Australia

Australia is a vibrant multicultural democracy with a strong record of protecting civil and political rights, but serious human rights problems persist. The government’s failure to meaningfully address the significant overrepresentation of First Nations people in the criminal justice system and cruel treatment of asylum seekers are grave rights violations that tarnish the country’s global standing. The federal government still sends asylum seekers arriving by boat to offshore detention and returns boats carrying asylum seekers to their countries of departure. The government actively supports the expansion of fossil fuel industries, rejecting responsibility for emissions created by Australia’s vast coal and gas exports. Australian states have also passed laws targeting climate protesters.

Children Separated from Families

March 26, 2025
News Release
Australia: Disproportionate Removal of Aboriginal Children
Australia

Tibetans around the world mark their National Uprising Day on 10 March, commemorating the 1959 rebellion against the rule of the People’s Republic of China in Tibet. But Tibetans in China won’t be marking it publicly. They continue to suffer widespread violations of their human rights, which have only worsened under President Xi Jinping’s repressive rule.

March 7, 2025
Commentary
For human rights in Tibet to improve, solidarity and support from nations like Australia are critical

Daniela Gavshon

Australia Director

Published in: ABC
Children's Rights

February 11, 2025
Commentary
Western Australia’s Indefensible Record on Children’s Rights

Annabel Hennessy

Australia Researcher

Published in: The West Australian

Videos

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Read a text description of this video

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this video contains the names and images of deceased persons.

The families consented to use the names and photographs of deceased people in order to tell their stories.”

Mervyn Eades, Aboriginal activist

A life was taken because mental health not being assessed and checked properly right across the board in the prison system.

Robert Eades

Alf, he got struck down with mental health issues and diagnosed as a schizophrenic.

Prisoners with mental health conditions often fall prey to violence or face serious risk of self-harm in Australian prisons.

Staff often fail to provide adequate, timely support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners with disabilities are particularly at risk.

Robert Eades

I know for a fact they didn’t do anything to support my brother. They see psychiatrists, they see social workers and things but that doesn’t fulfill what is really required for those prisoners.

Alf was attacked and killed by fellow prisoners.

19-year-old Stanley took his own life in prison.

Stanley was a promising artist.

Jacinta, Stanley’s sister

My brother was only a baby. He should have been supported mentally.

Mervyn Eades, Alf’s cousin

All the government departments, mental health, prisons, courts…everyone, the police, everyone had failed Alf.

Robert Eades, Alf’s brother

Why has this happened to our brother and why does it continue to happen to other vulnerable people with mental health [issues]?

Jacinta, Stanley’s sister

The most important message is for the government. To stand up and show us First Nations’ people that our lives matter.

Reports

More reports

March 26, 2025 Report

“All I Know Is I Want Them Home”

Disproportionate Removal of Aboriginal Children from Families in Western Australia
June 30, 2021 Report

“They Don’t Understand the Fear We Have”

How China’s Long Reach of Repression Undermines Academic Freedom at Australia’s Universities
September 15, 2020 Report

“He’s Never Coming Back”

People with Disabilities Dying in Western Australia’s Prisons
October 15, 2019 Report

“Fading Away”

How Aged Care Facilities in Australia Chemically Restrain Older People with Dementia