ALHR Action by Date Order

HUMAN RIGHTS ACTION

ALHR ACTION BY DATE ORDER

12 May 2008	Foreign Affairs Minister urged to endorse Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People
	Submission	Indigenous Affairs/Civil and Political Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today sent a letter to Foreign Affairs Minister the Hon. Stephen Smith urging him to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
	A copy of ALHR's letter is available for download.

19 April 2008	ALHR presents submissions at Australia 2020 Summit
	Submission	General
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today entered submissions to the Australia 2020 Summit held in Canberra over 19-20 April..
	A copy of ALHR's submissions are available for download.

1 March 2008	Australian Government announces will sign Optional Protocol to Convention Against Torture
	Press release	Civil and Political Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today welcomed the Federal Government's announcement to sign the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available for download.

6 February 2008	Closure of Nauru ends shameful chapter
	Press release	Refugees
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today welcomed reports of the Federal Government’s decision to grant permanent protection to the remaining Sri Lankans detained on Nauru since February 2007 .
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available for download.

November 2007	Joint ALHR/AHRC Report on Capabilities and attitudes of Australian human rights NGOs
	Report	Refugees
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights and Australian Human Rights Centre released a report authored by Simon Rice AO, former ALHR President, and Dr Scott Calnan. The report is titled "Sustainable Advocacy: Capabilities and attitudes of Australian human rights NGOs".
	A copy of the report is available for download.

4 November 2007	Australia in breach of its international human rights obligations regarding Torture
	Press Release	Civil and Political Rights
	ALHR is part of a coalition who will be meeting on Monday, 5 November 2007 in Geneva with the UN Committee against Torture to give expert evidence regarding Australia's implementation of and compliance with the Convention Against Torture.
	A copy of the press release is available for download (pdf only).
Related links:	For copies of fact sheets, shadow reports and other relevant links, click here.

13 October 2007	ALHR endorses open letter of support published by the Darfur Action Network in The Australian
	Press Release	Refugees and Migration
	ALHR today endorsed an open letter of support for African Refugee Communities published by the Darfur Australia Network in The Australian.
	A copy of the letter is available for download (pdf only).

31 August 2007	ALHR makes submission to WA Consultative Committee on WA Human Rights Act
	Submission	Bills of Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today made a submission to the Western Australia Consultation Committee for a Proposed Human Rights Act .
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

17 July 2007	Australian Govt avoiding Courts on Haneef case
	Press release	Terrorism
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today said that it is an appalling breach of human rights where executive detention and deportation are used to avoid proper scrutiny of government action by the courts.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available for download.

10 July 2007	ALHR makes joint submission to Senate Inquiry into the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Amendment (Terrorist Material) Bill 2007
	Submission	Terrorism
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, in conjunction with Dr Ben Saul and Sydney PEN, made a joint submission to the Senate expressing concerns over the Bill's implications for the freedom of expression and its failure to provide a justified and rationaled response to the threat of terrorism.
	A copy of the submission is available for download.

26 June 2007	ALHR signs open letter to the Hon. Mal Brough MP
	Open Letter	Indigenous Affairs
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today signed an open letter to the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs urging the government to look beyond short-term punitive measures and endeavour to work with communities to develop long-term and sustainable solutions.
	A copy of the letter is available for download.

30 March 2007	Australian Govt encouraged to sign UN Disability Rights Convention
	Press release	Disability
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today called on the Australian Government to become a foundation signatory to the UN Disability Rights Convention.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available for download.

20 March 2007	NSW Charter of Rights and Freedoms supported
	Press release	Bill of Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today expressed its support of the decision of the NSW Attorney-General, Bob Debus MP to commence discussions on a NSW Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available for download.

15 March 2007	Government accused of breaching UN Refugee Convention
	Press release	Refugees & Migration
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today said that the government's policy of sending Sri Lankan asylum-seekers to Nauru is contrary to the UN Refugee Convention.
	A copy of the news report is available for download.

5 March 2007	ALHR opposes Access Card Bill in submission to Senate inquiry
	Submission	Civil & Political Rights - Privacy
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, in a submission to a Senate inquiry, expressed grave concern over a range of provisions within the bill which have implications for the individual's right to privacy.
	A copy of the submission is available for download.

Related links:

The Senate Committee handed down its report on 15 March 2007.

