Human Rights

Human Rights

The Law Council endorses an approach, consistent with international law and practice, which confirms that all human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent and interrelated.

The protection and promotion of human rights is a major strategic priority for the Law Council as outlined in the Strategic Plan 2015-2020.

The Law Council’s human rights principles and commitments are directed to: the domestic implementation of international human rights in Australia; advocacy in relation to human rights in Australia and internationally; education and public awareness in relation to human rights; and participation in the international human rights system.

21 September 2022—

Law Council

Law Council statement on Kiribati at the 51st United Nations Human Rights Council

19 August 2022—

Law Council

Australia's Humanitarian Program 2022-23

27 June 2022—

Law Council

Stage 2 Reform of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002

24 June 2022—

Law Council

Inquiry into the Application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Australia

22 June 2022—

Law Council

Law Council statement at the 50th UN Human Rights Council

03 June 2022—

Law Council

Next steps to improve Australia’s settlement and integration of refugees

08 April 2022—

Law Council

Australia must work to ensure AHRC remains fully compliant with Paris Principles

23 March 2022—

Law Council

Inquiry Into Australia-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement

23 March 2022—

Law Council

Consultation Paper: Respect@Work – Options to progress further legislative recommendations

25 February 2022—

Law Council

United Nations ‘Open-ended Working Group on Ageing for the purpose of strengthening the protection of the human rights of older persons’

22 February 2022—

Law Council

Normative Input to the Twelfth Working Session on the Right to Work and Access to Justice

18 February 2022—

Law Council

Reform of Australia’s Electronic Surveillance Framework: Discussion Paper

11 February 2022—

Law Council

Concept Paper for a National Anti-Racism Framework

10 February 2022—

Law Council

Parliament has opportunity to do more to protect older Australians

01 February 2022—

Law Council

Review of the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No. 1) Bill 2021

27 January 2022—

Law Council

Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 and related bills – Questions on Notice

20 January 2022—

Law Council

Supplementary submission: Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 and related bills

14 January 2022—

Law Council

Inquiry into Religious Discrimination Bill 2021

17 December 2021—

Law Council

Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 and related bills

16 December 2021—

Law Council

Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test) Bill 2021

10 December 2021—

Law Council

Time to enshrine a First Nations Voice to Parliament

09 December 2021—

Law Council

Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Magnitsky-style and Other Thematic Sanctions) Bill 2021

07 December 2021—

Law Council

Performance and integrity of Australia’s administrative review system

02 December 2021—

Law Council

17th Australia-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue

24 November 2021—

Law Council

Review of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012

17 November 2021—

Law Council

Older Australians must be protected against abuse

08 November 2021—

Law Council

Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response No. 2) Bill 2021

13 October 2021—

Law Council

Australia’s engagement in Afghanistan

09 October 2021—

Law Council

Law Council reaffirms its opposition to the death penalty

01 October 2021—

Law Council

Urgent action needed to address ageism

30 September 2021—

Law Council

48th Human Rights Council Statements

20 September 2021—

Law Council

48th Human Rights Council – Statement to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention

24 August 2021—

Law Council

Exposure Draft Migration Amendment (Protecting Migrant Workers) Bill 2021

12 August 2021—

Law Council

Amendments needed to sexual discrimination bill

05 August 2021—

Law Council

Social Services Legislation Amendment (Consistent Waiting Periods for New Migrants) Bill 2021

26 July 2021—

Law Council

Communication of Engagement - United Nations Global Compact

15 July 2021—

Law Council

Statement to the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar

08 July 2021—

Law Council

National Register of Enduring Powers of Attorney

01 July 2021—

Law Council

Migration and Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Information Provisions) Bill 2020

07 June 2021—

Law Council

Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response No. 1) Bill 2021

28 May 2021—

Law Council

Australia’s Humanitarian Program 2021-22

10 May 2021—

Law Council

ParentsNext: examination of Social Security (Parenting payment participation requirements - class of persons) instrument 2021

21 April 2021—

Law Council

Review of the operation of the Australian Crime Commission Amendment (Special Operations and Special Investigations) Act 2019 (Cth)

26 March 2021—

Law Council

Review of the National Emergency Declaration Act 2020

22 March 2021—

Law Council

United Nations Human Rights Council 46 Statement - Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility

05 March 2021—

Law Council

Independent review into parliamentary workplace culture a positive says Law Council

01 March 2021—

Law Council

Government must act on Royal Commission recommendations

05 February 2021—

Law Council

Australia’s UPR (3rd Cycle)

15 December 2020—

Law Council

Should Australia join the Global Magnitsky movement?

