Human Rights Council - 29th Regular Session
Clustered Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteurs on the independence of judges and lawyers, and the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
17 June 2015
Australia thanks the Special Rapporteurs for their detailed reports.
Australia supports the recommendation that alternatives to judicial proceedings, based on the principle of restorative justice, should be made available by States for independent legal professionals to consider when children come into conflict with the law.
A range of restorative justice practices are available in Australian jurisdictions, including conferencing and mediation for both youth and adult offenders. Australia is committed to further investigation of restorative justice options that assist judges and lawyers to find practical alternatives to the application of serious criminal sanctions on children.
Australia agrees that the Ebola crisis has exposed weaknesses in global, regional and national preparedness for public health emergencies. Strong public leadership is crucial in addressing global health challenges and promoting the full realisation of the right to health. Australia also emphasises the responsibility of national governments in building health systems that can protect and respond to the health needs of their citizens.
Australia is actively participating in the United Nations-led negotiations to agree the post-2015 development agenda. The new agenda must complete and build on the unfinished work of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and maintain a strong focus on health. Australia welcomes the focus on new health challenges not covered by the MDGs, including non-communicable diseases, sexual and reproductive health and universal health coverage.