Celebrating Human Rights Day 2024: A pathway to solutions

Advancing Human Rights in Australia

On December 10, 2024, the world will mark Human Rights Day, an occasion to reflect on the importance of fundamental human rights and to take stock of progress made—and the work still to be done. This year’s theme, "Human Rights: A Pathway to Solutions," serves as a powerful reminder that human rights are not abstract ideals but practical solutions to creating a more inclusive and just world for everyone, regardless of background or ability.

In Australia, there is still a lot of work to do to advance the rights of people with disabilities, a group that continues to face significant barriers despite important legislative advancements and growing public awareness. 

The State of Disability Rights in Australia

Australia has made significant strides in disability rights over the past few decades. Legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in 2013 were groundbreaking in promoting equality and access for people with disabilities. These efforts have provided legal protections against discrimination and financial support for people with disabilities to access services that improve their quality of life.

There is still a long way to go. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, nearly 1 in 5 Australians live with disability, and many report feeling excluded from education, employment, healthcare, and public life. These inequalities are matters of human rights—the right to participate equally in society, to live with dignity, and to enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else. 

We need to acknowledge and applaud the organisations that are working toward inclusive workplaces and already seeing the benefits on many levels. These progressive organisations welcome and celebrate difference. See the list of 2023-24 list of employer champions that are PROUD TO BE AN INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER :

https://www.dca.org.au/inclusion-work-index-hub/inclusion-work-list-of-inclusive-employers

Human Rights and Disability: What Needs to Change?

The connection between human rights and disability rights is clear. People with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else, yet these rights are often not fully realized. In many cases, systemic barriers continue to restrict access to education, healthcare, housing, and employment. This exclusion not only violates the fundamental rights of people with disabilities but also leads to mental health issues, feeling isolated and unable to compete with people who don’t have a disability.

Here are a few key areas where progress is needed:

Inclusive Education: Despite the Disability Standards for Education set out by the Australian government, many students with disabilities still face barriers to accessing an equitable education. Lack of appropriate resources, trained staff, and physical accessibility continue to hold back the educational success of students with disabilities, which, in turn, limits their opportunities later in life. 

Employment: Australia has made some advances in disability employment, but people with disabilities are still significantly under-represented in the workforce. According to a 2019 report by the Australian Human Rights Commission, only about 53% of people with disabilities were employed, compared to 84% of those without a disability. We need to provide inclusive workplaces which will involve a major change in leadership and practices so that people with a disability are offered the same chances of progression in the company as others. 

Accessibility: Lack of accessibility is a major issue in public spaces, transportation systems, and digital platforms. Even with the NDIS, many people with disabilities still face barriers when accessing vital services like healthcare or personal assistance. Accessible design is not a luxury – it is a basic human right that ensures participation in social, economic, and cultural life.

Healthcare and Mental Health: The health and wellbeing of people with disabilities needs to be prioritised, yet healthcare systems fail to do this. People with a disability cannot easily access physical and mental health services and so suffer poorer health outcomes than the general population. A more inclusive healthcare system is needed—one that respects the dignity and rights of all people, regardless of ability. 

Emily’s Story: A Journey of Inclusion

It’s heartwarming to hear from someone who has faced discrimination in employment, but managed to overcome it. Take the story of Emily, a young woman living with cerebral palsy in Melbourne. Emily's experience illustrates both the challenges and triumphs that come with striving for equality in a world that isn't always built for everyone.

Emily had always dreamed of working in healthcare—specifically, as a patient advocate. However, for years, the barriers she faced in the workplace were overwhelming. Despite her qualifications and passion, she struggled to find a job because many employers were unwilling to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate her needs.

"I applied to dozens of jobs and never got an interview. I was told I was 'overqualified,' or that my disability would be too much of a hindrance," Emily recalls.

But Emily didn't give up. She continued her advocacy work and eventually found an opportunity with a progressive healthcare organization that embraced inclusive hiring practices. The company not only provided Emily with the necessary workplace adjustments—such as accessible transport and assistive technologies—but also created a flexible work environment that allowed her to thrive. 

Today, Emily is a leading advocate for disability inclusion in the workplace, helping other companies develop more inclusive practices. Her journey reflects the incredible potential that exists when people with disabilities are given the opportunity and support to succeed. Emily's story is proof of the power of inclusive policies and progressive attitudes in creating pathways to solutions for everyone.

Committing to a Future of Equality

On Human Rights Day 2024, we are reminded that human rights are the pathway to solutions. For people with disabilities, this means not only the right to equality and dignity but also the right to live a life of independence, inclusion, and opportunity. It’s time for all of us—governments, businesses, communities, and individuals—to come together and make real solutions a reality for people with disabilities in Australia.

As we celebrate this important day, let us reflect on the words of Helen Keller:"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."