you.

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, 30 October 2025

Thank you Chair.

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report and ongoing efforts to highlight the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan. This includes egregious human rights abuses targeting women and girls – for which the Taliban must be held to account.

We are deeply concerned that there has been no progress towards fulfilment of Afghanistan's international obligations. Instead, the trend is the reverse.

Australia is committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan and taking strong action to address the Taliban's pervasive disregard for human rights.

We have provided over $260 million in humanitarian assistance since 2021, with a strong focus on women and girls.

We are working with Canada, Germany and the Netherlands to hold Afghanistan to account under CEDAW.

And we are proposing to implement an autonomous sanctions framework to further address the situation in Afghanistan, complementing our wider efforts.

Special Rapporteur, a meaningful response must be rooted in the lived experiences of all Afghans, including women and girls. It must confront intersecting harms and restore human rights, dignity, and access to essential services.

Australia asks: what more can States do to ensure the human rights of Afghan people and hold the Taliban to account? 

Thank you.

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Chair of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran, 30 October 2025

Thank you Chair.

We remain deeply concerned by Iran's ongoing and systemic human rights violations, including with respect to women and girls, and persecution of human rights defenders. We call on Iran to immediately repeal all laws that violate the human rights of women and girls.

We are alarmed by the dramatic escalation in Iran's already-extensive use of the death penalty, with Iran likely to exceed 1,200 executions in 2025.

We condemn Iran's ongoing use of executions, including of protesters, women and political opponents, and disproportionate application of the death penalty to religious and ethnic minorities. We call on Iran to establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty.

We remain deeply concerned by Iran's violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly – including through continued restrictions on access to information, violent repression of protests, and arbitrary arrest of political opponents. We reiterate our call for Iran to respect these rights.

We also condemn Iran's attempts to silence dissent beyond its borders, including by threatening and intimidating Iranian diaspora communities and seeking to stoke social divisions.

Australia asks: how can States address transnational repression by Iranian authorities against the Iranian diaspora abroad?

Thank you.

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in persons, especially women and children, 31 October 2025

Thank you Chair.

Australia welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on child rights and child trafficking in conflict situations.

In the Indo-Pacific, conflict-induced displacement is putting children in situations of extreme vulnerability. Some 500,000 Rohingya children live in the camps of Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh. They are at acute risk of abduction, forced labour, sexual exploitation and child marriage.

Australia's support to this long-standing crisis is unwavering – reflected in our AUD1.26 billion in humanitarian assistance to Myanmar and Bangladesh since 2017.

Australia welcomes the Special Rapporteur's recognition of the heightened risks of child and forced marriage for people who are displaced or on the move.

Australia is concerned that nearly two-thirds of all forced marriages, affecting around 14.2 million victims and survivors, occur in Asia and the Pacific.

Given the long-lasting impacts of human trafficking, particularly on children, could the Special Rapporteur comment on how member states can best involve children in our efforts to combat child trafficking, to ensure our responses best meet their needs?

Thank you.

Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, 3 November 2025

Thank you Chair.

Australia welcomes the Independent Expert's report on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the context of the human right to education, and its substantive recommendations, from which we can all learn.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is clear that human rights apply equally to all people, no matter who are or where you are born, and regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity.

Australia remains steadfast in its support for this principle in all facets of life, including school and education. All children have a right to education.

We are deeply concerned by the humiliation, exclusion and violence that LGBTQIA+ students face, as highlighted in the report. And equally concerned by the gaps in institutional and other protections and remedies for bullying and other forms of abuse.

It is well-established that health and wellbeing are central to positive educational and social outcomes. Discrimination, bullying and violence cannot be tolerated or excused.

We thank the Independent Expert for his recommendations, and ask for best practice examples for how we can collect disaggregated data about violence against LGBTQIA+ students, without compromising their safety, in order to improve institutional and other protections and remedies.

Thank you.

National Statements at Action

Explanation of Vote (before the vote): Combating glorification of Nazism, Neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling of contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, 14 November 2025

Thank you Chair.