26 February 2007	Return of refugees to Sri Lanka dangerous
	Press release	Refugees
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today expressed grave concern that the government was considering an agreement with Sri Lanka and Indonesia to return 83 refugees to Sri Lanka - a country which DFAT regards as highly dangerous.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available for download.

1 February 2007	Government powerless to improve Hicks' prison conditions
	Press release	Terrorism/ War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights echoes calls for David Hicks' immediate release from Guantanamo Bay.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available for download.

19 Jan 2007	Inquiry into Migration Amendment (Review Provisions) Bill 2006
	Submission	Refuges
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the Senate Legal & Constitutional Affairs Committee and is due to appear this week before the Committee.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

22 December 2006	Tasmania Charter of Rights
	Submission	Bill of Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights supported the adoption of a Tasmanian Charter of Rights in order to improve the protection of human rights in Tasmania.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

16 Nov 2006	HREOC Same Sex Same Entitlements Inquiry - supplementary submission
	Submission	Sexuality
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a supplementary submission to HREOC's Same-Sex Same-Entitlements Inquiry.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

29 Sept 2006	Stolen Wages Inquiry
	Submission	Race/Indigenous Issues
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights gave a submission to the Senate Legal & Constitutional Affairs Committee Inquiry on Stolen Wages.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

10 August 2006	Migration Amendment (Unauthorised Designated Arrivals) Bill should be rejected
	Position paper	Migration/ Refugees
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights says that despite proposed changes, the net effect of the Migration Bill remains fundamentally unchanged. The Government takes no legal responsibility for detention on Nauru, for the quality of asylum determination processes, or for protection and resettlement outcomes. Although some adjustments are made in relation to procedures and detention conditions, there is a complete absence of any meaningful changes to the protection outcomes.
	A copy of ALHR's position paper is available for download (pdf only).

8 August 2006	Prime Minister's changes to Migration Bill
	Briefing paper	Migration/ Refugees
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights has reviewed the changes to the Migration Bill proposed by the Prime Minister and urges Parliamentarians and Senators to reject the Bill in its entirety.
	A copy of ALHR's briefing paper is available for download (pdf only).

3 August 2006	NSW Correctional Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2006 breaches international standards
	Submission	Civil & Political Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights expressed concern over the proposed Correctional Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2006 (NSW).
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

25 July 2006	Victorian Charter of Rights and Responsibilities welcomed
	Press release	Bill of Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights welcomed the enactment of Victoria's Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 .
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available for download (pdf only).

4 July 2006	Supplementary submission to ALRC Sedition Reference
	Submission	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a short supplementary submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission on the ALHR's discussion paper released about last year's sedition laws.
	A copy of ALHR's supplementary submission is available for download (pdf only).

30 June 2006	Asylum seekers have right to social security
	Submission	Economic, Social & Cultural Rights/ Refugees & Migration
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on their Draft Comment on the Right to Social Security. ALHR's submission focussed solely on the right to social security for refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable non-citizens such as trafficked persons and certain migrant workers.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

16 June 2006	HREOC Same Sex Same Entitlements Inquiry
	Submission	Sexuality
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission's 'Same-Sex: Same Entitlements' - The National Inquiry into Discrimination Against People in Same-Sex Relationships Regarding Financial and Work-Related Benefits and Entitlements .
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

14 June 2006	Federal Govt should heed recommendations of the Senate Committee on Migration
	Press release	Refugees & Migration
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights called on the Federal Government to not proceed with the Migration Amendment (Designated Unauthorised Arrivals) Bill 2006 in accordance with the Senate Committee's report delivered yesterday.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available for download.

7 June 2006	Federal Government's attack on ACT's Civil Union Bill
	Press release	Sexuality
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights condemns the Federal Government's attack on ACT's Civil Union Bill as an attack on human rights.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available for download

6 June 2006	ALHR gives evidence to Senate Inquiry on Migration Amendment Bill
	Transcript	Refugees & Migration
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights gave evidence to the Senate Legal & Constitutional Affairs Committee in relation to the Migration Amendment (Designated Unauthorised Arrivals) Bill 2006.
	A transcript of ALHR's evidence is available for download (pdf only).

