Australian Human Rights Commission

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Katie Kiss has renewed her call for justice reform following yesterday’s decision by the Northern Territory Director of Public Prosecutions not to lay charges against the two officers involved in the death of Kumanjayi White in Alice Springs.

'Today marks one year since the death of Warlpiri man Kumanjayi White. The 24-year-old with cognitive disability died after being forcibly restrained by two plain-clothes Northern Territory police officers inside a supermarket in Alice Springs.

'We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Kumanjayi White for their loss and the struggles they have faced in the pursuit of justice. The timing of this announcement on the eve of the anniversary and on National Sorry Day has caused additional harm to our people on a significantly sensitive day for First Peoples.’

Read the full statement https://loom.ly/KC79YA8

We've just announced the details of the national online edition of our The Answer is Human Rights seminar series. The FREE seminar will be held on Thursday 18 June, 12:30pm – 2pm. It will be delivered via Zoom and will have Auslan interpretation and live captioning.

With growing concerns around social cohesion, the right to peaceful protest, housing affordability, economic inequality, and the impact of climate change and digital technologies, the seminar will focus on how human rights can help us address these and other challenging issues.

Featuring a panel of leading human rights and social justice advocates, it’s a not-to-be missed event for anyone who cares about keeping our democracy healthy and strong as well as ensuring Australia is a just, equal and inclusive country where everyone can feel safe and have opportunities to thrive.

REGISTER NOW: https://loom.ly/rHlLGmU

Last week in Bangkok, the Commission co-hosted a regional dialogue on the growing links between scam operations and transnational crime - and heard powerful testimonials from survivors of human trafficking and scam centres.

Convened by ASEAN’s Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights Thailand, the dialogue brought together law enforcement, international organisations and civil society to discuss the urgent need for victim centred, human rights-based responses.

Survivors highlighted critical areas for improvement, including victim identification, consular cooperation, repatriation and reintegration, and the application of the non-punishment principle.

Thank you to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Southeast Asia and Australia Government Partnerships program for supporting ASEAN’s commitment to strengthen regional cooperation and upholding human dignity and human security.
Australian Embassy, Thailand
AICHR Thailand