No member state in this room will deny the utmost importance of combating the glorification of Nazism, Neo-Nazism and other practices that fuel contemporary forms of racism.

Australia too unequivocally condemns all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, including Nazism and neo-Nazism.

However, this resolution presented by the Russian Federation has been misrepresented and continues to be misused by the Russian Federation to justify its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine. 

Australia has joined together with Liechtenstein, Albania, Japan, Marshall Islands, and Norway, in presenting an amendment to re-introduce OP4 to this resolution, which articulates Russia's motivations to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine on the pretext of neo-Nazism.

The same amendment has been successfully adopted for the past three years.

Chair, the OP4 that Russia has removed is language taken verbatim from the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism's report A/77/512, which I quote "notes, with alarm, that the Russian Federation has sought to justify its military invasion and territorial aggression in Ukraine on the purported basis of eliminating neo-Nazism."

This report was presented by the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism in 2022 but it remains relevant today

In addition to UN findings, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly articulated his justification of war against Ukraine to protect Russians from "neo-Nazi dictatorship." Putin has said that Russia will continue fighting in Ukraine until it secures the "denazification" of Ukraine.

It is blatantly clear what the Russian Federation's motivations are.

Member states, we urge you to hold the Russian Federation to the highest of standards, as facilitators of this resolution. This means, the UN cannot remain bystanders and endorse the Russian Federation's actions to instrumentalise this resolution.

We urge you to demonstrate your principled positions to uphold international law, and promote and protect human rights, by voting in favour of the amendment.

Explanation of Vote (after the vote): Combating glorification of Nazism, Neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling of contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, 14 November 2024

Thank you Chair. 

Chair, we reiterate that hateful and divisive rhetoric has no place in Australia or anywhere in the world, online or offline.

The evidence presented from UN findings including the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, and the Russian President, demonstrate a direct correlation between this resolution and Russia's illegal aggression against Ukraine being undertaken on the purported basis of combating neo-Nazism.

This is of grave concern to Australia and we are pleased to see language that articulates Russia's instrumentalization of this resolution adopted into the resolution, and thank member states for their support.

Australia voted against this resolution because we remain concerned that the Russian Federation is misrepresenting this resolution to justify its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine, and because the Russian Federation did not afford due process to this important issue.

We reiterate the utmost importance of combatting the glorification of Nazism, Neo-Nazism and other contemporary forms of racism and intolerance.

The last time this resolution saw substantive changes or open negotiations was in 2021. In 2022, the Russian Federation denied member states the opportunity to meaningfully engage in the resolution. It is no coincidence that 2022 was also the year that the Russian Federation commenced its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and since then, has continued its practice of denying member states meaningful engagement with the text.

Should the Russian Federation genuinely wish to combat the glorification of contemporary forms of Nazism, neo-Nazism, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the Russian Federation should hold open and transparent dialogue on this resolution and end its illegal invasion of Ukraine.

General statement before adoption: Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, 19 November 2025

Thank you Chair.

Australia thanks Canada, as penholder, for its continued leadership of this resolution.

This resolution aims to reflect the current human rights situation in Iran without prejudice.

We commend Canada for ensuring the resolution remains evidence-based by drawing heavily from independent and credible reports by the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran, the UN Secretary-General, and the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Australia remains deeply concerned by the dire human rights situation in Iran, including Iran's persecution of women and girls, oppression of ethnic and religious minorities and use of arbitrary detention, and transnational repression of journalists and political opponents abroad.

We are alarmed by the dramatic escalation in Iran's already-extensive use of the death penalty in 2025.  

We oppose the death penalty in all circumstances, for all people, and we call on Iran to cease executions and establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty.

Australia expresses grave concern regarding Iranian acts of transnational repression, heightened antisemitism, and targeted attacks on Jewish communities, including in Australia. We also oppose any denial of the Holocaust.

Chair,

Country-specific resolutions in this Committee do not impede sovereignty.

