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The rights of women and young girls, aiming to ensure equality between men and women. It's three foundational principles are non-discrimination, state obligation and substantive equality

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modern day woman holding hands with an eagle while she is smiling

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'Refugees are among the most vulnerable people in the world. The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol help protect them.'

ANTÓNIO GUTERRES, 2011 UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (2005-2015)

Status of Refugees 1951:

In 2018, 70.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of conﬂict or violence.

Refugees fleeing their country arriving to Australia

Article 1 – Deﬁnition of the term “refugee”

A. For the purposes of the present Convention, the term "refugee" shall apply to any person who:

(2) As a result of events occurring before 1 January 1951 and owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for

reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it…

Protocal Relating to the Status of Refugees 1967:

The refugees that were displaced and forced to flee their homeland because of war or violence and the refugees that were forced to flee due to action that took part past January 1st 1951

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What is the purpose of the convention? (read convention preamble)

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What is the purpose of the convention? (read convention preamble)

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The purpose of the convention is to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and to promote gender equality by ensuring women's equal access to and opportunities in political, economic, social, cultural, civil, and other fields.

The convention gives positive affirmation to the principle of equality. The main purpose of CEDAW is to set out crucial steps that ensure the elimination of discrimination in all forms towards women. It is considered the "International Bill of Rights" for women.

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diverse group of modern women with an eagle

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What is the purpose of the convention? (read convention preamble)

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What is the purpose of the convention? (read convention preamble)

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Status of Refugees 1951:

According to UNHCR the 1951 Convention,

‘…provides the most comprehensive codification of the rights of refugees at the international level.’

It's purpose is to lay down the basic minimum standards for the treatment of refugees.

Protocal Relating to the Status of Refugees 1967:

To continue to ensure all refugees displaced had the right to seek and stay in other countries. The new convention states all refugees no matter the time the action took place have access to seek shelter in other countries

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How does the convention meet its purpose? (Read through some of the articles)

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How does the convention meet its purpose? (Read through some of the articles)

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The universal declaration provides refugees the right to asylum but the 1967 convention defines who a refugee is their rights, responsibilities and legal obligations relating to their treatment and protection. The 1967 convention was updated from the 1951 convention applying one new amendment being removing the reference to time and location stated in 1951 and has been updated to provide universal coverage

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What are the main features of the convention?

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What are the main features of the convention?

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Status of Refugees 1951:

The 1951 Convention deﬁnes who a refugee is, refugees’ rights and responsibilities, and the legal obligations of States relating to the treatment and protection of refugees.

It also states which individuals do not fall into the Convention.

The 1951 Convention is a document that is focused on rights as well as status. This implies that it designates refugees as a distinct group of people in need of aid and grants those people certain rights.

The non-refoulement principle is among the most significant tenets of the 1951 Convention. As a result, nations are obligated to refrain from returning refugees to areas where they face persecution.

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What are some of the limitations of the convention?

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What are some of the limitations of the convention?

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the 1951 convention holds a main limitation of only supporting refugees who were forced to flee due to actions that took place before 1951 January 1st leaving many others who were forced to flee after this date and the convention not supporting them

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How has Australia ratified the convention in legislation? (Identify the legislation & sections of the Australian Constitution)

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How has Australia ratified the convention in legislation? (Identify the legislation & sections of the Australian Constitution)

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Status of Refugees 1951 and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees 1967:

Australia has duties to protect the human rights of refugees and asylum seekers as a result of its ratification of the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol. "The conditions for people in immigration detention, and the manner in which they are treated while in detention, should comply with these human rights obligations," according to the Human Rights Commission. Australia's refugee laws, policies, and procedures continue to be a source of controversy because some people think we are not upholding our international human rights duties.

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What UN Agencies are relevant to this convention and provide the purpose of these agencies.

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What UN Agencies are relevant to this convention and provide the purpose of these agencies.

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Status of Refugees 1951 and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees 1967:

The 1967 Protocol and the 1951 Convention are not overseen by a single entity. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the primary United Nations agency responsible for overseeing and safeguarding refugees. The 1967 Protocol and the 1951 Convention are under the "guardianship" of UNHCR. In1950, the UNHCR was founded.
The United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration and the International Refugee Organisation (IRO) were two UN entities that were founded and later dissolved.

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The 1951 Refugee Convention | UNHCR Australia

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The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol are the key documents that form the basis of UNHCR’s work. Learn more about them and view the original text.

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Children - Legally, a “child” is generally defined as a person who is under the age of 18 years.

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The CERD aims to implement the Convention of elimination of all racial discrimination by the state's parties. This will help the protection of all racially marginalised groups.

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What is the purpose of the convention? (read convention preamble)

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What is the purpose of the convention? (read convention preamble)

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The primary purpose of the CRC is to protect and promote the rights of children around the world. It sets out the civil, political, economic, social, health, and cultural rights of children and defines a child as any human being under the age of 18.

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What is the purpose of the convention? (read convention preamble)

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What is the purpose of the convention? (read convention preamble)

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The purpose of the CERD is to promote the implementation of measures which aims to eliminate racial discrimination worldwide. This is achieved through a variety of mechanisms managed by the Committee CERD, which consists of independent experts.

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How does the convention meet its purpose? (Read through some of the articles)

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How does the convention meet its purpose? (Read through some of the articles)

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The CERD and its committee meets its purpose through the implementation of regular reviews. State parties must submit regular reports to the Committee that explain how they've implemented the Convention's provisions. The first report is due one year after having agreed to sign the commission. And then a report must be turned in every 2 years.

The Committee reviews these reports and offers observations, establishing areas of concern and offering recommendations for improvement.

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How does the convention meet its purpose? (Read through some of the articles)

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How does the convention meet its purpose? (Read through some of the articles)

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The convention meets its purpose by requiring states to incorporate gender equality into their legal systems, abolish discriminatory laws, implement measures to prohibit discrimination, and create institutions to protect women’s rights. States must also report on their progress every four years.

The CEDAW committee is made up of 23 independent members who have been elected by the states who have signed to CEDAW. This committee meets three times a year to address specific issues relating to CEDAW. This is to monitor and report on any issues/progress of the states that have signed to CEDAW.

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How does the convention meet its purpose? (Read through some of the articles)

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How does the convention meet its purpose? (Read through some of the articles)

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The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) achieves its purpose through several mechanisms. It provides a legal framework for children's rights, requiring states to align their laws accordingly. States must regularly report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which reviews progress and offers recommendations. The Committee also issues General Comments for clarity on CRC provisions. Advocacy and awareness efforts promote children's rights globally, encouraging action at all levels. Additionally, the CRC fosters international cooperation to address issues like trafficking and exploitation, ensuring comprehensive protection and promotion of children's rights worldwide.

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What are the main features of the convention?

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What are the main features of the convention?

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Definition of racial discrimination, state obligations, hate speech, and measures to combat prejudice.

Concerns equality before the law, establishes dispute resolution mechanisms, prohibits incitement of racial hatred, condemns racial discrimination, apartheid and racial segregation

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What are the main features of the convention?

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What are the main features of the convention?

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CEDAW is a comprehensive treaty obligating states to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life, monitored by an expert committee through periodic reports and optional complaints.

Main features include defining discrimination against women, mandating legal and institutional reforms, ensuring women's reproductive rights, targeting cultural and traditional gender roles, and combating trafficking and exploitation of women. It also requires states to submit regular reports on their compliance.

CEDAW broadly covers all the different aspects of women's rights, which include political participation, health, education, employment, marriage, family relations and equality before the law.

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What are the main features of the convention?

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What are the main features of the convention?

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1. Comprehensive Rights: It covers civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of children.

2. Best Interests Principle: Ensures that the best interests of the child are a primary consideration in all actions concerning them.

3. Non-Discrimination: Guarantees all rights to every child without discrimination.

4. Right to Life and Development: Affirms children's rights to survival, development, and access to healthcare and education.

5. Participation: Recognizes children's right to express their views freely in matters affecting them.

6. State Obligations: Requires states to adopt laws and policies to implement the CRC and report progress to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

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What are some of the limitations of the convention?

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What are some of the limitations of the convention?

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1. State reservations

Many states have ratified the ICERD with reservations which can undermine the convention's application. These reservations often pertain to key provisions, allowing states to avoid obligations that conflict with domestic laws or policies.

2. Lack of Enforcement Mechanism

The absence of a robust enforcement mechanism means that states can ignore or delay implementation without significant repercussions.

3. Will and Compliance

Effective implementation of the ICERD depends on the political will of state parties. In many instances, states lack the commitment to fully comply with the convention's requirements, either due to internal political dynamics or because addressing racial discrimination is not a priority.

4. Limited Scope of CERD

Limited powers in addressing complaints of racial discrimination. Individual complaints can only be brought against states that have recognized the competence of the CERD under Article 14 of the convention. Moreover, the CERD’s decisions are not binding, limiting their impact.

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What are some of the limitations of the convention?

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What are some of the limitations of the convention?

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CEDAW's limitations include its inability to enforce compliance, reliance on self-reporting by states, and the presence of reservations and exceptions that can weaken its effectiveness in ensuring full protection of women's rights globally.

