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Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia

posted on May 24, 2017

The Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has commenced an inquiry into whether Australia should adopt national legislation to combat modern slavery, comparable to the United Kingdom’s Modern Slavery Act 2015.  ALHR made a detailed submission to the Inquiry supporting the implementation of a … Read More >>

Submission as to Ways of protecting and strengthening Australia’s multiculturalism and social inclusion

posted on May 23, 2017

On 12th May ALHR made submission to the Select Committee on Strengthening Multiculturalism. The committee is to inquire into and report on ways of protecting and strengthening Australia’s multiculturalism and social inclusion. The protection, promotion and strengthening of Australia’s multiculturalism and policies of social inclusion are integral to Australia’s progress and its stable democratic nature. All marginalised … Read More >>

VISA APPLICATION DEADLINE AN UNPRECEDENTED ATTACK ON ASYLUM SEEKERS

posted on May 22, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) is deeply concerned at the Turnbull Government’s October 1 deadline for 7,500 asylum seekers to lodge applications for protection or face possible deportation and cuts to their welfare. These measures affect the Legacy Caseload: asylum seekers who arrived in Australia by boat between August 2012 and December 2013, who … Read More >>

An Evening in Conversation with Dr Sima Samar, Chair of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission

posted on May 15, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR), The University of Sydney and the University of Technology, Sydney invite you to join us for an evening in conversation with Dr Sima Samar, Chair of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), discussing the AIHRC’s work addressing women and girls’ rights in Afghanistan. The situation for women and … Read More >>

Budget misses the mark when it comes to enhancing refugee protection

posted on May 15, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has lamented the 2017 Federal Budget as a missed opportunity for Australia to show leadership in enhancing refugee protection in the Asia Pacific region. Khahn Hoang, Co-Chair of ALHR’s Refugee Rights Subcommittee said, “ALHR welcomes the announcement of an increase in Australia’s refugee and humanitarian intake from 13,750 to … Read More >>

Lawyers applaud the Queensland Government on bill to expunge historic homosexual convictions

posted on May 11, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) congratulates the Queensland Attorney General for her proposal to introduce a bill to expunge historical homosexual convictions in Queensland Parliament today. “This Bill appropriately enshrines human rights in Queensland,” says ALHR’s LGBTI Committee Co-Chair, Kathryn Cramp. “There is no place for historical criminal records that propagate the myth that … Read More >>

IT’S TIME TO DECRIMINALISE ABORTION IN NSW AND PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS

posted on May 9, 2017

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has expressed its strong support for decriminalisation of abortion in NSW. Co-Chair of ALHR’s Women and Girls’ Rights Subcommittee, Rita Shackel, said the failure to provide safe, legal and accessible abortion services is a violation of fundamental human rights and that exclusion zones surrounding abortion clinics need to be … Read More >>

Positions Vacant: Co-Chairs ALHR National Business and Human Rights Subcommittee

posted on May 9, 2017

About the Role Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) is seeking expressions of interest from experienced lawyers to Co-Chair our National Business and Human Rights Subcommittee (BHR Subcommittee). The two Co-Chairs will be responsible for leading ALHR’s work in the business and human rights space at a national and international level. The successful applicants will … Read More >>

Lawyers reject Tasmania’s mandatory minimum sentencing laws

posted on May 9, 2017

 Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has spoken out against the Tasmanian Government’s proposal to introduce mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offences against minors.   ALHR Vice President Kerry Weste said, “ALHR is strongly opposed to mandatory minimum prison terms on the basis that they impose unacceptable restrictions on judicial discretion and independence, and … Read More >>

Review of Australia Fifth Periodic Report under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – Australian NGO Coalition Submission

posted on May 3, 2017

ALHR is proud to have contributed to and endorsed the attached Australian NGO report for the 2017 review under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The submission has been prepared by the National Association of Community Legal Centres and Kingsford Legal Centre, with contributions from a number of NGOs across Australia and … Read More >>