Estonia warmly welcomes the delegation of the Commonwealth of Australia to its third UPR.
Estonia commends Australia for its contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights both in Australia and globally. We are glad to note that the extensive dialogue with representatives of civil society has resulted in a detailed national report reflecting the human rights situation in Australia.
Estonia notes with appreciation Australia’s efforts in implementing the recommendations from the last UPR session.
We are glad to note that Australia has ratified the Optional Protocol of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT) and is putting in place its oversight mechanisms.
Estonia would like to make the following recommendations to the Government of Australia:
– to raise the age of criminal responsibility;
– to continue to improve the situation of indigenous people and reduce their social gaps with the rest of population;
Estonia would also like to reiterate its earlier recommendation for Australia to remove its reservation to Article 37(c) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which requires children to be detained separately from adults.
Estonia wishes you success in continuing the good work on the field of Human Rights.
Thank you!