25th Meeting - 62nd Session of Human Rights Council

Excellency, distinguished participants, I hereby declare open the 25th meeting of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.
We will now proceed with the consideration of the outcome of Saint Lucia.
The outcome is based on the report of the working group on the Universal Periodic Review of Saint Lucia and its addendum.
These documents, together with additional information that will now be provided by Saint Lucia will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the Council through a standardized decision.
I now have the pleasure to give the floor to His Excellency, Mr.
Anthony Severin, High Commissioner of Saint Lucia to the United Kingdom, to present additional information on the review through a video statement.
Excellency, you have the floor.
Mr.
President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I have the distinct honor to address you once again for the consideration of the outcomes of the Fourth Cycle Report of Saint Lucia to the Universal Periodic Review Working Group.
At the outset, my delegation expresses its thanks to the members of the Troika, namely the distinguished representatives of Brazil, France, and Iraq for their valuable support during this process.
We also thank the Member States who participated in the review of Saint Lucia for their active and constructive engagement.
We also convey our gratitude to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and to the UPR Secretariat for their guidance and support.
Mr.
President, Saint Lucia reiterates its full commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights.
We view the UPR as a stock taking measure and a catalyst to further mobilize efforts toward progress.
The UPR affords us the opportunity to highlight gains made in advancing human rights, as well as to highlight those challenges that hinder progress.
Notwithstanding the challenges that confront us and the inevitable limitations owing to our size and vulnerabilities, including human and other constraints, data gaps, legislative and policy implementation gaps, and climate vulnerability, we remain fully committed to fulfilling our obligations as a member of the international community and ensuring that our people live to their fullest potential.
Indeed, we strive to ensure that no one is left behind.
The government of Saint Lucia is committed to a people centered approach to development and reaffirms through its policy initiatives that the promotion and protection of its citizens human rights is a key pillar to our country's development agenda.
To this end, our commitment to inclusive development is unwavering as it is underpinned by the government's overarching policy ethos of putting people first.
Mr.
President, Saint Lucia thanks the Member States who made recommendations during the fourth cycle review.
We continue to demonstrate our commitment to our human rights obligations, and in this regard, 75% of the recommendations have been supported.
We are of the view that the recommendations that have been supported as well as those that have been noted, will assist us in continuing efforts to promote and protect the human rights of our people.
Since the review of Saint Lucia in January 2026, we are pleased to inform that in February, Saint Lucia acceded to the Convention Against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
This is reflective of our commitment to continue working toward fulfilling our obligations.
We offer also the assurance that a thorough review of the legislative and administrative requirements for the ratification and or accession of other instruments is ongoing.
Mr.
President, small island developing states like Saint Lucia are at the front line of the climate crisis and despite being the least contributors to climate change, suffer the gravest consequences.
As we move into the 2026 hurricane season, which started officially on June 1st, we are vigilant and mindful of the power of the simplest adverse weather or other natural event to erode the hard won development gains which we have made.
A consequence of such daunting reality is the diversion of limited resources toward disaster preparedness and mitigation, resources which could otherwise have been used to further the promotion and protection of human rights.
Mr.
President, we are a small, but resilient nation, and we remain committed to building a climate resilient society.
We once again reiterate the significance of mobilizing our mobilization of efforts toward the attainment of SGG 13 and to take urgent action to combat climate change.
In this connection, we underscore that climate change poses a significant challenge to the promotion and protection of human rights.
In building a resilient and inclusive society, Saint Lucia continues to pursue efforts aimed at strengthening the institutional structures and the national frameworks for the protection and promotion of human rights.
Through inclusive policies, the government continues to work assiduously to address the needs and challenges affecting its people.
These include but are not limited to addressing specific needs of women and girls, persons with disabilities, youth, the elderly, as well as for persons in vulnerable situations.
But we cannot do it alone.
In that regard, we welcome international cooperation efforts that would assist us in advancing shared commitments and our respective obligations in advancing our human rights framework through inter aia capacity building.
We reaffirm the government's commitment to a continued partnership with civil society so that collective efforts can contribute to the enhancement of the lives of our people.
Mr.
President, as we come to a close on this fourth cycle review of Saint Lucia, I reiterate Saint Lucia's commitment to the UPR mechanism.
We thank all those who have collaborated, supported, and actively participated in a constructive spirit in this review.
Saint Lucia reiterates its firm commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of its people and fulfilling its human rights obligations under international law.
We will continue to embark on an inclusive growth and development trajectory that ensures that no one is left behind.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank His Excellency for this presentation.
And I will now open the floor to member and observer states for their comments on the outcome of the review.
The speaking time has been set at 1 minute and 30 seconds for all states.
And the first speaker on my list is Maldives.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The Maldives warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation from Saint Lucia on the adoption of the UPR report and compliment Saint Lucia on its commitment to the UPR process.
The Maldives commend Saint Lucia for accepting the majority of the recommendations it received during the UPR working group session in January 2026, including the two recommendations made by the Maldives.
We wish the government of Saint Lucia success in implementing the accepted recommendations and request the Council to adopt the UPR outcome report of Saint Lucia by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next speaker is Morocco.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
My delegation welcomes the constructive engagement of Saint Lucia with the Universal periodic review, reflecting the broader commitment of the government of Saint Lucia to the protection and protection of human rights.
In particular, Morocco welcomes the support of Saint Lucia to the recommendations related to the ratification of core human rights treaties to which it is not yet a party, as well as to the establishment of an independent national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris principles.
In conclusion, Morocco wishes all success to the government of Saint Lucia in its efforts to implement the recommendations stemming from the cycle of the universal periodic review.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Nepal.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Nepal welcomes the delegation of Saint Lucia to the adoption of UPR outcome and thanks them for their constructive engagement with the human rights mechanisms.
We thank Saint Lucia for accepting all three recommendations that we offered in the areas of promoting equality and ensure non discrimination in the labor market, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and promoting gender equality and eliminating gender based violence.
We take note of the progress made by Saint Lucia in empowering women and girls in the country.
Nepal wishes Saint Lucia all success in implementing the accepted recommendations and supports the adoption of the UPR outcome report by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Philippines.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The Philippines warmly welcomes the delegation of Saint Lucia and commends the spirit of openness and cooperation it has demonstrated throughout the review process.
We particularly commend Saint Lucia for supporting all three recommendations offered by the Philippines on first, becoming a party to the remaining core human rights treaties, including the International Convention on the Protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families.
Second, providing adequate resources to the National anti-trafficking Task Force.
And third, strengthening the national monitoring and reporting framework to more effectively track implementation of its human rights obligations and UPR recommendations.
Madam Vice President, the Philippines fully supports the adoption of the outcome of Saint Lucia's UPR and wishes the government of Saint Lucia every success.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Russian Federation.
Thank you, Madam Vice President, the Russian delegation.
Commence Saint Lucia on its fourth Universal Periodic Review.
We would like to congratulate Saint Lucia on the full information provided.
A large number of recommendations have been supported by Saint Lucia, including those made by the Russian Federation.
We'd like to encourage Saint Lucia to pursue its efforts to promote human rights and to establish an In National Human Rights Commission.
We Hail efforts made to combat poverty and also the adoption of laws to help protect most vulnerable groups through social benefits.
We support adoption by consensus of this report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Singapore.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Singapore congratulates the delegation of Saint Lucia on its fourth UPR.
We commend the Saint Lucia for its engagement with the UPR process and its consideration of the various recommendations put forward by delegations.
We thank Saint Lucia for accepting both of our recommendations.
First, to continue to strengthen its policies to promote the right to education.
Second, to continue to strengthen its policies to protect the rights of women and children.
Singapore supports the adoption of the working groups report on Saint Lucia's UPR.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Trinidad and Tobago.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Trinidad and Tobago warmly welcomes the delegation of Saint Lucia, a fellow C com member state to the adoption of their universal periodic review outcome.
We congratulate Saint Lucia for its constructive engagement throughout this fourth cycle UPR process and appreciate the updates provided today.
We note that of the 198 recommendations received during its review, Saint Lucia has accepted 149, including two recommendations made by Trinidad and Tobago.
This strong demonstration of Saint Lucia's continued willingness and commitment to pursue the promotion and protection of human rights in the country despite evident challenges and constraints as it sits is commendable.
Bearing these challenges in mind, Trinidad and Tobago commands efforts being made by Saint Lucia to bolster climate resilience and adaptation, strengthen its national coordination and reporting mechanism, and pursue technical assistance and capacity building opportunities in pertinent areas.
This regard, Trinidad and Tobago supports the adoption of Saint Lucia's UPR outcome and wishes it success in the implementation of the accepted recommendations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to UNFPA.
Thank you, President.
UNFPA commends the government of Saint Lucia for significant efforts to advance the human rights of women, girls, men and boys as highlighted in the Universal Periodic Review Report.
We applaud policy advances on universal health, including the adoption of standards for quality health care services for adult cents.
We commend the training of health workers, and we encourage adequate financial allocations to ensure full implementation to strengthen opportunities for future generations, especially girls and youth to realize their rights.
UNFPA also notes the steps taken by Saint Lucia to promote gender equality and address violence against women and girls, including its support for recommendations calling for comprehensive anti discrimination legislation and the criminalization of marital rape, which, if effectively implemented, will further protect rights and dignity.
While these developments are encouraging, UNFPA recommends Saint Lucia to strengthen measures to prevent and respond to gender based violence, expand access to sexual and reproductive health services, and ensure that no one is left behind in the realization of human rights.
UNFPA will continue to support the government of Saint Lucia in improving access to sexual and reproductive health, particularly for vulnerable women, growth, adolescents, and youth at risk.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to UNHCR.
President.
UNHCR welcomes Saint Lucia's constructive engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process and the recommendations supported during the 62nd session, which can further strengthen the protection of people in vulnerable situations.
Building on this progress, UNHCR encourages Saint Lucia to consider acceding to the remaining core international instruments, including the 51 convention relating to the status of refugees and its 67 protocol.
Accession is an important and timely step towards strengthening Saint Lucia's human rights framework.
UNHCR stands ready to support Saint Lucia throughout this process.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by small island developing states, UNHCR underscores the importance of sustained international cooperation and reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the government of Saint Lucia.
Ensuring that all in need of international protection are effectively identified and protected.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the report to Venezuela.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
We would like to bid a cordial welcome to the Saint Lucia delegation and we appreciate the presentation this morning.
We'd like to underscore Saint Lucia's cooperation with the UPR and the significant progress made in the area of human rights despite the specific challenges faced by Saint Lucia as a small island developing state.
We particularly appreciate the three recommendation from our country were accepted, such as strengthening gender equality policy as well as integrating vocational and technical training and education system.
We encourage further social cohesion, gender equality policies, and also beefing up the legal framework to combat discrimination.
We wish you every success and us in implementing accepted recommendations.
In light of the foregoing, we support adoption of the report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Vietnam.
Madam Vice President, Vietnam welcome the Dion of Saint Lucia and congratulate Saint Lucia on the completion of MSF UPR.
We commend Saint Lucia's constructive engagement with the UPR mechanisms and its efforts to advance human rights despite the particular challenges faced by small island developing states, including climate vulnerability, limited resources, and disaster risks.
We also appreciate Saint Lucia progress on climate action, including its efforts to integrate gender equality, social inclusion, and intergenerational equity into climate resilient policies.
We now encourages Saint Lucia to continue implementing a separate recommendations.
We appropriate international cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity building.
We now support the adoption of Saint Lucia EPA outcome report by consensus and wishes Saint Lucia success in its follow up efforts.
And thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I'll give the floor to Bahamas.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The Bahamas congratulate Saint Lucia, a sister country of the Caribbean community on its constructive engagement in and continued commitment to the universal periodic review process.
We commend Saint Lucia for supporting 149 of the 198 recommendations received during this fourth cycle, including the three recommendations made by the Bahamas on the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural rights, on participation in the LDC SIDS Trust Fund beneficiary program and the development of a comprehensive strategy to address school dropout among vulnerable groups.
We also welcome Saint Lucia's accession to the Convention Against Torture and commend its continued leadership as a small island developing state in advancing climate action grounded in human rights, including through the submission of the Caribbean's first third nationally determined contribution.
As a fellow Cs, we appreciate the capacity constraints and unique vulnerabilities faced by Saint Lucia, particularly those arising from climate change and other external shocks.
Therefore encourage Saint Lucia to continue availing itself of technical assistance and capacity building support as it advances implementation of its accepted recommendations.
We fully endorse the consensual adoption of the fourth CycleUPR outcome of Saint Lucia, and we wish the country every success in the next crucial phase of implementation.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Botswana.
Madam Vice President, Botswana extends a warm welcome to the delegation of Saint Lucia and expresses appreciation for his constructive engagement during the review cycle.
We appreciate Saint Lucia's positive consideration of the recommendations proposed by Botswana, particularly the call to strengthen measures to ensure that every child, particularly those with disability, can access quality education thereby reducing their vulnerability to exploitation.
Botswana views this acceptance as a meaningful step towards ensuring that national frameworks remain responsive, inclusive, and aligned with international standards.
