News
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
First Nations children deserve a rights-based future, today
Commission – General
President's message | December 2024
It's Human Rights Day; a day to reflect on human rights challenges and progress. 76 years ago today, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of the pinnacles of human achievement. In adopting the Declaration after the horrors of World War 2, the international...
Race Discrimination
Melbourne synagogue arson attack condemned by Commissioners
President Hugh de Kretser, Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman, and Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay today condemned the suspected arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea.
Disability Rights
It’s time disability reform became an election commitment
In an opinion piece published in The Mandarin, Disability Discrimination Commissioner Rosemary Kayess urges political leaders to commit to disability reform ahead of the 2025 Federal election.
Disability Rights
Commissioner Rosemary Kayess is awarded honorary doctorate
Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Rosemary Kayess was awarded a Doctor of Laws honoris causa by the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The honorary degree was conferred in recognition of Commissioner Kayess’ immense and growing impact both internationally and in Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Queensland Bills a major step backwards for the rights of First Nations people
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Ms Katie Kiss has warned that legislation introduced by the Queensland Government late last week was “a devastating step backwards for First Nations rights and a blow to respectful relationships between the state government and...
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
First Nations Commissioner calls for new police powers in Port Augusta CBD to be reconsidered
Calls from local First Nations residents to repeal the recently decreed Port Augusta Declared Public Precinct have been backed by Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Explainer: Commission does not support the Migration Amendment Bill
The Australian Government has introduced new migration laws into Parliament to expand search and seizure powers in immigration detention centres. The Commission does not support the Migration Amendment (Prohibiting Items in Immigration Detention Facilities) Bill 2024
Race Discrimination
Launch of the National Anti-Racism Framework
Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman launched the National Anti-Racism Framework on 26 November at Parramatta Townhall.
Race Discrimination
National Anti-Racism Framework Launch Speech
The National Anti-Racism Framework launch speech by Giridharan Sivaraman emphasises the importance of First Nations-centered anti-racism efforts in Australia.
Children's Rights
Australian parents and kids deserve better
In a joint op-ed, National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds and Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay contend that the proposed ban on social media access for Australians under 16 merely addresses surface issues without improving overall safety on these platforms.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Submission on the Migration Amendment Bill 2024
The Australian Human Rights Commission has made a submission to the Parliamentary Committee that is considering the Migration Amendment Bill 2024.
Children's Rights
New animation – ‘Do things with the information we tell you’
In the Supporting Quality Engagement with Children 2023 Final Report, children and young people said they want to see action based on what they told us about their lived experience.
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