No country is above fair scrutiny of its human rights obligations.

And no country, including my own, has a perfect human rights record.

Our commitments, as outlined in the UN Charter, include achieving international co-operation in solving international problems, including to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction.

We can only achieve this through transparency, openness, and accountability.

For these reasons, Australia is pleased to once again co-sponsor and vote in favour of the resolution 'Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran'.

We call on all Member States to support this important resolution and demonstrate commitment to transparency, openness, and accountability to protect and promote human rights in Iran.

Thank you.

Joint Statements at Action

Explanation of Position (after adoption): Inclusive policies and programmes to address homelessness, including in the aftermath of the coronavirus disease COVID-19, delivered by Canada on CANZ, 11 November 2025

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of Australia, New Zealand, and my own country, Canada to explain our countries' position on the oral statement in connection with the draft resolution A/C.3/80/L.16 entitled "Inclusive policies and programmes to address homelessness, including in the aftermath of the coronavirus disease COVID-19."

Our countries recognize the importance of this resolution, which calls for inclusive policies and programmes to address the crucial issue of homelessness and its causes. However, we regret that the UN Secretariat only circulated the oral statement yesterday. This did not give Member States sufficient time to assess the proposed programme budget implications. This is of particular concern in the context of the ongoing budgetary and liquidity challenges that the UN is facing.

We kindly ask the Secretariat to ensure that they circulate any programme budget implications and oral statements with adequate notice in the future.

Canada, Australia and New Zealand looks forward to discussing this oral statement at the Fifth Committee.

I thank you.

Explanation of Vote (before the vote on the amendment): Protection of and assistance to internally displaced persons, delivered by Switzerland on behalf of Australia, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, 14 November 2025

Mr President,

I have the honor to deliver this explanation of vote on behalf of Australia, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway and my own country, Switzerland.

We regret that a vote has been requested on a resolution that is traditionally adopted by consensus. Given the profoundly humanitarian nature of this text and the increase in the number of internally displaced persons, it is more essential than ever to maintain unity within the international community.

We also deeply regret the amendment proposed by Russia to delete a substantial part of preambular paragraph 28, in particular regarding the provisions of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court concerning the deportation or forcible transfer of populations.

The International Criminal Court plays a vital role in combating impunity and in promoting and ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law and respect for human rights, including with regards to internally displaced persons.

We support this resolution as it was presented by its facilitator, Norway. We therefore encourage all States to vote against the amendment to preambular paragraph 28 and to vote in favor of the resolution as a whole.

With a staggering number of displaced persons globally, it is now more important than ever to send a strong signal of unity to the actors concerned by this resolution.

Thank you.

Explanation of Vote: Terrorism and Human Rights, delivered by Switzerland on behalf of Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, 18 November 2025

Mr. Chair,

I have the honor to deliver this explanation of position / vote on behalf of Australia, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, and my own country, Switzerland.

We thank Egypt and Mexico for presenting this resolution.

Generally, we support efforts to streamline resolutions and avoid duplications on similar topics at the Third Committee – even more so in the context of the UN80 reform. However, such measures should never be taken to the detriment of the promotion and protection of human rights.

While we support this resolution, we are concerned that, following the merger of the two resolutions, its focus has shifted away from States' responsibility to respect human rights toward abuses committed by non-state actors, such as terrorists.

Global trends show that States increasingly violate and restrict human rights and fundamental freedoms in the context of countering terrorism or under the pretext of ensuring security and political stability.

We therefore reiterate our call for updated language in future resolutions that addresses the importance of States' responsibility and commitment to fully respect international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international refugee law in all their counter-terrorism efforts.

In this regard, we support the work of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism and call upon all States to cooperate with the mandate.

Effective counterterrorism and human rights protection are not opposing goals – they are mutually reinforcing. Upholding human rights is not a luxury in times of crisis, it is a strategic necessity for lasting peace and security.

Thank you.