10 December 2020—

Law Council

Human Rights Day: Isn’t it time to reconsider our mandatory, long-term immigration detention regime?

08 December 2020—

Law Council

Cautious support for Magnitsky-style legislation

07 December 2020—

Law Council

Human rights advocate, Stephen Keim SC, wins Law Council of Australia President’s Award

18 November 2020—

Law Council

Let’s talk about a federal Human Rights Act

18 November 2020—

Law Council

No Time like the Present to Protect our Human Rights

17 November 2020—

Law Council

Federal Human Rights Charter

02 November 2020—

Law Council

Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Continuation of Cashless Welfare) Bill 2020

30 October 2020—

Law Council

Inquiry into Customary Law and Aboriginality

30 October 2020—

Law Council

National Disability Strategy

09 October 2020—

Law Council

International Convention on the Rights of Older Persons

01 October 2020—

Law Council

Calling on government to support a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons

23 September 2020—

Law Council

Statement to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention within the programme of the 45th United Nations Human Rights Council

11 September 2020—

Law Council

Supplementary submission: Inquiry into the Exemption of Delegated Legislation from Parliamentary Oversight

02 September 2020—

Law Council

National Review of Hotel Quarantine

17 August 2020—

Law Council

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability – Issues Paper – the Criminal Justice System

14 August 2020—

Law Council

Inquiry into the human rights of women and girls in the Pacific

13 August 2020—

Law Council

Modern Slavery Act

04 August 2020—

Law Council

Australia a key player against human trafficking

29 July 2020—

Law Council

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

10 July 2020—

Law Council

United Nations oral statement presented to the 44th session of the Human Rights Council

08 July 2020—

Law Council

Universal Periodic Review of Australia (3rd Cycle)

02 July 2020—

Law Council

Exemption of delegated legislation from parliamentary oversight

22 June 2020—

Law Council

Inquiry into whether Australia should examine the use of targeted sanctions to address human rights abuses

15 June 2020—

Law Council

There is merit in Magnitsky-style legislation says the Law Council

11 May 2020—

Law Council

International Strategy on Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery: Consultation Paper

21 April 2020—

Law Council

Human rights and technology

20 April 2020—

Law Council

Call for release of pro-democracy leaders arrested in Hong Kong

25 March 2020—

Law Council

Inquiry of the Select Joint Committee on Foreign Interference through Social Media

17 March 2020—

Law Council

43rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva

08 March 2020—

Law Council

#IWD time to reflect on work still to be done

04 March 2020—

Law Council

Inquiry into whether Australia should examine the use of targeted sanctions to address human rights abuses

26 February 2020—

Law Council

Opinion piece: It's not just Assange, these are our rights

21 February 2020—

Law Council

National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020-24: Public Consultation Paper

06 February 2020—

Law Council

Religious Freedom Bills - Second Exposure Drafts

04 February 2020—

Law Council

Religious Freedom Bills - Second Exposure Drafts

20 December 2019—

Law Council

Response to Discussion Paper: Priorities for federal discrimination law reform

13 December 2019—

Law Council

Opinion piece: A flawed bill is no way to protect precious rights

03 December 2019—

Law Council

Supplementary Submission: Inquiry into Press Freedom

13 November 2019—

Law Council

Free and equal : An Australian conversation on human rights

01 November 2019—

Law Council

Uluru Statement should be respected

31 October 2019—

Law Council

Centrelink’s Compliance Program

09 October 2019—

Law Council

Religious Discrimination Bill encroaches too heavily on other human rights

08 October 2019—

Law Council

Religious Freedom Bills

07 October 2019—

Law Council

Response to Hong Kong protests must be reasonable and proportionate

26 September 2019—

Law Council

Modern Slavery Act compliance guide welcomed by Law Council

18 September 2019—

Law Council

The Philippines: Attacks against lawyers escalating

04 September 2019—

Law Council

Address to the National Press Club - Arthur Moses SC

28 August 2019—

Law Council

Law Council of Australia statement regarding the arrest of Dr Yang Hengjun

23 August 2019—

Law Council

Inquiry into the Adequacy of Commonwealth Laws and Frameworks Covering the Disclosure and Reporting of Sensitive and Classified Information