22 May 2006	Submission on Federal Government's Migration Amendment Bill
	Submission	Refugees & Migration
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights called for the withdrawal of the Federal Government's Migration Amendment (Designated Unauthorised Arrivals) Bill 2006 in its submission to the Senate Committee's Inquiry.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

16 May 2006	Treatment of 17 year olds in Queensland criminal justice system
	Letter	Children and Young People
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights wrote to the Queensland Premier expressing concern that Queensland remains the sole Australian state to treat 17 year olds as adults in the criminal justice system. ALHR referred to the comments by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.
	A copy of ALHR's letter is available for download (pdf only).

11 May 2006	Federal Government's Migration Amendment Bill
	Press release	Refugees & Migration
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights has criticised the Federal Government's Migration Amendment Bill introduced in response to Indonesia's concerns.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available for download.

5 May 2006	British Consulate allows Gay & Lesbian couples to marry in Australia
	Press release	Sexuality
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights has applauded the British Consulate in Brisbane for inviting gay and lesbian couples holding dual British Australian citizenship to get married under United Kingdom law.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available for download.

13 April 2006	ALRC Sedition Reference
	Submission	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission on its Sedition Reference. ALHR raised concerns that aspects of the sedition laws introduced last year were in breach of several international human rights convenants.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

12 April 2006	West Papuan refugees and 'national interest'
	Letter	Refugees & Migration
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights expressed concern to the Prime Minister about recent suggestions that the refugee status determination procedure in Australia will be revised to include 'national interest' or similar considerations following friction between Australia and Indonesia over 42 West Papuan refugees being granted temporary protection visas.
	A copy of ALHR's letter is available for download (pdf only).

3 April 2006	ACT's Civil Union Bill 2006
	Letter	Sexuality
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights wrote to the ACT Chief Minister welcoming the introduction of the Civil Union Bill.
	A copy of ALHR's letter is available for download (pdf only).

20 March 2006	NSW Bill of Rights
	Press release	Bill of Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights congratulated the NSW Attorney-General on his proposal to commence discussions about a charter of rights and freedoms in NSW.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available for download (pdf only).

15 March 2006	Submission to ICJ Eminent Jurists' Panel on Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights
	Submission	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the International Commission of Jurists' Eminent Jurists' Panel on Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights. ALHR's submission covered the new Federal regime, including preventative detention orders, control orders, detention for questioning by ASIO, sedition laws and proscription of terrorist organisations, and how each aspect may be in breach of international human rights law.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

6 February 2006	Right to vote for Australian prisoners
	Press release	Civil and Political Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights has criticised proposed electoral reforms which will strip Australian prisoners of their right to vote.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available to download (pdf only).

13 November 2005	Terrorism Legislation
	Submission	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights has written a submission to the Senate Legal & Constitutional Affairs Committee regarding the many human rights issues in the recnelty proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill (No 2) 2005.
	A copy of ALHR's complete submission and of ALHR's summary of the submission are available for download (pdf only).

9 November 2005	Work Choices
	Submission	Employment and Industrial Relations
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights has written a submission to the Senate Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Committee regarding human rights issues in the proposed 'Work Choices' industrial relations changes.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

28 October 2005	Clemency for Van Tuong Nguyen
	Letter	Civil and Political Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights has written to the Singaporean Prime Minister appealing for clemency for Van Tuong Nguyen, the Melbourne man currently facing a death sentence in Singapore.
	A copy of ALHR's letter is available for download (pdf only).

25 October 2005	A Victorian Bill of Rights
	Submission	Bill of Rights
	The Victorian committee of ALHR has prepared a submission to the Human Rights Consultation Committee regarding the potential drafting and implementation of a Charter of Rights in Victoria.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

20 October 2005	ALHR Response to Draft Anti-Terrorism legislation
	Letter	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, in response to the leaking of the draft anti-terrorism legislation, has written a letter with a number of other organisation to the Chief Minister and the Attorney-General.
	A copy of ALHR's letter is available for download (pdf only).

