Australia’s Deteriorating Child Rights
The Australian government faced growing accusations of violating children’s rights within the criminal justice system in 2024. Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2025 highlighted alarming practices, such as detaining children in adult facilities in Queensland and Western Australia, while the Northern Territory controversially lowered the age of criminal responsibility to ten.
Global Context for Human Rights
Amidst these severe national issues, Executive Director Tirana Hassan noted a global pattern of authoritarianism, where governments increasingly oppressed political rivals and marginalized groups. This year alone saw unfair arrests of journalists and activists, with more than 70 elections revealing a chilling rise in discriminatory leadership.
A Blot on Australia’s Reputation
Annabel Hennessy from Human Rights Watch stated, “The Australian government’s treatment of children in its criminal justice system went from bad to worse in 2024.” This trend marks a significant stain on Australia’s international human rights standing, prompting concerns over its commitment to child welfare.
Growing Concerns Over Asylum Policies
The treatment of asylum seekers in Australia also remains troubling, with the federal government continuing to send boat arrivals to offshore detention in Nauru, violating international obligations. Furthermore, the Northern Territory’s decision to reintroduce spit hoods for detained children raises significant safety concerns, as highlighted by Australia’s human rights commissioner, Lorraine Finlay.
Calls for Legal Reform
Despite these pressing issues, the federal government has been reluctant to impose sanctions on human rights violators abroad. As the only Western democracy lacking a national human rights act, Human Rights Watch urges Australia to swiftly establish such a framework to protect citizens’ rights more effectively.
In 2024, Australia faced criticism for violating children’s rights, detaining minors in adult facilities and lowering criminal responsibility age. The global trend of rising authoritarianism was noted, alongside concerns for asylum seeker treatment. Calls for a Human Rights Act are growing to protect children and uphold international standards.
The Australian government’s increasing violations of children’s rights in 2024 have drawn severe criticism, reflecting a broader global trend towards authoritarianism. From the detention of minors in adult facilities to regressive asylum policies, these actions have tainted Australia’s image on the world stage. Experts are calling for a comprehensive Human Rights Act as a necessary framework for safeguarding the rights of the vulnerable, particularly children.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
