Universal Periodic Review 10th Session
Intervention by Australia
Made by Ms Robyn Hodgkin
NIGER
Australia welcomes the distinguished Minister for Justice and Human Rights and the delegation from Niger and appreciates its constructive engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process.
Australia welcomes progress made by the transitional government to return Niger to democracy.
Australia welcomes too, the Minister’s statement that Niger is working towards ratification of the optional protocols of a number of core International Human Rights Instruments. However, while aware of the de facto moratorium on the death penalty in Niger, we note that the death penalty remains in Nigerien law and death sentences continue to be imposed by courts.
We are concerned by continuing reports of violence against women and children including forced and early marriage, female genital mutilation, sexual abuse and exploitation, child trafficking, and child soldiering.
Australia recommends Niger:
-
Accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aimed at abolishing the death penalty, and take the necessary steps to remove the death penalty from Niger’s justice system; and
-
Strengthen efforts to fulfil obligations in accordance with the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.