Commission set to mark 40 years of promoting and protecting human rights
We've launched a 12-month program to mark our 40th anniversary as Australia’s national human rights institution.
The Australian Human Rights Commission today launched a 12-month program to mark the organisation’s 40th anniversary as Australia’s national human rights institution.
The Commission was established on International Human Rights Day on 10 December 1986 as an independent statutory body to investigate and conciliate complaints of discrimination and human rights breaches, monitor Australia's compliance with international human rights standards, promote understanding and acceptance of human rights and advocate for policy reform.
The 40 Years program will incorporate a range of events and activities highlighting the Commission’s positive impact over the last 4 decades, how Australia is responding to current human rights issues and the opportunities and challenges which will affect the promotion and protection of human rights in Australia in the future.
The program will include:
- A national seminar series – in capital cities across Australia as well as online – which will explore strategies for advancing human rights in Australia. The seminars are being co-presented with human rights and anti-discrimination agencies in each state and territory.
- An inaugural annual address at the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday 29 April by Commission President Hugh de Kretser focusing on the current state of human rights in Australia. The address will outline key advances and shortcomings in relation to Australia’s contemporary human rights record.
- A special edition of the Commission’s annual Australian Human Rights Awards on Thursday 10 December which will celebrate the contributions of everyday human rights heroes over the last 40 years.
- Digital and video content telling the story of the Commission’s work and impact over the last 40 years in areas such as: First People’s justice, the rights of women, children, LGBTIAQ+ people and asylum seekers; racial, disability and age discrimination; and civil and political rights.
Commission President Hugh de Kretser: 'For the last 4 decades, the Commission has worked with people, communities and organisations across the country and internationally to advance and defend the human rights of all people in Australia.
'This is a significant milestone for us as an institution. It also provides a unique opportunity for people across Australia to reflect on how we work together to prevent harm, deliver justice and promote and protect the human rights of everyone, everywhere, every day.
'We know that respecting and protecting human rights is the best way to ensure equality, safety and dignity for all. With so much turmoil in the world today, this is needed now more than ever.
'Our 40 Years program will provide opportunities for everyone in Australia to get involved and engage with the importance and impact of human rights now and into the future.
'We thank all the people, communities, organisations and governments we’ve worked with over the last 40 years for their partnership and support. We look forward to continuing to work hard to make Australia a place where everyone can feel safe and valued and have opportunities to thrive.'
Find out more about the Commission’s 40 Years program.
Media contact
Email: media@humanrights.gov.au or phone: 0457 281 897
