Australia's Engagement at the 8th Session of the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review Working Group
Media release
14 May 2010
Australia played an active role at the eighth session of the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group in Geneva (3-14 May).
The UPR is a unique forum, which provides for a peer review of states' implementation of their human rights obligations.
At the eighth session of the UPR Working Group, Australia engaged in the reviews of the human rights situations in Belarus, Grenada, Guyana, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Spain and Turkey.
While recognising any advancements made by these States in promoting and protecting human rights, Australia's statements also called on states to:
- abolish the death penalty (Belarus, Grenada, Guyana, Kenya, Laos and Lesotho)
- accede to key human rights treaties and align domestic policies with international obligations (Belarus, Grenada, Guyana, Laos, Lesotho, Kiribati, Spain and Turkey)
- remove legislation which discriminates against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity (Grenada, Guyana and Lesotho).
Copies of Australia's statements can be found on the Geneva Mission website.
The Government is preparing for Australia's appearance at the UPR Working Group in early 2011. More information, including on how to get involved, is available on the Attorney General's Department website.
Media inquiries
- Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555