Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

statement664

Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 21st Session

Universal Periodic Review of Spain

21 January 2015


Australia commends Spain on its advanced human rights framework and encourages Spain to implement its second Human Rights Plan which, once finalised, will strengthen further Spain’s national system for the promotion and protection of human rights.

Australia is greatly encouraged by Spain’s support for its Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, particularly Spain’s well-developed anti-discrimination laws.

Australia acknowledges that the significant and growing numbers of people attempting to enter Spain’s borders present an exceptional challenge to Spain in reconciling the integrity of its border security and immigration policies and its international human rights obligations.

Australia welcomes Spain’s efforts to prioritise combating violence against women, including traditional harmful practices such as female genital mutilation. Australia recommends Spain implement fully its National Strategy for the eradication of violence against women (2013-2016).

Australia expresses concern regarding Spain’s lack of a current plan against people trafficking for sexual exploitation, nearly two years after the end of Spain’s previous plan. Australia recommends Spain implement a new plan against people trafficking for sexual exploitation as soon as possible.

Finally, Australia recommends Spain adopt legislative, judicial and administrative measures to ensure effective remedy for torture and ill-treatment and strengthen its framework to prosecute such crimes.