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Rights and Freedoms

Urgent action needed following termination of UN inspection

The Australian Human Rights Commission says an extraordinary decision to terminate a tour of Australian places of detention by United Nations inspectors reflects Australia’s fragmented approach to protecting the human rights of people in detention.

Category, Story
Rights and Freedoms

Australia needs to deliver on our treaty promises

As with any agreement, there are certain requirements that OPCAT signatories need to fulfill, and Australia has been given longer than any other country to meet our OPCAT commitments. Today – 20 January 2023 – is our extended compliance deadline, and Australia has failed to deliver on our promises.

Category, Opinion
Rights and Freedoms

Human Rights in the time of Covid

Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic as a public health emergency tested national readiness in a federal system to contain the spread of the disease effectively and required very quick action by governments.

Category, Speech
Children's Rights

Governments must urgently address youth justice crisis

The Australian Human Rights Commission calls on all Australian governments to urgently address the national crisis in youth justice to prevent further harm to children in detention, and to reduce youth offending through effective systems of support.

Category, Story
Rights and Freedoms

New report aims to help fast-track Australia’s OPCAT implementation process

A new report released today by the Australian Human Rights Commission outlines activities required to expedite Australia’s sluggish approach to implementing the United Nation’s Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT)...

Category, News
Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Joint Statement on the use of hotel APODs

This Statement provides guidance on the short-term use of hotel APODs, including access to open‑air exercise, access to meaningful programs and activities, and the need to ensure medical and welfare services are of the same standard as those provided in other immigration detention facilities.

Category, News
Commission – General

‘Bringing rights home—mapping an agenda on human rights in Australia

‘Bringing rights home—mapping an agenda on promoting, protecting and fulfilling human rights in Australia Michael Kirby Justice Oration 2021 Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM President, Australian Human Rights Commission The annual Kirby orations pay tribute to Michael Kirby’s commitment to...

Category, Speech

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