A significant review by the United Nations has urged Australia to enhance its human rights protections, particularly for First Peoples. The review, conducted by the UN Human Rights Council during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva, highlighted substantial gaps in legal protections and outcomes affecting vulnerable populations.
During Australia’s fourth UPR, representatives from over 120 countries made approximately 350 recommendations aimed at improving human rights practices. According to Hugh de Kretser, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, who attended the review in Geneva, there was a clear message from the international community regarding Australia’s responsibilities.
“As a wealthy, stable democracy, Australia should be leading the world on human rights,” de Kretser stated. He emphasized that the review revealed numerous areas where Australia must improve, particularly concerning the rights of First Peoples, including issues of inequality, racial discrimination, and justice outcomes.
Among the most pressing concerns raised was the age of criminal responsibility. In several Australian jurisdictions, children as young as 10 years old can be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed, a practice that has been deemed inhumane and inconsistent with international human rights standards. De Kretser noted that these laws disproportionately affect First Peoples, prompting calls from the international community for reform.
Human Rights Act and Legal Protections
The review also placed significant focus on the need for Australia to adopt a national Human Rights Act. Numerous countries urged the Albanese Government to take decisive action to implement such legislation.
“A Human Rights Act would require our national government to protect people’s rights,” de Kretser explained. He added that such a law would prevent violations and empower individuals to seek justice if their rights are infringed. He characterized the establishment of a Human Rights Act as a critical missing element in Australia’s democracy.
Concerns were also raised regarding racism and discrimination, with calls for Australia to strengthen its legal frameworks against hate speech. Additionally, the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, disability rights, and addressing climate change as a human rights issue were highlighted as areas needing urgent attention, especially considering Australia’s impact on neighboring Pacific nations.
While some progress was noted since the previous review in 2021, particularly in gender equality and addressing violence against women and children, the international community has stressed that sustained and intensified efforts are essential.
“This is the most significant international review of Australia’s human rights record,” de Kretser remarked. He urged the Australian government to accept and implement the recommendations, emphasizing that safeguarding human rights fosters fairer, safer, and more prosperous communities.
The Australian Human Rights Commission contributed to the UPR through an independent submission, while other UN human rights bodies and civil society organizations also provided input to the review, underscoring the collective call for comprehensive reforms in Australia’s human rights landscape.
