Thread by @NATSILS_

The Universal Periodic Review #UPR37 has now commenced: webtv.un.org/live-now/watch…

Australia will have its human rights record questioned by UN members on the global stage. The world is watching, and @NATSILS_ will be live tweeting.

Australia's representative Andrew Walter from AGD is giving an opening statement. The new #ClosingtheGap Agreement and @coalition_peaks has been highlighted as a key step forward for working in partnership with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Dialogue has now commenced, with Venezuela citing concerns around Aus treatment of First Nations people, including the age of criminal responsibility. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Zambia also state criminal age of responsibility to raise from 10 years #RaiseTheAge #UPR37 #AusUPR

Albania welcomes improvements to OPCAT and commitments to meet the targets of the #ClosingTheGap framework. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Azerbaijan recognises that "racism towards Indigenous people is deep rooted" in Australia, with many facing discrimination in housing, education, healthcare and in the criminal justice system. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Bahamas urge Aus to take concrete steps to address the over-incarceration of Indigenous people in the justice system, and ensure the #CashlessDebitCard income schemes are non-discriminatory #UPR37 #AusUPR

The Bahamas urges Australia to take concrete steps to address the over-incarceration of Indigenous people and ensure the #CashlessDebitCard income schemes are non-discriminatory in application. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Barbados has urged Australia to combat racism, incl affecting Indigenous communities, to protect children and develop policies to protect the rights of women, especially Indigenous women. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Barbados has urged Australia to combat racism, incl affecting Indigenous communities, to protect children and develop policies to protect the rights of women, especially Indigenous women. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Belarus has raised concerns that Australia is “dodging it’s obligations to Indigenous people” #UPR37 #AusUPR

Bosnia & Herzegovina has recommended that Australia continue to combat family and sexual violence #UPR37 #AusUPR
@NationalFVPLS

Bosnia & Herzegovina has recommended that Australia continue to combat family and sexual violence #UPR37 #AusUPR
@NationalFVPLS

Brazil urges Australia to recognise Indigenous people’s legal status in the Constitution, and welcomes Australia's ratification of OPCAT #UPR37 #AusUPR

Burkina Faso has raised concerns about racism and recommends that Australia develop a National Action Plan to stop violence against Aboriginal women and girls #UPR37 #AusUPR @NationalFVPLS

Chile has commended Australia's ratification of #OPCAT and recommended Aus to #raisetheage of criminal responsibility to 14 in line with international standards and promote non custodial measures, also to ensure access to justice for people with disabilities.
#UPR37 #AusUPR

Canada recommends Australia #raisetheage of criminal responsibility & ensure that children receive adequate support to address risk factors. Asks Aus to take steps with Indigenous people and bodies to implement UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples
#UPR37 #AusUPR

China has noted concerns of racism & urged Australia to eliminate systemic discrimination against Indigenous people as well as violence against them #UPR37 #AusUPR

Croatia has commended Australia's ratification of #OPCAT and called for protection of children within youth justice facilities as well as to #RaisetheAge of criminal responsibility in all states and territories #UPR37 #AusUPR

Cypress has welcomed Australia's ratification of #OPCAT and recommended Australia to #RaiseTheAge of criminal responsibility to at least 14 years #UPR37 #AusUPR

Czech Republic acknowledges ratification of #OPCAT &
welcomes National Plan to reduce violence against women. Recommends non-judicial measures of children accused of crimes and to #RaiseTheAge of criminal responsibility #UPR37 #AusUPR

Denmark echoes praise for #OPACT ratification, are "concerned" about the low age of criminal responsibility, urge Australia to #RaisetheAge and improve social and economic situation of Indigenous people through meaningful involvement #UPR37 #AusUPR

Ecuador commends ratification of #OPCAT #UPR37 #AusUPR

Egypt expresses concern with the increase in racism in Australia, and urges Australia to put a stop to racial discrimination and hate speech #UPR37 #AusUPR

El Salvador urge Australia to "step up your action to promote the Human Rights of Indigenous people" #UPR37 #AusUPR

Finland recommends Australia bring the child justice system in line w international standards by #raisetheage to 14 years
& supply funding to Indigenous peoples orgs to enable full independent Indigenous participation UN mechanisms.
#UPR37 #AusUPR

Estonia recognises the ratification of #OPACT, joins the chorus of calls for Australia to #RaisetheAge of criminal responsibility and recommends Australia works to continue to improve lives of Indigenous people #UPR37 #AusUPR

