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Rights and Freedoms
28 July 2020Opinion pieceWearing a mask will protect human liberties, not infringe upon them
There’s been a lot of talk, anger and resistance to the changes of our rights and freedoms as Australia deals with the COVID-19 pandemic. In some way or another, each and every one of us has encountered restrictions – on our freedom of movement, the right to peaceful protest, the ability to engage in public areas without wearing masks and the requirement to provide personal information for… -
Rights and Freedoms
3 July 2020Submission
Inquiry into the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill 2020
The Bill would amend the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s (ASIO’s) compulsory questioning powers under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (Cth) (ASIO Act). -
Rights and Freedoms
28 June 2020Media Release
Implementing OPCAT in Australia released
The Commission has today released recommendations for how Australia should implement the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). Implementing OPCAT in Australia is the final step in the Commission’s consultation process with civil society, inspectorate and monitoring bodies, and a number of state and territory… -
Rights and Freedoms
26 June 2020Publication
Implementing OPCAT in Australia (2020)
The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) aims to improve how people’s human rights are protected when they are detained. -
Rights and Freedoms
25 June 2020Publication
Freedom of Religion in Australia: a focus on serious harms (2020)
The right to freedom of religion is recognised in international human rights law and receives some protection in Australia’s federal, state and territory laws. -
Rights and Freedoms
27 April 2020Media Release
Commission welcomes COVIDSafe App
The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the COVIDSafe App as an important public health initiative, which can help protect the rights of Australians to health and life. The App also opens the possibility of easing restrictions on other human rights, such as freedom of movement and freedom of association. Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow said, “The Commission welcomes the… -
Rights and Freedoms
21 April 2020Opinion piece
Resisting extremism in a pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic spread to this big island of ours, our leaders made a momentous decision: they decided to save as many human lives as possible. This was the right decision. It shows we as a country care about human life above all else. But now we face an even harder question: how to save lives while preventing economic collapse and staying true to our democratic values? In order… -
Rights and Freedoms
9 April 2020E-bulletin (Monthly)
Community update: COVID-19 (April 2020)
Here to help, human rights in COVID times -
Rights and Freedoms
6 March 2020Speech
Is it coming up roses yet? Women in the 21st century
Union, University and Schools Club * check upon delivery Introduction Thank you to the Union, University and Schools Club for inviting me to speak and to Dr Mary Forbes for reaching out to. This is a wonderful event. Full of pride, full of celebration—and full of women and supportive men! Let me begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet, the Gadigal… -
Rights and Freedoms
4 March 2020Publication
Mr Nauroze Anees v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs)
Learn about the case of Mr. Nauroze Anees v. Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs). -
Rights and Freedoms
31 January 2020Media Release
Commission warns on Religious Discrimination Bill overreach
In its submission on the latest draft of the Religious Discrimination Bill, the Australian Human Rights Commission warns that elements of the Bill are inconsistent with international human rights law. The Commission is particularly concerned that exemptions for ‘statements of belief’ in the Bill would override existing federal, state and territory discrimination laws on grounds such as race,… -
Rights and Freedoms
19 December 2019Speech
Human Rights Awards - Keynote speech 2019
Human Rights Awards Keynote Speech delivered by Commission President, Prof. Rosalind Croucher AM, at the Human Rights Awards, held at the Fullerton Hotel, Sydney. Check Against Delivery Thank you for that warm welcome to country. I pay my respects to the Gadigal people of the Eora nation—the traditional custodians of this land—to their elders, past and present, and to the future generations… -
Rights and Freedoms
13 December 2019Media Release
Rosemary Kayess wins 2019 Human Rights Medal
Leading disability rights activist Rosemary Kayess has won the prestigious 2019 Human Rights Medal in recognition of her work in international human rights law for people with disability. Ms Kayess, a tireless advocate for equal rights for people with disability in Australia and worldwide, contributed to drafting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and -
Rights and Freedoms
12 December 2019Media Release
Human Rights Award medal announced today
A former Socceroo, a disability rights activist, the author of best-seller Dark Emu, a leading business consultant, and a campaigning lawyer from Queensland are waiting to hear if they will be awarded the prestigious Human Rights Award medal on Friday. The winners in all nine categories of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s annual Human Rights Awards will be announced today at a… -
Rights and Freedoms
9 December 2019Video
Human Rights Day 2019 - Message from Commission President
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Rights and Freedoms
5 December 2019Video
Meet the 2019 Human Rights Medal finalists
Hear from our Human Rights Medal finalists whom we’re supporting and acknowledging at this year’s ceremony on December 13, 2019. Tickets are available -
Rights and Freedoms
15 November 2019Opinion piece
Freedom of speech and Annika Smethurst
Opinion piece by Commission President Rosalind Croucher published in the Australian newspaper The raids on the home of News Corp journalist Annika Smethurst and the offices of the ABC have highlighted the vulnerability of press freedom in Australia compared to other similar liberal democracies. The offences being investigated, as set out in the relevant warrants, included alleged offences by… -
Rights and Freedoms
10 October 2019Video
Prof. Rosalind Croucher at Free + Equal Human Rights Conference
Watch Prof. Rosalind Croucher's insightful speech at the Free and Equal Human Rights Conference. -
Rights and Freedoms
10 October 2019Video
Dr Michelle Bachelet at the Free + Equal Conference
Watch Dr. Michelle Bachelet's keynote speech at the Free + Equal Conference, discussing human rights and equality. -
Rights and Freedoms
8 October 2019Speech
UN Human Rights Commissioner speaks out
Australian Human Rights Commission conference Free and Equal: An Australian Conversation on Human Rights Statement by Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights 8 October 2019 President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Rosalind Croucher and fellow Commissioners Mr Les Malezer, Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Members of Parliament and…