Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

statement709

Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 22nd Session

Universal Periodic Review of Jamaica

Statement by Australia

Australia welcomes Jamaica’s move to establish a joint select committee of Parliament in July 2014, to review the Sexual Offenses Act, Offences against the Person Act, Violence Act, and the Child Care and Protection Act, with the objective of improving protection for women, children, persons living with disabilities, and the elderly from violence and abuse.
 

Australia remains concerned at the high levels of physical and sexual violence against women and girls in Jamaica. Australia recommends that the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women be ratified.

Australia recognises that the death penalty has not been enforced by Jamaica since 1988, but is concerned that a formal moratorium has not been adopted. Australia recommends that Jamaica do so, and to ratify the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Australia remains concerned at the high numbers of police killings. While Australia recognises Jamaica’s efforts to establish the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and the Special Coroner’s Court to investigate deaths involving police, we note levels of homicide remain high. Australia recommends Jamaica give INDECOM the power it needs to investigate criminal acts committed by the Police.
 

Australia acknowledges Jamaica’s human rights challenges and welcomes its willingness to engage actively in the UPR process.