UNITED NATIONS THIRD COMMITTEE: INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE: SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON FREEDOM OF RELIGION OR BELIEF
Statement by Ms. Kirsten Storey, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations
24 October 2025
Thank you Chair.
Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for her timely report, which underscores that too often freedom of religion or belief is overlooked for ‘people on the move’.
Religiously motivated discrimination or violence is never acceptable. The report’s findings of denial or revocation of citizenship on the basis of religion or belief, and the restricted access to places of worship, are seriously concerning.
Australia is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals - irrespective of their situation - to adopt, manifest, change, or leave any religion or belief, without experiencing religious hatred, discrimination or violence.
This is why the Australian Government-appointed Special Envoys to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia, are considering their reports as part of our ongoing efforts to improve social cohesion in Australia, including fostering inter-faith dialogue. It’s why we have established an Office for Social Cohesion which works to strengthen social cohesion and democratic resilience in Australia.
Australia supports addressing the root causes of human rights violations through dialogue, inclusion and respect for diversity.
Today we ask, how can the international community strengthen early prevention and protection efforts to address violations of freedom of religion or belief?
Thank you.