536

Editor: Judy Cannon - 07 3358 2623
Email: judycnnn@yahoo.com.au

Contributing Editor: Ian Mathews - 02 6281 4025
Email: ian.mathews7@bigpond.com

Earlier editions of UNity 2004-05, 2006 and 2007 are on the

UNAA website: www.unaa.org.au or email the editor.

A DIARY DATES AND INTERNATIONAL YEARS

B JOB VACANCIES
C RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIPS, CALLS FOR PAPERS
D REPORTS

A: DIARY DATES, UN OBSERVANCES

For your organisation's events to be included in the Unity Supplement, please email brief details to: judycnnn@yahoo.com.au by WEDNESDAY for the best chance of swift inclusion.

Accessible Events a Guide for Organisers, developed by Meeting Events Australia (MEA) and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, helps organisers to make their events more accessible to the millions of Australians with a disability. Accessible Events a Guide for Organisers is available through the MEA website at www.meetingsevents.com.au and www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/index.html

HREOC EVENTS CALENDAR

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) has a calendar of upcoming human rights related events and occasions. This is a brief and easy to use guide of what's happening in the world of human rights, gender equality, racial or disability discrimination, equal opportunities in the workplace, racism in sport, age discrimination, human rights education, anti-discrimination laws, etc. It will be kept as up-to-date and accurate as possible. Check out the calendar at http://www.humanrights.gov.au/events/

The calendar relies on information from the human rights community, so if you have an appropriate listing, email details to: paffairs@humanrights.gov.au or call 02 9284 9618. HREOC reserves the right to select and edit submissions as seen fit.

DIARY DATES

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 8 'Listening Tour' on radio. Have your say on how best to create and improve equality between Australian women and men when the Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick's national 'Listening Tour' takes to the airwaves from 9-10.00am (AEST) on ABC Radio National's Life Matters program. It will focus on Economic independence for women, Work and family balance across the life cycle and Freedom from discrimination, harassment and violence. DETAILS: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/

FEBRUARY 8 Agriculture-led International Development ; lessons for Agriculture and Australia from the World Development Report 2008 Free at 4.15pm at CSIRO Discovery Centre, Black Mountain Laboratories, Clunies Ross Street, Canberra, followed by networking function. Speakers: Dr Derek Byerlee, co-director, World Bank World Development Report, on ‘Agriculture - the engine of growth for developing countries?’ and Peter Core, director, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), on ‘Australian Agricultural Research: a driver for change in our region’. Chairman Dr Denis Blight, executive director Crawford Fund. DETAILS: Cathy Reade on 07 54483095 (p/f) and 0413 575 934; www.crawfordfund.org.

FEBRUARY 10 Queensland Police/Sudanese Youth Football Challenge at 11am, Annerley Soccer Club, Greenslopes, Brisbane.

FEBRUARY 11 Soroptimists in Tasmania host landmines activist Kate Moore visiting on her way to the Cluster Munitions conference in New Zealand. It will feature the Laos Photographic Exhibition and the film Unacceptable Harm at 7.30 pm at the Tailrace Centre in Launceston.

FEBRUARY 13 Towards a New International Treaty. Conquering Cluster Munitions at 5.30pm Solferino Seminar, Centre for International & Public Law, the Centre for International Governance & Justice and International Humanitarian Law Committee, Australian Red Cross ACT present

Lou Maresca, International Committee of the Red Cross and Rae McGrath, Handicap International, at the Law Theatre, Bldg 5, ANU College of Law, Fellows Road, ANU, Canberra. DETAILS: cipl@law.anu.edu.au and 6125 0454; cipl@law.anu.edu.au

FEBRUARY 14 MAKE LOVE NOT WAR ON VALENTINES DAY at Piazza Italia (aka Argyle Square) in Lygon St, Carlton, Melbourne, from 7pm. Live music and a DJ, a festival atmosphere and good people talking up a little peace in the daze. The Conch (Latin funk) and the 60s retro discs of Blow Ups DJ Paul Kidney. .DETAILS: http://www.ozpeace.net/

FEBRUARY 15 Towards a ban on cluster bombs. Panel discussion is the first public event of Cluster Munitions Coalition Australia (CMCA) since its formation in January in the Theatrette, NSW Parliament House, Macquarie Street, 5:15pm. DETAILS:
jturton@austcare.org.au or 02 95659107.

