Joint submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on Peaceful Assembly on stigmatising narratives and the impact on rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
The Human Rights Law Centre and the Australian Democracy Network urge the UN Special Rapporteur to address the impact of stigmatising narratives on the right to peaceful assembly and association. Australia's history of protests has led to significant social changes, yet current anti-protest measures and negative media portrayals threaten this democratic right.
Protests are vital for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people fighting for self-determination, land and water rights, and against systemic racism. Despite international human rights commitments, Australia's governments have enacted harsh anti-protest laws influenced by negative narratives from politicians and the media.
The Human Rights Law Centre and the Australian Democracy Network in its submissions to a review of the laws, recommended:
Repealing harsh anti-protest laws to comply with international human rights standards.
Combating stigmatising narratives by promoting diverse and balanced media representation.
Strengthening protections for protesters to ensure they are safeguarded from undue police interference and legal repercussions.
Read the submission here.