Goal 1 Outcomes 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 (PBS criterion) Performance expectation To what extent did we meet it? For outcome 1.1 The national conversation initiative and UPR project operate in a multi-year Recommendations to Australia from the third United Nations (UN) Universal context. In this reporting period: • A high degree of take up of the Commission’s recommendations was achieved Periodic Review (UPR) are accepted by through the UPR process, with the vast majority of recommendations adopted federal Government and progressed. by countries. It now remains to be seen how actively the Australian Government will seek to address key human rights concerns that have been identified initially by the Commission and NGOs in Australia, and subsequently reflected by the international community. Recommendations and actions in the ‘national conversation’ report to the Attorney-General and federal Parliament • The final research and participatory consultation phases of the Free and Equal process have resulted in robust stakeholder engagement – strengthening the are positively received and progressed or credibility and persuasiveness of the findings, delivering clear stakeholder-led adopted. narrative to anchor the recommendations and position papers as they are finalised in the next period. • The testing through consultation of the Commission’s proposed recommendations for the Free and Equal project have also strengthened the proposed recommendations and built stakeholder buy-in for them. For outcome 1.2 Our research, reporting, and advice influences decision makers and other stakeholders to take action to address the Over the past year, the Commission has also advanced several research and reporting initiatives that are multi-year in their operation.9 These projects have achieved progress results that will strengthen their influence, including: • identified human rights issues. empowering and inclusive consultation processes that participants feel have elevated their voices and views • diverse stakeholders brought together with often differing vested interests and still generated ownership • collaborative, strategic partnerships that have increased reach and accessed technical expertise benefiting the overall findings and outcomes of the projects. A high degree of satisfaction was expressed by stakeholders across different projects and programs, indicating a high level of trust in and support for the Commission’s expertise and leadership role. Annual Report 2020–2021 Australian Human Rights Commission 77