ALHR

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has welcomed this week’s Federal Court judgment, which held that the Federal Government must consider applications for refugees on Manus and Nauru made under the Medevac legislation which are made in accordance with ordinary Australian medical practices. ALHR President Kerry Weste said, “This decision recognises that people should not … Read More >>

The Independent Tribunal into Forced Organ Harvesting of Prisoners of Conscience in China (the China Tribunal) in the United Kingdom, has unanimously concluded that China is harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience. The judgment also found, beyond reasonable doubt, that acts of murder, torture, rape, extermination, violation of fundamental rules of international law, deprivation of … Read More >>

Leading human rights lawyers have applauded today’s commencement of Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Act, noting it provides terminally-ill Victorians who meet the relevant criteria with the autonomy to make informed decisions about their medical treatment and the timing and manner of their death, while also providing appropriate safeguards to protect vulnerable people from abuse. “The … Read More >>

As the G20 countries prepare to meet in Osaka, Japan from 28-29 June, the Morrison Government should fulfil its commitment, and demonstrate action to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) is calling on the Federal Government to do more to demonstrate leadership on business … Read More >>

Leading human rights lawyers alarmed by AFP raids on the ABC and Annika Smethurst Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) President Kerry Weste said, “The AFP raids on Annika Smethurst and, most recently, the ABC are alarming. Both Annika Smethurst’s story, published one year ago, and the ABC’s investigations of 2 years ago are clearly … Read More >>

A leading association of human rights lawyers has expressed concern at the Andrews Government’s recent announcement that it will spend $1.8 billion to expand Victorian prisons. The bulk of the funds will go towards an additional 1650 prison beds, mostly for male prisoners, and 548 beds will be added in the maximum-security prison at Chisholm … Read More >>

Most adult Australians are currently preparing to vote in the Federal Election on 18 May. Although many of us may take this right for granted, there is no doubt that casting a vote and having your say on who governs our country is a fundamental constitutional right, and a hallmark of democracy. What many Australians … Read More >>

Leading human rights lawyers continue to be appalled by use of public interest criteria in the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) and Migration Regulations 1994 to stop people with disability from permanently living in Australia. Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) says the  case of Kinley Wangyel Wangchuk’s family being denied permanent residency in Australia on … Read More >>

Leading human rights lawyers have applauded the impending commencement of Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Act , noting it provides terminally-ill Victorians who meet the relevant criteria with the autonomy to make informed decisions about their medical treatment and the timing and manner of their death, while also providing appropriate safeguards to protect vulnerable people from … Read More >>

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) applauds the  Federal Government’s establishment of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disabilities. “This is a landmark day for Australians with Disability. Justice for those affected will finally be upheld” Kerry Weste, President of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights remarked. “The establishment of … Read More >>

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has slammed the 2019 Federal Budget as yet another missed opportunity for Australia to show leadership in the Asia Pacific region in upholding international human rights obligations in relation to people seeking asylum and refugees. ALHR President Kerry Weste said, “At a time when Australia has a seat on … Read More >>

Australia’s leading association of human rights lawyers has expressed extreme disappointment with the Federal Government’s limited commitment to supporting people on low incomes in last night’s Federal Budget. Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) says the only positive in the Budget is a one-off payment designed to assist with rising energy costs. However, Charlie Faulder, … Read More >>