Fiji recommends that Australia take measures to ensure the full participation of Indigenous peoples #UPR37 #AusUPR

France recommends that Australia eradicates discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including #raisetheage of criminal responsibility to 13 and and improve detention conditions for children under 15 years.
#UPR37 #AusUPR

We are now hearing Australia's response to the questions and recommendations asked tonight, as well as questions submitted in advance from UN member states
#UPR37 #AusUPR

Just pausing for a moment to reflect what an overwhelming response from countries around the world to call for Australia to #raisetheage of criminal responsibility. It is clear that Australia is behind the rest of the world and the UN members want to see action.
#UPR37 #AusUPR

This is huge - by our count, 13 UN member states asked q's/made recommendations calling on Australia to #raisetheage of criminal responsibility. Australia has one of the lowest ages in the world. Australia must commit to #raisetheage to at least 14 years. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Jamie Fox from NIAA provides responses to questions for Australia on issues relating to First Nations people. He has noted #ClosingtheGap & #CoalitionofPeaks, that deaths in custody are a tragedy, that justice targets are incl in the #ClosingtheGap Agreement.
#UPR37 #AusUPR

NIAA has noted that there needs to be a cooperative approach between govt and communities to reduce incarceration rates and death in custody; strategies must be community driven and reflect the needs of Indigenous people.
#UPR37 #AusUPR

NIAA has welcomed @June_Oscar's
Wiyi Yani U Thangani Report on women and girls' voices, which elevates this to a national conversation.

Also notes the strong response on COVID in partnership with Indigenous communities, with only 1% of all COVID cases.
#UPR37 #AusUPR

Dialogue continues, with Georgia commending ratification of #OPCAT and note Australia needs to continue steps to ensure the needs of Indigenous people are met
#UPR37 #AusUPR

Germany join in calls urging Australia to #raisetheage of criminal responsibility to at least 14 years old
#UPR37 #AusUPR

Ghana note the ratification of #OPACT and recommends the reinforcement of measures to protect the rights of Indigenous people #UPR37 #AusUPR

Guyana commends continuing efforts to reduce the disparity in health and economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Haiti recommends Aus consider introducing a
#UniversalBasicIncome
#UPR37 #ausUPR

Iceland recommends that Australia #raisetheage of criminal responsibility nationwide and fund and support community led and diversion programs that keep children and young people out of prison.
#UPR37 #AusUPR

Holy See commends commitment to #ClosingtheGap, and
recommends "redouble" the efforts to ensure the rights and protections of Indigenous people, particularly children by ensuring access to education #UPR37 #AusUPR

India appreciate Australia's efforts to improve the education and health outcomes for Indienous people and recommends to address racism and take steps to revise national laws and policies to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples #UPR37 #AusUPR

Iran calls on Australia to "enact measures to end systematic police brutality against Indigenous people by police." #UPR37 #AusUPR

Iraq recommends that Australia ends the indefinite detention of people with a disability. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Jordan calls on Australia to ensure the judiciary is better able to respond to violence against women and children.
#UPR37 #AusUPR

Italy commends ratification of the #OPCAT and the appointment of the first Indigenous Cabinet Minister @KenWyattMP. Calls on Aus to #RaiseTheAge to at least 14 years and continue to #CloseTheGap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
#UPR37 #AusUPR

Laos recommends that Australia continue to address inequality in health and education outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Kazakhstan calls for Australia to focus on combatting violence against women and children #UPR37 #AusUPR @NationalFVPLS

Lesotho urge Australia to continue efforts to curb family violence against women with disability and Indigenous women @NationalFVPLS #UPR37 #AusUPR

Lithuania commends ratification of #OPACT and recommends Australia #raisetheage to 14 years & bring elements of the child justice system into line with the Convention of the Rights of the Child #UPR37 #AusUPR

Libya recommends Australia pursue efforts to provide health care in rural and remote regions #AusUPR @NationalFVPLS

Malta recommends that Australia #raisetheage of criminal responsibility nationwide to at least 14 years, to expand and provide resources for the delivery of child targeted mental health services.
#UPR37 #AusUPR

Malaysia calls for Australia to further efforts in tackling violence against Indigenous woman, and greater strengthening in measures to protect against racial discrimination #UPR37 #AusUPR @NationalFVPLS

