The Red Lines Package & Australia’s International Law Obligations

In advance of the launch of the Red Lines Package (RLP) in the Australian Parliament House on 15 September, the Association for the Promotion of International Law (APIL) invites international law scholars and practitioners across Australia to an exclusive online briefing.

The RLP represents a significant effort to align Australian domestic law with peremptory norms and treaty obligations, including the Genocide Convention and the Geneva Conventions. Key legislative proposals include:

• Arms Export Controls: Prohibiting defence exports where there is a clear risk of use in genocide or war crimes.
• Financial Divestment: Mandating the divestment of public funds from entities materially involved in illegal settlements.
• Accountability Mechanisms: Establishing an Anti-Genocide Commissioner and requiring annual prevention statements from Commonwealth entities.
• Trade Restrictions: Prohibiting imports from illegal settlements in occupied territory.

Presenting academics and practitioners include:

• Associate Professor Sara Dehm, Faculty of Law, UTS
• Dr Sophie Rigney, School of Law, RMIT University
• Rita Jabri Markwell, Birchgrove Legal
• Jonathan Kelt
• Dr Daye Gang, Rights Advocacy Project

This online forum aims to generate academic engagement, raise awareness, and solicit expert feedback on this proposed legislation. The webinar will be presented by the principal drafters of the RLP bills.