19 October 2005	Video Link Evidence Bill
	Submission	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights have made a submission to the Senate Legal & Constitutional Affairs Committee regarding the Law and Justice Legislation Amendment (Video Link Evidence and Other Measures) Bill 2005.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

26 September 2005	Safeguards needed for Terror Laws
	Press release	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights argues for safeguards to be included in any new terror laws to ensure that Australian's civil liberties and human rights are protected.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

12 September 2005	Parkin Arrest - Portent of Terror Laws to Come
	Press release	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights questions the arrest and detention of peace activist Scott Parkin, who has not been charged or convicted of any offence
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

9 September 2005	Avalanche of opposition to Government's New Terror Laws
	Press release	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights notes the strong and wide ranging opposition and its own opposition to the proposed anti-terror laws that remove fundamental rights of Australian citizens.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

3 August 2005	Military Tribunal described as 'rigged' by former prosecutor
	Press release	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights strongly expresses its continuing concern regarding the alleged compromised nature of the military commission designated to try David Hicks as revealed in the leaked emails of former military prosecutors.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

19 July 2005	Treatment of 17 year olds in Queensland criminal justice system
	Letter	Children and Young People
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights wrote to the Queensland Premier expressing concern that Queensland will receive adverse comment by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Children because it remains the sole Australian state to treat 17 year olds as adults in the criminal justice system.
	A copy of ALHR's letter is available for download (pdf only).

21 June 2005	Bob Carr's Terrorism Bill One Step Too Far for Human Rights
	Press release	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today expressed its concern at the breadth of the new powers granted to police under the Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Warrants) Bill 2005. The Legislative Council of the NSW Parliament will consider the Bill today.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

16 April 2004	Australia's human rights dialogue
	Press release	International treaties
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights welcomes the announcement of a Parliamentary inquiry into Australia's human rights dialogue process, and encourages the Government to expand the process to include other nations in the Asia Pacific region.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

14 April 2004	Australia's obligation to protect and balance human rights
	Letter	Terrorism/War
	ALHR President Simon Rice discusses Australia's obligation to balance human rights when considering terrorism laws.
	A copy of ALHR's letter to the editor is available here.

24 March 2004	Human rights far from enshrined in Australia
	Letter	Terrorism/War
	ALHR comments on the editorial (20-21/3: We were right to go to war against Iraq) which says that Australia is a secular democracy that enshrines human rights rather than the rule of a specific religion.
	A copy of ALHR's letter is available here.

14 March 2004	Australia not credible as chair of UN human rights forum
	Press release	Iinternational treaties and domestic implementation
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights calls on the Australian Government to change its attitude to human rights before takin on the role of chairing the annual meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

4 December 2003	Drug amendments to Disability Discrimination Act breach human rights standards
	Press release	Disability
	Amendments to the Disability Discrimination Act, tabled by the Federal Government on International Disability Awareness Day, make discrimination acceptable against a particular group of people and breach Australia's obligations under international human rights treaties.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

1 December 2003	The Howard Government denies the UN's authority in human rights matters
	Letter	International treaties and domestic implementation
	The Howard Government has for some years denied the United Nations' authority in human rights issues arising in Australia, and has paid scant regard to Australia's obligations under human rights treaties.
	A copy of ALHR's letter is available here.

7 July 2003	Australian Government agrees to breaches of David Hicks' human rights
	Press release	Terrorism/War
	In accepting assurances from the US Government about the trial of Mr Hicks, Australia has agreed to conduct which breaches international human rights standards, says ALHR.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

12 June 2003	ASIO Bill still breaches human rights
	Press release	Terrorism/War
	Amendments announced yesterday to the ASIO Bill still fail to protect human rights, says ALHR.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

28 May 2003	ALHR supports gay law reform in the ACT
	Press release	Sexuality
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights welcomes proposals to recognise the human rights of gay, lesbian, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) people in the ACT.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

28 May 2003	ACT can show national leadership in human rights
	Press release	Bill of Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights welcomes the much anticipated report from teh ACT Bill of Rights Committee: "Towards an ACT Human Rights Act".
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

25 May 2003	Impending war on Iraq is unlawful at international law: ALHR policy statement
	Policy statement	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights sets out ten reasons why the impending war on Iraq is unlawful at international law.
	A copy of ALHR's policy statement is available here.

16 May 2003	Evidence to Inquiry on good governance education in Asia Pacific Region
	Transcript	Education and Training
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights gave evidence to the Inquiry by the Human Rights Sub-Committee Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.
	A copy of the transcript of ALHR's evidence is available here.

