The major political parties have joined together to convince us that asylum seekers must be prevented from coming to Australia. However, they have not explained why asylum seekers attempt to come to Australia in the first place or what the consequences of Australia’s deterrence policies might be for asylum seekers and countries in the region. … Read More >>
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) is pleased to make a submission to the NSW Legislative Assembly Select Committee inquiring into the regulation of brothels in NSW. The regulation of brothels considers many human rights concerns, including the rights of people with disabilities. The right to sexual expression and equal choice are fundamental human rights … Read More >>
The honourable Justice Michael Kirby officially launched La Trobe Law School’s (LLS) relationship with ALHR on Friday 17 July at the Australian Law Teachers Association Conference hosted by the La Trobe Law School. ALHR and the La Trobe Law School are pleased to announce that Ms Randa Rafiq, a La Trobe Alumnus has been appointed … Read More >>
Finally the day has come UNITY (the follow up documentary from acclaimed director of EARTHLINGS) is playing nationally in select cinemas for one off event screenings from tomorrow. See http://bit.ly/1Ms8fxA for session times. Trailer: http://bit.ly/1ImGsPl
The new data retention laws have caused quite a stir in both the legal community and the public at large. Since the passing of these laws (with support from both sides of politics), many have questioned whether these laws would be effective in stopping terrorist threats and whether they go too far in compromising our … Read More >>
Brynn O’Brien, a consultant on the human rights responsibilities of businesses, is on the federal government’s Supply Chains Working Group and an ALHR member. She spoke with Michael Williams on Radio National about the transparency of supply chains in food, clothing and other products. Listen here.
In July 2015 made a submission on the Bill to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (attached). ALHR believes that Australia should deal with its citizens under its own laws and not put terrorists or other criminals beyond the reach of Australian law. Australia has legal obligations pursuant to United Nations Security Council … Read More >>
Nominations are now open for the 2015 United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) Media Peace Awards. The Media Peace Awards is a prestigious National Awards Program that recognises journalists, producers and editors, who seek to promote the understanding and awareness about humanitarian and social justice issues in our society and stimulate public debate. Nominations close 5pm Friday … Read More >>
The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) has been asked to identify and critically examine Commonwealth laws that encroach upon ‘traditional’ or common law rights, freedoms and privileges. In the attached Interim Report, the ALRC analyses the source and rationale of many of these important common law rights and provides an extensive survey of current Commonwealth … Read More >>
UPDATE The ALRC has released its Interim Report which reflects the law as at 17 July 2015. Attached is a copy of the report titled ‘Traditional’ rights and freedoms – Encroachments by Commonwealth Laws’. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In February 2015, ALHR submitted to the ALRC that: International human rights standards are the criteria by which the … Read More >>
Some of Australia’s largest companies have joined over 150 of Australia’s corporate, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and community organisations to issue a joint statement to call for renewed efforts to stamp out racism in sport and in everyday life. ALHR is in support and will stand together to not only lend our support to … Read More >>
The UPR Coordinating Committee (HRLC, NACLC and KLC) has provided an update on its work leading up to Australia’s Universal Periodic Review in November including fact sheets on key human rights issues in Australia. ————————————– Since lodging our Joint NGO Submission in March, we’ve been working with the UPR NGO Advisory Committee to prepare UPR Fact … Read More >>
