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Many within the disability community would be interested to learn of the major United Nations review of Australia’s human rights record, which has highlighted serious and persistent gaps in legal protection and outcomes.
Over 120 countries have made more than 350 recommendations, urging the Australian government to improve its protection of human rights, following the United Nations Human Rights Council’s review of Australia’s legal system, according to Australia’s Human Rights Commission.
Australia underwent its annual Universal Periodic Review (UPR) overnight, a five yearly peer analysis process where members assess each state’s human rights performance and make recommendations for reform, according to the UN.
Australian Human Rights Commission President, Hugh de Kretser, who is currently in Geneva for the review, says the international community delivered consistent messages regarding the lack of human rights protections in Australia’s legal system.
As a wealthy, stable democracy, Australia should be leading the world on human rights
Hugh de Kretser
A key focus of the review was the need for Australia to adopt a national Human Rights Act, with numerous countries urging the Albanese Government to act.
It’s not the first time calls for a Human Rights Act has made headlines, with the New South Wales government being called upon by over 100 organisations and individuals to support the establishment of a state-based act for Human Rights protections last October.
A Human Rights Act would require our national government to protect people’s rights. It would prevent human rights violations and give people the power to take action if their rights are breached
Hugh de Kretser
Countries further raised concerns about Australia’s treatment of disability rights and the need to approach climate change as a human rights issue.
According to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, people with disability are at disproportionate risk of being affected by disasters fuelled by climate change and other emergencies in their homes.
On average, approximately 64 people across Australia die in preventable fires in their homes each year, and approximately 62% of these people have a disability.
What’s more, the Australian Journal of Emergency Management published a study stating people with disability accounted for 47% of fire fatalities in Australia between 2003 and 2017, yet the prevalence of disability in this country is 1 in 6.
Australian Human Rights Commission President Mr de Kretser claims reform is long overdue.
“A Human Rights Act is a missing part of our democracy…Australia should accept these recommendations and implement them. Protecting human rights makes our communities fairer, safer and more prosperous.’
If you would like to know more about the report, including Australia’s own independent submission to the UN’s Universal Periodic Review, click here.