Search results

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the passage in the Senate today of the Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Amendment (Selection and Appointment) Bill 2022. The Bill ensures Commissioner appointments are publicly advertised and subject to an open, transparent and merit-based process, in line with our international commitments. It removes the possibility of…

The Australian Human Rights Commission is urging all Australian state and territory governments to fully commit to implementing an important human rights framework for people held in detention settings following the suspension of a tour of Australia by United Nations inspectors. A delegation from the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture (UN SPT) has been in Australia since last week…

Explore a plan to end gender-based violence and how for this to succeed, all governments need to make investments in prevention and recovery strategies.

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). Informed by the Commission’s recent National OPCAT Symposium, the Road Map to OPCAT Compliance…

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.

Launched today to coincide with the 2022 International Day of Older Persons, the Elder Abuse: Shift Your Perspective campaign includes a series of videos which prompt perpetrators to consider how their behaviour might be affecting older people in their lives.

An important gathering of First Nations women – including specialist experts, researchers, frontline workers and women with lived experience of violence – has called on governments across Australia to ensure First Nations women lead all future efforts to prevent violence against First Nations women and children. On Monday the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Women’s Safety Policy Forum was held online,…

Commissioner Hollonds said vulnerable children and their families have been let down by federal, state and territory governments for decades with key recommendations from various inquiries and Royal Commissions going unimplemented.

A national survey examining the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people during the COVID-19 pandemic shows children and their families need better support from schools and mental health services. An initiative of the National Children's Commissioner, the survey found that children most commonly seek mental health support from their families, friends and schools. However,…

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins welcomes the report on sexual harassment, assault, and bullying in New South Wales Parliament and urges swift action on recommendations.

Celebrating and showcasing the lives of First Nations children is the focus of today’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. With the theme this year of ‘My Dreaming, My Future’, the day also provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on how Australians can work together to improve a range of health, social and human rights outcomes for young First Nations people

The Australian Human Rights Commission is urging all federal parliamentarians to support the passage of the new Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Amendment (Selection and Appointment) Bill 2022. Commission President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM, has welcomed the introduction to Parliament of the new Bill by Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP, last week. The…

Learn how the Human Rights Commission is deeply concerned about the safety and wellbeing of teenagers who were kept in adult detention centres.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar AO has joined calls for no more guns to be carried by police officers in communities, and has extended her heart and thoughts to the family of Kumanjayi Walker, the Yuendumu community and Warlpiri people at this very difficult time. Commissioner Oscar said, “Walker’s family have been brave, courageous, and…

As most Australian children return to school today, they are being invited to share their stories about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their wellbeing, and how they have coped.

Discover the publication by the Australian and New Zealand Human Rights Commissions and FIFA.

A new set of guidelines will help Australian sports organisations act effectively and consistently in responding to incidents of spectator racism and preventing racism from occurring at sporting events. Major professional sports organisations including the AFL, Cricket Australia, NRL, Tennis Australia, and some of the nation’s largest stadiums have already endorsed the guidelines, and more…

All 16 of Australia’s children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates say a commitment by state attorneys-general to develop a proposal to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 does not go far enough. In a joint statement, Australian children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates said: “We are pleased that some jurisdictions have for the first time indicated they will look at…

The Australian Human Rights Commission acknowledges the Federal Government’s announcement that it will stop the offshore processing of asylum seekers on Papua New Guinea at the end of 2021.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has today released its Progress Update on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces. The Commission was asked to undertake the Review by the Federal Government, with the support of the Opposition and crossbench, in March 2021. The Review is examining the culture of Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces with the aim of ensuring…