13 May 2003	Return of the ASIO Bill is not welcome
	Press release	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today expressed concern at the return of the ASIO Bill to the Senate.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

13 May 2003	Letter to Senator Grieg re a Private Member's Bill on sexuality anti-vilification
	Letter	Sexuality
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights wrote to Senator Grieg expressing support for the objects of the Private Member's Bill, the Sexuality Anti-Vilification Bill 2003. ALHR had reservations about the Bill's drafting which were advised to Senator Grieg.
	A copy of ALHR's letter is available here.

May 2003	Submission on Draft Guidelines on Consent and Capacity under Privacy Act
	Submission	Civil & Political Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission on the Draft Guidelines on Consent and Capacity under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW). ALHR's submission addressed the inappropriate way in which the draft guidelines dealt with the needs of people with disabilities.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download.

May 2003	ALHR publishes essay on proposals to abolish rule against double jeopardy
	Publication	Civil & Political Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights published an essay commenting on proposals to abolish or amend the criminal procedure rule against double jeopardy.
	A copy of ALHR's essay is available for download.

15 April 2003	Australia's conduct threatens UN authority
	Press release	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today warned that Australia is complicit in undermining the authority of the United Nations.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

April 2003	Submission to the Australian National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines
	Submission	Corporate Social Responsibility
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the Australian National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines, proposing a definition of a Multinatonal Enterprise. ALHR is concerned that the concept of a multinational enterprise is insufficiently defined. This results in real uncertainty as to the effective extent and effect of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, 2000 as a basis for ensuring corporations comply with human rights standards.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download.

April 2003	Submission to Inquiry on good governance education in Asia Pacific Region
	Submission	Education and Training
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the Inquiry by the Human Rights Sub-Committee Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available here.

April 2003	Submission in response to 2003 Bill to amend HREOC Act
	Submission	International Treaties and Domestic Implementation
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the Senate Legal & Constitutional Affairs Committee on the re-introduced 1999 proposed amendments, which were found in Australian Human Rights Commission Bill 2003.
	A copy of ALHR's submission can be downloaded.

20 March 2003	Australia involved in illegitimate war on Iraq
	Press release	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights today added their voice to the growing body of international opinion that the involvmenet of Australia in a war on Iraq led by the United States of America will bring Australia into clear breach of international law.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

March/May 2003	Open Letter on illegality of war on Iraq
	Letter	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights was one of 43 signatories to a widely published letter condemning the war on Iraq as illegal at international law.
	A copy of the letter is available here.

8 February 2003	ALHR submission to Bill of Rights Committee
	Submission	Bill of Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the Bill of Rights Consultative Committee in relation to their inquiry into a Bill of Rights for the ACT.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available here for download.

2003	ALHR drafts Chapter on Australian Law and 'Right to Information'
	Publication	Civil & Political Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, at the invitation of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative based in India, drafted a chapter on Australian law for its international 'Right To Information' publication.
	A copy of ALHR's chapter is available for download.

26 November 2002	Evidence to Senate Committee on proposed anti-terrorism amendments to ASIO powers
	Transcript	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights gave evidence to the Senate Legal & Constitutional Affairs Committee on the Federal Government's proposed anti-terrorism amendments to ASIO powers.
	A copy of the transcript of ALHR's evidence is available here.

November 2002	Submission to Senate Committee on proposed anti-terrorism amendments to ASIO powers
	Submission	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a written submission(#177) to the Senate Legal & Constitutional Affairs Committee on the Federal Government's proposed anti-terrorism amendments to ASIO powers.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available here.

10 July 2002	Human rights lawyers have again been refused visas for entry to Nauru
	Press release	Refugees & Migration
	"We received a three line typed letter saying simply that our application is 'not approved', says Simon Rice, President of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights and a visa applicant.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

10 July 2002	ALHR calls on Foreign Minister to Support the Optional Protocol Against Torture
	Letter	Civil & Political Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights exhorted the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Downer, to support the Optional Protocol.
	A copy of ALHR's letter is available for download.

17 June 2002	ALHR calls on Federal Coalition members to support ratification of ICC Statute
	Letter	International Criminal Court
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights wrote a letter to all Federal Coalition Members of Parliament to explain the effect of the International Criminal Court Statute and to urge them to support ratification.
	A copy of ALHR's letter can be downloaded.

May 2002	Submission to Senate Committee on new security legislation
	Submission	Terrorism/War
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the Senate Legal & Constitutional Affairs Committee on the Federal Government's Security Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Bill 2002 (No.2). ALHR says that the draft legislation contains unwarranted breaches of individuals' rights and abrogates Australia's international human rights obligations.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available here.

