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THE UNITED NATIONS HAS RESPONDED TO MY INVESTIGATION INTO WOMEN GIVING BIRTH IN CHAINS IN AUSTRALIA. I've received a written response from the office of UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Alsalem, concerning the shackling of incarcerated women during childbirth. What the UN has told me raises serious questions about the Australian Government's refusal to support legislation banning this practice. The response explicitly states: “Australia's federal structure cannot, in itself, excuse non-compliance with its international human rights obligations.” It acknowledges that corrective services are administered by states and territories, but makes clear that this does not resolve Australia's responsibilities under international law. The response cites Rule 24 of the UN Bangkok Rules, which expressly provides that instruments of restraint “shall never be used on women during labour, during birth and immediately after birth.” It also states: “The Commonwealth should therefore explain what concrete national measures it will pursue to ensure that this practice is prohibited, prevented and effectively monitored.” These are important statements from the office of a UN Special Rapporteur. The Commonwealth cannot simply point to state and territory responsibility without explaining how Australia will meet its international human rights obligations. Yet the Federal Government and Opposition declined to support Senator Lidia Thorpe's legislation to prohibit shackling during childbirth. Leading obstetricians, including representatives of RANZCOG, have warned that shackling during childbirth can put BOTH MOTHER AND BABY at serious medical risk. Restraints can impede emergency treatment when seconds may mean the difference between life and death. It is cruel, degrading, medically unnecessary and potentially dangerous. I am now seeking direct answers from Minister for Women Katy Gallagher (@SenKatyG) and Health Minister Mark Butler (@Mark_Butler_MP) and our PM @AlboMP Will they support a complete prohibition on shackling during labour, childbirth and immediately afterwards? What concrete national measures will they take to prevent this practice? And when will they act? Senators Lidia Thorpe, David Shoebridge, Fatima Payman and David Pocock have supported efforts to end this practice. Their continued involvement is particularly important following this UN response. @SenatorThorpe @DavidShoebridge @SenatorPayman @DavidPocock These women are giving birth in Australian hospitals. Their babies have committed no crime. Australia's international human rights obligations cannot simply be passed from Canberra to the states and territories. The fight to end childbirth in chains is far from over. #auspol #HumanRights #WomensRights #MaternalHealth #PrisonReform #EndShackling #BangkokRules #unitednations #unwomen