The Federal Court of Australia has dismissed a landmark case brought by two Torres Strait community leaders. Uncle Pabai Pabai and Uncle Paul Kabai argued the Australian Government had a duty of care to protect the Torres Strait Islands from climate change, and that the government had breached that duty. In the wake of this decision, ALHR’s … Read More >>
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Joint Report on behalf of the Australian NGO Coalition has been submitted to the UN. The Report, from more than 150 NGOs – including ALHR – shows that human rights are sliding backwards and we are falling far short of meeting our international obligations. Globally, Australians are amongst the only … Read More >>
ALHR’s Women and Girls’ Rights Committee has submitted a report to Australia’s fourth Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations (UPR). As lead authors and contributors to the UPR Report on behalf of the Australian NGO Coalition, ALHR also strongly endorses all of the recommendations in that report. Our report emphasises some key areas of progress and concern for the … Read More >>
In an Australian first, an ACT Government Parliamentary Committee has recommended that the human right to adequate housing be recognised in ACT law and protected within the Human Rights Act 2004 (ACT). The ACT Legislative Standing Committee on Legal Affairs has released its final report following an Inquiry into the landmark Human Rights (Housing) Amendment … Read More >>
ALHR has written to members of the NSW Parliament to express serious concern regarding the conduct of NSW Police during the peaceful demonstration held on Friday, 27 June, outside SEC Plating in Belmore Event. It has been reported that a protester, Hannah Thomas, was seriously injured during an interaction with police and may sustain … Read More >>
ALHR Welcomes ACT’s nation-leading reforms that raise the minimum age of of criminal responsibility to 14. This significant step means that young children in the ACT will be supported with the services they need, rather than being criminalised and imprisoned. This reform reflects UN recommendations to Australia, a wealth of medical evidence and expert advice, and … Read More >>
ALHR has written to the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs calling on the Albanese Government to live up to its promise to sign and ratify the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). In our letter we note recent comments by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in relation to unilateral military … Read More >>
. JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: 1 May 2025 This Saturday, most adult Australians will vote in the Federal Election. However, there is a whole section of our community who can be removed from the electoral roll and disallowed from having their say: people with “cognitive disabilities.” In an open letter* to the Prime Minister and … Read More >>
MEDIA RELEASE: 29 April 2025 A coalition of leading advocacy organisations has welcomed the SA Parliament’s Social Development Committee’s tabling of its report calling for the enactment of a Human Rights Act for South Australia. This legislation would secure basic rights and freedoms for all South Australians regardless of their background or belief, based on … Read More >>
Today, 28 February, is international Rare Disease Day – a day dedicated to recognising the struggle for equity in social opportunities, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease. ALHR calls on Federal, state and territory governments to ensure that their budgets and policies reflect Australia’s international legal obligations to … Read More >>
Are you interested in championing human rights in South Australia? Australian Lawyers for Human Rights is seeking EOIs for new South Australian Co-Convenors. The successful applicants will be lawyers or final year law students with a knowledge of and passion for international human rights law. These volunteer positions work with the support and guidance of ALHR’s National Committee. Check out the full position … Read More >>
On Tuesday 18 February the NSW Government introduced the Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Bill 2025 (the Bill). The Bill will amend section 93Z of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) to create a new criminal offence of intentionally inciting racial hatred. The offence will carry a maximum penalty of two years in prison, fines of … Read More >>