Mexico welcomes appointment of first Aboriginal Minister @KenWyattMP. Recommends Australia consult Indigenous peoples' reps in developing policy measures, to #raisetheage and align juvenile justice system with the Convention on the Rights of the Child
#UPR37 #AusUPR

Mauritius commends Australia's ratification of #OPCAT whilst recommending the legal status of Indigenous people be recognised, to ensure full protection of their rights. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Montenegro join in the acknowledgement in the ratification of #OPCAT and #ClosingtheGap strategy & ensure all children with disability have access to education #UPR37 #AusUPR

Morocco welcomes the ratification of #OPCAT #UPR37 #AusUPR

Myanmar welcomes the partnership agreement on #ClosingtheGap, and urges Australia to ensure the education strategies for Indigenous people, including preservation of their cultural heritage. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Namibia calls on Australia to develop a national action plan to implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Nepal notes Aus efforts to reduce disparity in education and health outcomes of Indigenous peoples, though urge Govt to continue efforts to reduce discrimination against Indigenous people. #UPR37 #AusUPR

New Zealand commends ratification of #OPCAT, encourages Referendum for constitutional recognition, address over-representation of Indigenous people in health, education and justice, increase rights of Traditional owners for protection of cultural sites #UPR37 #AusUPR

Netherlands recommends Australia adopt further measures to incorporate the Declaration on Rights of Indigenous people in domestic laws, in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people #UPR37 #AusUPR

New Zealand commends ratification of #OPCAT, encourages Referendum for constitutional recognition, address over-representation of Indigenous people in health, education and justice, increase rights of Traditional owners for protection of cultural sites #UPR37 #AusUPR

North Macedonia commends Aus ratification of #OPCAT and recommended Australia to #raisetheage of criminal responsibility to 14 in line with international standards and promote non custodial measures
#UPR37 #AusUPR

Australian Government has responded to calls to #raisetheage. They have not committed to raising the age of criminal responsibility. The Govt noted this is a decision for states and territories, noting NT & ACT have committed to doing it. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Australian Government response to #raisetheage (cont). The Govt noted the youth detention statistics and that there is a Council of AGs Working Group inquiry on #raisetheage. Notes that reducing the numbers of Indigenous young people in prison is priority. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Australian Govt response to #raisetheage (cont). Notes issues with use of isolation & that this should not be encouraged in youth detention, & done w oversight. Noted need to separate kids from adults in prison & for kids to have contact with their families #UPR37 #AusUPR

Australian Govt response to #raisetheage (cont). The Govt has also pointed to the doctrine of doli incapax as being protection for children under 14 years in prison. Has also noted focus on early intervention, diversion, wellbeing programs. Notes NT Royal Commission. #UPR37

Australian Govt response to #raisetheage (cont).
Aus Govt has not committed to #raisetheage despite dozens of recs to do so.
We disagree that doli incapax is sufficient protection & that this is a state decision only.
We need national leadership to #raisetheage #ausupr

Australian Govt response to #raisetheage (cont).

We'll have more to say on this later - but now - back to the action!
#ausupr #UPR37

Norway requests Australia review mandatory sentencing laws, with a view to abolishing and expand non-custodial measures. Joins in recommendation for Aus to #RaiseTheAge to 14 years old. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Pakistan calls on Australia to end hate speech on the basis of race and colour. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Peru urges Australia to continue efforts to eradicate violence against woman and children, particularly in indigenous communities #UPR37 #AusUPR

Philippines notes need to strengthen implementation of #OPCAT through establishing NPMs, and calls on Australia to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people #UPR37 #AusUPR

Portugal calls on Australia to strengthen efforts to realise economic, social and cultural rights of Indigenous people in consultation with Indigenous people and civil society. Recommends Australia #RaisetheAge of criminal responsibility to at least 14 years. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Portugal calls on Australia to strengthen efforts to realise economic, social and cultural rights of Indigenous people in consultation with Indigenous people and civil society. Recommends Australia #RaisetheAge of criminal responsibility to at least 14 years. #UPR37

Korea welcomes ratification of #OPCAT and the new agreement on #ClosingtheGap, which has been developed with Indigenous bodies. Urge Aus to continue narrowing the gap in life outcome - by focusing on health, education and economic opportunities. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Republic Moldova call to adjust the national child justice system, calling for Australia to #raisetheage to 14, in line with the Rights of the Child #UPR37 #AusUPR

