October | International engagement update

The Australian Human Rights Commission at the Biennial Human Rights Conference in Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions on the sidelines of CHOGM

In October, the Commission attended a Biennial Human Rights Conference, run by the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (CFNHRI), and held just ahead of the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. CFNHRI is an unincorporated global network of National Human Rights Institutions working to ensure that international human rights standards are respected across the Commonwealth.

It was a crucial opportunity to discuss critical human rights issues facing Commonwealth governments and to call on CHOGM to demonstrate support and commitment for human rights. Commission Chief Executive Leanne Smith and Team Leader of International Engagement, Joanna Mansfield, supported the drafting of the Apia Declaration: “A sustainable culture of human rights for a resilient future “A sustainable culture of human rights for a resilient future” which was agreed by CFNHRI members at the conclusion of the conference. The Declaration calls on CHOGM to put human rights at the centre of its decisions, asking for greater support for National Human Rights Institutions as well as action to address the human rights impact of climate change.

During the conference, CFNHRI members committed themselves to a two-year focus on critical human rights issues in its network, including support for democratic institutions, combatting the impacts of climate change, building resilient economies which protect people's social, economic, political and cultural rights and the empowerment of all people, including Indigenous Peoples are those who are marginalised.

The Australian Human Rights Commission congratulates the Samoa Ombudsman Office on hosting the conference and enabling this important collaboration among the Commonwealth to ensure a just and equitable future for all.