06-11-2002 - Human Rights Questions - Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations

Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations

New York

Permanent Mission address: 150 East 42 Street, Level 33, New York, New York 10017 - Telephone: 1 212 351 6600 - Fax: 1 212 351 6610

UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Statement by H.E. Mr Peter Tesch
Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia
to the United Nations

Third Committee

Item 109(c): Human Rights Questions

New York
6 November 2002

Mr Chairman

The scourge of terrorism continues to shake the world. Last year's General Assembly was held in the immediate shadow cast by the horror of September 11. This year we meet with our worst fears about the spread of international terrorism recently confirmed by the bombings in Bali. In the increasingly insecure global environment, we must not forget the fundamental principle that recognition by governments of the inherent dignity, and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family, is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.

While we are heartened by a growing appreciation around the world that the observance of human rights must be built on the bedrock of good governance and strong and accountable democratic institutions, there is still a long way to go. Australia remains firmly committed to engaging with governments everywhere to further promote this understanding.

The tragic and barbaric bombings in Bali highlight some of the challenges Indonesia faces. Australia welcomes the special autonomy packages for Aceh and Papua and stresses that peaceful rather than military approaches are the only way to secure a durable political solution within a framework of a united Indonesia. We remain concerned about on-going human rights abuses committed by all sides in these provinces. Australia welcomes the government initiated Malino peace agreements that have brought some stability to Central Sulawesi and Maluku and urges impartial and responsible implementation of the agreements by the security forces. We continue to urge Indonesia to bring to justice those responsible for human rights abuses in East Timor. It is essential that the remaining trial processes be taken forward independently and with credibility and integrity. Australia continues to urge Indonesia to implement legal, judicial and defence force reform, and will continue our practical support for improvements in the legal system.

Australia is appalled by Saddam Hussein's record of human rights abuses. A ruthless and pervasive internal security apparatus keeps the Iraqi people in a climate of fear, intolerance, uncertainty and deprivation. Iraq's regime routinely tortures and ill-treats detainees. Suspected political opponents and their relatives are arrested arbitrarily. In southern Iraq the regime has undertaken a campaign to drain and poison the marshes, home to many Iraqis. In northern Iraq the regime has used chemical weapons against Kurds. We demand the Iraqi Government cease the repression of its people.

Australia continues to have grave concerns about human rights abuses against supporters of the democratic and legally-constituted opposition in Zimbabwe. The Mugabe Government's harassment and intimidation of the judiciary and the independent media, and credible reports of arbitrary arrests and torture of members of the Movement for Democratic Change, bear all the hallmarks of a regime prepared to subvert democracy and the rule of law in order to maintain its grip on power. Australia has now joined a range of other countries in implementing bilateral sanctions targeted against members of the ruling elite in Zimbabwe. We call on the Government of Zimbabwe to commence good-faith negotiations with the opposition, to act on the recommendations of the Commonwealth Observer Group report that found that the March 2002 presidential elections were not free and fair, and to engage with the international community in efforts to set Zimbabwe on the path towards political reconciliation and economic recovery.

We acknowledge China's continuing efforts to build greater transparency and accountability into its legal and administrative systems, and also its progress in guaranteeing social and cultural rights. We are pleased at the development of our bilateral human rights dialogue with China and the positive approach China is taking to it. At the same time, we are concerned by the use of its judicial system to take action against individuals and groups that appear to have done no more than exercise legitimate human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, assembly and belief. We also urge China to ensure the rights and freedoms of its ethnic and religious minorities.

In Burma, Australia's actions reinforce UN efforts seeking early progress in the political reconciliation process between Burma's Government and the National League for Democracy. The Australian Foreign Minister, during a recent visit, urged Burma's Government to start substantive political dialogue without delay and called for the release of all remaining political prisoners. Australia welcomes the continued cooperation of Burma's authorities with UN officials and other international organisations. We call upon the Burmese government to take prompt action to address the wider human rights environment in Burma.

We remain deeply disturbed by the loss of life and injury resulting from the violent confrontations in the West Bank, Gaza and parts of Israel. We urge both sides to bring about an immediate cease-fire, with the Palestinians taking strong action against terrorists and the Israelis withdrawing from Palestinian-controlled areas. Developments in the Middle East have been deeply discouraging, but the outlines of a resolution to the conflict are clear: two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side within secure and recognised borders.

Australia is encouraged by positive developments in some areas in Iran, in particular President Khatami's promotion of the rule of law, the high level of democratic participation, the high levels of female educational achievement and steps to address discrimination against religious minorities. We welcome Iran's acceptance of visits by Special Rapporteurs of the Commission on Human Rights. There are also issues where we have continuing concerns: continued flagrant violations of due process, particularly during pre-trial detention; the resort to televised `confessions'; on-going attempted suppression of freedom of the press, and failure to respect the religious and cultural rights of the Baha'i community.

Australia urges the Royal Cambodian Government, in the lead up to the 2003 National Election, to take further steps to ensure an environment which is conducive to free and fair elections. Australia regrets the decision of the UN to cease negotiations with the Cambodian Government to establish a Khmer Rouge Tribunal and urges both parties to resume a dialogue. We encourage UN member states to support strongly efforts underway in New York to achieve that outcome.

Australia remains concerned at the humanitarian and human rights situation in Sudan and calls upon all parties to the conflict to engage with the international community in working towards improving conditions for the long-suffering population.

Let me conclude by saying that in these uncertain times, the international community must not lose sight of the continuing need to pressure governments to recognise and uphold the basic human rights of their citizens. For history has shown that respect for human rights is the foundation of a peaceful society, and it is only these societies that can contribute to a more peaceful world.