Universal Periodic Review of Japan – 14th Session
Statement by Australia
31 October 2012
Australia commends Japan’s commitment to the promotion of human rights and the progress Japan has made since its 2008 Universal Periodic Review.
Australia welcomes Japan’s agreement to ratify and implement the Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (the Hague Convention). Australia will continue to share experiences on implementation and encourages early ratification.
Australia welcomes Japan’s announcement, in August this year, that it would establish a National Human Rights Commission consistent with the recommendations of the 2008 UPR.
Australia welcomes Japan’s signing of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially for Women and Children and encourages early ratification.
Japan’s continued implementation of the death penalty remains of concern. Australia recommends that Japan establish a moratorium on the death penalty, as a first step towards complete abolition of this practice.
Australia further recommends Japan accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.