- Home
- About us
- WTO
- United Nations
- Disarmament
- Services for Australians
- Statements
- Visas and migration
- Travelling to Australia
- Doing business with Australia
- Study in Australia
- Media
- About Australia
- Events
Human Rights Council - 11th Session
Australian Statement on the reports of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mr. Frank La Rue Lewy, and the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Mr. Anand Grover
Australia welcomes the first report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression.
Australia shares the views of the Special Rapporteur on the relationship between freedom of opinion and expression and a democratic environment.
Australia is concerned by attempts to place excessive limits on the right of freedom of opinion and expression, particularly when limitations are used by states to restrict criticism and dissent We agree that limitations should not threaten the exercise of the right itself.
Australia appreciates the efforts of the Special Rapporteur to draw attention to the safety of journalists and media professionals in conflict zones. The targeting of journalists in such situations presents a challenge to the achievement of freedom of expression.
The Special Procedures are an essential human rights mechanism of the Council, and their independence must be maintained in order to ensure the proper function of their mandates. Australia encourages all States to respect and support the independence of the Special Procedures mandate holders.
Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur on health for his report.
We note that the report raises a number of issues which are being addressed through the World Health Organization's Global Strategy and Plan of Action on public health, innovation and intellectual property.
The Strategy urges governments to strengthen efforts to effectively coordinate work relating to intellectual property and public health among the secretariats and governing bodies of international organisations.
We would be interested to hear the Special Rapporteur's views on how in fulfilling his mandates he may best coordinate with these bodies.
Australia is of the view that TRIPS supports public health and has sufficient flexibility to deal effectively with and reconcile health policy and trade policy.
In this regard, Australia welcomed the General Council's decision in December 2005 to amend the TRIPS Agreement as set out in the Protocol which provides a permanent legal basis for developing countries without manufacturing capacity to import patented medicines made under compulsory licence.
Finally Mr Chairman, Australia welcomes the visit by the Special Rapporteur on health to Australia, due to take place later this year. Thank you.