May 2002	Submission to HREOC's Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention
	Submission	Children and Young People
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention. ALHR proposed an ideal model of accountability, monitorng and intervention in relation to immigration detention.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download.

11 March 2002	Submission to Senate Inquiry into Mandatory Sentencing
	Submission	Civil & Political Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Human Rights (Mandatory Sentencing for Property Offences) Bill 2000.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download.

March 2002	Submisison to Senate Committee on a Certain Maritime Incident (Children Overboard)
	Submission	Children and Young People
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the Senate Select Committee on a Certain Maritime Incident. ALHR raised concerns at the racist overtones in much of the public comment concerning the alleged incident. ALHR made recommendations after analysis of the so-called 'Border Protection' legislation.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download.

30 August 2001	The Howard Government is acting illegally in relation to the Tampa
	Press release	Refugees & Migration
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights condemns the illegality of the Australian Government's actions.
	A copy of ALHR's press release is available here.

June 2001	Comments on United Nations draft outcome statement for Special Session on Children
	Submission	Children and Young People
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made comments on the draft outcome statement "A World Fit for Children" for the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children.
	A copy of ALHR's comments is available for download.

2 April 2001	ALHR calls on Senators to oppose Bill designed to negate Teoh
	Letter	International Treaties and Domestic Implementation
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights wrote a letter to all Australian Senators urging them to oppose the Administrative Decisions (Effect of International Instruments) Bill 1999 which was designed to negate the effect of the High Court decision in Teoh (where the High Court confirmed that an applicant to the Government for an administrative decision has a legitimate expectation that the decision maker will take into account Australia's international treaty obligations.
	A copy of ALHR's letter can be downloaded.

April 2001	Public comment in opposition to Bill designed to negate Teoh
	Letter	International Treaties and Domestic Implementation
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights issued public comment opposing the Administrative Decisions (Effect of International Instruments) Bill 1999 which was designed to negate the effect of the High Court decision in Teoh.
	A copy of ALHR's public comment can be downloaded.

15 February 2001	Letter on Australia's ratification of the nternational Criminal Court Statute
	Letter	International Criminal Court
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights wrote a letter, published in the Sydney Morning Herald on Australia's ratification of the International Criminal Court.
	A copy of ALHR's letter can be downloaded.

13 February 2001	Evidence to Inquiry into International Criminal Court Statute
	Transcript	International Criminal Court
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights gave evidence to the Australian Government's Joint Standing Committee Inquiry into the 1998 Statute for an International Criminal Court.
	A copy of the transcript of ALHR's evidence can be downloaded.

February 2001	Drug amendments to discrimination laws breach human rights standards
	Letter	Disability/ Discrimination
	ALHR raised concerns in letters to the NSW and Commonwealth Attorneys General regarding proposals to amend Federal and State anti-discrimination law to prevent drug dependence from being defined as a disability.
	A copy of ALHR's letter is available here.

December 2000	Submission to Inquiry into International Criminal Court Statute
	Submission	International Criminal Court
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the Australian Government's Joint Standing Committee Inquiry into the 1998 Statute for an International Criminal Court.
	A copy of ALHR's submission can be downloaded.

18 July 2000	Evidence to NSW Law and Justice Committee Inquiry
	Transcript	Bill of Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights gave evidence to the NSW Law and Justice Committee inquiry into a Bill of Rights.
	A copy of the transcript is available for download (pdf only).

May 2000	Submission to NSW Law and Justice Committee Inquiry
	Submission	Bill of Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission to the NSW Law and Justice Committee inquiry into a Bill of Rights.
	A copy of ALHR's submission is available for download (pdf only).

July 1998	Submission in response to Bill to amend HREOC Act
	Submission	International Treaties and Domestic Implementation
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights made a submission in response to an invitation from the Australian Government in relation to its Human Rights Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 1998.
	A copy of ALHR's submission can be downloaded.

6 February 1998	Comments on Australia's draft Second Report to the Convention Against Torture
	Submission	Civil & Political Rights
	Australian Lawyers for Human Rights provided comments to the Australian Government on the draft of Australia's Second Report to the Committee Against Torture under the Convention..
	A copy of ALHR's comments is available for download.

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