Human rights
Australia believes that the protection and promotion of human rights is every nation’s responsibility and that the function of government is to safeguard the dignity and rights of individuals, whose lives should be free of violence, discrimination, vilification, and hatred.
Australia has a proud human rights record. We enjoy a strong democratic tradition, a transparent and independent judicial system and a free press. Our society is characterised by a sense of egalitarianism.
But no nation is without its human rights challenges and we do not rest on our laurels. We continue to strive to protect and promote human rights and to address disadvantage.
Australia’s National Framework for Human Rights - National Action Plan
The Government's reform agenda is actively ensuring that each member of the Australian community has the opportunity to participate in the life of our community and to experience the benefits and accept the responsibilities that flow from such participation.
The National Action Plan on Human Rights provides a framework within which the Government can ensure that future challenges are met positively and productively.
Australia's United Nations Human Rights Reports
Australia is a party to the seven key human rights treaties
- The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Convention Against Torture (CAT), Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
- The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), UN Division for the Advancement of Women
- Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
States parties are required to submit periodic reports on the measures taken to give effect to their obligations under the treaties.
The Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) has responsibility for the preparation of the periodic reports under the ICCPR, CRC and CAT.
For Australia’s reports under ICESCR and CERD visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website.
For Australia’s report under CEDAW visit the Office for Women website.
Latest reporting - Common Core Document and ICCPR and ICESCR reports
Australia’s Common Core Document, incorporating Australia’s Fifth Report under the ICCPR and Fourth Report under the ICESCR, was submitted to the United Nations on 25 July 2007.
Australia has prepared its Common Core Document as part of its reporting obligations under international human rights instruments. As envisaged by the Harmonised Guidelines elaborated by the UN’s Inter-Committee Meeting of the human rights treaty bodies, Australia's Core Document contains general information to supplement specific reports submitted to the various UN human rights committees. The Core Document also incorporates Australia's Fourth Report under the ICESCR and Australia's Fifth Report under the ICCPR. DFAT and AGD have adopted a coordinated approach to preparing these reports.
The Core Document was prepared in consultation with all State and Territory governments and relevant Australian Government departments and agencies. Public consultation was also undertaken.
The Harmonised Guidelines and guidelines for preparing reports under other human rights treaties have been compiled in UN document HRI/GEN/2/Rev.5
Other treaty reports
Australia reports under the Convention on the Rights of the Child to the Committee on the Rights of the Child.
The Committee considered Australia’s Combined Second and Third Reports, submitted in 2003, at a hearing in September 2005. Australia’s Fourth report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child was due on 15 January 2008. Completion of the report has been delayed by the need to update it following the Federal election in November 2007. The draft report will be released for comment in the near future.
Australia submitted its Fourth Report under the Convention Against Torture in April 2005. It was considered by the Committee Against Torture in April 2008.
The Committee prepared the List of Issues and copies of Australia's written replies.
The Committee released its Concluding Observations on Australia’s Fourth Periodic Report and appearance on 16 May 2008.
A table of the current status of all of Australia’s human rights treaty reports can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. All of Australia’s reports to UN human rights treaty bodies are available through the UN Treaty Body database.
Invitation to submit comments in relation to the Concluding Observations of the UN Committee Against Torture
Australia appeared before the UN Committee Against Torture on 29 and 30 April 2008, as part of its regular reporting obligations as a party to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
On 16 May 2008, the Committee issued its Concluding Observations and recommendations on Australia. In addition to a number of positive observations, the Committee made 27 recommendations about Australia’s further implementation of the Convention.
The Government's approach to the appearance reflected it's intention to engage positively with human rights treaty bodies, and to demonstrate the seriousness with which it takes its obligations as a party to the Convention. The Government intends to take the same approach to responding to the Committee. Accordingly, the Government is undertaking consultation with all relevant Federal agencies, States and Territories and HREOC on follow-up action to the Committee’s recommendations.
The Government also invites NGOs to submit comments on the concluding observations and recommendations, and suggestions as to what follow-up action might be taken.
Comments should be sent to the Department by 30 August 2008.