Statement 94 - 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 – 13th Regular Session

Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief

Interactive dialogue
by Ms Angela Robinson
11 March 2010

Australia welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. Every day, human rights defenders around the world stand up for the rights of their fellow human beings. The lives and livelihoods of human rights defenders and their families are often threatened by the governments they speak out against. However, their courage and conviction can place them at risk. Australia reminds this Council that human rights defenders look to it to set a high standard, and to hold those who violate human rights to account.

Australia is appalled that gender based violence, including verbal and sexual harassment and rape, is being used to intimidate and punish female human rights defenders.

We share the Special Rapporteur’s concern about the situation of defenders working on economic, social and cultural rights, and in particular increased attacks on them by non-State actors. We join the Special Rapporteur in reminding States of their primary responsibility to protect individuals, including defenders, under their jurisdiction.

We also share the Special Rapporteur’s concern about the denigration campaigns and threats of violence against defenders of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.

Finally we note the Special Rapporteur’s comments on basic precautions to be taken by human rights defenders to prevent and reduce attacks and welcome further information from the Special Rapporteur on the types of ‘digital and online’ security measures that should be put in place to enhance the safety of defenders.

Australia also welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion and belief.

The identification of early warning signs to prevent conflict based on religion or belief is essential. We also encourage the Special Rapporteur to continue to alert this Council, and other relevant parts of the UN, to early warning signs where they are present.

Australia is concerned by discrimination and violence suffered by members of religious minorities. Discrimination against members of the Baha'i community in Iran is an example of appalling treatment of a minority religious group by a State actor, particularly the detention since 2008 of seven community leaders and their subsequent trial.

Support for both grass-roots initiatives, such as inter-faith dialogues and community-building projects, are among Australia’s key approaches to enhancing religious understanding and tolerance. Can the Special Rapporteur give some examples of best practice in this field?

Finally, we would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for her outstanding and tireless work over the past six years to fulfil her important mandate.