Human rights

Australia condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprovoked, unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine. We are appalled by the horrific acts perpetrated by Russian forces in Ukraine including torture, mass executions, rape, starvation and forced deportations, including of children.

34th Special Session of the Human Rights Council

Australia is a long-standing global leader of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Australia advocates, supports and undertakes actions across the four pillars of participation, conflict prevention, protection of rights, and relief and recovery.

The purpose of the Framework for Civil Society-Government Engagement is to ensure that civil society and government meaningfully engage in Australia’s efforts to advance the WPS agenda, drawing on the wide-ranging skills and expertise of each on relevant issues and contexts, including the pursuit of the second Australian National Action Plan on WPS 2021-2031. 

Australia calls on the Taliban to uphold the human rights of all Afghans, including women and girls and all minorities.

The international legal order under which States committed to promote and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and that has contributed to peace, prosperity and freedom for so many, is under increasing challenge.

Australia is a longstanding partner in Sri Lanka’s reconciliation efforts.

Our three countries are proud to be multicultural societies, yet we recognize that more work needs to be done to eliminate the many forms of racial discrimination which persist in our societies.

We welcome the joint statement on the situation in Ukraine delivered by your mandate in cooperation with the Special Representative on Violence against Children, reminding all parties that the protection of civilians must be the first priority.

Australia expresses its grave concern for the human rights of the people of Ukraine arising from the illegal and unprovoked attack by Russia.