Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) repeats its call on the Australian Government to establish an independent oversight body for all people with disabilities living in the community after the recent news of the death of Ann-Marie Smith, who is reported to have lived in squalor and without proper care in her Adelaide home. Natalie … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has joined a call from over 180 civil society organisations to extend critical COVID-19 support to temporary visa holders, including refugees and people seeking asylum. In an open letter sent to the Prime Minister, the group outlined their concerns that 1.1 million temporary visa holders across the country are … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has issued a statement recognising the importance of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) this Sunday, May 17. ALHR President Kerry Weste said, “This year’s IDAHOBIT day marks 30 years since the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. While … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (“ALHR”) is deeply concerned by the recent conduct of members of the Victorian Police in taking and sharing photos of a person being interviewed in custody. Reports on news.com.au show pictures of the person wearing a blonde wig and a dress. ALHR is further concerned that members of the media … Read More >>
The COVID-19 pandemic is having globally unprecedented impacts as nations battle the health and economic implications of the virus. The International Labour Organization estimates that around 25 million jobs might be lost worldwide, pushing people into unemployment or under-employment. This increases the vulnerability of workers to exploitation. Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) welcomes the … Read More >>
ALHR President Kerry Weste has signed onto an open letter on behalf of ALHR, calling for all Australian governments to take urgent action reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the criminal justice system, especially in prisons and youth detention centres. The open letter calls on Australian governments, as a matter of urgency, to: … Read More >>
Welcoming Disability Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) and Down Syndrome Australia have launched a new national campaign, Welcoming Disability, to address the discrimination faced by people with a disability applying to migrate to Australia. People are being refused Australian visas simply because they have a disability or health issue, even though they meet all … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) calls on all countries, including Australia, to ensure that lawyers are able to perform their professional obligations without fear of retribution. On 24 January 2020, the 10th Day of the Endangered Lawyer, lawyers across the world are given a specific opportunity to reflect on the grave infringement of human … Read More >>
The 2019 Human Rights Report Card from Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has shown some states and territories dropping significantly in their human rights performance for the year. While others flatlined in 2019, too few showed any improvement. Several key performance areas, such as disability, LGBTI and refugee rights also went backwards in 2019 … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) joins more than 5,000 doctors and calls on the Senate to retain the Medevac legislation. “The Medevac legislation has contributed to ensuring that vulnerable people receive vital medical treatment when they need it,” said Jessica Bayley, Chair of ALHR’s Refugee Rights Committee. “It creates a vital framework whereby the … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) strongly condemns the Queensland government’s proposal to fast track the passing of anti-protest laws without full and proper public and stakeholder consultation. On Wednesday this week, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk indicated that the government will push the Summary Offences and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 (the Bill) through parliament … Read More >>
In a submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs inquiry into Centrelink’s compliance program Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has called for urgent reform, noting the system violates international law and is manifestly unjust. ALHR President Kerry Weste said, “The automated system, ‘Robodebt’, remains deeply problematic and raises significant human rights concerns, … Read More >>