CEDAW is not the basis of law or policy reform. It does not provide expressly for equality, nor does it provide for positive obligations for the government to eliminate indirect discrimination and to implement temporary special measures. There is a lack of binding framework for accountability of the states to prevent and eliminate discrimination and violence against women and girls.

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an eagle making fun of a woman while she is crying

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What are some of the limitations of the convention?

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What are some of the limitations of the convention?

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The CRC limitations include financial or societal constraints. Enforcement mechanisms are weak, relying on voluntary compliance and periodic reporting, which can be inconsistent and slow. The non-ratification of optional protocols and weak national legal systems undermine the CRC’s effectiveness.

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What UN Agencies are relevant to this convention and provide the purpose of these agencies.

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What UN Agencies are relevant to this convention and provide the purpose of these agencies.

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1. United Nations Children's Fund

Supports countries in implementing the CRC, provides technical assistance, and advocates for policies and practices that uphold children's rights. It also collects data and reports on the status of children worldwide.

2. World Health Organization

Supports the health-related provisions of the CRC, focusing on ensuring that children have access to essential health services, proper nutrition, and safe environments. It also develops guidelines and standards to improve children's health globally.

3. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Supports the right to education as outlined in the CRC. It works to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all children.

4. International Labour Organization

Addresses issues related to child labor, working to eliminate the worst forms of child labor and ensure that children's rights to protection from economic exploitation are upheld.

5. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Works to protect the rights of refugee and displaced children, ensuring they receive appropriate care, education, and protection from exploitation and abuse.

6. United Nations Population Fund

Focuses on the rights of adolescents, including reproductive health and protection from harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.

7. United Nations Development Programme

Supports the broader development context that affects children's rights, including poverty reduction, access to education, and community development programs that benefit children and their families.

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How has Australia ratified the convention in legislation? (Identify the legislation & sections of the Australian Constitution)

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How has Australia ratified the convention in legislation? (Identify the legislation & sections of the Australian Constitution)

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Signed the ICERD on October 13, 1966, and later ratified it on September 30, 1975.

Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA): To implement ICERD domestically.

Prohibition of Racial Discrimination: The RDA makes it unlawful to discriminate against people on the grounds of race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin in various areas of public life, including employment, education, access to services, and housing.

Racial Hatred Act 1995: An amendment to the RDA, this act specifically addresses and prohibits acts of racial hatred, aligning with ICERD's provisions on combating incitement to racial discrimination and hate speech.

Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC): The AHRC plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights in Australia, including the rights outlined in ICERD. Handles complaints related to racial discrimination and provides education and advocacy on racial equality.

Race Discrimination Commissioner: Within the AHRC, the Race Discrimination Commissioner specifically addresses issues of racial discrimination and works towards promoting racial equality and harmony.

State Reports to CERD: Australia is required to submit periodic reports to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) detailing the measures taken to implement ICERD.

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How has Australia ratified the convention in legislation? (Identify the legislation & sections of the Australian Constitution)

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How has Australia ratified the convention in legislation? (Identify the legislation & sections of the Australian Constitution)

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Australia ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) through the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986, which includes functions relating to the CRC and established the National Children's Commissioner​. The federal government utilizes Section 51 of the Australian Constitution, the "external affairs power," to enact laws fulfilling international treaty obligations, including the CRC​.

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How has Australia ratified the convention in legislation? (Identify the legislation & sections of the Australian Constitution)

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How has Australia ratified the convention in legislation? (Identify the legislation & sections of the Australian Constitution)

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Australias Sex Discrimination Act (SDA) (1984) gives affect to many of the obligations which are under CEDAW. The SDA makes it unlawful to unfairly treat someone because of their gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, marital or relationship status, because you are pregnant, because you may become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

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What UN Agencies are relevant to this convention and provide the purpose of these agencies.

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What UN Agencies are relevant to this convention and provide the purpose of these agencies.

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The OHCHR is responsible for promoting and protecting all human rights around the world. It provides support to the CERD, monitors human rights situations, and works to ensure the implementation of international human rights. It also offers assistance and advice to governments and society.

UNESCO aims to build peace through international combined effort in education, science, and culture. It promotes respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the elimination of racial discrimination, through educational programs, cultural initiatives, and the spreading of knowledge.

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What UN Agencies are relevant to this convention and provide the purpose of these agencies.

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What UN Agencies are relevant to this convention and provide the purpose of these agencies.

