ALHR – Australian Lawyers For Human Rights

Submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission Inquiry into the incarceration rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

posted on September 5, 2017

ALHR has made a submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) Inquiry into the incarceration rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. On 17th July the ALRC released a Discussion Paper, Incarceration Rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (DP 84), and issued a call for comments and feedback on its questions and law reform proposals. … Read More >>

ALHR open letter to Minister Dutton addressing his disparaging remarks about lawyers and the Constitution

posted on September 5, 2017

On 5 September 2017 ALHR sent the below open letter to Immigration Minister Peter Dutton regarding remarks made whilst on-air with 2GB Radio broadcaster Alan Jones on 28 August 2017. We also sent a copy of our letter to the Prime Minister. Dear Minister Dutton, Disparaging Remarks about Lawyers and the Constitution We write … Read More >>

ALHR continues to support the introduction of a Modern Slavery Act for Australia

posted on September 4, 2017

ALHR member volunteers required for a Public Consultation Submission ALHR continues to advocate for the enactment of a Modern Slavery Act in Australia with a view to abolishing modern slavery in all its forms in the domestic and global supply chains of companies operating in Australia. In February 2017 the Australian Government announced an Inquiry … Read More >>

Songs for Asylum: An Evening of Music to Support Refugees

posted on September 3, 2017

ALHR invites you to join us for an evening of film, music and spoken word, bringing the community together to raise awareness and inspire conversations about the rights of asylum seekers and refugees in Australia. At a time when the Australian law and policies are having prejudicial impact on the rights of people seeking asylum, … Read More >>

ALHR ACT Hosts the Canberra Premiere of HOPE ROAD

posted on September 1, 2017

ALHR is pleased to support the Australian Premiere of the groundbreaking documentary Hope Road in Canberra on the evening of 13 September 2017. An inspiring documentary Hope Road, made by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Tom Zubrycki is having a cinema screening in Canberra – after successful screenings at Sydney and Melbourne film festivals. Hope Road is the story of Zacharia, a refugee from the Sudanese civil war, who desperately … Read More >>

Submission on the Exposure Draft of the Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and Cross-examination of Parties) Bill 2017—Public Consultation on Cross-examination Amendment

posted on September 1, 2017

ALHR has made a submission to the Attorney General on the Exposure Draft of the Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and Cross-examination of Parties) Bill 2017—Public Consultation on Cross-examination Amendment Reform of family law is urgent as the human rights of women and children are being routinely infringed and access to justice is a particular … Read More >>

Submission to the AHRC Inquiry: Australia’s implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT)

posted on August 31, 2017

ALHR made a submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission on the Australian Government’s implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). On 9 February 2017, the Australian Government announced that it intends to ratify the OPCAT by December 2017 and ALHR welcomed … Read More >>

The Marriage Equality Postal Opinion Poll: Human rights lawyers throw their support behind NSW Law Society President

posted on August 30, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has spoken out in support of NSW Law Society President Pauline Wright and expressed its disappointment at criticisms levelled at her following a joint statement in support of marriage equality made by the Law Society of NSW, the NSW Bar Association and the NSW branch of the Australian Medical … Read More >>

Lawyers reject Dutton’s attack on Australian values and Australian lawyers

posted on August 29, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) condemn Peter Dutton’s attack on our legal system and his attempt to redefine what Australians really stand for. The Minister’s total disregard for each and every person’s right to have legal representation, not just in Australia, but around the world, is extremely worrying. President of ALHR, Benedict Coyne said, “In … Read More >>

Government move to starve out asylum seekers: A flagrant breach of international obligations

posted on August 28, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) expresses profound concern for asylum seekers and refugees who will reportedly have their welfare and income support cut off and be told to leave Australia under new measures effective today. The policy affects people who sought asylum in Australia but were sent to Manus Island and Nauru and, who … Read More >>

PARLIAMENTARY MOTION TO RESETTLE REFUGEES FROM MANUS AND NAURU

posted on August 25, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) welcomes the motion in the ACT Legislative Assembly today declaring the ACT Government’s willingness to settle refugees from Manus Island and Nauru. The motion acknowledges that refugees in offshore processing centres have been subjected to violent attacks, sexual violence, inadequate medical care, and harassment. It requests the Federal Government … Read More >>

HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYERS WELCOME NEW INTIMATE IMAGE ABUSE LAWS IN A.C.T

posted on August 25, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) welcomes the Crimes (Intimate Image Abuse) Amendment Bill 2017 (ACT) which now makes it illegal to share an intimate photo without consent. The Crimes (Intimate Image Abuse) Amendment Bill 2017 (ACT) makes it a crime to publish, or threaten to publish, intimate photos and images. The punishment is up … Read More >>