Botswana further acknowledges that Saint Lucia noted its second recommendation, which is to establish 18 years as a minimum legal age for marriage without exception.
We encourage continued reflection on this matter, recognizing its importance in mitigating against the vulnerability of a girl child.
In conclusion, Botswana supports the adoption of the UPR outcome of Saint Lucia and wishes the government every success in implementing the accepted recommendations.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Sheila.
You know.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Chile would like to welcome the Saint Lucia delegation.
We appreciate the spirit of dialogue which characterized their participation.
This is the fourth cycle of the UPR.
We appreciate that Saint Lucia accepted three of our country's five recommendations, particularly the one concerning the ratification of the Convention Against Torture.
As a member of the Initiative Against Torture, Chile stands ready to provide all forms of support St Lucia might require in order to ratify the convention.
We would also like to ask Saint Lucia to consider commuting death sentences to life imprisonment as a step towards the full abolition of the death penalty.
We do hope that this UPR will lead to tangible steps in promoting and protecting human rights, and we wish Saint Lucia every success in this process.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to China.
Madam Vice President, China noted the report on the UPR of Saint Lucia.
And regrets that it has not accepted all the recommendations from China.
We notice that it has made some progress in human rights.
However, we remain concerned about gender discrimination in labor and serious human trafficking, violent crimes, and failure to effectively promote and protect human rights in health and education.
We hope that it will pay attention to and commit to resolving the above issues, effectively promote gender equality in accordance with the international law and safeguard the fundamental rights of these people, including the right to life, health, work, and education.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Costa Rica Costa Rica is pleased to see the outcome of the UPR of Saint Lucia.
We appreciate the constructive spirit throughout the dialogue.
We appreciate progress in coordinating efforts to promote human rights, as well as the national policy on social protection and strengthening the legal framework on gender equality, as well as other efforts to promote social inclusion.
We appreciate acceptance of the recommendations made by Costa Rica, notably to establish a moratorium towards abolishing the death penalty, establish a legal framework on human trafficking, to close the gender wage gap as well.
Costa Rica stands ready to continue supporting Saint Lucia in implementing accepted recommendations.
Thank you.
Hi, thank you.
This was the last speaker we could accommodate.
Let me remind you that all statements, including those which could not be delivered due to time constraints should be uploaded online.
I will now give the floor to the other stakeholders to make their general comments on the outcome.
The speaking time has been set at 2 minutes for all.
And the first speaker on my list is advocates for human rights.
Mr.
President, the advocates for Human Rights, a member of the World Coalition Against the death penalty, applauds the 20 recommendations in the interactive dialogue urging Saint Lucia to take steps towards abolishing the death penalty.
We are disappointed that Saint Lucia noted without comment, every single recommendation, including recommendations merely to consider introducing a de jure moratorium and to consider abolishing the death penalty.
Saint Lucia has observed a de facto moratorium on execution since 1995.
A de facto moratorium, however, is not enough.
We implore Saint Lucia to abolish the death penalty and replace it with penalties that are fair, proportionate, and consistent with international human rights standards.
In the interim, we urge Saint Lucia to institute a formal moratorium on executions.
During the review, Saint Lucia expressed reliance on the sovereign will of its people, asserting that society views the death penalty as more of a deterrent than a punishment.
Research shows, however, that this view is misguided and Saint Lucia has done nothing to address these public misconceptions.
Since the previous UPR cycle, it has failed to undertake awareness raising campaigns or to conduct public consultations on the death penalty.
Urge Saint Lucia to direct the Parliamentary Constitutional Review Committee to collaborate with civil society organizations and expand public access to information regarding human rights and alternatives to the death penalty.
We also commend Saint Lucia for decriminalizing same sex conduct between consenting adults in July 2025.
We regret, however, that despite supporting a third cycle recommendation to ensure free and timely access to appropriate health care for all, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex persons, Saint Lucia still lacks comprehensive legislation that prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics in the healthcare context.
We therefore urge Saint Lucia to introduce legislation that prohibits such discrimination and facilitates public education and family diversity and human rights.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Christian Council International.
Lo Statement on behalf of Christian Council International.
First, we wish to commend the government of Saint Lucia for its careful consideration of the recommendations on the fourth cycle of the UPR.
In relation to this recommendation on providing comprehensive support for the institution of the family, we believe it is vital to enhance family oriented policies in all fields of government at the foundational unit of society.
The family can form the basis of human rights, attainment, ensuring human dignity and stable relationships.
Especially since the rise in homicides, enhancing the family unit is vital to protect against virus.
Enhancing medical, psychological, and financial support for the families of victims of homicides and ensuring evidence based rehabilitation projects, addressing the root causes of re offending, such as poverty and lack of stable family can help in this regard.
We also wish to underscore the importance of value based education systems, recognizing the need for parental guidance within schools.
Considering this, we emphasize that there is no international obligation on censorship to integrate comprehensive sexuality education into its current curriculum.
Regarding sexual and reproductive health and associated rights, we also wish to reaffirm that there is no international obligation on Ct Russia to implement these rights.
When it comes to defining the family and the protection of unborn life in line with religious and cultural values, Cent Ruscia remains sovereign.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Edmund Rice International Limited.
Mr.
President, Edmund Rice International commends the constructive participation of Saint Lucia in its fourth UPR and its support for the majority of the 198 recommendations received.
We welcome the progress made since its last review.
BRI commends Saint Lucia for supporting recommendations to ratify the remaining human rights treaties to which it is not a party, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural rights, and the International Covenant on civil and political rights.
We encourage it to consider ratifying the second optional protocol to the ICCPR with the aim of abolishing the death penalty.
ERI commend Saint Lucia for its supportive recommendations to realize the right to quality education for all children and to provide at least 12 years of free primary and secondary education and one year of pre primary education.
We encourage Saint Lucia to continue promoting the rights of children and develop strategies to decrease the rates of school dropout, particularly for vulnerable groups.
ERI commends Saint Lucia for its commitment to building climate resilience and its acceptance of recommendations to integrate human rights considerations into climate change strategies.
We encourage Saint Lucia to ensure that the effective participation of vulnerable groups is included in policy development and implementation.
ERI commends Lucia for its commitment to achieving gender equality and to preventing responding to gender based violence.
We encourage Lucia to further strengthen its policies to protect the rights of women and children and ensure effective gender sensitive training is provided to educators, health care workers, and law enforcement bodies.
Finally, ERI welcomes the commitment of the government of Saint Lucia to a people centered approach to development and its commitment to strengthening its human rights protection for all.
Thank you.
Thank you.
And we apologize for that due to poor sound quality, there was no interpretation.
The next speaker on the list is Center for Global Non Killing.
Beloved human beings, to your populations of Saint Lucia, to your delegation, Madam Vice President, to the authorities of Saint Lucia, including the highest everywhere.
Greetings of lively human rights.
Good morning.
Could we live without life? Could we have human rights without life? Could the human civilization universally thrive, last and prosper without full recognition of life and existence? We congratulate Saint Lucia for accepting Armenia's recommendation made for the ratification of the Genocide Convention for the first time.
May this ratification happen swiftly.
As said, it could be nice in the fifth cycle of the UPR or spontaneously to attach delays to accepted recommendations.
It is call for life and for the beauty of life.
Suicide is usually the sign of a personal insufficient valuation of life and the sign of an insufficient social solidarity in the realization of the life, good of life for all often.
Modern aiming at ending a life, suicide attempts are a call for help.
Adding criminalization of suicide to these attempts could bring them to succeed, simply because of the fear of punishment.
To save these lives, we need more prevention and less repression.
Suicide is being decriminalized in many countries, including in the Caribbean region, Descu Those suicides are rare in the country and if properly reported are below world average to save and preserve lives, to enhance the prevention and the healing works.
Please, as asked in our written submission, repeal Article 94 of your Criminal Code.
Life deserves your attention and everyone deserves support to sustain its very existence.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to just Atonement.
Members of the working group.
Small island developing states contribute only a fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet they face some of the most severe consequences of a warming planet, which Saint Lucia emphasized in its commendable 2024 submission to the ICJ.
We congratulate Saint Lucia for its submission and suggest that they stay involved in follow up processes related to implementation of the opinion.
We also congratulate Saint Lucia on its ambitious climate policies, including becoming the first Caribbean state to submit an updated nationally determined contribution.
Adaptation remains chronically underfunded globally.
International obligations require the provision of technical and financial assistance to vulnerable states facing climate related threats.
These discussions are particularly important in post colonial contexts where historical inequalities have contributed to present vulnerabilities.
Our adaptation recommendations include aligning local, traditional ecological knowledge with national adaptation plans and land use policies.
We also emphasize the preservation and restoration of mangrove forests and coral reefs as these act as natural buffers against storm surges and coastal erosion to combat sea level rise.
Additionally, we suggest preparing for disasters by distributing critical goods such as food, medical supplies, and fuel across smaller inland or elevated storage facilities.
This ensures communities retain access to essentials even if roads are washed out.
We also echo the calls from several countries to promote the participation of groups disproportionately affected by climate change, such as women and youth in creating mitigation strategies.
Climate adaptation is not merely an environmental policy objective, but a prerequisite for the realization of human rights, self determination, and sustainable development.
We commend Saint Lucia for its adaptation work thus far and hope our suggestions will be taken under consideration.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Shanxy Patriotic Volunteer Association.
Honorable President, distinguished delegate, I serve the representative for Bangladesh at the International Patriotic Pact Organization adcing the principle of lobbying own country without harming other national interests.
I reviewing the human rights cessation in Sina, we must look beyond the surface and examine the root cause.
The country is facing triple crisis of poverty, violence, and environmental crops.
Its wealth has been instantly by one unjust international economic quartet.
Even the excessive consumption and carbon emission of neighboring major power are eroding the very survival right of the peoples of Saint Lucia through drug related crime and climate disaster.
I support the position of the Chinese delegate.
The right to development is fundamental human right only by making the external economic cycle.
And achieving genuine national independence can be people of Saint Lucia enjoy freedom from fear and H.
A closing, I would like to welcome all peach love people to follow and attend the internal Patric Pacor organization held on September 21 at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, together with the peach love institution worldwide, we will is built community with future for mankind and receive a new international Peach order.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Due to poor sound quality, there was interpretation missing in some languages.
Next, I give the floor to Im Ali's Popular Students Relief Society.
Thank you.
We note that Saint Lucia remains among the very few UN member states that have not ratified either of the two international governments, although it has previously accepted recommendations in this regard.
We welcome Saint Lucia's accession in early this year to the Convention Against Torture.
This will represent an important step toward the globalization of this core human rights instrument.
However, we deeply regret that Saint Lucia has not accepted recommendations calling for the abolition of or at least a moratorium on the death penalty.
It is noteworthy that no execution has been carried out in San Lucio for more than three decades and that three individuals previously on death row have not been executed for over five years.
Given that there is no conclusive evidence that the death penalty details homicide, we urge the authorities to refrain from imposing any further death sentences, even in cases that generate strong public emotions such as the case of Joyce and Omar and to take concrete steps toward eliminating capital punishment in practice and We also regret that San Lucio has not accepted recommendations to raise the minimum legal age of marriage to 18 years, despite broad international support for this standard across different regions.
We call on Saint Lucio to accelerate ratification of the core international human rights treaties, withdraw reservations to the Convention Against Torture, establish a clear pathway toward abolition of the death penalty, and fully aligns its domestic legislations with international standards on the protection of women and children.
Thank you.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker on my list.
Before concluding, allow me to inform that out of 198 recommendations received, 149 enjoy the support of Saint Lucia and 49 were noted.
I thank His Excellency for the constructive participation of Saint Lucia throughout the UPR process.
I now propose that the Council adopts the decision on the outcome of the universal periodic review of Saint Lucia as it appears on the screen.
I see no objection.
So the decision is adopted.
We will briefly suspend the meeting before the consideration of the outcome of Oman.
Excellency, chair participants.
We will now proceed with the consideration of the UPR outcome of Oman.
The outcome is based on the report of the working group on the Universal periodic review of Oman and its addendum.
These documents, together with the additional information that will now be provided by Oman, will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the Council through a standardized decision.
I have now the pleasure to give the floor to His Excellency, Mr.
Iris Abdul Rahman Al Kandari, Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary, permanent representative Omana.
To present additional information on the review.
Excellency, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Vice Chair, ladies and gentlemen.
May God's peace and blessings be upon you all at the outset, allow me on my own behalf and on behalf of my country's delegation, the Sultanate of Oman, to express our gratitude to your Honorable counsel, OHCHR, members of the Troika, Spain, Gambia, and Korea.
I would like also to thank all the participating delegations for their constructive contributions during the adoption of the UPR on the Sultanate of Oman held on the 22nd of January 2026.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Sultanate of Oman gave great attention and consideration to the UPR session.
We have given these recommendations due consideration.
We examined them and analyzed them as per relevant international commitments and national legislations.
I would like to highlight the constructive and participatory approach of my government during the examination of the recommendation based on consultation and coordination with our partners in the Omani Human Rights Commission, NGOs, CSOs, and others.
