Let me start by thanking Poland for hosting this year’s Ministerial to Advance Freedom of Religion or Belief in the context of the challenging COVID-19 situation.

This event has given us an important platform to draw attention to the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of religion or belief, which remains a significant issue globally.

Religious freedom and tolerance are vital ingredients to the health and long-term success of all societies.

Sadly, in 2020, we continue to witness religious intolerance and abuse of religious freedoms, such as the persecution of religious minorities around the world; terrorist attacks and other violence against religious groups; and COVID-19 measures that disproportionately restrict individual rights, including the right to manifest religion or belief.

Australia is committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief for all, in the context of our broader work to champion universal human rights and freedoms.

This has been one of the priorities of our current UN Human Rights Council term, which draws to an end this year.

Consistent with this commitment, Australia was pleased to support the Alliance’s statement on COVID-19 and Religious Minorities and a Human Rights Council statement, led by Brazil, on the Alliance’s work to foster a global culture of peace and understanding.

Over many years, Australia has condemned acts of terrorism against religious groups and places of worship in the strongest possible terms, including the October attack near the Notre Dame Basilica in Nice, France, and the attack earlier this month near a Jewish synagogue in Vienna, Austria.

Australia will continue to advocate for religious tolerance and the right to freedom of religion or belief in accordance with international human rights law.

Thank you.