A parliamentary committee in Australia has suggested the introduction of a National Human Rights Act to improve accountability and provide access to justice for individuals whose rights have been violated. The proposal aims to embed Universal Declaration of Human Rights principles into national law and promote a ‘rights-minded’ culture of awareness and education in the country.
A parliamentary committee in Australia has recommended the introduction of a National Human Rights Act. The report, presented to the Attorney General, aims to enhance accountability and ensure access to justice for those whose rights are violated.
In recent years, Australia has seen numerous state apologies to marginalized groups. The New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, issued an apology to the LGBTQ+ community for past oppressive legislation. Similarly, in 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologized to the stolen generations of First Nations people, acknowledging the harms caused by forced separations under Australian law.
The high court’s 1992 ruling recognized the right of First Nations peoples to maintain connections to their lands, a right previously denied by Australian legislation. Historical gender barriers in the legal profession and past prejudices underlined the need for systemic changes.
Despite these acknowledgments, the parliamentary committee’s Human Rights Act proposal faced opposition from members of the Liberal party, who argued that existing parliamentary mechanisms suffice for human rights protection. The proposed Act seeks to embed Universal Declaration of Human Rights principles into national law, fostering a culture of “rights-minded” awareness and education within the community.
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