Statement 97 - 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 - Item 4

Australian statement on human rights situations
that require the Council’s attention

Statement by Miranda Brown 15 March 2010

Australia remains deeply concerned about human rights in Iran, including the use of capital punishment, in particular of juvenile offenders, political and media freedoms and discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities such as Baha'is, in particular the situation of seven community leaders on trial. Australia has ongoing human rights concerns following the 2009 presidential election, including use of violence, intimidation, arbitrary detention and torture of protesters and opposition leaders. We urge Iran to investigate all claims of ill treatment of those arrested or detained during demonstrations. We call on Iran to conduct any trials fairly and transparently. Australia is particularly concerned by the 28 January execution of two opposition figures and calls for the staying of the execution of nine individuals sentenced to death.

Australia is deeply concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in Fiji under the unelected, military-led interim government. The Fiji Constitution has been abrogated, the judiciary fundamentally compromised, and the interim government continues to rule by decree and deny the people of Fiji the right to challenge its actions in a court of law. Draconian Public Emergency Regulations have been imposed for more than 11 months, and the interim government continues to persecute critics, censor the media and harass journalists.

Australia has long been gravely concerned by Myanmar’s suppression of the democratic aspirations of the Myanmar people and its disrespect for their human rights. While welcoming the release from detention of the Vice-Chair of the National League for Democracy, U Tin Oo, on 13 February, we note that there remain around 2000 political prisoners in Myanmar, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Australia again calls on the Myanmar authorities to release them and allow them to participate fully and freely in the political process. We urge the authorities to seek non-military resolutions to Myanmar’s long-running ethnic conflicts and to use the opportunity of the planned elections to genuinely move their country forward.

Australia is deeply concerned about human rights violations in Zimbabwe, including violence and attacks on civil society and human rights activists, abductions, and detentions without trial. Australia is further concerned about restrictions on freedom of assembly and speech, and the illicit use of natural resources. Australia calls on parties in Zimbabwe to fully implement the Global Political Agreement.

We remain gravely concerned by continuing reports of sustained and severe human rights abuses in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).