Human rights

Countering racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, and tackling racial inequality, are challenges faced by every State, which can be overcome through solidarity and cooperation.

The UN Charter acknowledges the domestic jurisdiction of member states. But it also affirms that human rights are universal – appeals to “State sovereignty” cannot be used to shield a country from scrutiny for its behavior toward those within its borders. Indeed, this notion lies at the very foundations of the UN, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and this very Council. The Human Rights Council has the responsibility to act when states are not meeting their obligations – a responsibility articulated in UNGA resolution 60/251.

Australia reaffirms the significance and relevance of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.

We remain deeply concerned by continuing human rights violations, including ongoing arbitrary detention, and reports of rape and sexual abuse of detained women and girls.

We, the signatories to this statement, are concerned by the deteriorating situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Russian Federation, manifested in particular by the unlawful detention, arrest and imprisonment of Mr Alexei Navalny.

We remain deeply concerned about the trajectory of human rights in Egypt and share the concerns expressed by the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Special Procedure mandate holders.

Australia remains deeply concerned by the widespread human rights violations occurring in the DPRK.

Australia has grave concerns about the military coup in Myanmar and condemns the deadly violence across the country.

Australia remains concerned about the human rights situation in Iran and notes the Special Rapporteur’s latest report.

We are gravely concerned at continuing human rights violations and abuses and the significant escalation in violence, including sexual violence, at the local level. This involves thousands of combatants and a proliferation of weapons which are readily available to children. We call on the Government to re-establish state and local government authority throughout the country, including in the Equatoria region, and to invest in a genuine grassroots process to address local grievances.