(Update - 24 February 2015) - The ongoing political attacks against the Australian Human Rights Commission and its President, Professor Gillian Triggs, have been condemned by the International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions, the UN's global umbrella body for such institutions.

In a strongly worded letter to the Prime Minister of Australia, the ICC Chairperson expressed his 'deep concern' that 'these public attacks seek to call into question the independence of the office which Professor Triggs holds and cause harm to her professional integrity. It further more undermines and intimidates the statutorily granted independence that is provided to the country’s principal human rights body.'

The letter goes on to remind Australia that, 'In a healthy democracy a NHRI report should be received within the spirit that the contents and recommendations contained therein is to further the adherence to international human rights norms and standards and ensure the promotion and protection of human rights'. This stands in contrast with members of the Australian Government, who have been highly critical of Professor Triggs, admitting that they have not even read the Children in Detention report which has been the subject of such debate.

In addition to being sent to the Prime Minister, the letter was also sent to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights who, it is understood, will also express serious concern at the attacks and reprisals against the Australian Human Rights Commission.

(Geneva) - The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders should act to end a series of unprecedented attacks and reprisals against the Australian Human Rights Commission and its President, Professor Gillian Triggs, the International Service for Human Rights said today.