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. Antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism, racism targeting people of Indian and other heritages, and racism towards First Nations people are all on the rise. Other concerns include the government's approval of new fossil fuel projects that exacerbate the climate crisis; inconsistent support for human rights in Australia’s foreign policy; and the erosion of the right to peaceful protest.

Digital Investigations Lab
February 10, 2026
News Release
Australia: Excessive Force Used Against Herzog Protesters
Crisis and Conflict
February 5, 2026
Dispatches
Australia’s Albanese Should Raise Israeli Crimes During Herzog Visit
Adam Coogle
Deputy Director, Middle East and North Africa Division
Asia
February 4, 2026
News Release
Australia: Abusive Refugee, Migration Policies Expand

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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