47th session of the Human Rights Council Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review of Australia

Ministry Statements & Speeches: 7 July 2021

Delivered by Lucy Duncan, New Zealand Permanent Representative ,8 July 2021.

Madam President

New Zealand warmly welcomes the opportunity to comment on the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review of Australia.

We commend Australia for its constructive and open approach to the UPR process, as well as its active role in the Human Rights Council. We strongly support Australia’s commitment to multiculturalism, diversity and social inclusion.

We commend Australia’s commitment to human rights and efforts since the last UPR review to actively address human rights challenges, including those focused on improving the lives of indigenous Australians.

We are encouraged by Australia’s ongoing commitment to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. It is important to provide a voice for indigenous Australians on decisions that affect them and we welcome Australia’s recent partnership agreement with the coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled peak organisations.

We also commend Australia on the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the legalisation of same-sex marriage and the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Thank you Madam President.