Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 13th Session
Universal Periodic Review of Ecuador
Statement by Australia
21 May 2012
Australia congratulates Ecuador on advancements in human rights protections in a number of areas under its new Constitution.
Australia commends Ecuador for achievements in the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities and for being the Latin American nation which accepts the highest number of refugees. Australia also welcomes the continued strengthening of the Public Defender’s office.
Australia looks forward to further efforts to ensure press freedoms, noting the criminal defamation proceedings brought against El Universo journalists by public officials.
We recommend Ecuador protect the right to freedom of expression for journalists.
We also note that the first Universal Periodic Review in 2008 recommended prison reform measures.
Since then there has been some human rights training for police, but as some reports of ill-treatment during police detention continue, we recommend continued reform and further training to ensure the end of these practices.
Australia is concerned at the incidence of violence against women and girls, including domestic and sexual violence, and would recommend further strategies in cooperation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to eradicate child labour.