Explanation of Position (after adoption): Report of the Human Rights Council, delivered by Liechtenstein on behalf of Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Iceland, New Zealand, and Norway, 18 November 2025

Mister Chair,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of (Australia, Canada, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland) and my own country Liechtenstein – seven Member States that are strong supporters of the Human Rights Council and actively contribute to its work.

Since its creation in 2006, the Human Rights Council has established itself as an authoritative voice in the promotion and protection of human rights, including through the Universal Periodic Review Process, its body of Special Procedures as well as other independent mechanisms, and through its close engagement with civil society representatives and human rights defenders.

With the adoption of Resolution 65/281, the General Assembly reached an understanding on the institutional arrangements between the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly, including its main Committees. We express our disappointment that the resolution before us continues to disregard this understanding, as have its predecessors, by asking the Third Committee to take note of the report of the Council. It undermines the Council's mandate, which we regret.

The newly added reference to resolution 79/192 is also problematic in this case, as it does not respect existing institutional arrangements which we have all agreed to. It is now upon the bureaus of the Human Rights Council and Third Committee, in consultation with the wider membership, to address working methods and ensure the work of both bodies remains effective and relevant, while avoiding duplication.

We are grateful that the facilitators have listened to the concerns expressed by a cross-regional group of member states and revised the resolution before adoption today. In light of our ongoing procedural reservations, however, we were once again not in a position to support the resolution.

I thank you.

Explanation of Position (after adoption): Improving the coordination of efforts against trafficking in persons, delivered by Canada on behalf of Canada, Australia, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, and Norway, 18 November 2025

Thank you Mr. Chair,

I have the honour to deliver this Explanation of Position on behalf of Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Liechtenstein and my own country Canada.

We believe that preventing and combatting trafficking in persons requires a human rights-based, gender- and age-responsive, survivor-centred, and trauma-informed approach; namely to ensure that:

• victims and survivors are protected, supported, have timely access to essential services, and are not re-traumatized or re-victimized;
• criminal justice processes are enhanced through greater cooperation from victims and survivors in policy development and prosecution of traffickers.

In achieving this goal, international cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnerships with civil society and survivors, as well as the private sector, are essential. That is why it is important that the General Assembly adopts this resolution on trafficking in persons, as it reinforces the urgent need for States to comply with their obligations under international law to address this violation of human rights and freedoms.

While we have voted in favor on this important resolution, our countries continue to condemn Belarus's assistance and enabling of Russia's unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.

The resolution emphasizes the need to protect children as a particularly vulnerable group. In this regard, we express our deep concern for the thousands of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly removed from their homes and families, and illegally transferred or deported by the Russian Federation. We are additionally concerned by evidence that Belarus has been complicit in facilitating the forced deportation of Ukrainian children, and that many of these children have been transported to facilities in Belarus.

We also hold serious concerns for the deterioration of human rights in Belarus, and its instrumentalization of migration as a political tool, and note that it must be held accountable to implement its own resolution in this regard.

We hope that in the future, Belarus's actions will be aligned with the political commitments expressed in this resolution.

Thank you Mr. Chair.

Explanation of Position (after adoption): Observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2024, delivered by Australia on behalf of CANZ, 20 November 2025

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

We recognise the value of families in all our societies, and we reaffirm the important role they play.

Families exist around the world in many forms, and the human rights of each and all of their members must be fully promoted and protected.

Every year, we engage diligently and constructively in the negotiations on this resolution with the aim to strengthen it. It is in this vein that we again express our disappointment with the negotiation process this year, noting that the text was not opened up for negotiation with the exception of two paragraphs.

The resolution remains deeply unbalanced. CANZ expresses our disappointment that a text on promoting families cannot support language on sexual and reproductive health and rights, and that the resolution does not recognise the diversity of families.

We also deeply regret that the reference to climate change in OP22 was removed.

Member states must recognise the risks that climate change poses, including to families. In low- and middle-income countries, climate-related events are expected to prevent 12.5 million girls from completing their education. This is not just a loss of opportunity — it is a loss of potential, leadership, and resilience that undermines the human rights of all affected individuals, with wide-reaching impacts on their families, communities and countries. It is disappointing that language recognising that climate change poses particular risks to all, particularly women and girls and children of all ages is not in this final text.

