Refine results
-
Rights and Freedoms
1 August 2019Publication
Discussion paper: Priorities for federal discrimination law reform
This paper sets out the Commission’s preliminary views on the priorities for federal discrimination law reform. It identifies the need for reform, the principles that should guide it, and the 11 major priority areas for reform to ensure effective protection against discrimination at the federal level. -
Commission – General
14 October 2020Publication
Annual Report 2019-2020
This Annual Report sets out the performance of the Australian Human Rights Commission in the 2019–2020 financial year. -
Rights and Freedoms
3 September 2021Webpage
Human rights considerations for vaccine passports and certificates
Learn how vaccine passports are more likely to be consistent with human rights principles when they are used as a tool to improve public health outcomes. -
22 November 2023Webpage
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: 75 Years On
A video series commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that hears from a diverse group of Australians about what human rights means to them and where the nation still needs to improve. Disability rights, Indigenous, children's, women's, LGBTQIA+ rights, and the rights of refugees and asylum seekers are all featured. -
Rights and Freedoms
14 December 2012Project
Human Rights and Euthanasia
Euthanasia, or voluntary assisted suicide, has been the subject of much moral, religious, philosophical, legal and human rights debate in Australia. At the core of this debate is how to reconcile competing values: the desire of individuals to choose to die with dignity when suffering, and the need to uphold the inherent right to life of every person, as recognised by article 6(1) of the ICCPR. -
Rights and Freedoms
10 December 2021Publication
Free and Equal: A reform agenda for federal discrimination laws (2021)
This Position Paper sets out the Australian Human Rights Commission’s proposals for reforming federal discrimination law in Australia. It forms part of the Commission’s Free and Equal project: A National conversation on human rights. -
Rights and Freedoms
16 July 2019Media Release
Urgent call for Federal Government to protect 30,000 refugees and asylum seekers at risk in the community
The Australian Human Rights Commission calls on the Australian Government to make urgent changes to improve protections for approximately 30,000 refugees and asylum seekers living in the Australian community. A new report released today, Lives on hold: Refugees and asylum seekers in the ‘Legacy Caseload’, reveals the human rights situation for approximately 30,000 refugees and asylum seekers… -
Technology and Human Rights
16 December 2019Media ReleaseCommission calls for ethical AI
Learn more about how Australians need ethical AI which is designed and deployed to protect human rights. -
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
2 July 2020Opinion pieceBlanket bans would be unacceptable
During lockdown, many of us – myself included – have become even more reliant on our mobile phones. They have kept us in contact with parents, children and grandchildren, our colleagues and friends during this difficult time. When my two-year old first saw his grandmother on a smartphone, he squealed with delight. It wasn’t quite the same as being together — he pawed at the screen to try to… -
Rights and Freedoms
29 November 2016Speech
Human rights in action: the role of social workers in detention
Speech to Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Queensland State Social Work Conference University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus – Lecture Theatre Room 234, Parnell Building Check against delivery Acknowledgements: the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land, the Turrbal and Jagera people Australian Association of Social Workers and Professor Karen Healy AM (National President) … -
Rights and Freedoms
26 October 2017Speech
National Human Rights Commissions — what’s the point?
International Bar Association Section on Public and Professional Interests 12 October 2017 Sydney by Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM President, Australian Human Rights Commission [ Professor Croucher spoke to this paper] Acknowledgements As the Head of an Australian Government agency I begin my presentation by acknowledging the traditional custodians of this land, and pay my respect… -
14 December 2012Book page
Commission Website: National Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention
1. Save the Children Save the Children is the world's largest independent child development organisation, with 32 member countries and programs in over 100 countries. Save the Children works for: -
Technology and Human Rights
23 November 2020Media Release
Historical bias in AI systems
Learn more about how historical bias in data sets can negatively impact developing and deploying ethical AI. -
Rights and Freedoms
28 October 2020Webpage
Where is the line on COVID-19 emergency measures?
Learn how limitations to human rights must be necessary and proportionate, including during a pandemic situation such as COVID-19. -
Rights and Freedoms
29 July 2021Webpage
Face masks and federal discrimination law
At various times during the COVID-19 pandemic, state and territory governments in Australia have made it a requirement for people to wear a face mask in certain settings. The different rules and exemptions around face masks are set out in the relevant state and territory public health orders. The latest mask-wearing requirements can be found on the appropriate state and territory government… -
Rights and Freedoms
18 November 2016Speech
National Faith and Civil Marriage Equality Forum
National Faith and Civil Marriage Equality Forum Hosted by Australians 4 Equality Main Committee Room, Parliament House, Canberra Edward Santow, Human Rights Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission Check against Delivery Introduction My late father used to talk about our family’s motley religious heritage. Dad’s mother was Anglican, his step-mother was a Quaker and his father, my -
Education19 September 2018Webpage
Students
Learn about everything related to human rights including what they are, how they impact every area of our lives and why they are so important to protect. -
LGBTIQ+
12 June 2019Publication
Guidelines - Including transgender and gender diverse people in sport
These Guidelines have been developed to provide guidance to sporting organisations on promoting the inclusion and participation of transgender and gender diverse people in sport. -
Rights and Freedoms
14 December 2012Project
Bush Talks: Rural Health
In 1998 and 1999 the Commission (then known as HREOC) visited regional, rural and remote areas in every State and the Northern Territory as part of the Bush Talks consultations. -
Rights and Freedoms
13 February 2017Opinion piece
OPCAT could revolutionise Australia's treatment of detainees
The federal government has announced it will ratify and implement the OPCAT treaty . Few people will have heard of OPCAT (Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture). It creates no new legal rights. Yet it could be the single most positive step this decade in improving conditions in all Australian places of detention. OPCAT will enhance how independent bodies inspect places of…