23 August 2019—

Law Council

Supplementary Submission: Inquiry into the Impact of the Exercise of Law Enforcement and Intelligence Powers on the Freedom of the Press

23 August 2019—

Law Council

Migration Amendment (Repairing Medical Transfers) Bill 2019

16 August 2019—

Law Council

Migration Legislation Amendment (Regional Processing Cohort) Bill 2019 (Provisions)

14 August 2019—

Law Council

Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test) Bill 2019

07 August 2019—

Law Council

Inquiry into the Impact of the Exercise of Law Enforcement and Intelligence Powers on the Freedom of the Press

31 July 2019—

Law Council

Criminal Code Amendment (Agricultural Protection) Bill 2019

14 July 2019—

Law Council

Review of the terrorism-related citizenship loss provisions in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Cth)

01 July 2019—

Law Council

Review of the Australian Citizenship renunciation by conduct and cessation provisions

28 June 2019—

Law Council

LCA President addresses side-event at UN Human Rights Council on Hong Kong extradition proposal

20 May 2019—

Law Council

Modern Slavery Act 2018: Draft Guidance for Reporting Entities

20 May 2019—

Law Council

OPCAT ratification - Consultations

17 May 2019—

Law Council

Children’s Rights in Relation to the Digital Environment

16 May 2019—

Law Council

Children’s Rights in Relation to the Digital Environment

17 April 2019—

Law Council

Review of the Australian Human Rights Commission Regulations 1989 and the Disability Discrimination Regulations 1996

18 March 2019—

Law Council

Artificial Intelligence: Governance and Leadership

08 March 2019—

Law Council

Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Bill 2019

26 February 2019—

Law Council

National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces

21 February 2019—

Law Council

Australia's national review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action

14 February 2019—

Law Council

Sex Discrimination Amendment (Removing Discrimination Against Students) Bill 2018 – Senate Committee hearing

23 January 2019—

Law Council

Sex Discrimination Amendment (Removing Discrimination Against Students) Bill 2018

17 January 2019—

Law Council

Trial of Mr Wang Quanzhang

16 January 2019—

Law Council

Australian Citizenship Amendment (Strengthening the Citizenship Loss Provisions) Bill 2018

31 December 2018—

Law Council

Law Council President-elect asks Foreign Minister to stand up to China and urge justice for detained human rights lawyer

13 December 2018—

Law Council

Australia’s first Modern Slavery Act

13 December 2018—

Law Council

Increased religious protections supported, but would be better dealt with in a comprehensive National Human Rights Act

10 December 2018—

Law Council

70 years after Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Australia has unfinished business

06 December 2018—

Law Council

Law Council backs parliamentary efforts to get sick asylum seekers off Nauru

30 November 2018—

Law Council

Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test) Bill 2018

29 November 2018—

Law Council

Modern Slavery Act a reality after years of advocacy

29 November 2018—

Law Council

Legislative exemptions that allow faith-based educational institutions to discriminate against students, teachers and staff

21 November 2018—

Law Council

Legislative exemptions that allow faith-based educational institutions to discriminate against students, teachers and staff

15 November 2018—

Law Council

Australian Human Rights Commission National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces

01 November 2018—

Law Council

Alternative Report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child

01 November 2018—

Law Council

Supplementary submission to the Joint Select Committee on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

01 November 2018—

Law Council

Committee on the Rights of the Child

01 November 2018—

Law Council

Alternative Report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child

25 October 2018—

Law Council

Human Rights and Technology

16 October 2018—

Law Council

The protection of human rights of people born with variations in sex characteristics in the context of medical interventions

12 October 2018—

Law Council

Response to Consultation Paper: Protecting the Human Rights of People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics in the Context of Medical Interventions

