International relations

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.

Empowering women and promoting gender equality is crucial to accelerating sustainable development that will support the region’s COVID-19 response and recovery.

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.

Australia has for decades supported and contributed to strengthening the international human rights system.

The Australian Government will contribute an additional $85 million and offer at least 10 million vaccine doses to the COVAX Advanced Market Commitment (AMC) to help lift global vaccination rates, guard against future variants and further protect the health security of Australia’s region.

Members of the Alliance considers that the international community must do more to protect members of religious minority groups and to combat discrimination and persecution based on religion or belief.