Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Complaints

Projects

OPCAT
Rights 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...

sun over a pathway between trees
Rights Rights and Freedoms

Freedom of Religion

For over 20 years now, the Commission has advocated for more comprehensive legal protection in Australia for freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
OPCAT
Rights 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...
Angelina and baby
Aboriginal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice

Close the Gap: Indigenous Health Campaign

Working together to achieve health and life expectation equality for Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Parliament House
Legal Legal

Human Rights Reports

In addition to receiving complaints of unlawful discrimination, the Commission can inquire into complaints of breaches of human rights and workplace discrimination under the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986
Cartoon of Megan Mitchell with kids. Speech bubble:"Did you know there are 5.5 million children (everyone under 18) in Australia? That's a lot of you!
Children's Children's Rights

Children's Rights Reports

The National Children's Commissioner produces a report every year on the state of children's rights in Australia.
Cute robot
Rights Rights and Freedoms

Human Rights and Technology

The Australian Human Rights Commission is undertaking a major project on the relationship between human rights and technology.
teacher showing globe to class
Children's Children's Rights

Reporting to the United Nations on Children's Rights

In September 2019, Australia appeared before the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. This UN Committee monitors Australia’s progress in fulfilling its obligations under: • the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) • the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the...
RAAF smoking ceremony
Discrimination Sex Discrimination

Indigenous Defence Project

Defence has requested the Australian Human Rights Commission to complete a project on the attraction, recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Defence Australian Public Service (Defence APS).
Elderly lady looking out a window
Discrimination Age Discrimination

Elder abuse

Elder abuse has been defined by the World Health Organisation as 'a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person'. Elder abuse can take various forms, including:...
Muslim couple on the beach
Race Race Discrimination

Sharing the Stories of Australian Muslims

The Race Discrimination Commissioner is undertaking a project to listen to and share the stories of Australian Muslims. Specifically, the project aims to build robust intelligence about the experience of Australian Muslims to inform the Australian Human Rights Commission’s work in promoting social...
children at the sunset
Rights 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.