Australia's reporting under ICESCR and ICCPR

Australia’s Common Core Document (PDF), incorporating Australia’s Fifth Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Fourth Report under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) was submitted to the United Nations on 25 July 2007.

Australia prepared its Common Core Document as part of its reporting obligations under international human rights instruments. As envisaged by the Harmonised Guidelines (PDF) elaborated by the UN’s Inter-Committee Meeting of the human rights treaty bodies, Australia's Core Document contains general information to supplement specific reports submitted to the various UN human rights committees. The Core Document also incorporates Australia's Fourth Report under the ICESCR and Australia's Fifth Report under the ICCPR. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Attorney-General's Department adopted a coordinated approach to preparing these reports.

The Core Document was prepared in consultation with all State and Territory governments and relevant Australian Government departments and agencies. Public consultation was also undertaken.