Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

statement535

Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 18th Session
Universal Periodic Review of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay
Statement by Australia
29 January 2014

 

Australia acknowledges Uruguay’s efforts to strengthen its institutional framework for the protection of human rights, through the appointment of the Executive Council of the National Human Rights Institution and Ombudsman’s Office. Australia recommends that Uruguay ensures the Institution is sufficiently resourced to effectively discharge its duties and accords with the Paris Principles.

We commend Uruguay’s legislation which recognises the sexual and reproductive health rights of women. We recommend that Uruguay continues to give greater prominence to gender equality and ensure the National Women’s Institute is adequately resourced.

While Uruguay has made positive progress to improve prison conditions, we acknowledge that issues remain, including overcrowding. We recommend Uruguay address prison overcrowding by reviewing the use of pre-trial detention.

Australia commends the efforts of Uruguay to significantly reduce poverty rates between 2009 and 2012 and ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation. We recommend Uruguay continue its efforts to reduce poverty and improve living conditions, particularly among vulnerable groups.