UPR National Report 10/12/25

humanrightsbranch@dfat.gov.au

📧 ausmission.geneva@dfat.gov.au

📧 cc:

– ohchr-info@un.org

– uprbranch@ohchr.org

Formal Request for Clarification: Omission of AP I Article 77 Obligations in Australia’s UPR National Report

10/12/25

Dear Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,

I am writing to formally request clarification regarding a significant omission in Australia’s National Report submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026 Universal Periodic Review.

The report makes no reference to Australia’s binding obligations under Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, Article 77, specifically regarding protections owed to children affected by toxic remnants of war and long-term conflict-related exposure.

Given that AP I is an international humanitarian law treaty ratified by Australia, and therefore binding under international law, its omission constitutes a material gap in the completeness of the National Report.

Under UN reporting standards, States must provide a full and accurate account of their treaty implementation. Where critical obligations are omitted, a clarification or correction is standard practice to ensure accuracy for Member States preparing to examine the report.

I therefore request:

1. Confirmation of whether Australia intends to issue a clarification or addendum acknowledging its obligations under AP I Article 77; and

2. An explanation for the omission, as it directly concerns ongoing harm, civilian protection, and international humanitarian law obligations.

This correspondence is copied to the appropriate UN bodies for transparency and record-keeping as part of the UPR process.

I look forward to your response.

Warm Agent Orange Burns regards,

Danielle Stevens

For the record it published on twitter 10/12/25

🇦🇺UPR National Report is factually incomplete.

It omits AP I Article 77 obligations for toxic war exposure — a binding treaty commitment.

Under UN reporting standards, omissions must be corrected.

I formally request @dfat issue a clarification before the review.

@UNGeneva

AP1 Article 77 Protected Person