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Sex Discrimination
12 August 2022Media ReleaseSex Discrimination Commissioner calls for swift action to address harassment and bullying in NSW Parliament
Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins welcomes the report on sexual harassment, assault, and bullying in New South Wales Parliament and urges swift action on recommendations. -
Rights and Freedoms
17 October 2022Media ReleaseNew report aims to help fast-track Australia’s OPCAT implementation process
A new report released today by the Australian Human Rights Commission outlines activities required to expedite Australia’s sluggish approach to implementing the United Nation’s Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). Informed by the Commission’s recent National OPCAT Symposium, the Road Map to OPCAT Compliance… -
4 February 2015Book page
2 Findings and recommendations
This Inquiry report considers the impact of detention on children at different life stages and of children affected by different circumstances. The findings and recommendations are broadly designed to reflect the ages, stages and life circumstances of children in detention. Findings Findings against the Convention on the Rights of the Child Findings relevant to all children in detentionThe … -
Sex Discrimination
10 August 2023Media Release
Resource: workplace harassment, discrimination and victimisation
The Australian Human Rights Commission has launched a series of resources to help organisations and businesses understand and comply with their obligations under the positive duty. -
4 February 2015Book page
7 Preschoolers in detention
7.1 Forming relationships 7.2 The detention environment 7.3 Opportunities for play, learning and development 7.4 Impacts on preschoolers 7.5 Findings specific to preschoolers In preschool children we have seen regressed or disturbed behaviour such as needing to cling to parents at night and refusing to sleep in their own bed; separation anxiety; incontinence; uncharacteristic aggression; the… -
Children's Rights
17 July 2014SpeechRights of children in schools: a human rights perspective on behaviour
Read a speech by the Children's Commissioner that highlights the importance of including the views of students when defining the rights of children. -
5 February 2015Book page
9 Teenagers in detention
9.1 Needs and development of teenagers 9.2 Physical environment of detention 9.3 Emotional wellbeing and self-harm 9.4 Safety 9.5 Security measures and dignity 9.6 Relationships with parents 9.7 Relocations 9.8 Provision of medical services 9.9 Education 9.10 Recreation 9.11 Findings specific to teenagers I am a bird in a cage (14 year old girl, Christmas Island detention centre, 15 July… -
5 February 2015Book page
8 Primary school aged children in detention
8.1 Needs and development of children at this stage of life 8.2 Emotional health and wellbeing 8.3 The role of parents in detention 8.4 Physical environment of detention and resources 8.5 School education 8.6 Excursions out of detention 8.7 Findings specific to primary school aged children [They are] crying all day long ... tortured by sadness. Take the children out and keep us in. (Parent… -
Children's Rights
16 November 2021Media Release
Proposal to raise the age does not go far enough
All 16 of Australia’s children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates say a commitment by state attorneys-general to develop a proposal to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 does not go far enough. In a joint statement, Australian children’s commissioners, guardians and advocates said: “We are pleased that some jurisdictions have for the first time indicated they will look at… -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
13 September 2022Media ReleaseFirst Nations women to take leading role in addressing family and community violence
An important gathering of First Nations women – including specialist experts, researchers, frontline workers and women with lived experience of violence – has called on governments across Australia to ensure First Nations women lead all future efforts to prevent violence against First Nations women and children. On Monday the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Women’s Safety Policy Forum was held online,… -
Children's Rights
5 September 2022Media Release
Ongoing juvenile detention crisis a failure of basic support for kids and families
Commissioner Hollonds said vulnerable children and their families have been let down by federal, state and territory governments for decades with key recommendations from various inquiries and Royal Commissions going unimplemented. -
14 April 2015Book page
5 Nations - Self-determination and a new era of Indigenous governance
5.1 Introduction 5.2 The importance of Nations 5.3 Framework for Indigenous governance 5.4 Community governance: a Nation building approach 5.5 Australian accounts of successful nation building 5.6 Voices of Nations, not just national voices 5.7 Conclusions and recommendations 5.1 Introduction Since the beginning of my term as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner… -
Rights and Freedoms
14 April 2023Media Release
Commission welcomes banning of spit hoods by AFP
A decision by the Australian Federal Police to end the use of spit hoods has been welcomed by the Australian Human Rights Commission. Today the AFP announced the AFP and ACT police will no longer use spit hoods, and instead the AFP will provide ‘alternative equipment and implement procedures to better protect officers from spitting and biting.’ The decision follows a review initiated last… -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
28 November 2022Media Release
New report sets the stage for First Nations women to lead response to family and community violence
The report is an outcome of the recent Wiyi Yani U Thangani First Nations Women's Safety Policy Forum which was held virtually in September and which brought together over 150 participants from all around the country, the majority being First Nations women. -
29 January 2013Book page
2. Women at ADFA: Harassment, Abuse, Discrimination and Assault
2.1 Introduction ADFA is a unique institution where cadets live, study, work and socialise. The intensity of this environment can exacerbate the experiences of sexual harassment, abuse, discrimination and assault. The Review had the opportunity to speak with women and men across the ADFA community and beyond. It is mindful of the pride felt by many about the inclusive culture of ADFA. Many… -
Children's Rights
4 August 2022Media Release
National day spotlights culture and rights of First Nations children
Celebrating and showcasing the lives of First Nations children is the focus of today’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. With the theme this year of ‘My Dreaming, My Future’, the day also provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on how Australians can work together to improve a range of health, social and human rights outcomes for young First Nations people -
Rights and Freedoms
1 May 2013Webpage
Permissible limitations on freedom to manifest religion or belief
Under article 18 of the ICCPR, any actions which fall within the four types of manifestation of belief (worship, observance, teaching and practice) can, in certain circumstances, be subject to limitation by the State. The freedom to manifest religion in sub-paragraph 18(1) is qualified by the limitations set out in sub-paragraph 18(3), including those which are ‘necessary to protect…the -
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
15 March 2022Media Release
Commissioner backs calls for no more guns in communities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar AO has joined calls for no more guns to be carried by police officers in communities, and has extended her heart and thoughts to the family of Kumanjayi Walker, the Yuendumu community and Warlpiri people at this very difficult time. Commissioner Oscar said, “Walker’s family have been brave, courageous, and… -
Sex Discrimination
17 October 2022Media Release
National plan to end gender-based violence must be fully resourced to achieve results
Explore a plan to end gender-based violence and how for this to succeed, all governments need to make investments in prevention and recovery strategies. -
Rights and Freedoms
9 March 2023Media Release
Commission launches model for an Australian Human Rights Act
Australia is the only liberal democracy that does not have an act or charter of rights at the national level, and there are currently very few legal protections for the fundamental rights of Australians.