Human Rights Law Centre joins international civil liberties network
The Human Rights Law Centre is strengthening its work by joining the International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations (INCLO). INCLO is a network of 15 independent, national human rights organisations from different countries working together to promote fundamental rights and freedoms.
Hugh de Kretser, Executive Director of the Human Rights Law Centre, said working with INCLO members will benefit the centre’s human rights work in Australia and provide ways to share its expertise abroad.
“At home and around the world, human rights are under threat as populist authoritarianism is on the rise. We can better defend human rights in Australia by sharing knowledge and strategy with like-minded organisations overseas. We look forward to working with INCLO members to stand together to defend the values that unite us like freedom, equality, dignity, compassion and respect,” said Mr de Kretser.
INCLO works to advance four key principles around the world:
The Human Rights Law Centre’s membership of INCLO comes as international alliance CIVICUS Monitor has downgraded Australia’s democratic ranking from “open” to “narrowed” following police raids on media outlets, the growing trend of prosecuting whistleblowers and the increasing crackdown on peaceful protest.
“There is a worldwide trend of governments undermining democracy. Australia is not immune. We have seen repeated attacks by Australian governments on our democratic freedoms. It is vital that we defend our rights to stand together and protest. It is vital that we defend press freedom and the ability of civil society to advocate. Our work on these issues will be stronger thanks to our collaboration with INCLO members,” said Mr de Kretser.