10 December 1995
Nevertheless, human rights abuses are rife. Australia has condemned the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and other human rights activists in Nigeria, and again urges the Government to restore democracy and to protect fundamental human rights. Australia actively supported the suspension of Nigeria's membership of the Commonwealth. Myanmar is of grave concern: I repeat Australia's call for the Myanmar authorities to restore the political and human rights of the Burmese people. Australia is concerned at the deteriorating human rights situation in East Timor, and calls on the Indonesian Government to embark on a process of economic and cultural reconciliation with the East Timorese people. We are disturbed by persistent violations of human rights in China, particularly in the treatment of political dissidents.
Bloody internecine conflicts in a number of countries have shown the world that the protection of human rights - particularly rights to life, liberty and security of person - is fundamental to the promotion of human security. Australia has supported the establishment of the War Crimes Tribunal for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, recognising the security dimension of human rights issues.
Australia has been active on these issues at the United Nations, often as a leader. We also recognise that improvements in human rights must be underpinned by stronger national infrastructure and international agreements. Australia has worked hard to strengthen national human rights institutions, particularly by funding the appointment to the UN as a Special Adviser the former Federal Human Rights Commissioner, Brian Burdekin. We have also put emphasis on bilateral dialogue, such as the visit earlier this year to Vietnam of the Australian Parliamentary Consultative Delegation. Australia is working actively to develop a strong and realistic UN declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples.