The Howard Government denies the UN's authority in human rights matters

The Howard Government has for some years denied the United Nations' authority in human rights issues arising in Australia, and has paid scant regard to Australia's obligations under human rights treaties. Australia refuses to accept or follow recommendations of the UN Human Rights Committee in decisions when the Committee finds Australia in clear breach of its international treaty obligations.

Mr Howard now asks the NSW Government to help Australia "to fully comply with our international drug control treaty obligations" ("Injecting room is damaging us: PM", Herald, December 1). Is this cruel irony, cynical electioneering or, long odds, a sign that Australia has a new-found respect for its obligations to comply with international standards of behaviour?

We await Mr Howard's raising of similar concerns regarding international standards and Australia's conduct in relation to matters such as native title, aboriginal health and education, anti-discrimination laws, asylum seekers, immigration detention, anti-terrorism measures, homelessness and poverty.

Simon Rice
President
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights

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This page last updated 4th May 2004