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Rights and Freedoms
29 August 2019Publication
Discussion paper: A model for positive human rights reform
This paper outlines what our current system of human rights protections looks like, how it is and isn’t effective in ensuring that government respects, protects and fulfils our human rights, why reforming the current system is critical, and options for reform. -
Rights and Freedoms
14 December 2012Speech
“Long-term detention and mental health”: Dr Sev Ozdowski OAM (2003)
I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we stand and by so doing remind ourselves that Australia’s cultural traditions stretch back many thousands of years. -
Commission – General
14 December 2022Speech2022 Human Rights Day Oration by Larissa Behrendt
"No More Just Tinkering at the Edges" Human Rights Day Oration by Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO 9 December 2022 I pay my respects to the Gadigal and the Elders who have kept knowledge on this country and shared so generously this unceded land. Before I start, I would like to thank the Commission for the honour of the 2021 Human Rights Medal. The award reflects a long-term… -
Rights and Freedoms
14 December 2012Speech
"Long-term detention and mental health": Dr Sev Ozdowski OAM (2003)
Speech given by Dr Sev Ozdowski OAM, Human Rights Commissioner at the 2nd Public Health Association of Australia Incarceration Conference. Wednesday 2 April 2003 at the Mercure Hotel Brisbane -
Rights and Freedoms
16 June 2015Project
Magna Carta: The Story of Our Freedom
To mark the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, the Australian Human Rights Commission has created a series of online educational resources which explore the evolution of human rights since 1215 and the impact that Magna Carta has had on our human rights and freedoms in Australia. The digital resources – including an interactive infographic, a short animated video and accompanying teacher… -
Commission – General
24 September 2015Webpage
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Rights and Freedoms
4 March 2023Publication
A National Human Rights Act for Australia
Australia is the only liberal democracy in the world that does not have a national act or charter of rights that explains what people’s basic rights are and how they can be protected. -
Rights and Freedoms
18 March 2022Opinion piece
What is happening in Ukraine should matter to every Australian
OPINION There is almost 13,000km between Australia and Ukraine. It is literally on the other side of the world. Given the vast distances that separate us, it would be easy to claim that what happens there has nothing to do with us. That Australia should focus instead on the many challenges we face at home and leave the rest of the world to deal with their own problems. That would be a grave … -
Disability Rights
10 January 2024VideoMissing Perspectives
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states “everyone is entitled” to all rights and freedoms, “without distinction of any kind”. But 75 years since its creation, disability rights advocate Hannah Diviney says Australia needs to do more to fulfill that promise. In episode 3 of our series commemorating the UDHR’s anniversary, hear the story of ‘Missing Perspectives’, a global news… -
Commission – General
13 March 2023Opinion piece
A national Human Rights Act needs to be introduced in Australia
Opinion piece by Commission President Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM, first published in the Canberra Times. -
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
8 October 2019Media Release
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Sydney
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Her Excellency Dr Michelle Bachelet AC, is in Sydney today to attend the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Free and Equal; A National Conversation on Human Rights. Dr Bachelet will deliver the keynote address at the conference. Her speech will focus on Australia’s human rights achievements and challenges, as well as our sphere of influence in the… -
Rights and Freedoms
28 September 2023Opinion piece
COVID-19 Inquiry a missed opportunity
Read the Human Rights Commissioner, Ms Lorraine Finlay's op-ed about the terms of reference for the inquiry in Australia's pandemic response. Understanding the full human cost of the pandemic is vital for ensuring a more effective response for future public emergencies. -
Technology and Human Rights
23 August 2023News story
Countering Disinformation Online
Learn more about the difficulties in countering misinformation and disinformation without unduly restricting freedom of expression. -
Children's Rights
12 July 2019SpeechChildren’s right to safety and a holistic education
Good morning, everyone and thank you for inviting me to be here today to talk to you about the importance of children’s rights. I’d like to begin by also acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, and paying my respects to elders past, present and emerging. I’d also like to acknowledge any Indigenous guests who are present with us today. I’m going to start by telling you a little… -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
4 August 2023Webpage
Self-determination and Indigenous peoples
Self-determination is an ongoing process of ensuring that peoples are able to make decisions about matters that affect their lives. Essential to the exercise of self-determination is choice, participation and control. The outcomes of self-determining processes must correspond to the free and voluntary choice of the people concerned, including in relation to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament… -
Rights and Freedoms
17 January 2019Media Release
Encryption law falls short on rights safeguards
Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow warns significant threats to human rights remain despite some improvements to Australia’s encryption law. “Police and security agencies must be equipped with robust powers to protect our national security. However, these powers need independent oversight, to ensure any impact on our human rights is proportionate to the relevant risks,” said… -
Rights and Freedoms
3 September 2019Media Release
Statement by Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow on the draft Religious Discrimination Bill
“For more than 20 years, the Australian Human Rights Commission has called for reform to prohibit all forms of discrimination on the basis of religious and other beliefs. “Any reform in this area must protect the human rights of all people in Australia, regardless of their religion, race, gender, sexual orientation or any other status. “We will be studying the content of the draft Bill… -
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… -
Commission – General
29 November 2023News story
Kyiv-Copenhagen Declaration reaffirms commitment to preventing torture
The Human Rights Commissioner, Lorraine Finlay, recently travelled to Copenhagen to attend the 14th International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions. More than 85 NHRIs from around the world participated in the conference, which was co-hosted by GANHRI, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, the Danish Institute for Human Rights, and the Office of the United…