FEBRUARY 15-25   International Conference of Green Cross International Foundation, Abba Queens Gate Hotel, London. Issues will include Human Rights, Gender Equality, Peace and Security, Social and Economic Development, Youth and Children, Health Education, Ethics and Value and Environmental Protection. Opening lecture: Dr Artemisa Franco, President of the Center for Human Rights Research and Development, Maputo, Mozambique. Conference contact: Dr Stephen Robinson on +44 704- 4577-3174and: robinson_inter_foundation@hotmail.com

FEBRUARY 19-22 Third UNESCO International Memory of the World Conference, National Library of Australia, Canberra. DETAILS: www.amw.org.au/mow2008/mow2008.htm

FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 7 Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) will participate in the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York. The main theme: Financing for gender equality and the empowerment of women.

MARCH

MARCH 5 NGO conference at International Conference Centre, Geneva. INQUIRIES: Email felicity.hill@wilpf.ch
MARCH 6 Dialogue among NGOs, governments and UN officials, UN, Geneva. INQUIRIES: Email felicity.hill@wilpf.ch

MARCH 6 UNIFEM at 6.45am International Women’s Day Breakfast to feature International Women’s Commission for a just and sustainable Israeli-Palestinian peace, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane. DETAILS: Georgina Pickers on 07 3324 8848 (Reg) and Pam Boag on 3266 0800 (Inquiries).

MARCH 8 Anti-nuclear tour to Mt Isa. Queensland Nuclear Free Alliance is organising event before Brisbane departure: DETAILS: junentimor@yahoo.com.au

MARCH 8 Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and other NGOs organising Geneva seminar linking March 8 - International Women's Day - with disarmament, peace and security issues. INQUIRIES: Email felicity.hill@wilpf.ch

MARCH 9/11 Delhi International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) Congress.Plenary and workshop sessions, with latest information on nuclear issues. Several Medical Association for Prevention of War (Australia) (MAPW) members presenting on nuclear issues and ICAN. Student congress March 7/8. Details http://www.ippnw2008.org/. We will do our best to support any student members: email students@mapw.org.au

MARCH 15 HOBART: Peace event at: 12.30pm, Parliament Lawns. Organised by: Hobart Peace Coalition 

DETAILS: ian.newman@utas.edu.au  6223 1172

MARCH 16 Palm Sunday for peace.

MELBOURNE: State Library at 1.45pm, organised by: Melbourne Palm Sunday organising committee. DETAILS: melbournepalmsunday2008@gmail.com or Jessica Morrison on 0431 519 577.

SYDNEY: 1pm at Belmore Park. Organised by: Sydney Peace & Justice Coalition & Stop The War Coalition DETAILS: Peter Murphy admin@search.org.au

BRISBANE:  1.30pm, Queens Park, Organised by: Rally for Peace and Disarmament. DETAILS: Joan Shears: jshears@powerup.com.au

DARWIN: DETAILS: Emma King  ecnturanium@iinet.net.au

ADELAIDE: Organised by: Palm Sunday organising collective

DETAILS: Michelle Drummond : admin@ecosouth.com.au

MARCH 31 CLOSING DATE. The Australia-China Council is calling for applications for the Alice Tay Memorial Award, awarded for the promotion of human rights in China (30/1/08). The $15,000 award will be made in May 2008 to an Australian who has made a significant contribution to improving the understanding of human rights in China and who is also currently seeking funding for a project related to human rights in China. Applications close on March 31. Instructions about the application procedure and selection criteria are located on the Australia-China Council (ACC) website at: www.dfat.gov.au/acc/rap/atm_award.html DETAILS: ACC Secretariat on 02 6261 3818 or auschina.council@dfat.gov.au

MAY

MAY 9/18 Fremantle Artists For Peace Exhibition organised by MAPW in WA at Moore’s Contemporary Art Gallery.

