Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called upon the recently re-elected Australian Labor government to harness its foreign policy strategies to advance international human rights. This request was detailed in a letter addressed to Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The organization delineates specific measures for Australia to undertake within four principal foreign policy domains.
The HRW outlines embracing multilateral initiatives and new human rights standards as a pivotal area. This includes lobbying for global treaties on issues such as pre-primary and secondary education, criminalizing aspects like gender apartheid and the regulation of autonomous weapons. Australia’s commitment to early childhood education places it as an exemplar in these matters.
HRW also advocates for Australia to amplify human rights through diplomatic endeavors, urging for the release of arbitrarily detained individuals, particularly in countries such as China, Bhutan, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Further, the organization recommends invoking targeted sanctions against Chinese officials for their roles in rights abuses against Uyghurs and recommends denouncing US sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Moreover, HRW advises that Australia should prohibit trade with Israeli settlements deemed illegal, and sanction responsible Israeli officials based on ICJ’s advisory opinion concerning entry of aid into Gaza.
In light of the US halting its refugee resettlement program, the organization pushes for Australia to increase its refugee intake to at least 27,000 annually, addressing the pressing international need for protection.
Despite Australia’s reputable standing, such as its 11th place in the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index 2024, it still faces global scrutiny, especially regarding Indigenous peoples’ rights and its approach to refugees and asylum seekers.
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