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Asylum Seekers and Refugees
5 August 2020Media ReleaseStatement on Christmas Island immigration detention
The Australian Human Rights Commission is deeply concerned that the Australian Border Force plans to re-open the immigration detention facility at Christmas Island. The Commission has carried out inspections of Australia's onshore and offshore immigration detention facilities for many years. The Commission's advice has been consistent: Christmas Island is not an appropriate place for an -
Children's Rights
30 October 2020Media ReleaseAnne Hollonds commences as National Children’s Commissioner
Anne Hollonds has commenced in her role as Australia’s new National Children’s Commissioner. Commissioner Hollonds emphasised the need for greater recognition of the importance of childhood in Australia. “Childhood is quite rightly described as critically important for people's social, health and economic outcomes, but the value of childhood is not only about the future adult that a child… -
Disability Rights
5 April 2024WebpageNas Campanella
Learn about IncludeAbility Ambassador Nas Campanella, a journalist who is blind, providing people with disability a platform to have their stories heard. -
Rights and Freedoms
17 January 2019Media ReleaseReligious Freedom announcement
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) welcomes the release of the Religious Freedom Review. The Commission looks forward to assessing any legislative proposals when they are released in order to ensure that they appropriately balance human rights. “It is critical that any new laws do not create new forms of discrimination.” “Australia must protect the rights of all people, including… -
Rights and Freedoms
30 May 2022Publication
Mr AO v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs) (2022)
Explore the report into the use of force in the case of Mr AO v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Home Affairs) from 2022. -
Rights and Freedoms
22 February 2023News story
Urgent action needed following termination of UN inspection
The Australian Human Rights Commission says an extraordinary decision to terminate a tour of Australian places of detention by United Nations inspectors reflects Australia’s fragmented approach to protecting the human rights of people in detention. -
Children's Rights
17 January 2019Media Release
Commission welcomes National Apology
The Australian Human Rights Commission today welcomes the Prime Minister’s National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, which will take place this morning at Parliament House in Canberra. The National Children’s Commissioner, Megan Mitchell said it’s an incredibly significant and historic moment in time. “I applaud the Prime Minister in taking this… -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
9 July 2019SpeechIntervention on Climate Change Impacts in the Torres Strait
I am Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. I make this statement on behalf of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Australia’s ‘A status’ NHRI.’ I want to acknowledge the OHCHR for its report and for highlighting some of the adverse effects of climate change on Indigenous women. I would also like to acknowledge the Australian Government for… -
Commission – General
3 June 2020E-bulletin (Monthly)Community update: COVID-19 (June 2020)
Commission News June 2020 Commissioner update COVID-19 Dear friends, The last few weeks have seen a gradual return to some of our pre-pandemic freedoms in many parts of Australia. While physical distancing remains a vital element to maintaining low infection rates, it is clear that we welcome the opportunity to visit loved ones, travel and socialise. The Lucky Country, a term used favourably… -
Commission – General
6 May 2020Webpage
Former Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Ben Gauntlett
Learn about Former Disability Discrimination Commissioner Dr Ben Gauntlett, who since 2019 has worked to increase opportunities for people with disability. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
15 July 2021Speech
LexisNexis webinar
Welcome everyone. Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge the country upon which each of us stands today. I myself stand upon my Bunuba land here in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. I acknowledge and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging across all the lands and waters of this nation. Thank you for inviting me to speak today. I would like to thank LexisNexis and… -
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
29 March 2022Publication
The detention of refugees following visa refusal or cancellation under section 501 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) (2022)
Report into arbitrary detention. -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
5 August 2019Speech
Garma: Voices speech
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar AO addressed Garma in the Northern Territory on August 3. The topic was 'Voices'. Jalangurru lanygu balangarri. Yaningi yatharra ngindaji yuwa muwayi ingirranggu, Gumatj, Yolngu yani U. Galwurruy, djawa, Djapirri and your family thank you for hosting us. I acknowledge the Yolngu Gamatji people of the land we gather… -
Rights and Freedoms
8 October 2019Media Release
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Sydney
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Her Excellency Dr Michelle Bachelet AC, is in Sydney today to attend the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Free and Equal; A National Conversation on Human Rights. Dr Bachelet will deliver the keynote address at the conference. Her speech will focus on Australia’s human rights achievements and challenges, as well as our sphere of influence in the… -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
10 May 2023Media Release
First Nations women respond to Banksia Hill riots with call for immediate reform to youth justice
First Nations female leaders from across Australia are demanding immediate reform to Western Australia’s approach to youth justice in the wake of today’s riots at the Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre. Hundreds of First Nations women are attending the Wiyi Yani U Thangani National Summit in Canberra this week, including Commissioner for Children and Young People WA Jacqueline McGowan… -
Commission – General
4 April 2023News story
Human rights leaders share lessons from across the globe
For the first time since 2019, the Australian Human Rights Commission was able to participate in person at the annual Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) meetings in Geneva. Over the week of 13-17 March, Commission President Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM and Chief Executive Leanne Smith joined colleagues from around the globe to share experiences, lessons…
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