Human rights

Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 40th Session, Universal Periodic Review of Timor-Leste, Statement by Australia, 27 January 2022

The 40th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a United Nations process that considers the human rights record of each UN Member State. It is a mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council.

Australia commends Trinidad and Tobago for efforts to honour its international obligations with respect to migrants and refugees, particularly its establishment of a National Registration Process to register Venezuelan nationals.

Australia commends Antigua and Barbuda’s continued engagement in the UPR process and acknowledges the progress it has made since the last review period. In particular, Australia commends the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Australia has been following the unrest in Eswatini throughout 2021, and regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained. We condemn acts of violence and encourage the inclusion of all stakeholders in peaceful and open dialogue about the way forward.

Australia welcomes Thailand’s return to democracy and abolition of military trials of civilians since its last review. We welcome progress towards the adoption of legislation criminalising torture and enforced disappearances.

Australia welcomes Ireland’s continued international human rights advocacy, including during its term on the UN Security Council. Australia commends Ireland on ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Australia notes steps taken to recognise survivors of Ireland’s Mother and Baby Homes and looks forward to the publication of redress proposals expected before Cabinet later in 2021.

Australia welcomes Tanzania’s acceptance of previous recommendations to strengthen the rights of vulnerable and minority groups and continues to urge their implementation. We welcome the government’s commitment to ensuring pregnant school-age girls can continue education, and look forward to this being implemented as soon as possible.

Australia welcomes Tajikistan’s plan to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, efforts to criminalise domestic violence, and amendments to its Criminal Code bringing the definition of torture into line with the Convention against Torture.

Australia encourages the continued engagement of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Universal Periodic Review process and commends legislation enacted to protect human rights since the last review, including relating to domestic violence and the protection of children. However, Australia urges it to honour reporting obligations under international human rights instruments to improve the protection of human rights.