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Learn about the 'enhanced screening process' and how it's applied to unauthorised maritime arrivals to see if their claims will inhibit their removal.

1. What is the situation for refugees with adverse security assessments? As of May 2013 there are 56 refugees in immigration detention facilities in Australia who have been denied a protection visa as a result of receiving an adverse security assessment by the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). A number of these individuals are entering their fourth year in detention…

This toolkit is designed to assist leaders in organisations to develop and implement constructive and sustainable strategies to increase the representation of women in non-traditional roles in male-dominated industries. It provides practical suggestions and examples of different kinds of workplace strategies and mechanisms across four areas of: attraction, recruitment, retention and development…

The Commission recognises the importance of effective border management and recognises that Australia has a right as a sovereign State to exclude non-citizens from its territory. However, Australia also has international obligations in relation to asylum seekers who come here, including those who arrive by boat, which must be observed in its border management practices. This paper provides a…

Court finds Murrays discriminated by failing to provide an accessible coach service

1. What are bridging visas? Bridging visas are temporary visas which allow people to legally reside in the Australian community while they are applying for a longer term visa, appealing a decision relating to their visa, or making arrangements to leave Australia. Bridging visas can be granted to different groups of people, including asylum seekers who are seeking protection as refugees in…

2012 DA v Commonwealth of Australia (Department Federal Police) Report into discrimination in employment on the basis of criminal record [2012] AusHRC 59

This publication, Human rights standards for immigration detention, sets out benchmarks for the humane treatment of people held in immigration detention

This paper explores the many ways that homelessness impacts on a person’s ability to enjoy basic rights and freedoms. It shows that homelessness is more than just a housing issue. Homelessness is about human rights. Homeless people are not merely objects of charity, seeking help and compassion – like all Australians, they are individuals entitled to the protection and promotion of their human…

Draft guidelines for ensuring income management measures are compliant with the Racial Discrimination Act Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Key questions checklist 2.1 Does the income management measure ensure equality before the law? 2.2 Does implementation of the measure involve discrimination? ‘Direct discrimination’: s 9(1) ‘Indirect discrimination’: s 9(1A) 2.3 Is the measure a …

Human rights issues raised by the transfer of asylum seekers to third countries’ sets out the Australian Human Rights Commission’s position in relation to steps taken recently by the Australian Government to transfer asylum seekers who arrive in Australia by boat to third countries for the processing of their claims for protection.

Human rights at your fingertips is a pocket guide for public sector officials and contains the text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the seven international human rights treaties ratified by Australia and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The pocket guide also provides a table summarising the articles related to each right across the instruments.

This document provides an overview of the Commission’s major activities for 2012-13. The Commission regularly reviews the ways in which human rights are being observed and respected across Australia. We do this to determine where we can take practical action and make a positive difference.

Every three years we are required under our legislation to prepare a new Strategic Plan. We treat this as an opportunity to reflect on our effectiveness in undertaking our functions and duties, and to identify how we can ensure that our future work will result in tangible improvements in human rights for people in Australia.

The Australian Human Rights Commission is the nation’s independent human rights body. We work to find practical and long-term solutions to the human rights issues facing people in Australia, as well as to build greater understanding and respect for human rights in our community.

Learn about your rights regarding disability discrimination.

Australia has obligations to protect the human rights of all asylum seekers and refugees who arrive in Australia, regardless of how or where they arrive and whether they arrive with or without a visa.

Summary: The Full Court of the Federal Court restrained the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship from removing the applicant asylum seeker to Afghanistan until his claims for protection have been assessed according to law. The Court held that the International Treaties Obligations Assessment was affected by jurisdictional error as the wrong legal test was applied and procedural fairness was…

SUMMARY: Two sets of decisions issued last week by the High Court of Australia highlight the need for continuing discussion of options for improved legislative frameworks to protect freedom of expression and other human rights.

The Australian Human Rights Commission is focused on addressing sex discrimination and promoting gender equality in Australia – and ensuring the economic and financial security of all women. The Investing in care: Recognising and valuing those who care report examines the impact of unpaid caring responsibilities on workforce participation and retirement incomes and savings.