United Nations Third Committee: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief
Statement by Mr. William Baitup, Second Secretary, Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations
22 October 2026
Thank you, Chair.
Australia reiterates its commitment to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief for all.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report on addressing how freedom of religion or belief relates to death and honouring the deceased in exceptional circumstances.
All people should be able to mourn and honour the deceased safely, freely, with dignity, and in accordance with their religion or belief.
This remains true in exceptional circumstances – such as periods of armed conflict, emergencies and transitions. States must act consistently with their obligations under applicable international law, including those relating to gravesites and handling of remains.
As we consider this topic, Australia highlights the importance of meaningful consultation with religious, belief and First Nations communities.
In Australia, we have appointed Special Envoys to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia, adopted national responses to their recommendations, established education taskforces and strengthened hate crime laws. These measures reinforce our commitment to protecting religious and belief communities, including when they mourn, conduct funeral and burial rites, and honour the deceased.
Special Rapporteur, what else can States do to elevate the voices of affected communities when making decisions on the treatment, return or commemoration of the deceased?