australia+and+human+rights

__Australia and Human Rights__ In March 2005, Australia appeared before the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The Attorney General's Department was represented in the Australian delegation because of its central role in implementing the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The committee’s hearing process provides an opportunity for non-government organisations and human rights institutions to brief committee members on the progress of individual countries. Committee members then have the opportunity to raise issues of concern and interest. Delegations are given the chance to respond by providing more information, correcting misunderstandings and noting disagreement on some points. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination asked Australia's delegation a range of questions concerning Indigenous rights, the Native Title Act, the Australian Human Rights Commission, discrimination against Arab and Muslim Australians, Australia's legal and constitutional system, human rights education, the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, counter-terrorism laws, and multiculturalism and immigration policies. Following Australia's appearance the Chair of the Committee congratulated Australia for the serious and comprehensive manner in which it had responded to the Committee's questions. The Committee has published its conclusions, which include positive findings as well as noting areas of concern. **//Australian Government Attorney-General's Department//**     