We consider that the accepted recommendations are part of our commitments.
This approach is based on the basic law of Oman, which stipulates that international conventions and agreements and rules of international law are part of the basic political principles guiding our state policy as per article 13 of our basic law.
The coordination and partnership process between the government entities and our partners in the Omani Human Rights Commission.
NGOs and CSOs led to a number of results adopted by the cabinet, namely the approval of 198 recommendations out of 246 fully or partially and we took note of 48 recommendations at a rate of acceptance of nearly 80.5%.
The recommendations focused on the number of areas such as ratifying some international conventions and optional protocols pertaining to economic, social and cultural rights, labor rights, or lifting some reservations on some conventions in addition to promoting the role of the Roman Human Rights Commission, promoting collaboration with human rights mechanisms under the HRC, promoting a number of fundamental rights and freedoms such as rights of persons with disabilities, women, and domestic workers based on or given that most of these recommendations are consistent toward the national efforts to protect and promote human rights.
So we have a accepted more than 80% of the recommendations fully or partially.
These results reflect our continued commitment to fulfill our international obligations to pursue development of the human rights systems in light of our national priorities and the SDGs.
We look to the constructive and fruitful dialogue under your counsel as one of the main mechanisms to promote international cooperation in the field of human rights.
Accordingly, we are keen on tackling and addressing the recommendations and a according to a methodology based on seriousness and responsibility, consultation and coordination with various stakeholders, including CSOs.
We took note of a limited number of recommendations based on the UPR methodology, and this will reflect the need to have greater time to examine some topics in light of the national laws and policies because they are linked to issues that are still under examination, under development at the national and international level, or because addressing them right now requires progression and caution.
Until these concepts are further clarified.
My country has consistently pursued protection and promotion of human rights being through our participation and discussing relevant protocols and agreements or ratifying and acceding to some international basic human rights conventions, as well as observing our international commitments.
In this context, we have ratified and acceded to eight out of nine international conventions such as the ICCPR, the ICESC, the CRC, the ISERD, the CEO, The CRPD, as well as the International Convention to Protect all persons from enforced disappearances and the Convention Against Torture and other cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment.
We have also acceded to two optional protocols on the CRC, namely the optional protocol on involvement of children in armed conflict and the optional protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography.
In addition to our accession to the Arab Charter of Human Rights, which is one of the most important regional um governance in the field of human rights in the Arab world.
We have also implemented our commitments at the national level by harmonizing our national laws and increasing cooperation with treaty bodies, submitting periodic reports and taking part in the reviews that are relevant to these conventions.
Regarding the implementation of the recommendations on promoting the role of the civil society and developing the national laws, my country has passed the law on civil associations as per royal decree 64 of 2026.
It constitutes a very important step to develop our legislative framework to regulate the role of civil society organizations as efficient partners in supporting sustainable development.
This law reflects the pursuit of national efforts in order to amend our legislative framework to deepen the partnership and integration between national governmental entities and CSOs according to the relevant recommendations by human rights mechanisms.
We have also endorsed many steps in the field of promoting economic and cultural rights and social rights, namely social protection and social insurance.
In this context, we passed royal decree number 65 of 2026, which is about the unified system for extending insurance protection to Omani citizens working in the GCC countries.
This will expand social protection and insurance and support the social and economic rights of our citizens.
We have also inaugurated the redesign of the social protection system.
We according to the ILO recommendations, and this is part of our efforts to build a more integrated and more sustainable system that gathers social protection, social insurance, financial sustainability, economic development according to international best practices and standards.
This report is a very important step in order to develop our legislative framework.
This will also reflect a long process based on consultation with stakeholders and this has deepened the social protection as one of the main pillars of sustainable development and social justice and this goes beyond our traditional policies.
This step, in addition to other steps taken by my country at the institutional and legislative levels, as well as acceding to many international conventions, all of the above reflect our positive interaction with the recommendations we have accepted.
It also reflects our efforts to further protect and promote human rights.
Based on the above, it is my pleasure to announce that His Majesty, Sultan Haisam Ben Tarek has issued a directive to allocate one additional seat for women's representation in the Shura Council for every governoate for a total of 11 seats allocated to women in the Shura Council.
These royal directives reflect Oman's deep conviction to promote women's participation in building the country and defining our priorities and national policies.
This will also empower women to fulfill that role as essential partners in decision making and national development as per our international commitments.
This also reflects our national efforts to support women's participation in public life according to international relevant obligations, including Article 4, paragraph one of the CDO.
Finally, ladies and gentlemen, we would like to reiterate our continued interest in taking part in the UPR because we are deeply convinced of the importance of this mechanism, its central role to support countries' efforts to develop and promote human rights mechanisms.
It is an important platform for the exchange of expertise and best practices.
It is an opportunity that allows countries to review the human rights situation, to build on what has been achieved, and to benefit from other countries experiences.
This will further promote and protect human rights at the international level.
In this context, our government has issued a decision to establish a legal committee presided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the members from various relevant stakeholders and representatives of CSOs, a committee that will follow up the implementation of the accepted recommendations, monitor the progress, and submit regular reports on implementation as well as pave the way for upcoming reports.
This will promote the institutional approach when it comes to monitoring, follow up, and implementation.
We reiterate our pursual of a methodology based on cooperation, opening, and constructive dialogue with various human rights mechanisms and we will further deepen our work on protecting and promoting human rights according to our national priorities and international commitments.
Finally, I cannot but reiterate our deep thanks and appreciation to your Honorable counsel, all efforts to serve human rights and human dignity and to contribute to achieve people's aspirations for a more prosperous and just future and for a dignified life.
May God's peace and blessing be upon you all.
Thank you.
I thank His Excellency presentation.
I will now open the floor to member states and observations for their comments on the outcome of the review.
The speaking time has been set at 1 minute and 30 seconds for all states.
And the first speaker on my list is Philippe.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
The Philippines warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of Oman to this session.
We commend Oman for the openness and constructive engagement it has demonstrated throughout this review.
This is reflected in its acceptance of the great majority of recommendations received.
We particularly commend Oman Oman's acceptance of our recommendation to, first, consider acceding to the International Convention on the Protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their family.
And second, to strengthen frameworks on the rights of migrant workers, including comprehensive legislation on domestic workers in line with international standards.
We likewise welcome the support to our recommendation on combating gender based violence and discrimination against women.
Madam Vice President, the Philippines fully supports the adoption of the outcome of Oman's UPR and wishes the government and people of Oman every success in implementing the accepted recommendations.
I thank you.
I thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Qatar.
Cedar and Stathald I would like to thank the participation of Oman in the UPR, and we appreciate the expression of their position on the recommendations made during the 51st session.
Qatar would like to hail the positive cooperation between Oman and the UN human rights mechanisms, particularly the UPR.
This is reflected by the acceptance of most recommendations, this reflects Oman's commitment to promote and protect human rights.
We're pleased to see that Qatar's recommendations have been accepted.
They concern improving access to education for all children, particularly children with disabilities and support for the Omani Human Rights Commission with greater resources in order to discharge its mandate and also on pursuing efforts to combat human trafficking.
Qatar wishes Oman's every success in implementing accepted recommendations.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Russian Federation.
Thank you, President.
We note with satisfaction the way in which Aman has gone through this fourth UPR cycle.
We would like to thank Muscat for providing written information with regard to the recommendations made to the country.
We note that A large number of the recommendations, including the Russian ones have been accepted.
This shows that the government continues work in order to promote human rights and stands ready to continue to cooperate with international human rights bodies.
We note the importance that Iman places on international cooperation in promoting and protecting human rights, as well as the responsibility that they show in interacting with the human rights bodies of the UN.
We recommend that we accept and approve of Iman's fourth UPR report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Saudi Arabia.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
I would like to extend my thanks to the head of the Omani delegation for his presentation, which reflects how Oman is promoting, protecting, and strengthening human rights.
This is reflected in the positions on the recommendations.
Oman has been engaging positively with human rights mechanisms, and we appreciate the fact that Oman has made significant progress in promoting human rights.
This reflects the commitment to protect human rights on all levels.
In conclusion, we wish Oman every success and prosperity, and we recommend the Council adopt the report from the working group on the UPR.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Seychelle.
Seychelle is not present, so next I give the floor to Singapore.
Singapore.
There he is.
Sorry, there might be a miscommunication here.
I'm not sure what's happening.
So we move to the next speaker, and this is South Sudan.
Madam Vice President, South Sudan welcomes the distinguished delegation of Sultanate of Oman on the adoption of its UPR outcome and expresses its gratitude for its continued but instructive engagement in the UPR process.
We commend Sultanate of Oman for undertaking a rapid legislative activity to develop the national legal system and harmonize national legislation with international human rights conventions, consolidating the rule of law and protecting fundamental human rights and freedoms.
South Sudan further, commend Sultanate of Oman for adopting the law on combating trafficking in person, the law on the rights of persons with disabilities and relations and regulations for domestic workers.
We thank and appreciate Sultanate of Oman for accepting three recommendations submitted by South Sudan out of total 246 received.
South Sudan extends its best wishes to Sultanate of Oman for the successful implementation of the accepted UPR recommendations and offers its unwavering support for the adoption of its UPR outcome by consensus.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Sri Lanka.
Madam Vice President, Sri Lanka appreciates the active engagement of the delegation of Oman at its fourth UPR review cycle in January 2026.
We positively note that Oman has accepted majority of the recommendations made by the states together with all three recommendations made by Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka appreciates the efforts by the government of Oman to improve the human rights situation of its people through legislative activities that develop the national legal system in line with the International Human Rights Conventions.
In a constructive spirit, Sri Lanka wishes to encourage Oman to continue efforts to combat human trafficking, expedite investigations into human trafficking cases, and address the issue of forced labor while raising public awareness on these areas.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka recommends that the adoption of the UPR report on Oman and wishes success in its implementation.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Sudan.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice President.
We appreciate Oman's efforts to promote human rights, notably when it comes to new laws and policies seen through Vision 2040, as well as the strategy on diversity and on building on achievements already in protecting persons with disabilities and migrant workers.
We appreciate Oman's engagement with the UPR mechanism and his acceptance of many recommendations, including those presented by Sudan on protecting human rights and on leveraging human rights education as well as the policy on women's empowerment and inclusion in decision making.
We wish the Sultanate of Oman every success in implementing accepted recommendations.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Syria and Arab Republic.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
It's a pleasure to welcome the delegation from my brother country of Oman and we appreciate the presentation made this morning which reflects progress in promoting and protecting human rights through national policies and legislation.
With a view to respecting international obligations.
Vision 2040 is a roadmap for a prosperous future for all members of society and strengthens guarantees of basic rights and freedoms.
We appreciate Oman's cooperative mechanism with the UPR mechanism and the measures taken to implement recommendations in line with the rule of law and national laws.
Oman has been respecting its international obligations and strengthen cooperation with UN bodies and other international entities.
We appreciate the adoption number of laws to strengthen the human rights framework.
We appreciate the implementation of the national strategies and policies, and we support adoption of the report.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to UNFBA.
Mr.
President, UNSP congratulates to another Oman on this human rights progress under Oman Vision 2040 for the participatory with Supreme of the National Human Rights Commission.
UNSP commends Oman for the progress in adapting key laws and policies that contribute to strengthening the rights and choices of all person living in Oman, especially the mass vnerable populations and for its visual leadership and willingness to scaly up school based family and life skills programs.
We appreciate Oman's wider efforts to strengthen social Petition framework, and we note with satisfaction the efforts to ensure the full implementation of the prerenal status law on marriage before the age of 18.
While welcoming the increased participation of Women In Sura Council and encouraging the full implementation of CEDAW, we emphasize that accelerating Vision 2040 requires enhanced regionally disagive data.
This is vital to identify and measure any practices contradicting government efforts against women and girls.
We also encourage the government to validate and publish its overarching national population policy.
USDA remains available to strengthen its collaboration with the government of On in areas of demographic resilience in depth analysis of policies and strategies on older persons and persons with disabilities.
Such partnership has the potential to bridge critical knowledge gaps, driving highly responsive economic diversification and evidence based social protection strategies, answering no one is left behind.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to United Arab Emigirates.
Madam Vice President, please allow me at the outset to extend our greetings to the brother country of Oman.
We welcome efforts made to promote and protect human rights, notably in the areas of the right to education, health, and protecting women from violence.
This reflects Oman's commitments to Implement UPR recommendations.
In fact, the vast majority of recommendations have been accepted by Oman, including those which were made by my country, concerning strengthening efforts to combat human trafficking, protecting persons from violence, and pursuing policies to mitigate the impact of climate change.
In conclusion, we wish Oman every success in implementing accepted recommendations and we encourage the Council to adopt this report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to United Republic of Tanzania.
Madam Vice President, the United Republic of Tanzania warmly welcomes distinguished delegation of Sultanate of Oman and thank it for its constructive engagement throughout the full cycle UPR process.
