Australia

Australia is a vibrant multicultural democracy with a strong record of protecting civil and political rights, but serious human rights issues persist. The Australian government’s failure to address the significant overrepresentation of First Nations people in the criminal justice system and cruel treatment of asylum seekers tarnishes the country’s global standing. The government continues to actively support the expansion of fossil fuels industries, rejecting responsibility for emissions created by the vast amounts of coal and gas Australia exports overseas. Several Australian states have introduced new laws targeting peaceful climate and environmental protesters with disproportionate punishments and excessive bail conditions.