Commission President reiterates calls for upholding human rights as violence in the Middle East escalates

As the violence in the Middle East escalates, and with the approaching anniversary of the brutal 7 October attacks by Hamas and the start of Israel’s devastating and continuing response, the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission has reiterated its call for upholding human rights and international humanitarian law. 

President Hugh de Kretser: “The toll of human suffering and death across Israel, Gaza and now Lebanon is horrifying. I acknowledge the ongoing and escalating impact of the war on communities in Australia. We have heard from affected communities about their feelings of loss, uncertainty, fear, anger and grief at what is happening. We recognise the disturbing rise in incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism in Australia.  

“The Commission will continue to support and engage with all communities to address discrimination and hate speech. The Commission continues to provide access to justice services for all people affected by racial discrimination and vilification by investigating and conciliating complaints under the Racial Discrimination Act. Complaints that are not resolved through our processes can be taken for determination through the Federal Court system. 

“The Commission has been funded to undertake a program of community engagement and awareness raising about racism to support safety in Jewish, Palestinian, Muslim and Arab communities across Australia. We have also been funded by the Australian Government to conduct a Study into the Prevalence and Impact of Racism in Australian Universities. The study will have a significant focus on antisemitism as well as Islamophobia.  

"I call on Australian governments to protect people’s rights to peacefully assemble and protest. Any limitation on protest rights must be strictly necessary and reasonable. In general, protests should not be restricted based on the ideas or viewpoints taken by protesters. However, governments must address hate speech and the incitement of violence. 

"I urge the Australian Government to adopt a compassionate, sustainable, non-discriminatory humanitarian response to people fleeing the violence. 

“At the international level, I urge the Australian Government to support efforts to achieve a sustainable ceasefire, the protection of civilians, the return of hostages and accountability for violations of international humanitarian law. 

“The Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on 19 July 2024 should be supported. I endorse the statement of Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: 

'As the world reflects on and considers its inability to prevent this carnage, I urge all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire, lay down their arms and stop the killing once and for all. The hostages must be released. Palestinians arbitrarily detained must be freed. Israel’s illegal occupation must end and the internationally agreed two-State solution must become a reality.' 

“I urge the Australian Government to support international efforts towards achieving a lasting peace and a two-state solution that addresses the root causes of the violence.” 

ENDS | Media contact: media@humanrights.gov.au or +61 457 281 897