Joint Submission for the United Kingdom’s Universal Periodic Review in 2017 submitted by a coalition of the following international human rights, fair trial and jurist organisations:
Liberty Victoria is deeply concerned about the gradual erosion of judicial discretion in sentencing and the move towards mandatory and/or more prescriptive models of sentencing. Part of that concern stems from the need for the legislature to carefully protect the separation of powers so that a strong and independent judiciary is able to ensure that justice is done in the individual case.
The Bill should be recognised for what it is – a significant threat to judicial discretion, the separation of powers and the rule of law.
The Councils for Civil Liberties (“CCLs”)[1] have made a joint submission to the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor’s (INSLM) inquiry into certain questioning and detention powers (CQDPs) in relation to terrorism. Specifically, the review encompasses:
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 27/07/2016 - 16:57
A human rights group has swung behind doctors who want the right to disclose what happens in detention centres.
Doctors for Refugees has filed a High Court challenge to the secrecy provisions in the Australian Border Force Act, contending that the laws inappropriately curtail people’s freedom to participate in political communication around conditions and care in detention.
Liberty Victoria welcomed this critical development.
Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Thu, 30/06/2016 - 00:00
Human rights group Liberty Victoria today expressed great concern about proposed legislation that would require permits to be obtained before people may protest.
Liberty president George Georgiou SC said, “We seriously question the need for such drastic action and urge government to look at alternatives before undertaking such measures.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/06/2016 - 22:35
Liberty Victoria is concerned that the Attorney-General has elected to introduce a standard sentence scheme, contrary to the clear advice of the Sentencing Advisory Council’s report in response to the Terms of Reference provided in November 2015, Sentencing Guidance in Victoria.
Liberty Victoria supports the Sentencing Advisory Council’s statement that sentencing guidance is best delivered by the Court of Appeal, and supports the proposed reforms to the Guideline Judgment regime.
