Panel Discussion: Examining the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review

On 3 June 2026, the International Law Section of the Law Council of Australia, Macquarie Law School and Western Sydney University hosted a joint panel discussion on the topic of Australia's Human Rights Record Under Scrutiny: Examining the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a United Nations process through which the human rights records of all Member States are reviewed. The panel provided valuable insights into the roles played by the Australian Government, the Australian Human Rights Commission and civil society organisations, including the Human Rights Law Centre, the Australian UPR NGO Coalition and the Law Council, in the UPR process. Panel members reflected on progress made since Australia's previous review, areas of ongoing concern and emerging human rights challenges that may shape Australia’s fourth cycle review outcomes. Special thanks to Rebecca Mills, Darren Dick PSM, Arif Hussein and Nicholas Cowdery AO KC for sharing their expertise and insights. The discussion was expertly chaired by Associate Professor Amy Barrow.