Permanent Mission of India, Geneva
Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group
23rd Session (02-13 November 2015)
2nd UPR of Australia- Interactive Dialogue
Monday, 9th November 2015, 02:30 pm-06:00 pm

Statement by India

Mr. President,

1.   India extends a warm welcome to the delegation of Australia led by H.E. Mr. John Reid, First Assistant Secretary at the International Law and Human Rights Division of the Attorney General's Department and thanks the delegation for its comprehensive presentation.

2.   We take note with appreciation of the recent legislative and institutional initiatives to address the concerns of women, children, disabled persons and the indigenous population as well as appointment of a full-time Human Rights Commissioner in 2013.

3.   We urge the Australian government to revise laws and policies to fully recognize and protect the rights of the indigenous peoples, consistently across the nation and recommend adequate consultations with indigenous peoples in formulation of policies affecting them.

4.   We recommend implementation of measures to reduce the gender pay gap and strengthen women's roles in leadership and managerial positions. We also encourage the Australian government to support an inclusive employment culture for disabled persons and provide legal protection against forced sterilization of people with disabilities.

5.   We recommend adequate steps to promote and protect the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. In this regard, we urge the government to review the policy of mandatory immigration detention and to codify the obligation of non-refoulement in migration laws.

6.   We recommend the review ofextent and scope of laws governing secret surveillance and moderate the powers and discretion conferred on authorities in this regard.

Thank you, Mr. President.

*****