Australian Human Rights Commission
Submission to the UN Human Rights Committee, 18 September 2017
Racial discrimination
Recommendation 55: That the Australian Government continue to fund
and support initiatives to address racism and racial discrimination.
Recommendation 56: That the Australian Government recognise the
importance of maintaining effective legal protections against racial
discrimination in setting a standard for public conduct in a multicultural
society.
Counter-terrorism
Recommendation 57: That the Australian Government consider the
concerns raised by the Independent National Security Legislation
Monitor in ensuring that counter-terrorism measures do not
unnecessarily limit human rights.
Recommendation 58: That the Australian Government ensure that where
counter-terrorism laws limit human rights, the limitation is clearly
expressed, necessary for the pursuit of a legitimate purpose, reasonable
and proportionate. The Commission considers this issue to be of such
importance that the Committee should request an update from the
Australian Government on progress in 12 months time.
Human trafficking and slavery
Recommendation 59: That the Australian Government fully implement
the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015–
2019; develop a federal compensation scheme for survivors of human
trafficking and slavery; ensure regular collection of data on the
prevalence of child trafficking and slavery in Australia and the provision
of specialist support services to child survivors; and develop a
regulatory regime addressing international surrogacy arrangements.
Business and human rights
Recommendation 60: That the Australian Government formulate a
National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, in consultation
with the business sector, and that it have clear links with the National
Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015–2019.
Recommendation 61: That the Australian Government develop a Modern
Slavery Act in Australia.
Recommendation 62: That the Australian Government amend the
Commonwealth Procurement Rules to align with the UN Guiding
Principles on Business and Human Rights, including in regard to human
rights due diligence in procurement.
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