Australian Human Rights Commission

🌏✊ "A chance to reset the rhetoric!" In his latest op-ed for The Guardian, Australian Human Rights Commission's Race and Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman emphasises the opportunity presented by Albanese's cabinet reshuffle to transform the conversation around immigration and multiculturalism. He calls for a shift in the language used when discussing refugees, asylum seekers, and diverse communities, urging for more inclusive and respectful discourse. Let's embrace this moment to promote understanding and unity in our society. 💬🤝 📖 Read the full article here: [https://loom.ly/8pEQS-w] #AusHumanRights #StopRacism

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss is wanting to hear from First Nations people across the country to help inform her agenda for the next five years. “At this crucial time of rising and healing from the Voice Referendum, we need to establish how to drive transformative change for First Nations communities across the policy and legislative landscape,” Commissioner Kiss said. “I ask you to complete the survey or make a submission for the Informing the Agenda project, and spread the word to as many people as you can. "Your voice is important in ensuring the priorities and challenges of First Nations peoples are elevated in national conversations relevant to the fulfilment of their human rights.” To complete the survey, visit https://loom.ly/OhxFLw4 For more information and to make a submission, visit https://loom.ly/F84fzCc There will also be face to face consultations coming soon. #AusHumanRights #humanrights #FirstNations #socialjustice

Disability Discrimination Commissioner Rosemary Kayess has urged the Federal Government to make a stronger commitment to the Disability Royal Commission’s recommendations, if the vision for a more inclusive Australia is to ever be achieved. It follows the release of the government's response to the Royal Commission, where it accepted 13 of the 222 recommendations in full and partially accepted 117. “People with disability have waited almost a year for the government to release its response, and it unfortunately comes without a clear plan for action or roadmap for implementation,” Commissioner Kayess said. Ms Kayess called on the government to fully accept the recommendations to strengthen the Disability Discrimination Act, in line with the Australian Human Rights Commission’s push for a revitalised Human Rights Framework and national Human Rights Act. “Australia needs to reframe how it thinks about disability. We cannot end the violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation experienced by people with disability unless their human rights are embedded within law, policy and practice “A Human Rights Act would ensure the rights of people with disability are recognised as indivisible, interrelated and intersectional, and protected in a way that applies to all Australians.” Read the Commissioner's response in full: https://loom.ly/ToNP1iM

The theme of this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 July) was ‘leave no child behind’. Globally 1 in 3 victims of human trafficking is a child. Australia is a known destination for victims of child trafficking. Children can end up in forced labour, forced marriage, or slavery. The Australian Federal Police investigate and prosecute human trafficking. They have a list of signs to recognise potential trafficking on their website and a number to call if you suspect someone has been brought here against their will. More information visit afp.gov.au or to report call 131 237. See the global campaign unodc.org #EndHumanTrafficking #AusHumanRights

In this month's instalment of our 'Let's Talk Ageing' interview series, we hear from Australian Community Transport Association CEO Murray Coates. Mr Coates speaks of the great need for community transport for older Australians, as it provides "them as much control over their life as they want ... (resulting in) significant physical and mental health benefits". Read the interview in full, and catch up on the rest of the series, here: https://loom.ly/Ml01mlc

We welcome the Commission's new President, Hugh de Kretser, who begins his five-year term today. For more than two decades, Mr de Kretser has played a critical role advancing human rights in Australia. He was previously the CEO of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Nations people in Victoria. "It is an honour to take on this role. The Australian Human Rights Commission is a vital national institution which promotes justice and human rights for all Australians,” Mr de Kretser said. “Human rights are the blueprint for a decent, dignified life for all. When human rights are respected, our lives are better, and our communities are stronger, healthier, safer, and more prosperous. To read the full media release, visit https://lnkd.in/g6mYAjPW

Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss has welcomed the appointment of Senator Malarndirri McCarthy as the new Minister for Indigenous Australians. Commissioner Kiss: “Senator McCarthy has been an exceptional advocate for First Nations people and communities for many years and I look forward to working with her to advance the rights and interests of First Nations people across Australia.” https://lnkd.in/gdwUgKD7 #AHRC #AusHumanRights #FirstNationsRights

After seven years, today is Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher’s last day as President of the Australian Human Rights Commission. Her tireless work at the helm of the Commission during her term has covered vast territory, overseeing the release of reports on respect for women and the workplace, elder abuse, a national anti-racism framework, as well as chairing the Asia Pacific Forum, hosting over 100 international delegations, participating in the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), and leading the case for a national Human Rights Act. From everyone at the Commission – and beyond – congratulations and thank you for your commitment to creating a rights-minded Australia. #AusHumanRights #humanrights

Human rights are not adequately protected at the national level. During her seven-year term, outgoing President Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher has advocated for this to change. She led the Free & Equal Inquiry, which outlined the model for a Human Rights Act in Australia, published a reform agenda for Federal discrimination laws, and brought together stakeholders across the legal community, academia and civil society in support of a revitalised human rights framework. “Whenever laws are made, their impact on people’s rights and wellbeing should be front of mind. We have before us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to anchor the protection of basic rights in law. The time is right to strengthen Australia’s human rights framework,” President Croucher said. Watch President Croucher’s National Press Club address - https://loom.ly/430ZHrc

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss today paid tribute to Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, who has resigned from the frontbench and will not contest the next election. As the first Indigenous woman elected to the House of Representatives, Ms. Burney shattered countless barriers and has made the road easier for the next generation of young Black women leaders following in her wake. Read the full media release here: https://loom.ly/jBn8hKY