Rights and Freedoms
Free and Equal: An Australian conversation on human rights
What makes an effective system of human rights protection for 21st century Australia? What are we doing well and what steps do we still need to take?
Projects
Rights and Freedoms
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Refugees with adverse security assessments
Refugees with adverse security assessments face indefinite detention.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Transfer of asylum seekers to third countries
Learn how the Australian government introduced third-country processing for asylum seekers who came to Australia by boat without a valid visa in 2012.
Race Discrimination
At a glance: Racial vilification under sections 18C and 18D of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)
What does the law say?
Immigration detention, asylum seekers and refugees
The Commission seeks to ensure that the human rights of all people held in immigration detention in Australia are protected. The Commission has focused its recent immigration detention work on the conditions and treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and children, because they have specific...
Rights and Freedoms
Human rights and the Internet
The Internet provides unparalleled opportunities for the promotion and advancement of certain rights
Rights and Freedoms
Right to freedom of information, opinion and expression
This page provides access to a range of Commission work regarding the right to freedom of information, opinion and expression.
Rights and Freedoms
Rights and freedoms - right by right
As part of the development of our new website we are developing pages on human rights scrutiny by reference to each area of rights and obligations set out in the main human rights treaties which have been developed by the international community and adopted by Australia in the years since the...
Rights and Freedoms
Counter-terrorism and human rights
Since the events in the United States on 11 September 2001, the Australian Government has introduced more than 40 new counter-terrorism laws. Amongst other things, these laws have created:
LGBTIQ+
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Equality
Do you think you have been discriminated against in employment for reasons relating to your sexuality? See our Complaints page for information on how to make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Rights and Freedoms
Discrimination in Employment and Occupation
Discrimination in Employment and Occupation This page has been superseded by our page Work Out Your Rights - Info for Employees
Children's Rights
Back Me Up
The campaign was launched to encourage young people to support their friends targeted by cyberbullying.
Rights and Freedoms
Prisoners Rights
Prisoners, just like all other people, are entitled to enjoy their human rights. Prisoners can make complaints to the Commission about human rights breaches and discrimination that occurs in prison.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Age assessment in people smuggling cases - Inquiry into the treatment of individuals suspected of people smuggling offences who say that they are children
You can explore an inquiry in to the treatment of individuals suspected of people smuggling offences who report that they are children.
Rights and Freedoms
Right to vote
The right to vote is not enjoyed equally by all Australians A healthy democracy makes sure that all members of the community have equal access to the political process. Australia is a democratic nation where governments are elected by popular vote. However, even though almost all Australians over 18...
Rights and Freedoms
