The ACT Greens believe that:
1. universally recognised human rights must be respected, protected and observed in all jurisdictions
2. economic, social, cultural, environmental, civil and political rights are interdependent and indivisible
3. cultural, religious, gender and other differences often give rise to specific needs and circumstances that must be considered in order to ensure equal rights for all
4. careful, transparent deliberation is required in all cases where a balance must be struck between individual and community rights.

The ACT Greens want:
1. respect for and fulfilment of obligations for human rights locally, nationally and globally
2. advanced legislative and procedural human rights protection in the ACT
3. the ACT to continue its role as a leader among Australian jurisdictions in fulfilling human rights obligations
4. the ACT legal profession to contribute positively to the growing body of human rights jurisprudence.

The ACT Greens support:
1. implementing the direct right of action in the ACT Human Rights Act 2004 (the Human Rights Act)
2. amending the Human Rights Act to:
2.1. allow for compensation in cases where public authorities are in breach of their duty to uphold human rights
2.2. include internationally recognised economic, social and cultural rights
3. adequate resourcing to foster a genuine human rights culture in the ACT and encourage community dialogue on human rights issues
4. the work of the ACT Human Rights Commission and support adequately resourcing each Commissioner
5. reviewing the ACT Discrimination Act using current human rights principles
6. improving the quality of Human Rights Impact Statements prepared for the ACT Legislative Assembly through increased critical analysis and reporting
7. adequate ACT legislative protection from defamation or any other actions aimed at silencing debate on matters of public interest, reducing political debate and dissent, or stifling freedom of information
8. ensuring that decisions affecting human rights within ACT are proportionate, consistent with ACT human rights law, and imposed in a transparent and accountable manner
9. reviewing the ACT Government’s participation in national counter-terrorism strategies to ensure its full compliance with the Human Rights Act, especially with freedom of expression and association, freedom from arbitrary detention, legal due process, and privacy provisions
10. an ACT Government inquiry into the effect on ACT residents of federal laws that are inconsistent with the ACT Human Rights Act
11. engaging with other Australian jurisdictions to promote human rights, in particular by encouraging Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory to legislate for the protection of human rights
12. urging the Australian Government to implement:
12.1. an Australian Bill of Rights
12.2. the repeal of sedition laws
12.3. reform of Australia’s migration regulations, especially those regarding freedom from arbitrary detention and protection of the family unit
12.4. progression of legal and diplomatic efforts to protect Australian citizens subjected to mistreatment by foreign powers.

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