International Law and Human Rights Division
The International Law and Human Rights Division (ILHRD) provides international law and human rights advice to the Australian Government.
In relation to international law, ILHRD provides legal and policy advice across Government on issues involving public international law and conducts international litigation involving public international law.
It also develops and implements international law projects within the Attorney-General's responsibilities and conducts treaty negotiations.
In relation to human rights, ILHRD provides legal and policy advice to the Australian Government on domestic human rights matters, anti-discrimination legislation, and implementation of international human rights obligations. It also prepares responses to human rights communications and reports under human rights treaties.
The Division also has a policy advising role and administrative responsibilities for the Australian Human Rights Commission.
The International Law and Human Rights Division comprises:
- International Law, Trade and Security Branch
- International Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Branch
- Whaling Litigation Team, and
- Human Rights Policy Branch
The first three of these work units, and the Senior Counsel, International Law, comprise the Office of International Law (OIL). OIL has particular responsibilities as the primary adviser to the Government on international law in relation to the development and implementation of public international law in a way that meets Australia’s national interests. Provision of legal advice by the Office of International Law is governed by the Legal Services Directions.