Australian Human Rights Commission

The Commission recently supported an inaugural workshop in the Philippines on “Best Practices in Promoting Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge in Responding and Adapting to the Impact of Climate Change”. Climate change remains one of the most urgent challenges of our time, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, human wellbeing, and global development. This dialogue acknowledged the invaluable role Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems play, and incorporated presentations from several Indigenous representatives from Australia and the Pacific, supported by the Commission. The diverse gathering reflected the collaborative effort needed to tackle these challenges and ensure that Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems are preserved, elevated, and integrated into climate solutions. This activity was run through a partnership with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. #AusHumanRights #humanrights #Indigenous #climatechange #ASEAN

Last week, the Commission supported a Dialogue in Indonesia on Policing and the Use of Force. The event brought together representatives of police forces, governments, NHRIs and civil society to share experiences and ideas to strengthen a human rights-based approach to policing and law enforcement in Southeast Asia. Topics ranged from investigation procedures, to the use of force, freedom of assembly, and ending violence against women. This activity, in line with the Commission’s strategic goal contributing to the advancement of human rights globally, was run through a partnership with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In May this year, we were tasked to undertake a study into racism at Australian universities. The interim report, titled "Respect At Uni", reveals a range of concerns from both students and staff in relation to their experience of racism on university campuses. The project has established a cross-Australian Government working group and an advisory committee. For the media release and full report visit: https://loom.ly/lCVWYNk #AusHumanRights #eliminateracism

The Commission was delighted to host a study visit for a delegation of Vietnamese researchers recently. The trip involved meeting with many diverse government and civil society organisations across Canberra and Sydney, as well as with Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald, to learn about Australia’s approach in advancing the rights of older people in laws and practice. There was even a chance to stop and meet some kangaroos and koalas! This visit took place as part of a broader project of the International Engagement team of the Commission, the “Vietnam Human Rights Technical Cooperation Program”, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The learnings from the study visit will support the Vietnamese researchers to inform policy approaches in Vietnam to tackle the challenges associated with an aging population. Pictured: Commission President Hugh de Kretser and the leader of the delegation, Dr Kien, Director of Human Rights Institute within Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics

Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody and Chief of Defence Force Admiral David Johnston recently discussed the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and the momentum for cultural change. “We have a strong collaboration with Defence. I welcome Defence’s engagement with the Royal Commission’s recommendations and look forward to strengthening our work for a culture that is safe, respectful and inclusive.” #AusHumanRights #Defence Defence Australia Image c. Defence

In our final 'Let’s Talk Ageing' episode for 2024, Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM sits down with the Australian Industry Group’s Chief Executive, Innes Willox AM, about some of the challenges and opportunities of ageing in Australia. Reflecting that he is “now closer to the end of work than the start”, Mr Willox speaks about growing awareness of the value of older people in Australian workplaces. He shares insights into how his personal perspective is changing at the same time that there is a national mindset shift, driven by necessity and common sense, to keep mature workers in the workplace. “Ageing necessarily gives you wisdom, it gives you a whole of patience but most importantly, it gives you perspective," he said. Watch the full interview, and catch up on the rest of our series, here: https://loom.ly/Ml01mlc

Today marks one year since the Australian Human Rights Commission’s positive duty regulatory powers came into force in the Sex Discrimination Act, aiming to eliminate workplace sexual harassment and discrimination. The positive duty is a legal obligation which requires organisations and businesses to take "reasonable and proportionate measures" to eliminate unlawful behaviours in the workplace. “The positive duty marks a pivotal shift in how we approach workplace equality,” said Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody. “Over the past year, the Commission has reached tens of thousands of workers, businesses and organisation through education and engagement on the positive duty. We call on senior leaders to continue to lead by example, ensuring their policies and practices actively foster respect and equality." In the last year, the Commission also co-led the formation of the Australian Council of Human Rights Agencies (ACHRA) Positive Duty Working Group. This group will make sure all the state and territory human rights agencies collaborate on positive duty obligations. Read our statement in full: https://loom.ly/1R2vS64 Read the media statement about the ACHRA working group: https://loom.ly/mTh_iOA Learn more about the positive duty: https://loom.ly/l2wbSus

As the Queensland Government moves to pass its controversial Making Queensland Safer Bill this week, the National Children’s Commissioner is calling on the Australian Government to affirm its commitment to the human rights of Australia’s children, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds: “This Bill has attracted widespread condemnation, including from the United Nations, for its ‘flagrant disregard’ of the human rights of children and international law. The fact that its provisions are targeting our most at-risk children makes this retreat from human rights even more shocking. “At this critical time, all governments across our federation need to stand up for the human rights of Australia’s children, including the Australian Government.” Read the media release: https://loom.ly/dh_tg90 #AHRC #ChildrensRights #ChildJustice

The Australian Human Rights Commission has called for urgent reform to how women are treated in Australia's immigration detention system following the release of a new report titled 'Not Just An Afterthought'. The report highlights the serious risks of harassment and violence faced by women, with their needs widely overlooked. It focuses on failures to provide adequate support in key areas, including in accommodation, recreation, programs, and healthcare. It also highlights the need to properly separate women from men in detention. "Women in immigration detention face particular vulnerabilities due to challenging personal circumstances prior to being detained - including a high proportion who have faced family and domestic violence. Their treatment in detention must be grounded in an understanding of their unique needs," stated Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay. The report makes 31 recommendations aimed at improving conditions for women in detention and staff. Read the report: 'Not Just An Afterthought': The Experience of Women in Immigration Detention https://loom.ly/ycrCH8k Read our media release in full: https://loom.ly/H4XRB-M #AusHumanRights #freeandequal

📣Call out to disability advocates. EOIs are due this Friday for funding to participate in UN forums. Would you like to take your human rights advocacy to the international stage? Funding is available from the Department of Social Services to support people with disability to be part of Australia’s civil society delegation to 2 major UN forums in 2025. The Commission invites people with disability, through a representative organisation, to apply for funding to attend the: • 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA, 10 to 21 March 2025. • 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP18) at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States of America (USA), 10 to 12 June 2025. Submit an Expression of Interest by this Friday 13 December 2024: https://loom.ly/bPQtLfc