U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

The United States welcomes the Australian delegation.

We recommend Australia:

1. Protect freedom of expression for those speaking out against government policies, including by amending national security laws that inhibit the speech of journalists, whistleblowers, and lawyers; 
   
2. Increase support for refugees and asylum seekers by reducing barriers to labor markets and education, and by providing access to healthcare facilities, especially those aimed at improving mental health; and 
   
3. Investigate the disadvantages that indigenous populations face in education, incarceration, and life expectancy.
   

The United States commends Australia for continuing to protect and promote human rights globally and regionally.  We applaud the work Australia is doing to advance the rights of indigenous people, especially with the 2019 Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap.