9th Session of the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review
Statement by Australia
Statement on the Federated States of Micronesia
by Ms Sally Dawkins
9 November 2010
Australia warmly welcomes the delegation from the Federated States of Micronesia, recognising the considerable effort made to be present in Geneva. We appreciate their constructive engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process.
We welcome progress demonstrated by the Federated States of Micronesia, in raising awareness on women’s issues, in particular FSM’s support for the National Women’s Conference held for the first time. The Conference enabled women to measure progress made against the 2004 Strategic Development Plan. We welcome the commitment of the national government to work with state governments to remove the three CEDAW reservations. We commend to the FSM State and National governments resolutions passed by the National Women’s Conference, in particular those on domestic violence and paid maternity leave.
We congratulate the Federated States of Micronesia for adoption of a National Policy on Disability.
Australia was pleased to join the Federated States of Micronesia and other Pacific Islands governments in October 2009, in endorsing the Pacific Regional Strategy on Disability, which fosters links to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and related human rights instruments, and sets the goal of a disability inclusive Pacific.
We note the challenges faced by the Federated States of Micronesia in attaining development goals, as set out in the National Report. Australia is pleased to be working in partnership with the Federated States of Micronesia on inclusive approaches to these challenges that respect the right of every Micronesian to contribute to and benefit from Micronesia’s development.
Australia recommends the Federated States of Micronesia:
1. Ensure full human rights legal protection throughout Micronesia.
2. Urge FSM’s national and state governments to pass laws to address domestic violence and other forms of violence against women.
3. Continue working with state governments to remove the reservations to CEDAW.