Despite these concerns, CANZ still joined consensus on this resolution because we believe that all families, in all their diversity, must be promoted and protected.

We hope that future discussions on such an important topic as families will allow further debate and engagement. True consensus requires different views to be accommodated, which in turn necessitates robust discussion, engagement, and transparency by all parties.

General Statement (after adoption) – Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, delivered by Australia on behalf of Australia, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, 20 November 2025

Thank you, Chair.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and my own country Australia.

We would like to first thank New Zealand and Mexico for their leadership.

We commend the overall ambition and scope of the Resolution on the Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol. The text addresses amplified barriers in diverse contexts and reinforces the obligation under the Convention to ensure equal enjoyment of all human rights.

We are supportive of the final text of the resolution and its ambition. This includes recognition of sexual orientation and gender identity as grounds for discrimination.

We welcome the strengthened gender-related language in the resolution which recognizes the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination faced by women and girls, as well as sexual and gender-based violence. The resolution emphasizes the need to ensure access for women and girls with disabilities to basic services, including sexual and reproductive health, and menstrual health and hygiene services.

We particularly welcome emphasis placed across a variety of areas that highlight the barriers persons with disabilities face. In particular we note, references to access to justice and the impact of discriminatory legal systems on persons with disabilities, emphasis on care and support systems and mental health services for persons with disabilities, inclusive education and schools free from violence and bullying and the protection of human rights in the digital space.

We are pleased to see strong support for the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy and the Global Disability Fund, which are critical to advancing disability-inclusive development, especially within the context of UN reform.

We reiterate that 'gender' as well as 'sex' must be recognized as a basis for discrimination. Discrimination is rooted in social norms and structures, not just biology.

We remain committed to a human rights-based and gender-responsive approach as essential to dismantle barriers and to achieve full, effective, meaningful and equal participation and leadership, for all persons with disabilities.

Thank you.

Explanation of Vote (on amendment): Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, delivered by Norway on behalf of Norway, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, 20 November 2025

Chair,

I have the honor to deliver this explanation of vote on behalf of Australia, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and my own country Norway.

We thank Mexico and New Zealand for presenting this resolution. The facilitators conducted the negotiations in an inclusive and transparent matter, and made efforts to achieve a balanced, yet ambitious, text that reflected the different views presented during the informals.

While we regret the deletion of MIFD and other elements that were lost in order to ensure balance, we are happy to support the text that has been submitted for adoption today. The text represents progress in recognizing the diverse context and amplified barriers faced by persons with disabilities.

The topic of this resolution "amplified barriers in diverse contexts" is valuable to understand how persons with disabilities experience and access their rights. Mainly, the resolution addresses how persons with disabilities experience discrimination on the basis of multiple identities and contexts -including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Discrimination on the basis of SOGI can exacerbate the challenges that persons with disabilities already face, resulting in compounded barriers which require an intersectional response. Explicitly naming diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity in a disability rights resolution helps ensure these groups are seen and protected.

The CRPD Committee recognizes that persons with disabilities are not a homogenous group, and that this diverse group includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.

We regret that Egypt, on behalf of a group of countries, has put forward an amendment to delete the reference to SOGI in PP10alt. Selectively excluding certain groups of people from a long list of concepts in the paragraph, goes against the aim of the resolution - to protect the rights of all persons with disabilities. It also sets a dangerous precedent, suggesting that discrimination is acceptable, and implicitly legitimizes discrimination against certain groups of people.

We will vote against this amendment and encourage other member states to do the same.

Thank you.

Explanation of vote (after the vote): Follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women and full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly, delivered by Switzerland on behalf of a group of countries, 20 November 2025

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

I have the honour to deliver this explanation of vote on behalf of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Japan, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and my own country, Switzerland.

We wish to express our strong support for this resolution and thank the facilitator for his efforts in fostering an inclusive negotiation process and in reaching a balanced text.

