Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

statement613

Human Rights Council - 26th Regular Session

Item 4 General Debate

Australian statement
19 June 2014


Australia remains deeply concerned at the human rights situation in Iran, in particular the reported rise in executions, ongoing ill treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, and continued restrictions on the exercise of civil and political rights.

Australia is also deeply concerned by the ongoing violence and widespread human rights abuses in the Central African Republic and the DRC. We encourage efforts to hold to account all perpetrators of these abuses.

Australia strongly condemns the human rights violations occurring in South Sudan. Those responsible should be held account, and we call for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor, investigate and report on the situation.

Australia is deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Sudan and urges the Government of the Sudan to stop all executions, respect the human rights of all detainees, ensure the fair conduct of trials, uphold religious freedom, and ensure the protection of civilians.

The Australian Government is deeply concerned by the violence in Ukraine, arising from the destabilisation of Ukraine by externally-supported forces. We welcome the Ukrainian President’s proposals to offer an amnesty to rebels, and to provide safe passage for fighters returning to Russia, and civilians wanting to leave conflict areas.