International relations

On 6 May, Australian and Chinese officials held bilateral virtual talks on the Pacific.

The 13th meeting of the India-Australia Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism was held in person on 4 May, 2022.

The Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security condemn all threats, harassment, attacks, and reprisals against women peacebuilders, human rights defenders and gender equality advocates, and call for the Security Council and the UN system to develop effective measures to prevent and respond to reprisals.

On behalf of the 56 Member States of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace, and Security, Iceland expressed shared solidarity with all women peacebuilders, human rights defenders and advocates for gender equality around the world who are tirelessly working to build peace, defend human rights and implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Women and girls continue to face appalling levels of sexual violence in conflict-affected settings, including Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Syria and Iraq. Concerned by increasing reports of acts of sexual violence against women and girls in Ukraine, Australia supports the work of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine that will investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights.

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 Australian Government reiterates its commitment to providing a strong and effective policy response to address forced labour in Australia’s supply chains.

Australian Government response to the Human Rights sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade report: Advocating for the elimination of child and forced marriage. 9 Recommendations.

The Australian Government has imposed targeted financial sanctions on a further 147 individuals in response to Russia’s illegal war, comprising Russian senators and family members of President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov.

Australia is deeply disappointed by the signing of a security cooperation agreement between Solomon Islands and China, announced by the Chinese Government.