Human rights lawyers have welcomed the passage of a West Australian bill to end the controversial imprisonment of residents with unpaid fines. In 2014, when Yamatji woman, Ms Dhu, died in custody while serving a sentence for defaulting on her fines, this archaic practice was cast into the national spotlight. The change is long overdue … Read More >>
The recent destruction of the significant Juukan Gorge rockshelters just days prior to National Reconciliation Week by Rio Tinto highlights the need to expediate essential reform to Western Australia’s Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. The rockshelters destroyed by the actions of Rio Tinto during Reconciliation Week were of significant cultural and spiritual importance to the Puutu … Read More >>
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant effect on individuals, communities and governments. Please join ALHR for a Zoom panel discussion to discuss the impact of the virus on our economic, social, cultural, and civil and political rights. The discussion will have a particular focus on the impact of the virus on the human rights of vulnerable groups … Read More >>
In an initiative led by the Australian Council of Trade Unions and Human Rights Law Centre, ALHR is amongst a coalition of civil society organisations, unions and academics that has called on the Department of Home Affairs to include union and human rights experts in the newly established Modern Slavery Expert Advisory Group to ensure … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) welcomes the Federal Government’s long overdue commitment to reverse the harm caused by its illegal ‘Robodebt’ system, noting the system has destroyed lives. ALHR President Kerry Weste said, “Since the scheme was introduced in mid-2016, advocates have been consistently alerting the responsible Ministers, including the treasurer at the time, … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) welcomes the Morrison Government’s announcement that it will establish an independent inquiry into the adequacy of disability care provided to Ann-Marie Smith. Ms Smith was a woman with a disability, living in Adelaide who died on 6 April 2020 from profound septic shock and multiple organ failure from severe … Read More >>
ALHR acknowledges and recognises members of the Stolen Generations and the impact of their forced removal and separation from their families, communities and country. Sorry means you never do it again. Sorry means action beyond symbolism. #SorryDay2020 #auspol #UluruStatement
26 May 2020 marks the third anniversary of the historic Uluru Statement from the Heart inviting all Australians to walk with First Nations peoples in a movement for a better future. Ahead of the anniversary and National Reconciliation Week commencing on 27 May 2020, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) reiterates its support of the … Read More >>
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 >>
ALHR has made a submission in response to the public consultation paper (Consultation Paper) on the International Strategy on Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery (2020 Strategy). ALHR welcomes the 2020 Strategy as an ongoing commitment of the Australian Government in supporting international efforts to help eradicate human trafficking and modern slavery. The 2020 Strategy will … 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 >>