24 September 2018—

Law Council

Response to Consultation Paper OPCAT in Australia: Stage 2

13 September 2018—

Law Council

Australia's draft sixth periodic report to the Committee against Torture

23 August 2018—

Law Council

Oversight of redress related recommendations

09 August 2018—

Law Council

Penalties for non-compliance essential to Modern Slavery Bill

03 August 2018—

Law Council

Penalties necessary for effective Modern Slavery laws

03 August 2018—

Law Council

Opening Statement to Modern Slavery Bill 2018

24 July 2018—

Law Council

Modern Slavery Bill 2018

20 July 2018—

Law Council

Australia-Vietnam 2018 Human Rights Dialogue: Civil Society Consultation

12 July 2018—

Law Council

Move to combat Modern Slavery

15 June 2018—

Law Council

Australia’s progress in implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

30 May 2018—

Law Council

National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Bill 2018

16 May 2018—

Law Council

New Modern Slavery Act on the horizon

19 March 2018—

Law Council

Law Council welcomes Laos delegation

15 March 2018—

Law Council

Remaining states and territories urged to opt-in to national redress scheme as matter of priority

15 February 2018—

Law Council

Response to question on notice: legal professional privilege

12 February 2018—

Law Council

Commonwealth Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Bill 2017

06 February 2018—

Law Council

Inquiry on the impact of new and emerging information and communications technology on Australia law enforcement agencies

23 January 2018—

Law Council

Secrecy of information, treason, espionage and sabotage target of new Bill

22 January 2018—

Law Council

Home Affairs and Integrity Agencies Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

22 January 2018—

Law Council

Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Bill 2017

22 January 2018—

Law Council

National Security Legislation Amendment (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Bill 2017

15 December 2017—

Law Council

Ratification of OPCAT a historic step towards improving conditions in detention

08 December 2017—

Law Council

National Compensation Scheme for victims of modern slavery a watershed recommendation

07 December 2017—

Law Council

Australia takes a leap forward on human rights with the passing of marriage equality bill

30 November 2017—

Law Council

Treaties on Extradition and Mutual Assistance between Australia and Jordan

22 November 2017—

Law Council

Expert panel examining religious freedom supported, marriage equality should now be passed swiftly

20 November 2017—

Law Council

Australia’s Draft Report to the Committee on the Convention on the Rights of the Child

15 November 2017—

Law Council

It’s a ‘yes’ for marriage equality! Now for legislation that does not discriminate

13 November 2017—

Law Council

Law of contempt

13 November 2017—

Law Council

New Bill an extraordinary winding back of anti-discrimination laws under cover of same-sex marriage

10 November 2017—

Law Council

Australia’s UN report card raises serious concerns, meaningful response by Government crucial

02 November 2017—

Law Council

Modern Slavery in Supply Chains Reporting Requirement

01 November 2017—

Law Council

Review of the ‘declared area’ provisions

17 October 2017—

Law Council

Australia’s election to Human Rights Council an opportunity to lead and to learn

14 September 2017—

Law Council

Legal protection necessary as postal survey hits letterboxes

08 September 2017—

Law Council

For respectful debate, vital to get legislative protections right

07 September 2017—

Law Council

Vote ‘yes’ for marriage equality, ‘yes’ for human rights

04 September 2017—

Law Council

Supplementary Submission on Social Services Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform) Bill 2017

01 September 2017—

Law Council

Responses to Questions on Notice arising from the Law Council’s appearance at the hearing for the inquiry into Establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia

28 August 2017—

Law Council

Nothing ‘un-Australian’ about human rights, the Constitution and the rule of law

17 August 2017—

Law Council

Law Council welcomes Parliamentary Committee's recommendation for a Modern Slavery Act

16 August 2017—

Law Council

Requiring business to report on anti-slavery efforts a historic step in addressing modern scourge

11 August 2017—

Law Council

Social Services Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform) Bill 2017

26 July 2017—

Law Council

Response to Consultation Paper OPCAT in Australia

21 July 2017—

Law Council

Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017

18 July 2017—

Law Council

Recommendations for a National Compensation Scheme for victims of slavery should be swiftly accepted

11 July 2017—

Law Council

Australia-Vietnam 2017 Human Rights Dialogue: Civil Society Consultation

20 June 2017—

Law Council

Legal profession warmly welcomes Professor Rosalind Croucher as AHRC President

16 June 2017—

Law Council

Legal profession sets out core principles and commitments on human rights, as international spotlight shines on nation

