On 10 December 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since then the world has recognised this historic pledge with Human Rights Day.
Human Rights Day holds particular significance at a time when conflict and political instability is occurring across the globe. It serves to remind us all of the necessity of the inalienable human rights that everyone is entitled to.
Our rights, our future, right now is this year’s theme and Australia, as one of eight nations to draft the original declaration, has a significant role in promoting and upholding human rights globally.
Australia must continue to advocate for equal human rights for women and girls, people with disabilities, LGBTI people, Indigenous peoples, religious minorities, and others who may be in vulnerable situations, wherever they live.
It is our obligation and goal as an international community to continue to secure the human rights of all peoples, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or socio-economic status.
The Coalition remains deeply concerned by instances around the world of arbitrary detention, and violence or discrimination against ethnic minorities, political opponents, human rights advocates and other vulnerable groups. We must continue to address restrictions on fundamental freedoms in peoples’ daily lives.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to universal human rights – the rule of law, individual freedom and the right to dignity and respect as values that have guided Australians for generations.