Australian Human Rights Commission Annual Report November 2022 3. Our Legislation and Functions 3.1 Legislation The Commission exercises functions under the following Acts: Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) (AHRC Act) Establishes the Commission and outlines its powers and functions. It defines ‘human rights’ by reference to the following international instruments: • International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights • Convention on the Rights of the Child • Declaration of the Rights of the Child • Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities • Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons • Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons • Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief • Convention Concerning Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation Commission functions under the AHRC Act include: 7 • to inquire into, and attempt to conciliate, complaints of unlawful discrimination • inquire into any act or practice that may be inconsistent with or contrary to any human right, and to give effect to settlement of such matters by way of conciliation where the Commission considers it appropriate to do so • to deal with complaints made to the Commission under the AHRC Act • to promote an understanding and acceptance, and the public discussion, of human rights in Australia • to undertake and coordinate research and educational programs on behalf of the Commonwealth to promote human rights