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Hon Michael Kirby: A bill of rights for Australia, not a lost cause!

posted on September 10, 2014

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (CST) Adelaide, SA In this special event, The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, former Justice of the High Court of Australia, will discuss the adoption of a national bill of rights in Australia. During a distinguished career spanning five decades, Mr Kirby served as a judge … Read More >>

Inquiry into the use of subsection 313(3) of the Telecommunications Act 1997 by government agencies to disrupt the operation of illegal online services

posted on September 7, 2014

ALHR has made submissions to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications in relation to the use of section 313(3) of the Telecommunications Act 1997. ALHR’s primary concern is that the Act should adhere to international human rights law and standards such as the ‘International Principles on the Application of Human Rights … Read More >>

ALHR Voices Concern About ‘Brain Dead’ Asylum Seeker

posted on September 5, 2014

Australian Lawyers for Human Rights is deeply concerned by reports this week that inadequate medical care in immigration detention facilities on Manus Island has left Iranian man, Hamid Kehazaei, brain dead after an infected cut to his foot led to septicaemia. The right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of … Read More >>

ALHR calls on UN to investigate proposed Tasmanian Anti-Protest laws

posted on August 26, 2014

A coalition of diverse community groups, including ALHR, has written to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights outlining their concerns at the proposed introduction of the Workplaces (Protection from Protesters) Bill 2014. The groups have called on three Special Rapporteurs to investigate the incompatibility of the Bill with obligations under international … Read More >>

Fears Fundamental Rights Ousted in NSW Bail Reforms

posted on August 25, 2014

ALHR fears that proposed changes to bail laws in New South Wales threaten to breach Australia’s international human rights obligations. Under the proposed reforms for serious offences, the onus will be on the accused to “show cause” that their detention in custody is unjustified. Nathan Kennedy, President of ALHR said “The changes would undermine the … Read More >>

Video of Gaza 2014: History, geo-politics, law

posted on August 15, 2014

“Gaza 2014: History, geo-politics, law” was held on 14 August 2014 in Sydney. It was co-hosted by the Thomas More Law School, Australian Catholic University, and Australian Lawyers for Human Rights. The panellists were Dr Emily Crawford, University of Sydney; Dr Anthony Billingsley, University of New South Wales; Dr Peter Slezak, University of New South … Read More >>

New video on asylum seeker policy in Australia

posted on August 15, 2014

On 17 October 2013 ALHR hosted a fundraiser event for the Asylum Seekers Centre of NSW in Sydney sponsored by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers. The evening included a screening of the documentary Nowhere Home and a panel of experts discussed asylum seeker policy in Australia. Panellists included Professor Mary Crock (University of Sydney), Graham Thom (Asylum … Read More >>

Racial Discrimination Act +40 Symposium

posted on August 9, 2014

The Race Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Tim Soutphommasane, is holding a symposium on Thursday 19 February – Friday 20 February 2015 in Sydney. Call for Paper Proposals The Race Discrimination Commissioner welcomes abstracts of 250 words in length from researchers and practitioners in the areas of law, human rights, political and social sciences, philosophy and other … Read More >>

Gaza 2014: History, geo-politics, law

posted on August 7, 2014

You are invited to a public seminar in Sydney co-hosted by the Thomas More Law School, Australian Catholic University, and Australian Lawyers for Human Rights When: Thursday 14 August 2014, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Where: Minter Ellison Conference Room, Level L13, Old Law School of Sydney University (173-175 Phillip Street, Sydney). Speakers: Dr Emily Crawford, University … Read More >>

ALHR Welcomes Government Backdown on Race Discrimination Changes

posted on August 5, 2014

ALHR welcomes the Government’s decision to drop proposed changes to s 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act. Nathan Kennedy, President of ALHR, said: “these changes were unpopular with the majority of Australians and inconsistent with international human rights law.  The Prime Minister rightly acknowledged that the proposed changes would have undermined Australia’s social cohesion.” Mr Kennedy … Read More >>

ALHR Supports our Chinese Colleagues

posted on July 20, 2014

ALHR has written to the Chinese Ministry of Justice and All-China Lawyers Association raising concerns about the increasing harassment of lawyers in China. ALHR has called for the release of lawyers in detention and that the Chinese Government ensure protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards and international instruments … Read More >>