DFSV and Human Rights

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A young man and an elderly man sitting by a body of water during sunset, smiling and exchanging a drink, with fishing rods nearby.

You might have seen our mission statement, which is all about protecting, promoting, and advancing the human rights of those affected by domestic, family, and sexual violence. So, let’s take a moment to talk about what human rights mean!

  • Human rights are the rights we have simply because we are human. These rights belong to everyone, no matter our nationality, gender, ethnic background, skin colour, religion, language, or any other personal characteristic. (OHCHR, 2025)

    United Nations Human Rights Office of The High Commissioner. (2025). What are human rights?

  • Human rights really took shape with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which the UN General Assembly adopted in 1948. It was the first time there was a legal document laying out the basic rights that everyone should have, no matter who they are. And get this—it’s turning 77 on December 10, 2025! Even after all these years, the UDHR is still the backbone of international human rights law. So, you could say that it really set the standard for how we understand and should protect human rights today! (OHCHR, 2025)

    United Nations Human Rights Office of The High Commissioner. (2025). What are human rights?

  • The Australian Human Rights Commission is all about promoting and protecting human rights in Australia. They help resolve complaints about discrimination and human rights violations under federal laws. They also hold public inquiries on important human rights issues, develop educational programs for schools and workplaces, and provide independent legal advice for court cases involving human rights. Plus, they advise parliaments and governments on creating better laws and policies. It’s a comprehensive approach to ensuring everyone’s rights are respected! (AHRC, 2025)

    The Queensland Human Rights Commission is dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights in Queensland. They're focused on creating a fairer, safer, and more inclusive Queensland for everyone. (QHRC, 2019)

    Australian Human Rights Commission. (2025). About.

    The Queensland Human Rights Commission. (2019). About us.

  • Domestic, family and sexual violence impacts our fundamental human rights and freedoms. It violates the right to life and protection from torture or cruel treatment. It affects personal safety and security, equal rights under the law, family equality, and even your right to good health and fair working conditions. It's a serious issue that touches on so many important aspects of our lives. (CEDAW Committee, 1992) 

    CEDAW Committee. (1992). General recommendation No. 19: Violence against women (UN Doc. A/47/38, para. 7).