We commend Oman for its continuing effort to promote sustainable development, strengthened public institution, expand access to quality education and health care, advance empowerment of women and youth, and implement its national development agenda under Oman Vision 2040.
We also appreciate Oman constructive engagement with the International Human Rights system and its commitments to dialogue and cooperation.
We further commend Oman for strengthening its legal framework to support persons with disability.
Welcome enactment of new media law reflecting its commitment to international obligation.
We welcome Oman acceptance of a significant number of recommendation which demonstrates its commitment to promotion and protection of human rights.
We encourage government of Oman to continue implementing the accepted recommendations in accordance with its national priorities in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The United Republic of Tanzania supports adoption of EPR report and the outcome of Sultanate of Oman and government and the people of Oman every success in implementing the accepted recommendation.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Uzbekistan.
But unfortunately, we are lacking their video statement, so we move on and I give the floor to Vietnam.
Madam Vice President, Vietnam welcomes the delegation of Oman and congratulate Oman on it for UPia cycle.
We appreciate OMA's active engagement with the UPA mechanism, as well as its continued efforts to advance human rights within the framework of OMA Vision 2040.
We know interest UN progress in legislative and policy reforms, including in the areas of social protection, education, health, combating trafficking person, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
Vietnam also welcomes OMA's efforts in human rights education and public awareness, as well as its commitment to its environmental protection and sustainable energy transition.
We are pleased to have contributed to recommendation, encouraging OM to further develop inclusive social protection programs, particularly for foreign workers and to continue improving access to education for all children, especially those in remote areas.
We now supports the adoption of OMA's EPR outcome report by consensus and wish Oman every success in implementing accepted recommendations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next speaker on my list is Yen.
Madam Vice President, Yemen wishes to thank the working group of the UPR, and we would like to express our appreciation for Oman's efforts to promote and protect human rights.
We commend Oman's constructive engagement with the UPR mechanism in a spirit of cooperation, openness, and a constructive response to recommendations.
We also appreciate the development of the legislative and institutional frameworks as mentioned in the report.
In addition, we have references to improvement in the quality of services and consolidating human rights.
This has all been achieved in an approach which is in line with the characteristics of the country.
We recommend adoption of the report by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Albania.
Madam Vice President Alba Albania wishes to welcome the Omani delegation, and we regret that our recommendation on ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of migrant workers and establishing a moratorium on the death penalty were rejected.
UN mechanisms and civil society organizations have raised concerns about the application of the death penalty.
We call on Oman to establish a moratorium and to fully commit to implementing recommendations from the UPR.
Albania recommends that the Council adopt the report.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice President.
Bucco, this was the last speaker that we could accommodate.
Let me remind you that all statements, including those which could not be delivered due to time constraints, should be uploaded online.
I will now give the floor to the other stakeholders to make their general comments on the outcome.
The speaking time has been set at 2 minutes for all, and the first speaker on my list is Gulf Center for Human Rights Limited.
Miss Vice President, on behalf of the Golf Center for Human Rights, thank you for this opportunity to address the UPR adoption for Oman.
We are concerned that despite acceding to the ICCPR 2025, Oman rejected recommendations to ratify other key instruments, including Update and the second optional protocol to the ICCPR under the Rome Stu.
Oman accepted six of 11 recommendations on freedom of expression.
However, it's reject five recommendations addressing the most concerning legal restrictions, amending the 2025 nationality law, which allows nationality revocations for criticism of the Sultan audit.
Or the state.
Revising Article 97 of Penal Code and the 2024 media law, including releasing journalists and activists detained solely for exercising their human rights, amending royal decree number 68 of 2022 and number 58 of 2024, considering amendment to a New Media Act and reviewing the other legislation affecting the expression of the anti press.
We note with regret that the new cyberscrime La 61 of 2026 is more repressive than its predecessor with severe restrictions on online freedom of expression and unjustifiably harsh penalties.
Oman accepted broad recommendation on association and peaceful assembly.
However, it's reject calls to review the penal code by repealing provisions, restricting peaceful dissent and revising Article 121 and 123.
Oman also rejected recommendation to investigate all allegations arbitrary detentions and harassment of civil society activists and protest participants and to extend the standing in Invitation to all special procedure.
We urge Iman to reconsider its rejections of these recommendation, amend the nationality law, media law, and penal code, and relevant royalty ps and the use of judicial system against those peacefully exercising their rights, releasing anyone detained for doing so, and allows vibrant civil society they can freely criticize the government.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Mat for Peace Development and Human Rights Association.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
MAT for Peace Development and Human Rights welcomes the large number of recommendations accepted by the Omani government in the fourth review under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.
We also commend the Sultanate of Oman for its accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which is a positive step.
Madam Vice President, Matt notes that the Sultanate of Oman has taken note of the recommendation calling for the withdrawal of reservations to the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, including those related to areas concerning family matters and nationality.
Matt believes that maintaining these reservations undermines the gains achieved by Omani women and delays concrete steps to address challenges in advancing human rights, including the ongoing consultations on adopting a national Human Rights action plan.
Therefore, Matt recommends that the Sultanate of Oman reconsider its rejection of recommendations related to withdrawing reservations to SADA.
We also call on Oman to accelerate the adoption of its National Human Rights action plan in cooperation with the Omani Human Rights Commission and civil society organizations.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Advocates for Human Rights.
President, the advocates for Human Rights, a member of the World Coalition Against the death penalty, commends Oman's 2025 accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights.
We are disappointed, however, that Oman noted all 20 recommendations it received pertaining to the death penalty.
We are deeply concerned that Oman's Penal Code authorizes the death penalty for at least 20 offenses, including vague provisions such as murder committed for absorrnt reasons.
While the Penal Code does require courts to consider self defense in Article 46 and severe provocation on the part of the victim in Article 78 in sentencing, Oman has no gender specific defenses or mitigation, and the Penal Code does not criminalize domestic violence.
We reiterate the Convention on the elimination of Discrimination Against Women Committee's 2024 recommendation that Oman ensure a gender sensitive interpretation and implementation of the law so that gender based violence against women, prolonged domestic violence, coercion, a situation of self defense, dependency, economic destitution, and other vulnerabilities unique to women are taken into consideration as mitigating factors.
Oman executed three people as recently as 2024 and executed at least two women 2018-2022.
Omani authorities maintain that they use the death penalty for only the most serious crimes, but due to government secrecy, civil society has no reliable information on the crimes for which people are sentenced to death.
We are disappointed that Oman noted Costa Rica's recommendation to carry out public awareness campaigns on the right to life and more humane alternatives within the criminal justice system, an important first step in building transparency and public awareness about Oman's new obligations under Article 6 of the ICCPR and to harmonize the Penal Code with its international obligations.
We call on Oman to ratify the second optional protocol and take concrete steps toward abolition of the death penalty.
In the interim, we urge Oman to guarantee qualified legal counsel for all defendants and amend the Penal Code to limit the death penalty to intentional killings.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Anger Dumont for a joint statement.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
We are very concerned regarding the fundamental freedoms and the treatment of vulnerable, migrant workers in Oman.
Despite recent reforms, freedom of expression in Oman remains heavily restriced.
Journalists, activists, and online critics continue to face intimidation and legal consequences for peacefully expressing their views.
Laws criminalizing criticism of state institutions and public officials create a climate of fear that discourages legitimate public debate and weaken civil society.
In its 2025 evaluation, Freedom House classifies Oman as not free, noting that its government restricts virtually all political rights and civil liberties, imposing criminal penalties for criticism and dissent.
We are also deeply alarmed by the continued exploitation of migrant workers under the Kaila system.
Human rights organizations have documented cases of domestic workers facing excessive working hours, physical abuse, passport confiscation, restrictions on freedom of movement, and months of unpaid wages.
Reports from East African domestic workers describe being trapped in abusive households with little ability to seek assistance or leave their employers.
These conditions can amount to forced labor.
We urge Oman to repeal laws restricting peaceful expression, protect journalists and activists from arbitrary detention, abolish the Kafala system, and extend full labor protections to all domestic workers.
Finally, we are concerned by Oman's role in enabling illegal actions by the Islamic Republic of Iran, including in regard to restrictions on navigation in the strait of Hormuz.
As reported in the Guardian on June 15th, a senior US administration official has described Omani officials as almost like employees of the Iranians in the way that they maneuvered.
We urge Oman not to enable those responsible for the January massacre of more than 30,000 peaceful protesters and you continue to imprison journalists, beat women, torture dissidents, and systematically violate fundamental human rights.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to organization International.
Madam Vice President.
Madam Vice President, Ok Pros International welcomes the delegation from the Sultanate of Oman, and we appreciate Oman's engagement with the fourth cycle of the UPR.
We also commend O Maman on accepting a large number of recommendation, including those on empowering women and promoting women's participation in public and political life and on protecting women and children from violence and harmful practices.
We'd like to encourage Oman to pursue its efforts by ensuring this progress is backed up by effective legal equality between women and men.
We encourage the authorities to pursue reform of family law, strengthen guarantees on all forms of gender based discrimination, and provided added protection to girls by ensuring that the minimum age for marriage is set at 18 without exceptions.
We encourage the international community to accept this report, which would encourage Oman to pursue its positive approach to human rights because we believe that these reforms will strengthen the rights of women and children in line with Sultan of Oman's international obligations.
Thank you.
Mercier next, I'll give the floor to Center for Noble, a Global non King.
Beloved human beings, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Dear populations of Oman, delegation, the authorities of the Sultanate of Oman, including the highest, everyone everywhere, greetings of lively human rights.
Oman's stance on the right to peace.
Moreover, its neutrality in the present conflict clearly shows where the promotion of peace merges with the protection of human rights.
To keep progressing for both peace and human rights, we need long term vision and deeper legal and cultural infrastructures.
This is why in our written submission for this cycle, to honor these peace efforts and based on the ICRC IHL treaty database, we listed the disarmament and arms control treaties that Oman could still ratify, a long term commitment towards greater peace, hopefully universal peace.
More work still needs to be done in this regard.
Regarding human rights, we would appreciate greater efforts for the substantiation of life in the sett.
We salute the Muscat plan of action launched with the United Nations Alliance of civilization.
Nevertheless, to delegation.
During the first cycle of the UPR, you accepted the recommendation made to you to ratify the Genocide Convention.
In our humble opinion, legal framework and universality of the Convention remain important.
Would such a recommendation remain and be accepted in this cycle.
Looking forward for your reply, we wish to you, Oman, great success for your peace and human rights endeavors.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Interfaith International.
Madam Vice President, Interfaith International thanks the Sultanate of Oman for its constructive engagement with the Universal periodic review process.
We welcome Oman's acceptance of recommendations on the Oman Human Rights Commission, UN cooperation, freedom of religion and belief, anti trafficking, social protection, education, and healthcare.
However, further efforts are needed to ensure women's equal rights and full participation in public life, including through continued reform of family law.
We urge Oman to ensure that Omani women enjoy equal rights to confer nationality to their children and spouses.
We also urge Oman to explicitly recognize marital rape in legislation.
This would strengthen protection for survivors and ensure meaningful access to justice.
Continued efforts to prevent domestic violence are equally important.
We also encourage the effective implementation of protections against female genital mutilation through awareness, monitoring, and enforcement so that legal safeguards are fully realized in practice.
The remaining judicial exceptions permitting marriage below the age of 18 should be removed to ensure that the legal minimum age is applied without exception.
Encourage continued strengthening of the Oman Human Rights Commission alongside an implementation of accepted labor and anti trafficking commitments to genuinely protect all domestic and temporary workers.
We call upon the country to amend the 2024 Press Act to bring it in line with international human rights standards.
From an interfaith perspective, human dignity is realized when every person enjoys equal protection under the law.
We wish Oman every success in the implementation of these measures.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Institute of International Ppment didn't.
The IRDG welcomed the adoption of the universal project review outcome of the Sultanate of Oman and appreciates the constructive engagement of our many delegations throughout the whole process.
We commend the Sultanate of Oman for its continuous effort to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights through legal and institutional reforms, including initiatives to enhance access to education, health care, social protection, women's empowerment, and the rights of children and persons with disabilities.
Also acknowledged the commitment to implementing the sustainable development goals and promoting inclusive development.
The Universal periodic review is an important mechanism for dialogue and cooperation.
We encourage the Sultanate to continue implementing the recommendations it has accepted in consultation with national institutions and civil society and to further strengthen measures that promote equality, participation, and the rule of law.
IRDG remains committed to supporting constructive dialogue and international cooperation in advancing human rights for all.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the forward to Shang Si Patriotic Volunteer Association.
Thank you.
Madam President, members of the working group to delegates, I'm the initiator of international Patriotic Pact organization advocating loving one's country without harming others.
We believe that assessment of human rights situation must be rooted in objective facts.
First, we am for adhering to a progressive and gradual facing radical recommendations, A emphasized that reforms must respect national conditions and social values with support disposition and pose external pressure that is detached from national realities.
Am adopted 2023 labor law to improve labor conditions.
This is far more effective than radical political slogans.
Second, national development is fundamental guarantee for human rights under vision 2040, a man made substantial progress in education, healthcare.
