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More than 200 organisations (us included) have backed a major report led by @rightsagenda calling on the Australian Government to strengthen its commitment to human rights in its laws, policies and practices. We thought we'd break down some of it for you! https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2020/4/9/upr-human-rights-concerns-covid-crisis
The schedule for Australiaâs Universal Periodic Review has shifted as the United Nations grapples with how to promote and protect human rights in the face of restrictions on travel and gatherings. It offers an important snapshot of Australiaâs human rights challenges.
The report breaks down some key recommendations in terms of human rights protections and frameworks for people seeking asylum, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, older people, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
It discusses: poverty, homelessness, access to healthcare, reform of the criminal justice system, climate change, and discrimination in the law. But we thought we'd share with you the section about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics.
"Discrimination, harassment and violence on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and bodily variations in sex characteristics, remain prevalent." It recommends that within 18 months Australia must:
"Advance reforms in remaining states which impose unjust hurdles (including requirements for surgery) on people seeking official identity documents reflecting their gender"
"Implement recommendations on ending harmful practices (including forced and coercive medical interventions) to ensure the bodily integrity of children with intersex variations"
"Ensure access to redress, independent affirmative peer support and psychosocial support for people with intersex variations and their families"
Capture appropriate LGBTIQ+ data "in its 2021 national census and other significant collections to provide a robust evidence-base for future public policy and government intervention"
And implement effective measures to reduce LGBTIQ+ based bullying, harassment and violence, particularly towards young people.
We have a long way to go, but we'll keep working together to change laws, and transform the lives of LGBTIQ+ Australians. Everyone deserves to feel safe, and access appropriate services no matter where they live, who they are, or whom they love.
In a #COVID19au world, human rights are at risk of being further abused and neglected. For a comprehensive insight into the status of human rights as we enter this crisis, read Australiaâs Human Rights Scorecard: https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2020/4/9/upr-human-rights-concerns-covid-crisis #AusUPR
