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Discover that under human rights law, all Australians have the right to an adequate standard of living for themselves and their family.

Learn how our human rights are protected under the law and can only be altered by the state in the case of a national emergency and only within reason.

Explore the biography of Professor Geoff Gallop AC, who chairs the Australia Awards Board and was Deputy Chair of COAG Reform Council from 2007 to 2011.

Explore the biography of Andrew Bynes who is Professor of Law at the University of New South Wales and Chair of the Australian Human Rights Centre.

Learn about Jeremy Fernandez, who is a journalist and presenter with ABC News. He joined the network's Sydney bureau in 2009 after returning from London.

“RightsTalk provides a forum for members of the public to come together to debate, discuss, argue and learn about the human rights issues that affect us all.” - Commission President Professor Gillian Triggs Upcoming talks RightsTalk: Access to the internet as a human right Thursday 7 November12.30pm - 2:00pm Chair – Graeme Innes, Disability Discrimination Commissioner The internet has become…

Back to rights and freedoms: right by right ICESCR Article 9 states: The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to social security, including social insurance. More information Attorney-Generals Department Guidance Sheet

Learn how the state works to ensure everyone enjoys full participation in their cultural rights, especially Indigenous people and people with a disability.

Determining whether the right to freedom of religion is engaged The European Court of Human Rights has dealt with a substantial number of cases regarding freedom of religion and belief under article 9 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, which provide useful guidance regardng the very similar provisions of ICCPR Article 18. In considering…

This page provides access to papers delivered at the annual Lalor Address on Community Relations which was hosted by the Community Relations Commissoner (predecessor of the Race Discrimination Commissioner under the Racial Discrimination Act) from 1975 to 1984 These papers are made available here for research and archival purposes. 10th annual Lalor Address on Community Relations, 1984 (Word…

Australia's first federal Human Rights Commission was established by the Fraser Government under the Human Rights Commission Act 1981. This Act included a sunset clause (section 36) under which the first Commission ceased operation in 1986. The first Commission was replaced by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (now renamed as the Australian Human Rights Commission) in…

Back to rights and freedoms: right by right ICCPR Article 24 states: 1. Every child shall have, without any discrimination as to race, colour, sex, language, religion, national or social origin, property or birth, the right to such measures of protection as are required by his status as a minor, on the part of his family, society and the State. 2. Every child shall be registered immediately…

Learn about human rights in relation to voting in democratically held elections by secret ballot, guaranteeing the free expression of the people.

Back to rights and freedoms: right by right ICCPR Article 27 states In those States in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities exist, persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with the other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practise their own religion, or to use their own language. Human Rights Committee…

Learn about human rights at work and how they are protected through the Fair Work Act, work, health and safety laws and anti-discrimination legislation.

Back to rights and freedoms: right by right ICESCR Article 13 | Other instruments | International scrutiny More information | Comments ICESCR Article 13 ICESCR Article 13 states: The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to education. They agree that education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and the sense of its dignity, and…

Back to rights and freedoms: right by right ICESCR Article 12 | Other instruments | Commission work | International scrutiny | More information | Comments ICESCR Article 12 ICESCR Article 12 states The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. The steps to be taken by the States…

Learn how under human rights law, Australians are free to adopt a religion of their choice, individually or in community with others.

The ICCPR safeguards freedom of expression and opinion, vital for democratic societies. Find out how legal restrictions apply.