Benefiting both citizens and millions of foreign workers.
For developing countries, a stable, inclusive and social environment that guarantees subsistence and development is the most fundamental human right.
Finally, we call for rejecting double standards.
Some countries frequently interfere in the internal affairs of other nations, yet it is oblivious to their own systemic discrimination and migrants flight.
Such selective blindness is not conducive to some development of international human rights.
We believe that international cooperation must be based on the respect for all countries choice of their own development path.
We call for stopping on baseless accusations in respecting a month's own path of human rights protection.
I would also like to invite you to attend the International Patriotic Pact Organization Forum on September 21st at U Nairobi.
The theme is International Patriotic Pact and Nations rights to Development.
We look forward to discussing how to build a fair and just international new order for national development on the basis of respect and sovereignty.
Thank you.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker that we could accommodate.
Before giving the floor to the delegation of Fon for concluding remarks, allow me to inform that out of 246 recommendations received, 194 enjoy the support of Fon and 48 are noted.
Additional clarification was provided on another four recommendations indicating which parts of the recommendations were supported and which parts were noted.
And floor to His Excellency for concluding remarks.
You have the floor.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice Chair.
We will finish this session by saying that my country attaches a great importance to freedom and human rights, and this is in all of the principles that underpin our constitution.
Citizens and residents fully enjoy all of these rights in line with our fundamental law and legislation in force.
This is in line with the treaties and conventions which we have adhere to and which are now part of our domestic system as well.
We have promulgated several laws and adhered to several international conventions on human rights, which forms the legal framework that all governmental institutions adhere to.
This is demonstrated by the enjoyment of rights and freedoms by all.
Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to express our thanks and our appreciation to all of those brother nations and all of the international bodies related to human rights, which have provided us with recommendations, comments, and interventions.
We wish you every success at this session.
We will ensure that we follow up on the recommendations, comments, and interventions.
From states, international human rights bodies, as well as civil society organizations.
All of this is considered in a positive light and will add to the promotion of human rights.
We believe that the recommendations and comments made on human rights should take into account the characteristics and realities of society in Iman.
We need to take into account human resources as well as the material resources that we have in Iman.
As well as objective circumstances because this has an impact on the progress that we are able to make on implementation as well as the taking into account of the recommendations.
The UPR is an important opportunity which allows states to engage with human rights.
It's an opportunity to improve the human rights situation.
The government will closely review the results of the UPR, as well as of this session.
We have established a legal committee, which is presided over by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It's made up of representatives from various governmental entities.
It will be in that form that we will follow up on the accepted recommendations, and we will engage with the next UPR, including the next UPR report.
This is our institutional approach to We comply with our engagements.
I would like to express our appreciation, the appreciation of the Imani government for the efforts that have been made by this Council to the benefit of humanity for human rights, and for the aspirations of humanity throughout the world.
As We said at the UPR in January, for the first time, this alternate has submitted its candidacy to become a member of this Council for 2028 to 2030.
We will be holding elections in 2027.
We would like to say that we remain attached to cooperation, and we are open to a constructive dialogue with all human rights bodies, which is one of our national priorities.
Under our international obligations, we wish to effectively contribute to the work of this Council and to strengthen its role in the protection of human rights internationally.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Peace be with you.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice Chairman.
I thank His Excellency for this presentation and for the constructive participation of Oman throughout the UPR process.
I now propose that the Council adopts the decision on the outcome of the universal periodic review of Oman as it appears on the screen.
I see no objection.
So the decision is adopted.
We will briefly suspend the meeting before the consideration of the outcome of Austria.
Excellencies, dear colleagues.
We will now proceed with the consideration of the outcome of Fustria.
Outcome is based on the report of the working group on the Universal periodic review of Austria and its addendum.
These documents, together with the additional information that will now be provided by Austria will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the Council through a standardized decision.
I have now the pleasure to give the floor to His Excellcy, Mr.
Aleksander Knit, Ambassador Extraordinary and plenipotentiary, permanent Reative of Austria to present additional information on the review.
Excellency, you have the floor.
Thank you, Vice President, Excellency, distinguished delegates.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to address the Human Rights Council today on the occasion of the consideration and adoption of the outcome of the fourth Universal Periodic Review for Austria.
Austria attaches great importance to the UPR.
We regard it as one of the Council's most valuable instruments, a universal mechanism grounded in dialogue, cooperation, and equal treatment through which all states can assess their human rights record, learn from one another, and identify where further progress is needed.
For Austria, the UPI is not merely a reporting exercise.
It's an important instrument of accountability, of reflection, and continued improvement.
It reminds us that human rights protection is never static.
Even where safeguards are strong and institutions well established, effective implementation requires constant attention, political resolve and a readiness to listen.
It calls on us to take an honest look at both progress made and challenges that remain.
Austria therefore approaches the UPR in a spirit of openness, seriousness, and constructive engagement.
We are convinced that respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law cannot be seen as matters of purely domestic concern.
When human rights are violated, the risk of violent conflict increases.
There are direct security implications.
Therefore, they are a legitimate concern of the international community, as we all agreed in the Vienna Declaration and Program of action.
The UPR gives practical expression of this principle in a cooperative manner.
Madam Vice President, this review takes place at the time when the international rules based order is facing considerable pressure.
Armed conflict, attacks on democratic institutions, disinformation, extremism, and growing disregard for international law are placing multilateral cooperation under strain.
At such a moment, the work of the Council and of the UPR in particular is of particular importance.
Austria has consistently maintained that peace, human dignity, and social cohesion can only endures when they rest on respect for human rights and the rule of law.
As a small state with a firm commitment to multilateralism, Austria sees international law not as an abstract concept, but as an essential guarantee of peaceful coexistence, predictability, and justice.
In this context, Austria's recent election to the UN Security Council is both a great honor and a profound responsibility.
We see it as an expression of trust in Austria's longstanding commitment to dialogue to international law and effective multilateralism.
And Austria will continue to work in favor of the protection of civilians, accountability, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and a stronger recognition that peace and security, development, and human rights are closely interlinked and mutually reinforcing.
Madam Vice President, Austria prepared its fourth review through a broad and inclusive national process.
Ministries, federal entities, and specialized institutions have been closely involved.
As in previous cycles, we benefited from the work of the human rights coordinators across the administration whose role in strengthening human rights mainstreaming remains essential.
We also wish to underline the important role of civil society.
Austria values the contribution of civil society organizations, human rights defenders, academia, independent institutions, and other stakeholders as an essential part of a credible UPR process.
Their reports, analysis, and recommendations sharpen our understanding of the human rights situation on the ground and improve the quality of follow up.
Civil society is not merely an observer of human rights implementation, it is an indispensable partner in helping to make rights effective in practice.
We therefore remain committed to maintain structured, transparent, and substantive exchanges with civil society, both in the follow up to this review and in the further development of our human rights policies more broadly.
During the interactive dialogue in January, Austria received a large number of recommendations from member and observer states.
We are grateful for the care and attention with which delegations examined Austria's human rights record.
Austria has examined all recommendations carefully and in detail.
In doing so, we sought to balance ambition with legal precision.
Where we were in a position to support recommendations, we did so clearly.
Where this was not possible or where clarification was needed, we have provided detailed explanations.
In our view, the credibility of the UPR depends not only on the number of recommendations supported, but also on the seriousness and sincerity with which states engage with their substance.
Madam Vice President, today we would like to highlight a few recurring themes emerging from the recommendations received.
The first key area concerns the strengthening of human rights protection structures and accountability mechanisms.
Austria welcomed the recognition of the Austrian Ombudsman board with a status in 2022 as an important confirmation of compliance with the Paris principles.
Austria also established an independent office to investigate allegations of police ill treatment.
Institutionally separate from police structures and supported by an advisory board, it represents an important step towards further strengthening accountability and public confidence.
Austria supports recommendations aimed at strengthening its effective functioning, including through further improvements regarding resources and cooperation with prosecutorial authorities.
The second major area concerns the prevention of violence, especially violence against women and girls, as well the protection of children.
Austria accepted numerous recommendations in this field, and we remain firmly committed to combating domestic violence, gender based violence, and harmful practices.
In April this year, Austria presented its national action plan against violence against women and girls for 2025 to 2029, developed through a participatory process and comprising a broad range of prevention, protection, and support measures.
In recent years, funding for protection and support services has been significantly increased and relevant structures further expanded.
Austri has also supported recommendations related to the inclusion of equal participation of persons with disabilities and continues to implement the National Action Plan on Disability.
A third important area is the fight against racism, anti Semitism, xenophobia, hate speech, and extremism.
Austria supported a broad number of recommendations in this field.
Combating racism and related intolerance is essential to the protection of human dignity and to the resilience of democratic societies.
Austria is currently working on a national action plan to combat right wing extremism.
In 2025, we adopted the second national strategy against anti Semitism, which includes concrete measures to protect Jewish life and to counter anti Semitic hatred in all its forms.
At the same time, Austria continues its effort to address hate crime and online hatred through awareness raising, through education, and targeted training for law enforcement and judicial actors.
A fourth area concerns democracy, transparency, and the rule of law.
Austria has over recent years, taken further steps to strengthen democratic resilience, media freedom, access to information, judicial independence, and anti corruption efforts.
These issues are essential conditions to human rights protection.
A resilient democracy requires institutions that are transparent and accountable and trusted by the public.
Madam Vice President, Austria has also supported recommendations concerning economic, social, and cultural rights, education, and inclusion.
In the field of education, additional support is being directed to disadvantaged schools through socially indexed measures and strengthen psychosocial and pedagogical resources.
Austria remains committed to ensuring equal opportunities and participation in education, including for children in vulnerable situations and for persons with disabilities.
With regard to minorities, Austria continues to attach great importance to the protection of its six autonomous national minorities.
Not sure about the pronunciation here, national minorities, including the preservation of the languages and cultures.
Existing legal and funding frameworks support this commitment, and Austria remains dedicated to constructive dialogue with representatives of national minorities.
Migration and asylum were also prominent topics in the review.
Austria supported numerous recommendations in this area, in particular, those related to the protection of vulnerable persons, unaccompanied minors, adequate reception conditions and procedural safeguards.
Austria is implementing the relevant European legal framework and continues to attach particular importance to the principle of non refoulement and to the best interests of the child.
At the same time, Austria explained in its addendum that some recommendations in the field of migrations could not be supported in full, in particular, where they raised questions extending beyond the current legal and policy framework.
Our approach is guided by the conviction that the effective migration system and the protection of human rights must be pursued together.
Human dignity and the rule of law must remain central in this regard.
When Vice President Austria also carefully considered recommendations that it was not in a position to support.
In several instances, this was not due to a rejection of the underlying human rights concern, but rather to constitutional structures, the distribution of competencies and in a federal state, legal systemic considerations or differing views as to the appropriate means of implementation.
This applies, for example, to certain recommendations concerning the ratification of additional international instruments, including the optional protocol on the International Convention on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, the Convention on Migrant Workers, or Protocol number 12 to the European Convention on Human Rights.
Austria fully reaffirms its commitment to the protection of the rights concerned.
At the same time, for the reasons set out in the addendum, ratification is not foreseen at present.
Likewise, with regard to some recommendations on anti discrimination legislation, Austria noted that its federal structure results in a differentiated distribution of competencies.
At the same time, Austria acknowledges the importance of continued discussions on harmonizing level of protection and remains open to further developments, including within the framework of the European Union.
Austria also provided further explanation with regard to certain recommendations concerning religion, freedom of expression, family reunification, citizenship, migration, and labor market access.
We believe such transparency is an important part of a meaningful UPR follow up process.
Madam Vice President, the value of the UPR lies in its universality.
Its cooperative nature and its focus on implementation.
Austria will therefore continue to engage constructively with these mechanisms and with other relevant international and regional human rights mechanisms.
Austria approaches the adoption of this outcome not as the end of the process, but the beginning of its next stage.
Preparations for implementation are already underway.
Only last week, Austrian stakeholders met in a structured dialogue on the UPR.
With a particular focus on how to further strengthen cooperation between state institutions and civil society in implementing the recommendations adopted.
We will continue working across government institutions and society to translate these recommendations into practical progress.
Human rights protection is never complete.
It requires perseverance, humility, and cooperation.
And Austria remains fully committed to this task nationally, regionally, and internationally.
I thank you.
Thank you very much for this presentation.
In accordance with paragraph 13 of the annex of Human Rights Council resolution 16 slash 21, I will now give the floor to the Austrian Ombudsman Board.
You have the floor.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today.
The Austrian Ombudsman Board fully agrees with the outcome of the UPR, that the fight against discrimination in Austria should be key priority.
For many years, the ombudsman board and various international bodies have criticized the fragmented discrimination laws.
Most recently, the Special Rapporteur on racism pointed out during her country visit in Austria The legal framework for non discrimination is highly complex and weakens equal protection.
In Austria, different non discrimination and equal treatment laws exist on the federal and provincial level.
In addition, protection is not always guaranteed on the same grounds or areas of life.
To put it another way, if a girl is discriminated in high school on the basis of her ethnicity, her parents have legal grounds to complain.
If she's discriminated on grounds of being female, there is no legal basis to complain.
This situation creates legal uncertainty and confusion.
Such barriers can discourage people from seeking protection and exercising their rights.
The Oombudsman board is concerned that this unequal system leaves vulnerable groups without effective and equal protection.
Equal rights should not depend on a person's background, on the type of discrimination they face or where they live.
Ombudsman board therefore calls for a leveling up of rights and a uniform level of protections for all vulnerable groups in all areas of life.
Thanks for listening.
Thank you.
I will now open the floor to member and observer states for their comments on the outcome of the review.
The speaking time has been set at 1 minute and 30 seconds for all states.
The first speaker on my list is Sierra Leone.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Stralian welcomes the distinguished delegation of Austria and congratulates Austria on its fourth Scle of universal periodic review report.
We commend Austria for its continued commitment to the UPR process and other human rights mechanisms and for accepting majority of the recommendations received from member states during its review, including two of three of our recommendations.
S Len is encouraged by the reasoning of Austria regarding harmonization of its legal framework, especially the willingness for a joint approach within the framework of the European Union.
We fully support the adoption of the report and express our best wishes to Austria for the successful implementation of the accepted recommendations.
And thank you, Madam Vice President.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Sri Lanka.
Madam Vice President, Sri Lanka congratulates the Austrian delegation for the constructive engagement with the UPR process.
We welcome the acceptance of all four recommendations made by Sri Lanka and the commitment by Austria to combat human trafficking, racism, xenophobia, anti Semitism, hate crimes, and discrimination, as well as its measures to address child poverty and strengthening access to education.
Sri Lanka encourages Austria to ensure the effective implementation of accepted recommendations through inclusive follow ups and in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Sri Lanka wishes Austria every success in its efforts to further promote and protect human rights for all of its people and recommends adopting Austria's fourth UPR report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Sudan.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
We commend Austria's progress in the area of human rights, notably by establishing a forum for protecting women and children as well as the plan of action for combating climate change and the strategy to combat online violence.
We also commend Austria on accepting our recommendations concerning pursuing the programs to promote the quality of education as well as the policies and programs for including persons with disabilities in the labor market and supporting NGOs in this area.
We wish Austria every success in implementing accepted recommendations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Syrian Arab Republic.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Madam Vice President, we bid the Austrian delegation a warm welcome and we would like to thank the delegation for presenting the national report reflecting ongoing efforts to protect human rights with regard to protecting socioeconomic role rights.
This is vital for ensuring a decent living conditions and social protection.
We would like to congratulate Austria on its success in implementing recommendations and its constant exchanges with civil society, as well as the drafting of national strategies and plans for promoting rights in various domains.
We congratulate the government on its commitment to respect international obligations as well as its enhanced cooperation with human rights mechanisms.
We wish Austria every success in implementing its strategies and national plans.
We recommend adoption of this report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Trinidad and Tobago.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Trinidad and Tobago welcomes the delegation of Austria to the adoption of their UPR outcome.
We thank His Excellency for the updates provided today and congratulate Austria for its constructive engagement throughout this fourth cycle UPR process.
We know that Austria has accepted a meaningful number of the recommendations received during its review.
Including two recommendations made by Trinidad and Tobago relating to continuing efforts to address racism and racial discrimination, and further strengthening measures to address any employment and wage related disparities for persons with disabilities.
These actions point to Austria's continued commitment to pursue the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.
Including Trinidad and Tobago supports the adoption of Austria's UPR outcome and wishes Austria every success in its implementation of the accepted recommendations arising from this fourth review.
Thank you.
All right.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to UN HR.
Distinguished Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Unis commences the efforts of the government of Austria to strengthen protection for refugees and asylum seekers.
We particularly welcome the Act on guardianship for unaccopanied minors.
Since its entry into force a few weeks ago, it has significantly enhanced protection for children separated from their caregivers.
Providing legal guardianship immediately upon arrival is an important step in ensuring that these children are treated first and foremost as children without discrimination.
At the same time, UNIC ER remains concerned about barriers to family reunification for beneficiaries of international protection in Austria.
Over the past year, visa application decisions have in practice been suspended with only limited exceptions, and more recently, a quota system has been introduced.
Uni CR stands ready to support the government in finding practically and coordinated solutions to facilitate family reunification in line with the fundamental right to family life.
UNIC remains fully committed to working with Austria and all stakeholders to implement relevant UPR recommendations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Venezuela.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
I'd like to welcome the Austrian delegation and thank it for its presentation.
We commend you on your cooperation with the UPR mechanism.
I've taken note of progress in the area of human rights, particularly in combating domestic violence and strengthening your national human rights institution.
We also appreciate the fact that you have accepted Venezuela's recommendations concerning strengthening laws to combat discrimination, hate speech, investigating allegations of torture, and the proportionate use of force in peaceful demonstrations.
Nevertheless, we think that it's pertinent that Austria strengthen its policy to ensure full enjoyment of human rights by all persons, particularly by the most vulnerable groups and holding an open dialogue with civil society on implementing accepted recommendations and that when it comes to the recommendations on migration, asylum and non discrimination, further consideration of them should be made.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I'll give the floor to Vietnam.
Madam Vice President, we now welcome the successful completion of Austria fourth cycle of the UPR, and Thanks delegation of Austria for its active and constructive engagement throughout the review process.
We now not appreciation of the significant achievements highlighted by Austria in the area of human rights, promotion and protection.
We particularly commend Austria's adoption of the national action plan on violence against women and girls, as well as the continued implementation of measures to combat all forms of discrimination.
Vietnam supports the adoption of the UP outcome report of Austria by consensus.
I look forward to continue cooperation between our two countries in the field of human rights.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Albania.
President.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
We'd like to welcome the Austrian delegation and congratulate it for its continued engagement with the UPR mechans.
We congratulate you on the success of your UPR and on having accepted a large number of recommendations which will help further strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights.
We're pleased to see that the Austrian government accepted Albania's two recommendations concerning strengthening the independence, efficiency, and resources for investigating Allegations of ill treatment by law and order forces and on improving detention conditions.
It's on the basis of the accepted recommendations that were convinced that Austria will continue to further enhance its legal institutional frameworks in the area of human rights.
Thus, Albania recommends that the Council adopts the report on Austria.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice President.
Bu next, I give the floor to Armenia.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Armenia extends a warm welcome to the distinguished delegation of Austria and appreciate its constructive engagement in the UPR.
Austria's longstanding commitment to the constitutional governance, human rights, and international cooperation makes it a strong example of democracy, human dignity, and the rule of law.
Greatly value Australia's willingness to accept a substantial number of recommendations which illustrate its unwaving commitment to the human rights and democracy.
We would like to extend particular gratitude for accepting Armenia's recommendation to continue efforts to ensure equal and inclusive access to quality education for all children and young people, including refugees and to continue implementing measures to address impacts of climate change to ensure biodiversity and environmental protection.
Conclusion, we express our full support for the adoption of the working group report and wish the government of Austria every success in implementing the accepted recommendations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Burkina Faso.
Thank you, Madam Vice President Burkina Faso would like to bid a warm welcome to the Austrian delegation and thank you for the information provided this morning.
My delegation appreciates the fact that Austria has accepted the vast majority of the recommendations made during the review, including those submitted by Burkino Faso.
Austria has remained committed to human rights in the UPR, my delegation would like to reiterate its encouragement to the Austrian authorities to pursue its efforts to further enhance the protection and promotion of human rights.
Burkina Faso wishes Austria every success in implementing accepted recommendations and recommends the consensual adoption of this report by the Council.
Thank you.
Merci Buc, next, I give the floor to Cameron.
LLC, Madam.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Cameroon bids a warm welcome to the Austrian delegation and we'd like to congratulate you on the presentation of your national report.
We also commend you on your constructive engagement throughout the UPR process.
My delegation is pleased to see that the vast majority of recommendations have been accepted by Austria, including those presented by Cameroon.
This reflects your commitment to promote inclusive policies.
By way of conclusion, my delegation supports the consensual adoption of the report on Austria's UPR, and we wish Austria every success in implementing accepted recommendations during this review.
Thank you very much.
Mercy, next, I give the floor to China.
Madam Vice President, China has taken note of the progress made by Austria in the field of human rights.
At the same time, we take note of the increase in racism and xenophobia in Austria and that infringed the rights of minority groups such as Muslims and and Romans.
G attention, investment are needed in economic, social and cultural rights, including social security, education, elderly care.
China commends Austria for having taken on board our recommendations.
We hope that Austria face up to the human rights issues, take concrete measures to improve its human rights situation and make greater contribution to the International Human Rights.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Congo.
Thank you, Madam Vice President, the Republic of Congo welcomes the Austrian delegation would like to thank it for presenting the additional information this morning to the fourth UPR report.
We appreciate the fact that Austria has accepted a very large number of the recommendations made.
This attests to its unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting human rights.
Particularly pleased to see that you've adopted a national plan of action on violence against women and girls for the period up to 2029, which focuses on prevention, protecting victims, and support services.
We also commend Austria on its undying efforts to consolidate its achievements in human rights and its traditional cooperation with UN mechanisms in this area.
Congo would like to wish Austria every success in implementing the various recommendations accepted, and we encourage the Council to adopt the final report by consensus.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Cuba.
Madam Vice President, we'd like to welcome the Austrian delegation.
We appreciate Austria's commitment to the UPR and that you have tabled a number of important thematic initiatives in the Council, notably on the right to food and cultural rights.
We're also pleased to see that the three respectful and constructive recommendations made by Cuba have been accepted by Austria and we wish Austria every success in implementing accepted recommendations and we support the adoption of this report.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker that we could accommodate.
Let me remind you that all statements including those which could not be delivered due to time constraints should be uploaded online.
I will now give the floor to the other stakeholders to make their general comments on the outcome.
The speaking time has been set at 2 minutes for all.
And first, I give the floor to International Federation for Human Rights Leagues.
My name is Florn Horn.
I'm representing the Austrian League for Human Rights as a member of the International Federation for Human Rights.
For the fourth cycle of the UPR process, we have again coordinated over 30 Austrian roof organizations with more than 300 members.
We were able to ensure thereby participation of a large part of Austrian civil society.
On behalf of the International Federation for Human Rights, we wish to thank the international community for participating so actively in the Austrian Review and for considering many important topics which had already been mentioned in a joint submission filed by the Austrian League.
I want to stress the numerous recommendations received on the topics of racism and discrimination, on women's and children's rights, and on the support of people with disabilities.
It is also important to thank the Austrian government for adopting 216 of the 278 recommendations received.
This is a great commitment, and we're looking forward to cooperating in the implementation process.
Already last week, the first follow up meeting between all Austrian ministries and civil society stakeholders has taken place.
There has been a first step to implement working groups on specific topics.
In our eyes, success depends on this further deepening of cooperation with civil society.
Finally, we thank those E member states recommending the implementation of a national action plan for Human Rights.
This procedure would have outstanding synergies with the OPPR process and is also part of the current government program.
We invite all delegates to follow the implementation procedure also within the online monitoring tool on the website of the Austrian League of Human Rights, and thank you for your attention.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Matt for Peace Development and Human Rights Association.
Madam Vice President, Matt welcomes Austria's constructive engagement with the Human Rights Council and the UPR mechanism.
We also commend Austria's acceptance of the recommendation to ratify the third optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on communication Procedures.
Matt hopes that the ratification process will be completed as soon as possible.
However, Matt has concerns regarding the current Austrian government's policy of reducing asylum applications and increasing deportations, which affects refugee children, especially unaccompanied children.
Conversely, Matt has noted the continued discrimination against refugee children as unaccompanied refugee children over the age of 14 do not receive the same support as Austrian children.
Matt also documented the exposure of refugee children with special needs to negative practices, including poor living conditions and inadequate housing.
Therefore, Matt recommends Austria reconsider its policies for receiving refugees and asylum seekers and abandon the project to establish return centers for repatriating migrants outside of the European Union.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to World Evangelical Alliance.
Mr.
President, the World Evangelical Alliance thanks Austria for its constructive engagement in the UPR process.
We commence Austria's efforts to protect victims of human trafficking, including the codification of a non punishments provision for victims of exploitation.
However, we remain concerned about gaps in implementation, particularly the lack of consistent and comprehensive victim identification systems.
We therefore encourage Austria to further strengthen protection and support structures by deepening cooperation with civil society organizations and by ensuring access to residency permits for survivors of exploitation.
We also welcome Austria's support for recommendations aimed at protecting freedom of religion or belief, including reforms to promote more equitable treatment of registered religious groups and to ensure that national security measures fully respect this fundamental freedom.
We urge Austria to ensure that freedom of religion or belief is protected equally for all religious groups, regardless of their legal form or registration status.
This includes not only churches and congregations, but also faith based organizations and religious associations that do not fall under the existing categories of recognized religious churches.
Such organizations should not be placed in a weaker legal or practical position than comparable cultural or charitable associations simply because their work is rooted in religious conviction.
Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human rights of individuals and communities and should not depend on whether a group fits into a particular state defined legal structure.
Finally, we reiterate our concern regarding the discriminatory treatment of unborn children suspected of having disabilities who are more likely to be aborted.
Respectfully urge Austria to review its legislation in light of its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Conscience and Peace Tax International.
Madam Vice President, Conscience and Peace Tax International, CPTI regrets that the issue of conscientious objection to military service does not appear to have been raised during Austria's current universal periodic review.
While Austria has long established a legal framework for conscientious objection, systemic inequalities and restrictions persist.
Currently, alternative civilian service remains punitive, lasting nine months, which is 50% longer than the standard six months military service.
Furthermore, the restrictive time limits for applications and arbitrary exclusion criteria are not compatible with the international human rights standards.
In addition, Austria lacks any functional legislative mechanism or legal provision for professional members of the armed forces who experience subsequent conscientious objections and wish to leave the military.
We call on Austria to fully align its alternative service provision with the International Human Rights standards.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to International Planned Parenthood Federation.
This statement is delivered on behalf of the Austrian Society for Family Planning Ugff.
We welcome Austria's constructive engagement in the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review and its support for recommendations to improve sexual and reproductive health services and inclusive education.
At the same time, we regret that Austria did not support recommendations on the decriminalization of abortion, the removal of barriers to abortion care, and the integration of abortion services into the public healthcare system.
Although abortion is exempt from criminal penalties under specific conditions, it remains regulated under criminal law.
This is incompatible with the rights based approach to sexual and reproductive health and rights and contributes to stigma and barriers to care.
Access to abortion services remains uneven across Austria.
In several federal states, public services are unavailable, requiring individuals to travel and bear additional costs.
Abortion care is also generally not covered by public health insurance, creating financial barriers, particularly for those with limited resources.
We urge Austria to remove abortion from the criminal code and ensure legal, free of charge, low threshold, and nationwide access through the public healthcare system.
We also emphasize the importance of comprehensive, age appropriate, evidence based sexuality education, as well as free contraceptive counseling and access to modern contraceptive methods.
These measures support informed decision making, Making help prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights.
We reaffirm our commitment to working with the Austrian government and civil society to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Humanists International.
Humanist International and H welcome Austria's engagement with the Universal periodic review process, including its consideration of recommendations concerning human rights protection, equality, and non discrimination.
In this context, the Humanist Academy of Austria strengthens human right, humanist education, and ethical reflection while Austria has become a leading European hub for ethics of digital humanism.
However, we remain concerned that the right of freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief is still not implemented on an equal basis.
In Australia, religious institutions continue to enjoy structural privilege in education, public funding, and public representation, while non religious and human citizens and communities remain less visible and less equally presented.
We are also concerned about restrictions in freedom of expression in relation to criticism of religion.
Section 188 of the Austrian Criminal Code on the disparagement of religious teachings remains a de facto blasphemy law.
It criminalizes public disparagement of radical or religious doctrines, practices, institutions, or objects of worship.
Such provisions will create a chilling effect on criticism set here at academic debate and humanist expression.
Right of freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief protects believers and non believers alike.
It protects individuals, not ideas from criticism.
Democratic state must protect people from discrimination, hatred and violence, but should not grant religious doctrine.
We therefore urge Austria to strengthen neutrality in matters of religion and belief, to review section 188 of the Criminal Code in light of international standards on freedom of expression and to ensure equal treatment of religious, non religious, and humanist communities in law, education, public consultation, and public funding.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Amnesty International.
Mr.
President, Amnesty International welcomes Austria's engagement in the UPR process and its full or partial acceptance of 216 out of 278 recommendations.
Mr.
President, violence against women and girls continues to prevail in Austria with 14 reported cases of femicides since beginning of 2026.
Therefore, Amnesty International regrets that the Austrian government rejected a recommendation to adopt a content based law which would have contributed to strengthening the legal protection of survivors of sexual violence.
The Austrian government did not support recommendations to decriminalize abortion care service and to integrate it in the public health care system.
The organization believes that this will solidify existing stigmatization experienced by pregnant persons as well as performing healthcare professionals.
Regrettably, by rejecting several recommendations to adopt a national action plan against racism, the Austrian government decided to miss crucial opportunity to improve and strengthen the National Human Rights framework.
We urge the government of Austria to reconsider its position and to implement these recommendations without delay.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to International Organization for the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
We thank Austria for its constructive and comprehensive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review and for its cooperation with the working group.
The International Organization for the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination welcomes Austria's strong commitment to advancing human rights at the national and international levels, as well as its continued efforts in international cooperation and engagement with civil society.
We appreciate Austria's work on adopting a General national action plan on human rights for the period of 2025 to 2029 and the recent launch of work on a national action plan against hate crime, which would introduce interditional measures to strengthen the fight against racial discrimination.
Simultaneously, we encourage the recommendations made to Austria, which underscore the importance of combating racism and xenophobia, enhancing the protection of migrants and minorities, respecting the freedom of religion or belief, cultural diversity, and strengthening measures against hate speech and hate crimes.
In this regard, we highlight the important recommendation to ratify Protocol number 12 to the European Convention on Human Rights, thereby reaffirming the principles of non discrimination and equal protection before the law.
In order to ensure non discrimination on the basis of religious and cultural grounds in the education system, we advise Austria to revoke the newly adopted law prohibiting girls under 14 from wearing a headscarf, particularly the possibility of penalties, even if foreseen as a last resort.
Furthermore, we urge Austria to sign and ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families.
These recommendations are especially important to counteract fragmented anti discrimination equal treatment frameworks and to address the need for more consistent legislation and enforcement across federal and local levels in law, policy and practice.
We look forward to a comprehensive anti racism strategy, which is needed to address not only individual acts of hate speech, but also the structural discrimination that affects minorities, migrants, and other targeted groups, particularly people of African descent and Muslims.
Thank you.
Okay.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to international lawyers.
Thank you, Madam Vice Presidents.
We thank the working group for the report.
As the working group finds, several action have been undertaken by Austria for the improvement of the human rights situation in their state.
Austria's recent efforts in reinforcing judicial independence and in combating corruption were brought to light.
International lawyers.org suggests that Austria continues its undertakings to strength judicial autonomy and its legislative reforms and preventive strategies to combat corruption through NS international cooperation.
However, it is important for the state to verify that the current legislative framework is effectively implemented in practice.
With regard to the criminal system, the report underlined Austria's continuous efforts in improving its detention conditions, namely through the 2025 expansion of electronically monitored house arrests.
We suggest the state to improve the use of isolation in detention systems by ensuring its use is strictly exceptional, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The state should prohibit solitary confinement for juveniles and persons with disabilities and restricts its use for adults to the most extraordinary circumstances.
Regarding social and economical rights, we recommend the state to continue implementing comprehensive measures and campaigns to eliminate the gender pay gap and ensure equal pay for work of equal value.
Moreover, the state should continue the expansion of childcare support for families in order to allow women's re entry into the labor market.
International lawyers.org suggests to the state to continue its commitment to a structured dialogue with civil society, ensuring their expertise and meaningful participation are integrated in the implementation of these recommendations and to continue to implement its efforts regarding the enactment of the UPR recommendation in the country.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to World Jewish Congress.
This is Benjamin Negen I'm the Secretary-General of the Israelit religious Society in Austria.
It is my honor today to address you on behalf of the World Jewish Congress.
Austrian history is deeply connected to Jewish history.
Jewish legacy and Jewish life are an integral part of Austria's fabric.
While Austria was the home of a vibrant and flourishing Jewish community before Word World War two, we also look back at horrific crimes committed against Austria's Jews.
The So, the genocide against the Jewish people in which unfortunately too many Austrians were among the leading perpetrators will remain a gaping wound in our collective memory.
Today, Austria is home to about 12,000 Jews.
The Jewish community in Vienna is now regarded as one of the most dynamic in the German speaking world, providing the infrastructure for all needs for Jewish life.
We welcome Austria's explicit acknowledgment of its historic responsibility and strong commitment to combat all forms of anti Semitism, to foster Jewish life, and to preserve the Austrian Jewish heritage, not just in words, but in deeds.
Important milestones have already been achieved in close cooperation between the Austrian authorities and the Jewish community of Austria.
We especially commend the Austrian government for having adopted Irish definition, for implementing the national strategy against anti Semitism, and for implementing the Austrian Jewish Cultural Heritage Act.
Austria has been an important initiator and role model in the fight against anti Semitism in European and international forums.
We would like to encourage the Austrian government to continue the strong commitment to combat all forms of anti Semitism inside the country and on the international stage.
As a Jewish community, we look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with the Austrian government.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker we could accommodate.
Before giving the floor back to the delegation of Austria for concluding remarks, allow me to inform that out of 278 recommendations received, 216 enjoy the support of Austria and 62 are noted.
I now give the floor back to His Excellency for concluding remarks.
Thank you, Vice President.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, let me conclude by expressing our very sincere appreciation to all delegations and to civil society representatives for their very constructive statements today.
We've listened carefully to the interventions made in this room.
We're particularly grateful for the thoughtful contributions by civil society.
The expertise, scrutiny, and engagement are indispensable for credible human rights implementation.
Austria remains committed to maintaining a structured transparent and constructive dialogue with civil society in the follow up to this review.
Today's adoption of the outcome report is an important milestone, but it does not conclude the process.
The true value of the UPR lies in the implementation.
Austria therefore regards the recommendations that we have supported as a concrete agenda for the years ahead.
In fields such as the fight against racism, anti Semitism, and extremism, the prevention of violence against women and girls, the protection of vulnerable persons, and the strengthening of democratic resilience and the rule of law, this work is already ongoing.
In other areas, we will start dialogues on how to make them a reality in the coming years.
At the same time, Astris also taken note of a number of recommendations and provided detailed explanations in the addendum.
We hope this transparent approach contributes to a meaningful and credible review process.
Even where recommendations could not be supported, the issues raised will remain part of our continued reflection.
Austria remains firmly convinced that the promotion and protection of human rights can only succeed through dialogue, cooperation, and effective multilateralism.
This conviction also guides us in light of Austria's recent election to the UN Security Council.
We will continue to work for a rules based international order in which human rights, peace and security and development are understood as mutually reinforcing.
We're grateful to the Troika and to the Secretariat for their work and for their support throughout this review.
We also thank all delegations for their recommendations and reiterate our appreciation to civil society for its indispensable contribution.
Thank you very much, Madam Vice President.
Thank you very much for these remarks and for the constructive participation of Austria throughout the UPR process.
I now propose that the Council adopts the decision on the outcome of the universal periodic review of Austria as it appears on the screen.
I see no objection.
The decision is adopted.
We will briefly suspend the meeting before considering the outcome of Australia.
Excellent sister participants.
We will now proceed with the consideration of the UPR outcome for Australia.
The outcome is based on the report of the working group on the Universal Periodic Review of Australia and its addendum.
These documents, together with the additional information that will now be provided by Australia, will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the Council through a standardized decision.
I now have the pleasure to give the floor to Her Excellency, miss Claire Monica Walsh, ambassador, permanent representative of Australia, to present additional information on the review.
Excellency, you have the floor.
Vice President, Excellency's, distinguished delegates and civil society representatives, I am honored to appear before you today to present Australia's response to the 332 recommendations we received from 120 members and observer states at our fourth cycle universal periodic review appearance on the second sorry, the 26th of January 2026.
Australia is a steadfast supporter of the multilateral human rights system, which plays a crucial role in supporting the realization of human rights at the domestic and international level.
The UPR is a key part of that system.
It is a critical and universal tool for all states to strengthen human rights.
Australia intends to make good use of this valuable tool.
Our UPR is an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and our challenges to evaluate our existing practices and to assess where further work is needed to improve the human rights of all Australians.
We recognize there is always room for improvement, and we are committed to pursuing this, including in relation to the seven core human rights treaties to which we are a party.
I would like to thank all 120 delegations that engaged in our review for their thoughtfulness.
Many delegations acknowledged Australia's commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and recognized specific human rights achievements since the third UPR in 2021.
These ongoing efforts included combating violence against women and children, gender equality in the workplace, online safety, the establishment of an anti slavery commissioner, supports for persons with disabilities.
Australia welcomes the 332 recommendations that we've received from delegations and appreciate that many were informed by the reporting and advocacy efforts of the Australian Human Rights Commission and civil society.
We are strong supporters of independent human rights voices and are grateful for the focus they have brought to our fourth UPR.
We have engaged with the Australian Human Rights Commission throughout this process and supported and listened to civil society.
The Australian government's support for civil society engagement included a grant to assist the production of an independent joint NGO UPR report.
Also participated in NGO UPR panel events to discuss and promote our UPR.
In 2025, the Australian government undertook public consultation on our UPR national report.
I will now address Australia's approach to considering the 332 UPR recommendations.
Australia has a federal constitutional system of government.
Under this system, Australia's six states and two territories have significant human rights responsibilities, including in areas such as the criminal justice system and the provision of health and education services.