Romania recognise the challenges in reducing the rates of children in out of home care, and ask Australia to continue addressing the problem of over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody #UPR37 #AusUPR

Spain recommends Australia ratify ILO 169, to #raisetheage of criminal responsibility to at least 14 years & follow Convention of the Rights of the Child when it comes to youth detention and detention conditions.
#AusUPR #UPR37

Russia notes concerns by policies against Indigenous people, citing that it is possible in Australia to enact laws that only apply to certain racial groups #UPR37 #AusUPR

Singapore notes #ClosingtheGap agreement, and recommends that Australia should continue efforts in key areas for Indigenous people across access to healthcare, education and employment. #AusUPR #UPR37

Slovakia asks Australia to consider establishing an elected Indigenous representative body to parliament and calls on Australia to #raisetheage to at least 14 years. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Sri Lanka calls on Australia to address disparities faced by Indigenous people and to #raisetheage of criminal responsibility to the internationally accepted level. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Slovenia ask Aus to consider comprehensive strategy to improve conditions of Indigenous people in cooperation w Indigenous orgs, bring juvenile justice system in line with Rights of Child. Concerned that age of criminal responsibility is 10 #RaiseTheAge #UPR37

Somalia urge Aus to adopt comprehensive law to prohibit all forms of discrimination against minority groups, including Indigenous peoples. #AusUPR #UPR37

Spain recommends Australia ratify ILO 169, to #raisetheage of criminal responsibility to at least 14 years & follow Convention of the Rights of the Child when it comes to youth detention and detention conditions.
#AusUPR #UPR37

Switzerland commends ratification #OPCAT and recommends Australia #raisetheage to 14 years, and is concerned about Indigenous people's conditions, urges Aus to follow up on Special Rapporteur's work on Indigenous people in consultation.
#UPR37 #AusUPR

Palestine ask Australia to include Indigenous history and impacts of colonisation in education curriculum. Call on Australia to not take actions in country without Indigenous people's consent. #UPR37 #AusUPR

Sudan recommends Australia promote and strengthen rights of Indigenous people, and address the rights of people with disability in the criminal justice system. #AusUPR #UPR37 @FPDNAus

Sweden joins in calling on Aus to #raisetheage to at least 14 in line with international standards as recommended by CRC. Also calls for Aus to work towards full realisation of rights of Indigenous people, including recognition in the Constitution. #UPR37 #AusUPR

United States asks Australis to investigate disparity experienced by Indigenous people in education, incarceration and life expectancy. Encourages focus on #ClosingtheGap Partnership Agreement. #AusUPR #UPR37

Uruguay calls on Australia to consider reviewing #raisetheage of criminal responsibility in line with Convention on Rights of Child’s recommendations. #AusUPR #UPR37

Uzbekistan recommends Australia prevents over-crowding of prisons & repeal any laws that allow deprivation of liberty on grounds of disability. #AusUPR #UPR37

Thailand congratulates Aus Govt on #ClosingtheGap between Governments and the @coalition_peaks. #AusUPR #UPR37

Timor-Leste note the ratification of #OPCAT, and wish for Aus to ensure all children with disability have access to inclusive education. #AusUPR #UPR37

Togo commends progress by Australia, including ratification of #OPCAT #AusUPR #UPR37

Turkey recommends urgent recognition of Indigenous people in Constitution as soon as possible. #AusUPR #UPR37

Uganda ask Australia to focus on implementing #ClosingtheGap framework, and calls for the continuation of practice of consulting with Indigenous people to protect their rights and build an inclusive society. #AusUPR #UPR37

United States asks Australis to investigate disparity experienced by Indigenous people in education, incarceration and life expectancy. Encourages focus on #ClosingtheGap Partnership Agreement. #AusUPR #UPR37

United Kingdom calls for Aus to implement the #ClosingtheGap strategy, while ensuring shared decision making and genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. #AusUPR #UPR37

Vanuatu recommends Aus introduce laws to eradicate racial discrimination agains Indigenous people and that Aus revise the Constitution to recognise Indigenous people #AusUPR #UPR37

A note that @NATSILS_ focussed on human rights issues pertaining to Australia's First Nations people. Thank you for following along with our coverage of #UPR37 this evening!

MEDIA RELEASE: United Nations slams Australia’s treatment of First Nations people and calls on Australia to Raise the Age in Universal Periodic Review

@CLCsAustralia @NationalFVPLS #UPR37 #AusUPR

#RaiseTheAge

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