081126_thirdcommittee_OHCHR - 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

Explanation of Vote on the OHCHR Strategic framework (Programme 19), delivered by Lara Nassau, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the UN

26 November 2008

(As delivered)

Australia strongly supports the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and appreciates its invaluable role in promoting and protecting human rights around the world. We are disappointed, therefore, that the Committee was unable to reach consensus on the important question of programme planning.

We have strong reservations about the inclusion in the text of inappropriate language relating to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Australia’s vote on this text is in no way a reflection of our position on the excellent work of the OHCHR.

We encourage the Office to continue its vital contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights globally.