Accordingly, in developing Australia's position on the 332 recommendations received at our dialogue in January, the Australian government consulted with all state and territory governments and all relevant Australian government agencies, including the Australian Human Rights Commission.
In keeping with our commitment to public consultation, we held a roundtable with civil society stakeholders and the Australian Human Rights Commission in April this year to work with civil society to identify the priority recommendations from our fourth UPR.
These priority recommendations were then provided to our federal and state and territory stakeholders for consideration.
Australia's response to the recommendations is contained in our addendum to the report of the working group.
The addendum is structured according to key themes of the working group report outlines Australia's positions on each recommendation and includes information on our commitment to each of these human rights themes.
Australia recognizes some recommendations abroad in nature.
Certain recommendations also reflect assumptions that do not accurately represent Australia's legislation, policy or practice, consistent with Australia's longstanding commitment to human rights and the United Nations, Australia has responded to these recommendations in good faith.
Of the 332 recommendations, Australia has accepted 128 recommendations and noted the remaining 204 recommendations.
Australia will continue to uphold human rights, including freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, freedom of assembly and expression, the rights of First Nations peoples, the rights of women, LGBTQIA plus persons, children, older persons, and people with disability.
Australia's modern multicultural diversity is fundamental to the character of our nation and all Australians have an equal right to participate in the social, political and economic life of our country.
Australian government is taking a multifaceted approach to combating racism with action underway across government, including ambitious legislation to combat anti Semitism, hate, and extremism.
Australia will continue to work closely with LGBTQIA plus Australians and advocates to develop policy that meets the needs of the LGBTQIA plus community to deliver equality across Australian society.
This includes supporting human rights protections, combating hatred and prejudice, and ensuring that people can access services with dignity and respect and free from discrimination.
The Australian government remains committed to improving youth justice and advancing health and education outcomes, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
I will now turn to the five voluntary commitments Australia made at its dialogue in January.
These commitments relate to disability discrimination, housing, domestic and sexual violence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and young people and dementia.
I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on these commitments.
Firstly, Australia committed to review the Disability Discrimination Act in accordance with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of people with disability.
The Disability Discrimination Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person in many areas of public life.
The Australian government received over 1,100 submissions when it conducted accessible public consultation on ways to improve the Disability Discrimination Act.
This feedback is being carefully analyzed to inform reform options.
Second, Australia committed to increasing the delivery of appropriate affordable housing that is aligned with the priorities and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This included building strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing organizations, including in the community controlled sector.
Over $600 million has been announced in dedicated funding for First Nations housing.
This investment is about more than just building homes.
It is about building capacity, respecting self determination, and working in partnership with First Nations communities.
Thirdly, we committed to deliver strong ways, our voices, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to end family, domestic and sexual violence.
The plan was launched in February with funding of $218 million to support initial actions.
Developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and state and territory governments, it is Australia's first standalone plan that strives for a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children can live free from violence.
Fourth, we're committed to legislating the National Commission and National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
In March, legislation passed the Australian Parliament to establish an independent and empowered national Commissioner and to establish the National Commission as a statutory agency.
With the functions and powers to advance the rights, interests, development, safety and well being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
To support this, the Australian government is investing 42 point 8000000/5 years 2025-20 2,069.3 million per year ongoing for the national Commissioner.
Finally, we committed to investment in dementia, risk reduction and brain health.
In May 2026, Australia announced an additional $22.9 million for research grants into dementia, which is the leading cause of death in Australia and other projects to achieve life improving treatments for people as they age.
This funding will enable Australia's best and brightest researchers in this field to make a real difference for people living with or at risk of dementia.
In conclusion, Vice President, I would like to reiterate our appreciation to delegations for their constructive engagement and for their recommendations.
Australia will continue to use the UPR process to drive change and improve human rights.
We are committed to implementing accepted recommendations.
I welcome in advance the contribution to today's adoption by member states, the Australian Human Rights Commission, and Civil Society Organizations.
Thank you.
Good.
Thank you very much for this presentation.
In accordance with paragraph 13 of the annex of Human Rights Council resolution 16 21, I will now give the floor to the Australian Human Rights Commission.
You have the floor.
Speak today for the Australian Human Rights Commission, Australia's A status National Human Rights Institution.
Human rights are the key to living well.
Societies that protect human rights are stronger, healthier, safer, and more prosperous.
The Universal Periodic Review is the most important UN review of Australia's human rights record.
At Australia's review, 120 UN nations made 343 recommendations to better protect people's rights in our country.
There were many clear themes, ensuring better outcomes for aboriginal tourist Rhode Island people, addressing racism and hate speech, and protecting the rights of people with disabilities.
There were calls for Australia to do more to address climate change, to better protect the rights of refugees and people seeking asylum and to raise the age of criminal responsibility so that children as young as ten cannot be jailed.
There were also calls to improve the protection of people's rights in Australian law through an Australian Human Rights Act.
This long overdue reform would strengthen the foundations of our democracy, build trust in government, and promote social cohesion.
Thank member states for their engagement with our UPR, and I recognize the commitments to the Australian government has made.
This year, our commission is built on the UPR process by launching our Australian Human Rights assessment, a review to help Australian see where we're doing well and where we need to improve.
We will use this annual assessment to monitor and report on the implementation of Australia's UPR recommendations.
We also encourage the Australian government to transparently report on the implementation progress, including by lodging a midterm report with this Council.
Australia has done a lot well on human rights.
Australia is a prosperous, stable and democratic nation, but there are many issues where Australia can and must do better.
The UPR recommendations, Australia accepted by the Australian government today are commitments to the Australian people.
They must be turned into action.
Thank you.
I will now open the floor to member and observer states for the comments on the outcome of the review.
The speaking time has been set at 1 minute and 30 seconds for all states.
Now the first speaker on my list is Oman.
Okay.
Oman is not here.
So next, I give the floor to Philippines.
Philippines are absent, so we move on to Russian Federation.
Madam Vice President, we regret the fact that only one of the three recommendations we made to Australia has been accepted.
However, the Russian Federation still has some serious concerns with regard to the continued process of imprisoning a prisoners and the practices for indigenous Australians in prisons.
We hope that the recommendations accepted by Camber will be carried out in due course.
We also note the shortcomings in this country that we hope will be overcome.
The Russian Federation recommends that we adopt the report on Australia's fourth UPR report.
Thank you for your attention.
Okay.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Sama Sama is absent, so we move on to Sierra Leone.
They seem to be absent as well.
Next on my list is Sri Lanka.
Madam Vice President, Sri Lanka appreciates the constructive engagement of the government of Australia at its fourth UPR review in January 2026.
Sri Lanka welcomes the acceptance of four of the six recommendations made by Sri Lanka.
We hope that Australia will continue its efforts to strengthen child sensitive approaches within the justice system and to further advance the protection and promotion of the human rights of migrant workers and their families.
We recommend the adoption of the fourth UPR report of Australia and encourage Australia to continue its inclusive engagement with all stakeholders in the implementation of the accepted recommendations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Sudan.
Thank you, Madam Vice Chair.
We commend the progress in the field of human rights situation in Australia, especially progress in the field of legislative reform and ratification of all ILO conventions, as well as endorsing a strategy for child protection, improving social protection and multicultural culture.
Identities.
We welcome the positive engagement with the UPR, as well as the submission of Australia's report, as well as accepting some of the recommendations by some countries, including recommendations by my country, namely pursuing efforts to combat discrimination, hate speech, to provide protection for migrants and asylum seekers and to pursue policies aiming at protecting the environment.
And to counter climate change, we recommend the adoption of the report and we wish Australia success in implementing the recommendations they accepted.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Thank you.
Next on my list is Trinidad and Tobago.
They are absent, so we move on to Vanuatu.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
FNA two extends a very warm welcome and congratulations to the delegation of Australia to the adoption of its UPR outcome report.
FANA two acknowledges Australia's effort to promote and protect human rights, including programs supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and initiative for migrants and refugees.
FNA two encourages Australia to continue building on these efforts to ensure inclusive and equitable enjoyment of human rights for all.
FNA two commends Australia for accepting a significant majority of the recommendations put forward by all delegation during its review, including the recommendations from Vanua two.
On this note, for not to recommend the adoption of the UPR report on Australia by consensus and wishes the government and the people of Australia success in the implementation of its accepted recommendations.
I thank you.
Hi.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Venezuela.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
We'd like to welcome the Australian delegation.
I'd like to thank you for your presentation here this morning and we appreciate your participation in the UPR mechanism, but we regret that of the over 330 recommendations, some 173 only were accepted.
We appreciate your acceptance of a recommendation concerning investigating and punishing violence against women, indigenous children, and persons with disabilities.
We encourage Australia to reconsider its position on recommendations, strengthen its policy on combating discrimination, protecting children, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Island children, as well as improving prison conditions.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Vietnam.
Madam Vice President, we now congratulate the delegation of Australia on the successful completion of the fourth cycle of the UPR.
As one of the three members of the Troika that facilitated Australia's review at the 51st session of the wing group.
We now appreciate the constructive and open manner in which Australia engaged throughout the entire review process.
We now appreciate Australia's consideration of the recommendation put forward by Vietnam.
Particularly those aimed at strengthening the protection of important work groups, including children and persons with disabilities, as well as enhancing support for communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
We look forward to seeing Australia translate these commitments into concrete actions.
In conclusion, Vietnam supports the adoption of the EPA outcome Report of Australia by consensus.
I look forward to continue cooperation between our two countries in the field of human rights.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Albania.
Madam Vice President, Albania welcomes the Australian delegation.
We'd like to congratulate you on your engagement with the UPR process.
We congratulate you on the success of your universal periodic review and for having accepted a large number of recommendations which will further enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in your country.
Notably, you accepted Albania's recommendation on pursuing efforts to put a stop to all forms of discrimination in the country.
It's on the basis of accepted recommendations that we're convinced that Australia will continue to further enhance its legislation and institutions in the area of human rights.
By way of conclusion, Albania recommends that the Council recommends adoption of the report.
Thank you.
The floor to Armenia.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Armenia warmly welcomes the delegation of Australia and thanks for its commitment to the UPR process and for the updates provided on the review.
We value Australia's commitment to human rights and democracy, as well as its continued engagement in strengthening the protection and promotion of fundamental freedoms at both national and international levels.
We also note with appreciation Australia's ongoing efforts to address gender based balance and promote gender equality, as well as its launch of a national strategy to improve children's rights and to protect the rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
While Australia noted E's recommendation on continuing efforts to address online hate speech and cyber sis, including the leveraging technological solutions to combat gender based violence, we encourage Australia to continue progress in this area and to further strengthen protection against emerging forms of discrimination and violence in the digital space.
Lastly, we express our full support for the adoption of the working groups report and wish the government of Australia every success implementing the accepted recommendations.
Thank you.
Hi.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Amman.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
We take great pleasure in welcoming the head of the Australian delegation and all its other members.
We appreciate your cooperation with the UPR process.
You've also taken measures to enhance the dignity and safety of older persons and we commend you on that.
The have had a very fruitful UPR, I think.
We would like to say that we presented some recommendations to Australia.
We wish you every success in implementing accepted recommendations and recommend adoption of this report.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Brune R Salam.
Thank you, Madam Vice President Bernardo Salam, appreciate the constructive engagement of Australia during the UPR process and commend decision to support many of the recommendation.
We especially welcome Australia acceptance of both recommendation put forward by Bernardo Salam on prioritizing the well being of older persons and remains committed to invest in a safe and accessible infrastructure for persons with disability.
Bernard Salam recommend adoptions of the UPR working group report and wishes Australia continued success in the implementation of the accepted recommendation.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Next, I give the floor to Burkina Faso.
Okay.
Madam President.
Madam Vice President, Burkina Faso welcomes the Australian delegation and we'd like to thank you for the additional information provided this morning.
We've taken note of the acceptance of around 170 recommendations out of the total of 320.
We would like to congratulate Australia for its commitment to human rights and we encourage the national authorities to pursue its efforts to further enhance the promotion and protection of human rights.
By way of conclusion, Burkina Faso wishes Australia every success in implementing accepted recommendations, and we recommend that the Council adopt this report.
Thank you.
Merci Boko next, I give the floor to Cameroon.
Merci.
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
Cameroon would like to welcome the honorable Australian delegation and we'd like to congratulate you on your cooperation with the fourth cycle of the UPR.
My delegation appreciates the fact that Australia has accepted some 128 recommendations out of 322, including those made by Cameroon.
My delegation encourages you to pursue your efforts in order to ensure that there is an inclusive approach to human rights, which would ensure that asylum seekers, migrants and refugees rights are also protected.
My delegation recommends adoption of the Australian report, and we wish Australia every success in implementing accepted recommendations from this cycle.
Thank you.
Merck.
This was the last speaker that we could accommodate.
Excellencies, distinguished participants.
This brings us to the end of this meeting.
We will reconvene this afternoon at 3:00 P.M.
To continue with the consideration and adoption of the outcome documents of Australia and the other states examined during the 51st session of the UPR working group.
I hereby declare close the 25th meeting of the second session of the Human Rights Council.