Global security

The Australian Government is deeply concerned at Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, which is a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. We will continue to coordinate closely with our partners – including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, NATO and the EU – to impose a high cost on Russia.

Australia joins our partners in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Foreign Ministers of Australia and the Republic of Indonesia co-chaired a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the Steering Group of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime.

On the basis of medical advice provided by the Chief Medical Officer of Australia, Professor Paul Kelly, the National Security Committee has taken the necessary and temporary decision to pause the next step to safely reopen Australia to international skilled and student cohorts, as well as humanitarian, working holiday maker and provisional family visa holders from 1 December until 15 December.

Australia and Papua New Guinea are concerned about the violent turn that protests have taken in Honiara and jointly emphasise the importance of resolving tensions peacefully.

We have been watching the ongoing protests in Honiara with concern. We continue to call for calm, for an end to any further violence and emphasise the importance of resolving tensions peacefully.

The Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Magnitsky-style and Other Thematic Sanctions) Act 2021 (the Act) commenced on 8 December 2021.

We support the stability, unity and territorial integrity of Ethiopia. We look forward to working with the African Union’s High Representative for the Horn of Africa and with the United Nations in efforts to cease hostilities, end impunity and support a lasting solution to issues of peace and security.

The Australian Government congratulates Professor Hilary Charlesworth AM FASSA on her election to the International Court of Justice.

United Nations sanctions updates on the implementation of new United Nations Security Council Resolutions and updates on Lebanon, Mail and Somalia.