Complaints

Past Projects

crowd walking over binary code
Rights and Freedoms

Human Rights and Technology

Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow led a three-year project on the human rights implications of new technology.
OPCAT
Rights and Freedoms

OPCAT: Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

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 torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. OPCAT places an obligation to establish a system of regular...
children at the sunset
Rights and Freedoms

Free and Equal Conference

The Free and Equal conference was the centrepiece of a national conversation and once-in-a-decade event. The conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on Tuesday 8 October 2019.
Federal Discrimination Law 2016
Rights and Freedoms

Federal Discrimination Law 2016

Federal Discrimination Law is produced by the Commission’s legal section and provides an overview of the federal unlawful discrimination laws and examines the significant issues that have arisen in the federal unlawful discrimination cases. It also contains comprehensive tables of damages awards...
Human Rights Commissioner, Tim Wilson
Rights and Freedoms

Religious Freedom Roundtable

In 2014, former Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson MP conducted a national consultation on rights and responsibilities. The outcomes from this consultation are outlined in the Rights and Responsibilities Consultation Report 2015. The importance of, and threats to, religious freedom was...
Magna Carta: The Story of Our Freedom - screenshot
Rights and Freedoms

Magna Carta: The Story of Our Freedom

To mark the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, the Australian Human Rights Commission has created a series of online educational resources which explore the evolution of human rights since 1215 and the impact that Magna Carta has had on our human rights and freedoms in Australia. The digital...
Rights & Responsibilities 2014
Rights and Freedoms

Rights & Responsibilities 2014

In 2014, former Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson MP conducted a national consultation about how well Australia protects people's rights and freedoms.
freespeech2014 logo
Rights and Freedoms

Free Speech 2014

The Commission hosted a one-day symposium on free speech on Thursday 7th August 2014.
Photo: Stained glass representing many religions, Christianity, Taoism, Hindu, Buddhist, Judaism, Islam
Rights and Freedoms

Freedom of Religion and Belief

Freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental human right protected by a number of international treaties and declarations, including article 18(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). This right encompasses freedom of thought on all matters and the freedom to...
Image of computer with stream of information and symbols
Rights and Freedoms

Human rights and the Internet

The Internet provides unparalleled opportunities for the promotion and advancement of certain rights
Human rights poster
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

Review of Universal Periodic Review commitments by Australia

What is the UPR and why does it matter | Commitments made at Australia's first UPR appearance | Review of commitments | Comments What is the UPR and why does it matter The Universal Periodic Review is a process undertaken by the United Nations Human Rights Council. It involves review of the human...
Counter-terrorism and human rights
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: