Current Campaign
Each year, AIA UNSW focuses on a major campaign that is particularly topical.
The focus for 2009 will be: Australia needs a Human Rights Act. Issues examined will include:
Australia is the only liberal democracy without a Human Rights Act or similar protection.
On Human Rights Day (10 Dec 2008), the Federal Government announced that an independent Consultation Committee would seek input from the Australian community on human rights. Their focus is on ascertaining the views of everday Australians about human rights in Australia, whether we feel our human rights are being protected and if not, how these rights should be protected. The consultation closes at 29 May.
This is our opportunity to gain human rights protection for every person in Australia. This is our chance to call for a Human Rights Act and make a positive change for this and future generations.
Why we need a Human Rights ActWe have seen human rights undermined by legislation and Government policy - for example, asylum seekers in mandatory detention, the Northern Territory Intervention, sedition and other anti-terrorism laws, the acceptance of treatment of David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib. Our right to free speech is not protected by the law. Only our right to political speech is protected. The right to vote and freedom of religion are not protected.
Amnesty International Australia is calling for the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) to be incorporated in a Human Rights Act for Australia.
A Human Rights Act for Australia can ensure:
- the protection of all human rights for everyone including economic, social and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights
- that new legislation before Parliament is checked to ensure it is compatible with human rights and does not take away existing rights
- a way to seek remedy if your human rights are violated.
So many individuals could have better lives with human rights protection in Australia:
- The employee - having the choice of joining a Union or not. Right to association (UDHR Article 20, 23)
- The mother - choosing to work and raise a family and not be discriminated against for wanting a balance of the two. Right to work (Article 23).
- The teenager - being able to receive a basic education, no matter where he or she lives. Right to education. (UDHR Article 26)
- The asylum seeker - not to be indefinitely detained, to have their application processed quickly and judgments to be made fairly and with access to appeal under Australian law. Right to liberty, freedom from arbitrary detention. (UDHR Articles 3, 9, 14)
- Diverse Sexuality and Gender (DSG) - the ability to enjoy the same rights as everyone else including the right to family, marriage and equal treatment by the law. (UDHR Articles 2, 16, 28)
- The musician/artist - the ability to write songs and express peaceful opinions through art without fear of being consored. Right to freedom of expression. (UDHR Article 19)
- The Indigenous Australian - the right to live with dignity and respect, the right to be with and support family and practice culture. Right to a decent life, no-one has the right to intrude in your home or private life. (UDHR Articles 12, 25, 18)
Take Action
Amnesty International UNSW will be campaigning for a Human Rights Act throughout the Federal Government's consulation period.
Make a submission to the Federal Government calling for a Human Rights Act. Go to: Your Human Rights or Human Rights Consultation
Or alternatively, come along to an Amnesty International UNSW information stall, speakers event or meeting, and sign a submission to send to the National Consultation on Human Rights.