OUR LEGISLATION AND FUNCTIONS Legislation The Commission exercises functions under the following Acts: Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) 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. Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) Gives effect to Australia’s obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Its main aims are to: • promote equality before the law for all persons, regardless of their race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin • make discrimination on the basis of race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin unlawful • provide protection against racial hatred. 8 Australian Human Rights Commission Annual Report 2020–2021