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Complaints

Projects

Illustration of six diverse young adults standing together, smiling, holding books and notebooks. Speech bubbles above them display greetings in different languages, including English, Spanish, French, and more.
Race Discrimination

International Student Principles

The International Student Principles (‘The Principles’) were developed to address the human rights concerns of international students living in Australia. The development of the Principles began in 2009, following several incidents of racist violence directed at international students.
Close-up of a tall metal fence topped with coiled barbed wire, set against a pale sky, creating a sense of security or restriction.
Rights and Freedoms

OPCAT: Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) is an international agreement aimed at preventing...
A cartoon adult and three children stand on a beach. The adult, named Megan, says, “Did you know there are around 5.5 million children (everyone under 18) in Australia? That's a lot of you!"
Childrens Rights

Children's Rights Reports

The National Children's Commissioner produces a report every year on the state of children's rights in Australia.
International

HRTC highlights newsletter - April 2016

Working internationally to advance human rights Welcome Welcome to the first bi-annual newsletter for the Human Rights Technical Cooperation (HRTC) Programs. HRTC Highlights is a new initiative that will provide you with updates from our international human rights activities. This edition highlights...
A person stands waist-deep in clear, shallow water, holding two long fishing spears and facing away from the camera, wearing a light-colored skirt or wrap.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Native Title

Native title is a property right which reflects a relationship to land which is the very foundation of Indigenous religion, culture and well-being. The non-discriminatory protection of native title is a recognised human right.
A comic-style illustration shows people confronting racism in sports, reporting incidents, contacting authorities, referencing the Racial Discrimination Act, and advocating that speaking up is better than being silent.
Race Discrimination

Racial discrimination? Know your rights

Background The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) was a landmark in Australian race relations. It was a legislative expression of a new commitment to multiculturalism and it reflected the ratification by Australia of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial...
Sex Discrimination

International Cooperation on Women’s Rights and Domestic Violence

Women’s rights and addressing domestic violence feature prominently in the Commission’s international cooperation work. The China-Australia Human Rights Technical Cooperation Program has been in operation since 1998 and is part of the formal human rights dialogue between the two countries. Under...
A group of people sit around a large table in a bright office, engaged in discussion. One man stands while others sit, listening and talking. Sunlight streams through large windows in the background.
Race Discrimination

Workplace Cultural Diversity Tool

The Australian Human Rights Commission has launched a free online tool to help businesses enhance productivity through a culturally diverse workplace. Based on international best practice, the Workplace Cultural Diversity Tool is a ‘how to’ guide to workplace cultural diversity. Why should we focus...
An illustration shows the text, Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution, above an image of a yellow envelope with a person symbol inside.

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...
Illustration of raised hands, a flying dove with an olive branch, and the quote All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Additional text about acting in a spirit of brotherhood appears below.
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...
A blue flag with the white United Nations emblem flutters in the wind against a clear blue sky, with sunlight shining at the top of the flagpole.

Supporting participation in key international forums

The Commission welcomes proposals for funding to support the participation of people with disability and organisations representing people with disability to attend key international forums on human rights
Close-up of a childs hands gently holding the hands of an elderly person resting on a pink blanket, conveying care, support, and compassion.
Rights and Freedoms

Human Rights and Euthanasia

Euthanasia, or voluntary assisted suicide, has been the subject of much moral, religious, philosophical, legal and human rights debate in Australia. At the core of this debate is how to reconcile competing values: the desire of individuals to choose to die with dignity when suffering, and the need...
A person lies on the ground at night near a building, wearing a patterned jacket. The scene is dimly lit and somber, with scattered debris on the pavement. (c) Sonny Harlow.
Rights and Freedoms

Housing, homelessness and human rights

People experiencing homelessness face violations of a wide range of human rights. Access to safe and secure housing is one of the most basic human rights. However, homelessness is not just about housing.