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UNICEF: UNICEF promotes young girls' education as they advocate for equal access to education for both girls and boys. This aligns with the CEDAW's emphasis on the education of women, to be on an equal standard to young men. UNICEF organises projects and donates directly to help ensure things such as scholarships and and safe learning environments for young girls to be to complete their education. UNICEF also helps to advocate for the prevention on child marriage and gender-based violence.

UN WOMEN: CEDAW obliges states to protect women from all forms of violence. UN Women’s efforts to eliminate violence against women directly support this. CEDAW promotes equal economic rights for women. UN Women’s initiatives to ensure women’s economic empowerment align with these goals. CEDAW is a key international treaty for women’s rights, and UN Women’s role in supporting global standards directly ties to advocating for CEDAW’s implementation.

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International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination - Main Page

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United Nations Audiovisual Library of International Law

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Children as well as adults have human rights. Children also have the right to special protection because of their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.

The main international human rights treaty on children's rights is the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The CRC is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world. Australia ratified the CRC in December 1990, which means that Australia has a duty to ensure that all children in Australia enjoy the rights set out in the treaty.

The CRC incorporates the whole spectrum of human rights - civil, political, economic, social and cultural - and sets out the specific ways these rights should be ensured for children and young people. The CRC recognises that children have the same human rights as adults, while also needing special protection due to their vulnerability.

Some of the guiding principles in the CRC are

respect for the best interests of the child as a primary consideration

the right to survival and development

the right of all children to express their views freely on all matters affecting them

the right of all children to enjoy all the rights of the CRC without discrimination of any kind.

Click here for the full text of the CRC Click here for a child-friendly version of the CRC on the UNICEF website Click here for our poster showing 12 key rights in the CRC
How are children's rights protected in Australia?

Most children and young people in Australia grow up in a safe, healthy and positive environment.

However, more than twenty-five years after Australia ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, vulnerable groups of children and young people in this country continue to lack adequate human rights protections.

This was highlighted in the Concluding Observations on Australia issued by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child on 15 June 2012.

Children experiencing homelessness or mental health issues, children with disability, children in immigration detention and Indigenous children can be particularly at risk of falling through the gaps.

The voices of children and young people are also rarely heard when decisions are made about the issues that affect their lives.

Over the years, the Australian Human Rights Commission has undertaken a number of major projects to draw community attention to the serious human rights challenges facing vulnerable groups of children.

The National Children's Commissioner's key duties include:

* Advocating nationally for the rights and interests of children and young people - this includes all children and young people up to eighteen years of age
* Promoting children's participation in decisions that impact on them
* Providing national leadership and coordination on child rights issues
* Promoting awareness of and respect for the rights of children and young people in Australia
* Undertaking research about children's rights
* Looking at laws, policies and programs to ensure they protect and uphold the rights of children and young people.

To do this work, the National Children's Commissioner consults widely with children and young people and their representatives. The Commissioner's activities also complement the important work of state and territory children's commissioners and guardians.

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What are children's rights? Children as well as adults have human rights. Children also have the right to special protection because of their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse. The main international human rights treaty on children's rights is the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

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What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child?

In 1989 something incredible happened. Against the backdrop of a changing world order world leaders came together and made a historic commitment to the world's children. They made a promise to every child to protect and fulfil their rights, by adopting an international legal framework - the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Contained in this treaty is a profound idea: that children are not just objects who belong to their parents and for whom decisions are made, or adults in training. Rather, they are human beings and individuals with their own rights. The Convention says childhood is separate from adulthood, and lasts until 18; it is a special, protected time, in which children must be allowed to grow, learn, play, develop and flourish with dignity. The Convention went on to become the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history and has helped transform children's lives.

What has the Convention achieved?

The Convention is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. It has inspired governments to change laws and policies and make investments so that more children finally get the health care and nutrition they need to survive and develop, and there are stronger safeguards in place to protect children from violence and exploitation. It has also enabled more children to have their voices heard and participate in their societies.

Childhood today: new threats, new opportunities

Despite this progress, the Convention is still not fully implemented or widely known and understood. Millions of children continue to suffer violations of their rights when they are denied adequate health care, nutrition, education and protection from violence. Childhoods continue to be cut short when children are forced to leave school, do hazardous work, get married, fight in wars or are locked up in adult prisons.

And global changes, like the rise of digital technology, environmental change, prolonged conflict and mass migration are completely changing childhood. Today's children face new threats to their rights, but they also have new opportunities to realize their rights.

What needs to happen

The hope, vision and commitment of world leaders in 1989 led to the Convention. It is up to today's generation to demand that world leaders from government, business and communities end child rights violations now, once and for all. They must commit to action to make sure every child, has every right.

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Find out about the world's most widely ratified human rights treaty in history