Human rights

The Australian Government was deeply concerned to learn of the harsh sentences handed down to human rights lawyers and activists, Mr Xu Zhiyong and Mr Ding Jiaxi, on 10 April 2023.

Australia commends the Zambian Human Rights Commission’s achievement of full compliance with the UN Paris Principles and welcomes the formal abolition of the death penalty.

Australia welcomes the Czech Republic’s strong commitment to respect, promote and fulfil human rights obligations.

Australia commends Switzerland for its longstanding efforts to protect and promote human rights, including through its constitution, domestic legislation and diplomacy.

Australia acknowledges Sri Lanka’s commitments towards advancing human rights, reconciliation and transitional justice since its last UPR appearance.

Australia commends the Republic of Korea for its progress towards human rights promotion and protection since its last Universal Periodic Review in November 2017.

Australia commends Peru for its progress on human rights since its last UPR appearance including the development of the National Multisectoral Human Rights Policy, the National Human Rights Action Plan, and the Protocol of Human Rights Defenders (2019) to promote coordinated actions to address inequality and discrimination.

Australia congratulates Pakistan on the 2018 Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act and welcomes the 2021 Supreme Court ruling prohibiting execution of persons with mental health conditions, and encourages Pakistan to enact them fully.

Australia commends Japan for its commitment to human rights, and progress made since its last UPR appearance.

Australia commends Guatemala for the steps it has taken to progress human rights since its last UPR appearance.