On 14 January 2026, the UN Committee against Torture held that Australia breached its obligations under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) by failing to protect an Iranian asylum seeker from torture and ill-treatment during prolonged offshore detention in Papua New Guinea and subsequent onshore detention in … Read More >>
15 December 2025 Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) is heartbroken and horrified by yesterday’s terror attack at Bondi Beach while Jewish Australians gathered to peacefully celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. Our hearts go out to the victims and their grieving families and loved ones who are enduring unimaginable loss in the most horrific … Read More >>
In August 2025 ALHR made a submission to the Attorney General’s Department consultation on the options to strengthen the transparency framework, simplify and improve reporting, and target non-compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth). Our submission addresses the 37 questions of the consultation and presents below a summary of the key points and recommendations for … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) welcomes recommendations released on Saturday following the NSW Government’s Review of the operation of doli incapax in NSW for children under 14. Doli incapax is a common law presumption that a child under the age of 14 years lacks the capacity to be criminally responsible for their acts. Despite … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has led an open statement signed by more than 117 organisations and experts calling on the NSW Parliament to establish an inquiry into a Human Rights Act. Together with the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, ALHR co-convenes the Human Rights Act for NSW Alliance (HRA4NSW) – a group of more … Read More >>
A group of 117 organisations and individuals have endorsed an open statement calling on all NSW Parliamentarians to support the establishment of a public inquiry into a Human Rights Act for New South Wales. On Thursday 23 October 2025, the Member for Newtown, Jenny Leong MP, will introduce a private member’s Human Rights Bill. Human … Read More >>
Please join us for an interactive online workshop exploring options for advancing legal recognition of the human right to housing in South Australia led by Shelter SA. Hear how this work fits into the broader campaign for a Human Rights Act for South Australia. Time & Location 22 Sept 2025, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm … Read More >>
on 11 September, ALHR and the Centre for Law and and Social Justice at the University of Newcastle hosted our fourth annual Youth Forum, This year we brought the event to NSW Parliament with a focus on a Human Rights Act for NSW. More than 60 students in years 9 – 11 from both regional … Read More >>
New data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) reveals a 34% increase in the number of young people in custody since June 2023. First Nations children now account for 60% of children in detention, despite making up just 8% of young people in NSW. This marks an alarming 36% increase … Read More >>
ALHR has joined with over 60 groups who have signed a letter to the NSW Premier calling for the government to facilitate the March for Humanity, a planned peaceful procession calling for for greater action by the Australian government in the face of Israel’s blockade and starvation crisis in Gaza. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a … Read More >>
Australia Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) condemns the Northern Territory Government’s announcement this week that it is reinstating the use of spit hoods in youth detention, eight years after the practice was banned. This decision undermines Australia’s international obligations under core United Nations human rights treaties, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has written to the Victorian Premier, Attorney General and member of the Legislative Council calling on them to support the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Amendment (Right to Housing) Bill 2025 (the Bill) when it comes before the Legislative Council for debate. ALHR strongly supports the full incorporation of … Read More >>
