Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 21st Session
Universal Periodic Review of Kiribati
19 January 2015
Australia commends Kiribati’s progress towards implementing the recommendations from its UPR in 2010. This includes adoption of the Kiribati Children, Young People and Family Welfare Act in 2013, which has led to the development of a Child Protection Policy and Implementation Plan.
We acknowledge Kiribati’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2013. Australia encourages Kiribati’s efforts towards the finalisation of a National Policy and Action Plan on Disability. Australia is pleased to be assisting Kiribati to improve its existing health and education services for persons with disabilities.
Australia commends Kiribati’s passing of the Family Peace Act in 2014 and its endorsement of the Shared Implementation Plan that will operationalise the National Approach to Eliminating Sexual and Gender Based Violence – Policy and Strategic Action Plan. However, we remain concerned about continuing high rates of domestic violence. Australia recommends Kiribati continue to implement initiatives such as a referral network (SafeNet), and pursue preventative measures aimed at reducing the levels of violence against women.
Australia is encouraged by Kiribati’s recent decision not to introduce the death penalty. Australia recommends Kiribati establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty, with a view to ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR.