Human Right? There's an app for that!

LexisNexis Australia has collaborated with the Australian Human Rights Commission to develop RightsApp, which is claimed to bethe world’s first mobile application that allows users to quickly and easily search international human rights conventions and declarations by topic and right.

Launched by the Commission President Professor Gillian Triggs, RightsApp contains the text of some of the world’s most important international human rights treaties and agreements, as well as signatory information and relevant United Nations committees’ general comments.

“RightsApp is a significant breakthrough in ensuring that vital information and resources are readily available and easily accessible to individuals so they can understand their rights. It will also assist businesses, employers and community groups to check their obligations under international human rights law,” says Professor Triggs.

The App sets out Australia’s and other nation’s responsibilities across a broad cross section of human rights treaties such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Punishment.

“Every day, in virtually every country around the world we hear or read about a human rights issue. It is something that affects us all and something that more and more businesses are focusing on. That’s why LexisNexis collaborated with the Human Rights Commission to develop this simple to use tool which makes it easy for people to understand and exercise their rights and responsibilities under international law. And because it is free it is available for everyone,” says Joanne Beckett, Managing Director LexisNexis Australia.

“Our mission at LexisNexis is to be the world leader in developing ground-breaking technology and tools that not only improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our clients’ businesses, but also to develop the tools and resources that can make a positive contribution to our community. In this case by giving people equal access to the rights they are entitled to, regardless of their status. This is why LexisNexis is so proud to have partnered with the Commission to develop RightsApp, a world first App that has the potential to dramatically change a person’s life for the better,” Ms Beckett added.

​RightsApp is available for free from the Apple App Store.

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