Projects

Legal

BSWAT: temporary exemption

On 18 December 2015 the Commission granted a limited, conditional, temporary exemption to the Commonwealth and certain ADEs.

LGBTIQ+

SOGII Rights

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Intersex Rights Final report released 10 June 2015. Read the full report: Resilient Individuals: Sexual Orientation Gender Identity & Intersex Rights 2015 Former Human Rights Commissioner, Tim Wilson, conducted consultations to explore key rights issues...

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

LGBTIQ+

New protection

Learn about new protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status.

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.

Race Discrimination

In our own words - African Australians: A review of human rights and social inclusion issues (2010)

In 2007, the former Race Discrimination Commissioner, Tom Calma, had a vision to develop a human rights initiative based on the experiences of African Australians, to inform future policy and programs.

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...

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

NILAC: National Indigenous Legal Advocacy Courses

The NILAC courses were transferred to Tranby - the National Indigenous Adult Education and Training Centre. Contact Tranby for more information on these courses.

Rights and Freedoms

Human Rights Briefs (1999 - 2001)

The Human Rights Brief provides legal practitioners, community advocates and others with guidance on the content and scope of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Australia and their use in Australian law. Each number will cover a specific topic.

Disability Rights

The Sterilisation of Girls and Young Women in Australia: 1997 report

The legal framework regulating sterilisation of children in Australia was set out by the High Court in Marion's Case in 1992. It sought to ensure heightened accountability in decision making in an area where children are at significant risk of grave abuse of their fundamental human right to bodily...

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...

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.