A public seminar in Canberra next month will examine how stronger human rights protections could help address some of Australia’s most pressing social issues.

The Answer Is Human Rights event, hosted by the Australian Human Rights Commission in partnership with the ACT Human Rights Commission, will bring together leading advocates to discuss challenges including housing affordability, economic inequality, climate change and the right to protest.

The seminar forms part of the national commission’s 40-year anniversary program and aims to explore how a renewed focus on human rights could improve fairness, safety and social cohesion.

Australian Human Rights Commission President Hugh de Kretser said while Australia remained a strong place to live for many, significant challenges persisted.

“It’s in everyone’s interest to protect human rights. Protecting human rights promotes equality, safety, dignity and prosperity for all people in Australia,” he said.

“Stronger human rights protections will help us address challenges from fraying social cohesion to housing affordability.”

Mr de Kretser said a stronger commitment from governments would help safeguard values including equality, freedom and respect, and strengthen democracy.

ACT Human Rights Commission President Dr Penelope Mathew said the discussion comes at a critical time.

“Now more than ever, we need to strengthen both Australia’s and the ACT’s commitment to and accountability for protecting human rights and preventing discrimination,” she said.

The free event will be held at Louie Louie in Verity Lane, Civic, from 6pm on April 29 with speakers including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss and Canberra Rape Crisis Centre program manager Paula McGrady.

Register online: https://humanrights.gov.au