Australian Civil Society statement in support of Palestinian Rights Groups’ court case for transparency over arms exports to Israel

13 April 2026

We, the undersigned human rights, humanitarian and grassroots community organisations from across Australia, express our strong support for the application filed in the Federal Court by Palestinian human rights organisations seeking transparency from the Australian Government regarding Australian arms exports to Israel.

This filing represents a critical effort to secure public accountability in the face of credible and ongoing concerns about the end use of Australian defence exports to Israel, and to determine whether Australia is complying with its obligations under domestic and international law.

Since October 2023, Al-Haq, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, supported by the Australian Centre for International Justice, and together with Australian civil society, have sought clarity from the Australian Government regarding the nature, scope, and oversight of these exports. For too long, these efforts have been met with limited disclosure and repeated refusals to provide basic information.

Transparency is not optional, it is a cornerstone of democratic accountability

This sustained lack of transparency has eroded public trust and raises serious questions about whether Australia's export controls are being applied in accordance with Australia's legal obligations prohibiting the transfer of arms where there is a risk they may be used to commit or facilitate serious human rights abuses, or may be used in a way contrary to Australia's international obligations or commitments. These obligations include obligations under the four Geneva Conventions, the Genocide Convention, the Arms Trade Treaty, and in international human rights law.

At a time when the Palestinian people as a whole continue to endure devastating and well-documented harm from Israel's ongoing military campaign in the unlawfully Occupied Palestinian Territory-amid findings by the UN Commission of Inquiry and leading human rights organisations that Israel is committing serious violations of international humanitarian law, including acts that amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide-those directly affected are entitled to truth, accountability, and access to justice.

This proceeding is an important example of Palestinian-led efforts to seek answers from the Australian Government through the courts where other avenues have failed. Australians also have a right to know whether Australian military goods or technologies have been exported to Israel, directly or indirectly, in a manner that risks contributing to human rights abuses and grave international crimes.

Secrecy around arms transfers cannot be allowed to shield executive decision-making from scrutiny, particularly where there is a risk of complicity in grave crimes.

Transparency is not optional, it is a cornerstone of democratic accountability. Secrecy around arms transfers cannot be allowed to shield executive decision-making from scrutiny, particularly where there is a risk of complicity in grave crimes. We support this action as a necessary step to compel transparency and ensure that Australia's actions align with its stated commitment to the protection of human rights and respect for international law.

Supporting Organisations:

• Amnesty International Australia
• Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ)
• Australian Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN)
• Democracy in Colour
• Muslim Aid Australia International
• Quakers Australia, The Religious Society of Friends Australia
• Wage Peace

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