16 June 2017—

Law Council

Human Rights Policy

07 June 2017—

Law Council

5th Australia-Lao PDR 2017 Human Rights Dialogue: Civil Society Consultation

15 May 2017—

Law Council

Policy Statement - Human Rights and the Legal Profession

28 April 2017—

Law Council

Establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia

20 April 2017—

Law Council

Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Bill 2017

27 March 2017—

Law Council

Human Rights Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

24 March 2017—

Law Council

Opening statement: Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee Hearing – Human Rights Legislation Amendment Bill 2017

15 March 2017—

Law Council

National Consultation Paper Shaping our future: discussions on disability rights

09 February 2017—

Law Council

Australia takes historic step to help prevent torture

02 February 2017—

Law Council

Law Council condemns fatal shooting of prominent human rights lawyer U Ko Ni in Myanmar

30 January 2017—

Law Council

Supplementary Submission: Exposure Draft of the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill

24 January 2017—

Law Council

Inquiry into Human Trafficking 2017

23 January 2017—

Law Council

Amendments needed to same-sex marriage Exposure Draft to ensure it is free from discrimination

20 January 2017—

Law Council

Law Council backs amendments to help bring slavery out of the shadows

19 January 2017—

Law Council

Exposure Draft Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill

21 December 2016—

Law Council

Freedom of Speech in Australia

23 November 2016—

Law Council

Rule of Law

23 November 2016—

Law Council

Privacy Law

23 November 2016—

Law Council

David Hicks

23 November 2016—

Law Council

Legislative Standards

23 November 2016—

Law Council

Immigration Detention and Asylum Seekers

23 November 2016—

Law Council

Anti-discrimination laws

23 November 2016—

Law Council

Australia’s International Human Rights Obligations

23 November 2016—

Law Council

Protecting and Promoting Human Rights in Australia

23 November 2016—

Law Council

Business and Human Rights

23 November 2016—

Law Council

Death Penalty

18 November 2016—

Law Council

Human Rights Committee

18 November 2016—

Law Council

Human Rights

06 October 2016—

Law Council

Submission to Thematic Report on Biodiversity and Human Rights

06 October 2016—

Law Council

Thematic Report on Biodiversity and Human Rights

19 August 2016—

Law Council

Disturbing images from Qld underscore the need to review youth detention Australia-wide

12 August 2016—

Law Council

Independent oversight of immigration detention and border protection laws needed following Nauru leaks

10 August 2016—

Law Council

Australian legal profession condemns horrific violence against lawyers in Pakistan

01 August 2016—

Law Council

Law Council welcomes Mick Gooda and Margaret White as Royal Commissioners, credits decision by Brian Martin

15 June 2016—

Law Council

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: funding commitment applauded

24 May 2016—

Law Council

Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture in the context of Youth Justice Detention Centres

06 May 2016—

Law Council

Supplementary submission: Australia – China Extradition Treaty

05 May 2016—

Law Council

Congratulations to new Commonwealth DPP and Human Rights Commissioners

24 March 2016—

Law Council

Treaty on Extradition Between Australia and the People’s Republic of China

04 March 2016—

Law Council

Migration Amendment (Character Cancellation Consequential Provisions) Bill 2016

29 January 2016—

Law Council

Law Council welcomes Commonwealth Government’s Commitment to a National Approach for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

29 January 2016—

Law Council

Comment on the human rights of children in the context of international migration

03 December 2015—

Law Council

Indigenous Imprisonment Symposium communique

05 August 2015—

Law Council

Australia-Vietnam 2015 Human Rights Dialogue: Civil Society Consultation

14 April 2015—

Law Council

Supplementary Submission on Redress and Civil Litigation Issues

23 March 2015—

Law Council

Submission to the Second Universal Periodic Review of Australia

02 October 2014—

Law Council

Mandatory Sentencing Policy

02 May 2014—

Law Council

Exposure Draft - Freedom of Speech (Repeal of S.18C) Bill 2014

22 June 2013—

Law Council

Policy Statement - Principles Applying to the Detention of Asylum Seekers

22 June 2013—

Law Council

Policy Statement - Principles Applying to Detention in a Criminal Law Context

24 April 2013—

Law Council

Australian Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex and Gender

25 January 2013—

Law Council

National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012

29 July 2011—

Law Council

Intervention on International Human Rights Matters

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