Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 
, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, sets out the basic rights and freedoms that apply to all people.
The Declaration was drafted in the aftermath of World War II and arose directly from the experience of that devastating global conflict.
The Australian government has agreed to respect, protect and ensure the human rights recognised in the Declaration and a number of human rights treaties which have followed from it.
These human rights include: life, liberty and security of persons; equality before the law; freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom of opinion and expression; the right to work and to free choice of employment; the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being; the right to education and the right to participate in the cultural life of one's community.
The concepts contained in the Declaration have been further developed by a number of core international human rights treaties to which Australia is a party:
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
- International Covenant on Economic,Social and Cultural Rights
- International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
- Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
- Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, while not legally binding, is supported by the Australian government. It provides a set of principles which describe equality, non-discrimination, partnership, consultation and cooperation between Indigenous peoples and governments.