Human Rights Council – 11th session

Item 4 - Australian statement
Mr Philip Kimpton
First Secretary
Australian Permanent Mission

June 2009

Mr President

Australia wishes to address human rights situations in a number of countries.

The civilian toll of the conflict in northern Sri Lanka has been and remains a matter of serious concern. For peace to flourish, reconciliation must also begin. Allegations of human rights abuses – including those arising from recent fighting – need to be dealt with.

Australia is also concerned by reports of intimidation of media workers in Sri Lanka, extending to violent attacks and murder in some cases. The basic democratic principle of freedom of speech must be restored and media allowed to operate freely and independently.

Australia is gravely concerned at the deteriorating human rights situation in Fiji, following the abrogation of the constitution on 10 April 2009. We call on the Fiji Interim Government to uphold human rights for all citizens of Fiji, including by:

• lifting unjustifiable Public Emergency Regulations including by ending media censorship and allowing public meetings to take place without interference,
• taking steps to ensure that Fiji once again has a functioning, fully independent judiciary, and an independent national Human Rights Commission,
• ending all forms of intimidation of regime opponents,
• ensuring an environment in which all Fiji citizens can publicly and freely express their political opinions without fear or retribution.

Mr President

Australia remains gravely concerned by Myanmar’s systematic repression of its citizens for their political views, and calls on Myanmar to start a genuine and inclusive process of political reform.

Australia condemns the recent trial of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and calls again for her immediate and unconditional release, and the immediate an unconditional release of all political prisoners.

Australia remains concerned at the human rights situation in Iran, including the appalling use of mass public executions and death by stoning, discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities, such as the Baha’i, detentions of political and social activists and ongoing suppression of freedom of expression.

Thank you Mr President.