Australia under pressure over criminal age
Australia's human rights record will again come under pressure as it responds to international calls to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14.
The government is set to front the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Thursday night.
More than 30 UN member states have called for Australia to lift the age at which children can be arrested, detained and charged from 10.
Human Rights Law Centre executive director Hugh de Kretser said it shouldn't be a difficult decision.
"Failing to respect people's rights is not only morally wrong and a breach of international law but goes against our national interest," he said.
The UN reviewed Australia's record on the age of criminal responsibility in January.
Its approach to climate change along with treatment of Indigenous people and asylum seekers also came under the spotlight.
Thursday is Australia's chance to formally respond and say whether it accepts the review's recommendations.
Human rights groups including Save the Children, Amnesty and the Law Council of Australia are also expected to speak about the country's track record.
State and territory attorneys-general earlier this year discussed the possibility of lifting the age of criminal responsibility.
A decision was slated for July last year but put off.
Federal Attorney-General Michaelia Cash's office has said the minimum age of criminal responsibility was an issue for states and territories.
The UN recommends 14 as the minimum age at which children can be held criminally responsible.
