Statement 85 - Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate-General

Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate-General

Geneva, Switzerland

Address: Chemin des Fins 2, Case Postale 102, 1211 Geneva 19 - Telephone: 022 799 9100 - Fax: 022 799 9178

Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review Working Group

Statement on Iraq

by HE Mr Peter Woolcott, Ambassador and Permanent Representative

16 February 2010

Australia welcomes the delegation from Iraq and appreciates its engagement in the Universal Periodic Review Process.

We commend Iraq’s recent achievements in the face of significant challenges, including the reduced violence and commitment to democratic elections. We also commend Iraq for its continued work with UNAMI and the international community to address identified human rights issues.

Australia remains concerned about some aspects of human rights in Iraq. In particular, we are concerned about the persecution of religious minorities and other vulnerable groups in Iraq including the homosexual community, continued violence against women, the treatment of detainees, and the application of the death penalty. We welcome Iraq’s assurances that the human rights of Camp Ashraf inhabitants will be upheld and residents will not be forcibly repatriated to Iran.

The Australian Government will continue to work closely with Iraq to help it address its human rights challenges.

Australia recommends Iraq:

1. Move quickly to establish the Independent High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) and that, notwithstanding budget pressures, Iraq ensure adequate funding for the IHCHR and the Ministry of Human Rights;

2. Continue to work with UNAMI and the international community to address human rights recommendations set out in the 1 January-30 June 2009 UNAMI Human Rights report;

3. Implement measures to ensure appropriate treatment of detainees, work to eliminate the detention of persons without charge or trial and ensure transparency for all sentences;

4. Abolish the death penalty or, if not, establish a moratorium - consistent with Australia’s support for its universal abolition;

5. Ensure all reports of human rights violations, including those against religious minorities and homosexuals, are investigated and prosecuted; and

6. Continue to pay close attention to its obligations under international humanitarian and international human rights law, including with respect to foreign nationals and stateless persons.