Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

Statement263

Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 12th Session

Universal Period Review of Lithuania

Statement by Australia

11 October 2011


Australia welcomes the delegation from the Republic of Lithuania and appreciates its constructive engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process.

We acknowledge the action the Government of Lithuania has taken to fight racism and discrimination including the permission given for the first Baltic Pride March to proceed in May 2010.

We commend the Government of Lithuania for its adoption of a National Anti-discrimination Programme for 2009-2011, aimed at tackling discrimination.

We commend the Lithuanian Government for acknowledging and beginning to address poor conditions in prisons and detention centres, but we remain concerned at reports of physical mistreatment, overcrowding and unhygienic conditions. The lengthy detention of persons awaiting trial is also a concern.

We recognise that Lithuania has taken steps to integrate Roma through several programs, but remain concerned that these programs are underfunded. We are also concerned about the low living standards and ongoing social exclusion of Roma.

Australia recommends Lithuania:


1. Continue to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are able to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and assembly;

2. Take steps to meet international standards for prison and detention centre conditions; and

3. Continue to fund programs aimed at integrating Roma and take further steps to address the ongoing social exclusion of Roma.