Statement 105 - Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate-General

Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate-General

Geneva, Switzerland

Address: Chemin des Fins 2, Case Postale 102, 1211 Geneva 19 - Telephone: 022 799 9100 - Fax: 022 799 9178

8th Session of the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review

Intervention by Australia

by Ms Angela Robinson
5 May, 2010

Spain

Australia welcomes the distinguished delegation from Spain and appreciates its engagement in the UPR process.

Australia commends the Government of Spain on its thorough UPR national report. The report underscores Spain’s strong commitment to human rights, the progress achieved and measures taken in regard to human rights obligations.

We commend Spain for its efforts in addressing gender violence and, in particular, for highlighting the cause of equality by adopting it as a key objective during its EU Presidency. Australia further commends the 2009-2012 Integrated Plan against Sex Trafficking and encourages Spain to continue its efforts in this area.

Australia acknowledges Spain’s considerable advances towards integrating migrants and combating xenophobia. Australia urges Spain to maintain its strong efforts to integrate migrant communities.

Australia would like to put the following recommendations to Spain:

1. Develop a National Plan of Action on eliminating violence against women; and

2. Include in its legislation a definition of sex trafficking in line with international law.