Major UN review urges Australia to raise age of criminal responsibility, adopt Human Rights Act – RADIO GRABS ATTACHED

Monday, 26 January 2026  

UN review urges Australia to raise age of criminal responsibility, adopt Human Rights Act 

NOTE: Audio grabs from Australian Human Rights Commission President Hugh de Kretser, recorded in Geneva, are attached. 

A major United Nations review of Australia’s human rights record has highlighted serious and persistent gaps in legal protection and outcomes, with countries from around the world urging stronger action, particularly on the rights of First Peoples. 

Australia was reviewed overnight by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a five yearly peer review process where members assess each state’s human rights performance and make recommendations for reform. 

At Australia’s fourth UPR, more than 120 countries made around 350 recommendations to improve our protection of people’s human rights. 

Australian Human Rights Commission President Hugh de Kretser, who is in Geneva for the review, said there were consistent messages from the international community. 

‘As a wealthy, stable democracy, Australia should be leading the world on human rights. This review highlighted many areas where we can and must do better,’ he said. 

‘The strongest concerns raised by countries went to the rights of First Peoples, particularly around inequality, racial discrimination and justice outcomes.  

‘In particular many countries called on Australia to raise the age of criminal responsibility. In most Australian jurisdictions, children as young as 10 can be arrested, prosecuted and jailed. This is inhumane and remains out of step with international human rights standards. First Peoples are hit hardest by these unjust laws. The international community is calling us out on this.’ 

Countries also consistently raised concerns about racism and discrimination, calling on Australia to strengthen legal protections and address hate speech. 

Another key focus of the review was the need for Australia to adopt a national Human Rights Act, with numerous countries urging the Albanese Government to take action. 

‘A Human Rights Act would require our national government to protect people’s rights. It would prevent human rights violations and give people the power to take action if their rights are breached,’ President de Kretser said. 

‘This reform is long overdue. A Human Rights Act is a missing part of our democracy. It would provide a stronger foundation for addressing many of the issues raised during this review.’ 

Countries further raised concerns about Australia’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, disability rights and the need to approach climate change as a human rights issue, particularly given Australia’s impact on neighbouring Pacific nations. 

Countries noted progress since Australia’s last review in 2021 particularly on gender equality and addressing violence against women and children. Countries made clear that sustained and strengthened action in this area is needed.  

‘This is the most significant international review of Australia’s human rights record,’ President de Kretser said. 

‘Australia should accept these recommendations and implement them. Protecting human rights makes our communities fairer, safer and more prosperous.’ 

The Australian Human Rights Commission contributed to the review through its independent submission on Australia’s human rights record. UN human rights bodies and civil society organisations also informed the review.