Briefing Note on extending Complementary Protection
ALHR has signed on to a Briefing Note calling for amendments to a proposed bill to extend complementary protection under the Migration Act to people at risk of being subject to torture, the death penalty, other serious human rights violations or arbitrary deprivations of life. The re-introduction of complementary protection through the Migration Amendment (Complementary … Read More >>
ALHR makes Submission to the Attorney-General’s Department National Human Rights Action Plan Background Paper
Stephen Keim, President of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, today, confirmed that ALHR has lodged a submission to the Attorney-General’s Department National Human Rights Action Plan Background Paper, which outlines the government’s proposed approach to develop a new National Human Rights Action Plan. Mr. Keim said: “ALHR supports the vast majority of the terms of … Read More >>
Rally in Defence of WikiLeaks, Brisbane
ALHR President Stephen Keim SC was invited to speak at a rally held in defence of WikiLeaks on Wednesday 9 February in King George Square, Brisbane. In his address, Mr Keim congratulated participants for their show of support for Wikileaks and their defence of the principles of free speech and a free press. Mr Keim … Read More >>
Prime Minister Gillard Continues to Get It Wrong on Julian Assange
‘The latest statements by Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, as to her government’s lack of responsibility concerning WikiLeaks co-founder, Julian Assange, continue to reflect a misunderstanding of key issues concerning Mr. Assange, the Australian citizen facing extradition proceedings from the United Kingdom to Sweden, and the actions of the WikiLeaks organisation’, President of Australian Lawyers … Read More >>
Submission: Charter of Human Rights for Tasmania
ALHR supports the development and adoption of a legislative Charter of human rights for Tasmania. It applauds the Tasmanian Government on its progress towards its development.
Cluster Munitions Implementation Legislation
In November 2010, Parliament tabled the “Criminal Code Amendment (Cluster Munitions Prohibition) Bill 2010” to implement Australia’s obligations under the Convention on Cluster Munitions. While ALHR welcomed the tabling it remained concerned that the legislation in its present form would bring Australia in potential breach of its obligations, and undermine the effectiveness of the Convention. … Read More >>
Wikileaks
MEDIA RELEASE: 5 December2010 Australian Hysteria over WikiLeaks and Julian Assange Risks Long Term Damage to Freedom of Speech “The Australian Prime Minister and Attorney-General are risking long term damage to freedom of speech in Australia by accusing Julian Assange and WikiLeaks of breaches of criminal law”, President of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, Stephen … Read More >>
Cluster Bomb Treaty Implementation Lacks Conviction
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) welcomes the tabling of legislation to implement the Convention on Cluster Munitions, but remains concerned that Australia has interpreted its obligations far too narrowly. ‘By effectively exempting Australia when assisting other countries who are not parties to the treaty, it allows Australia to load the cluster munitions gun so … Read More >>
Death and the State
In his speech for ALHR and Australians Against Capital Punishment dinner marking world End Capital Punishment Day, David Marr detailed the history of capital punishment in Australia and Australia’s role in ending capital punishment in our region. David has published his speech in an article in The Age newspaper. The article can be viewed here.