We also commend UN Women for their invaluable work regarding UN system-wide initiatives that aim to advance gender equality, women's and girls' human rights and their empowerment.

As we mark the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action we reaffirm its pivotal importance as a critical tool for achieving women's and girls' full and equal enjoyment of all human rights.

In this regard, we would like to express three main concerns:

First, sexual and gender-based violence remains a pervasive violation of human rights, transcending borders and affecting all nations and societies. The killings of women and girls represent the most extreme manifestation of this continuum of violence. Gender-based violence constitutes a form of discrimination and engages all obligations under CEDAW. States must prevent and eliminate it, protect and support victims as well as ensure their access to justice.

Second, we wish to recall the interdependence between sustainable development and women's and girls' full, equal and meaningful participation in all spheres of society - civic, cultural, political, economic, and social. The international community must work together to remove structural barriers, discriminatory stereotypes and negative social norms that are the root causes of gender inequality. In this regard, we welcome the resolution's recognition of the critical importance of engaging men and boys as key partners in the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls.

Third, at a time of heightened instability and escalating armed conflicts, the participation and leadership of women in all stages of peace and security efforts has never been more critical. Twenty-five years after its adoption, the Women, Peace and Security agenda still requires our collective and resolute commitment. We welcome this resolution's reaffirmation of the important role of all women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding efforts, and the need for their full, equal and meaningful participation therein, including at decision-making levels.

To conclude, in the current context of a cross-regional rollback of gender equality norms, that have been agreed for 30 years or more, and a shrinking civic space, it is more essential than ever for the international community to move from words to action, by accelerating its efforts and implementing decisive institutional measures to advance the human rights of all women and girl and to achieve gender equality.

Therefore, we have voted yes on this resolution and strongly hope that next time it will pass by consensus.

We thank you.

Explanation of Vote: Amendment L.57, delivered by Canada on behalf of Canada, Australia, Iceland, Lichtenstein, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland, 21 November 2025

Chair,

On behalf of Australia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and my own country Canada, I wish to deliver an Explanation of Vote on Amendment L.57.

The proposed revision creates the false impression that "child pornography" is distinct from, and not itself a form of, child sexual exploitation and abuse. This is inconsistent with the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, as well as with the terminology and approach reflected in the new UN Convention on Cybercrime. Offences involving "child pornography" or "child sexual exploitation and abuse material" are both forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse, and must be understood as such.

The amendment therefore risks narrowing the understanding of these crimes, diminishing recognition of their exploitative and abusive nature, and weakening the comprehensive protections that the international community has worked to advance.

While some delegations may tolerate the coexistence of both terms in certain contexts, it is essential that "child pornography" never be presented in a way that suggests it is not child sexual exploitation and abuse. Amendment L.57 creates exactly this problematic distinction.

For these reasons, our delegations voted against Amendment L.57. We remain committed to working with all Member States to eliminate all forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse material and to strengthen our shared response to this grave violation of children's rights.

Our delegations remain firmly committed to protecting children from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse, including offences related to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. Our shared responsibility is to uphold the highest standards of prevention, protection, and accountability, and to ensure that our responses do not inadvertently weaken the safeguards that children depend upon.

Thank you.

Disassociation: Strengthening the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme, in particular its Technical Cooperation Capacity – Dissociation from OP59, delivered by Canada on behalf of Canada and Australia, 21 November 2025

Chair,

I deliver this statement on behalf of Australia and my own country, Canada.

Our delegations were pleased to join consensus on the resolution L.3. We thank the facilitator, Italy, for their inclusive and thorough work throughout the complex negotiations.

However, for the reasons outlined in our earlier explanation of position, Australia and Canada, disassociate from the language in OP59 as introduced by the amendment L.57.

We reiterate our firm commitment to protecting children from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse. Our shared responsibility is to uphold the highest standards of prevention, protection, and accountability, and to ensure that our responses do not inadvertently weaken the safeguards that children depend upon.

I thank you.