Human Rights Briefing Papers

Briefing Paper on Australia for UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons (9 Nov 2011)

The UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially in women and children, is scheduled to undertake a country mission to Australia in November 2011. In preparation for that mission, and at the request of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Human Rights Law Centre and Anti-Slavery Australia prepared a [...]

Asia-Pacific: Brief to UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders (6 Sept 2010)

On 3 September 2010, the Human Rights Law Resource Centre, together with the International Service for Human Rights and the Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team, provided a Brief on the Pacific Region to Ms Margaret Sekaggya, the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, in advance of her visit to Fiji scheduled for 6 [...]

Human Rights and Foreign Policy: Australia Could Become a ‘AAA’ State (Jan 2010)

In the course of the recent periodic review of Australia by the UN Human Rights Committee, one of the independent experts called on Australia to grasp its opportunity – and fulfil its obligation – to become a ‘AAA’ human rights state. This paper, entitled ‘Australia, Human Rights and Foreign Policy’ (2009) 34(4) Alternative Law Journal [...]

Right to Health: Briefing Paper on Australia to UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health (Sept 2009)

In September 2009, the HRLRC prepared a Briefing Paper on Health and Human Rights in Australia for the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, Anand Grover, in advance of his country mission to Australia in November and December 2009. The Briefing Paper considers a range of issues regarding realisation of the right to [...]

Human Rights Briefing Paper to Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, Judge of the South African Constitutional Court (July 2009)

In July 2009, the HRLRC prepared a Briefing Paper on Key Human Rights Issues in Australia for Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, Judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, in advance of her visit to Australia in July-August 2009. The Briefing Paper considers a range of contemporary human rights issues in Australia, including: the current legal and [...]

Initiatives to Mark the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948.  The UDHR was the first international instrument recognising that fundamental rights and freedoms are inalienable and inherent to all human beings, that every one of us is born free and equal. Dr HV Evatt, Australia’s Minister for [...]

A Human Rights Agenda for the 75th Anniversary of the UDHR (Nov 2008)

10 December 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  The UDHR recognises that respect for human rights and the rule of law is the foundation of peace, justice, security and human development.  Australia played an important and constructive role in the development of this historic instrument and subsequent international human [...]

Human Rights Briefing Paper to Gay McDougall, UN Independent Expert on Minority Issues (Feb 2008)

In February 2008, the HRLRC, together with the National Association of Community Legal Centres and Rights Australia, prepared a Briefing Paper on Key Human Rights Issues in Australia for Gay McDougall, UN Independent Expert on Minority Issues and Chair of the Coordinating Committee on UN Human Rights Council Special Procedures, in advance of her visit [...]

Human Rights Yearbook 2006/2007

We are proud to present the Human Rights Law Resource Centre’s inaugural Yearbook for 2006/07. The Yearbook is divided into four sections. Section 1 of the Yearbook provides an overview of some of the significant human rights issues and challenges that have confronted Australia during 2006/07.  Many of these issues have been at the core [...]

Human Rights Briefing Paper to Sir Nigel Rodley, UN Human Rights Committee (Feb 2007)

In February 2007, the HRLRC, together with the National Association of Community Legal Centres and Rights Australia, prepared a Briefing Paper on Key Human Rights Issues for Sir Nigel Rodley of the UN Human Rights Committee.  Sir Nigel visited Australia from 22 – 28 February 2007. The Briefing Paper considers a range of contemporary human [...]