Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

Statement 147

9th Session of the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review

Statement by Australia

Statement on Honduras
by H.E. Peter Woolcott, Permanent Representative
4 November 2010

 

Australia appreciates the engagement of the Honduran delegation in the Universal Periodic Review Process. Australia recognises the efforts of the Government to improve the human rights situation in Honduras. In particular we welcome the 2010 increase to the national police budget and the appointment of a high-level human rights adviser to assist the President. Australia notes however, that there is much work to be done to improve the human rights situation in Honduras, especially in reducing the country’s high homicide and femicide rates. We thank Her Excellency the Vice-President for her update today on steps being taken by Honduras, and we encourage Honduras to continue to build on these endeavours.

We also note the 29 July Organisation of American States report into the situation in Honduras and encourage the Government of Honduras to consider the report in full.

Australia supports Organisation of American States’ recommendations to continue to investigate the high murder rate, especially of journalists and human rights activists. Honduras should take steps to end threats and attacks on the population, and to fully support the country’s human rights institutions.

Australia recommends that Honduras:

1. Continues investigations into the murders of journalists, human rights activists, and opposition and government figures.

2. Ensures freedom of expression in conformity with obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in particular in relation to journalists, human rights activists, and the opposition.