AUGUST

AUGUST 21/22 UNAA NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2008 at Parliament House, Brisbane. Sessions will focus on the UN regarding climate change, life long education, governance, peace, conflict and resolution, human rights, sustainability and global compact. DETAILS: UNAA Qld unaabalmain@optusnet.com.au on ph/fax 07 32541096.

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 12/13 National Indigenous Legal Conference, RACV Club, Melbourne

SEPTEMBER 13 Inaugural National Indigenous Legal Ball, Melbourne Town Hall.

Bookings essential. DETAILS: on 03 9607 9474; Aislinn Martin, Tawirri Coordinator, (Indigenous Law Students & Lawyers Association of Victoria), 470 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000;

(03) 9607 9474/: 0413 009 072; f 03 9607 9438; amartin@liv.asn.au.

SPECIAL OBSERVANCES AND EVENTS

International Decade for Action: Water for Life (2005-2015);

United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012);

International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010);

Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (2001-2010);

Decade to Roll Back Malaria in Developing Countries, Particularly in Africa (2001-2010);

United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006).

Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous People commenced on January 1 2005.
UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development: From January 1, 2005 to 2014.

For more information: Mirian Vilela, Executive Director, Earth Charter Initiative, c/o Earth Council Institute, PO Box 319 _ 6100, San Jose, Costa Rica, on + 506 205 16 00; fax: + 506 249 35 00; email: info@earthcharter.org or contact ‘SUSAN ZIPP’ email: suezipp@mcn.org or Global People's Assembly network www.ourvoices.org.

UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL YEARS
For the UN Website for UN international days, years and decades go to Calendar of Conferences and Events at: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/Reference_Paper_No_45.doc.htm.

B: JOB VACANCIES

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERS - AND WHERE TO FIND MORE

DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROGRAM

The Diplomacy Training Program is calling for applications for its second program on Human Rights and Trade for advocates from the Asia/Pacific Region and Indigenous Australia. The eight-day program will focus on bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs) in areas of manufacturing, investment, services, intellectual property and agriculture and their implications on human rights.

Advocates who are looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of human rights, international trade and how this relates to their community are encouraged to apply. The program will also provide participants with practical skills in advocacy, media and Internet based research specifically tailored to support their advocacy work around Human Rights and Trade.

The program will be held from March 28 - April 4 in Dili, East Timor, in partnership with the Peace and Democracy Foundation, Timor-Leste, and is restricted to people from Asia, Pacific and Oceania.

Program brochure and Application form from the DTP website; http://www.dtp.unsw.edu.au/

Deadline for applications is February 1. CONTACT: Jason Deutsch, Administrator/ Accounts, Diplomacy Training Program | Faculty of Law, UNSW Sydney NSW 2052, Australia,

on +61 2 9385 3549; f + 61 2 9385 1778 |; dtp@unsw.edu.au; www.dtp.unsw.edu.au .

HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION

SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER

Executive Level 1, $76,401-$83,782pa plus superannuation for the Race Discrimination Unit.

Under a joint governments’ program, the commission has been funded to contribute to the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security. The commission is working over the coming two and a half years with Muslim communities to deliver an integrated program of activities that complement the objectives of this plan.

To be considered for this position you are required to address the attached selection criteria with your application. Contact: Conrad Gershevitch or Tricia Smith on 9284 9600. Closing date for applications: February 1.

JUNIOR LAWYER/LAWYER FOR LEGAL SERVICES, SYDNEY.
The Legal Section is seeking a Junior Lawyer (1+ year post admission experience) or Lawyer (3+ years post admission experience) for a non-ongoing position (12 months). There is a possibility of ongoing (permanent) employment arising during this time.

Lawyers working for HREOC must have strong legal and analytical skills and an ability to apply those skills creatively. Also required is proven ability in legal research, experience in litigation, and excellent written and oral communication skills.

The position will be filled in the range of APS Level 6 to Executive Level 1 ($61,079 - $83,782 pa plus superannuation), depending upon experience. To be considered for this position you are required to address one of the attached selection criteria with your application to the Commission.

Contact: Jonathon Hunyor on (02) 92849600 or www.humanrights.gov.au/about/jobs. Closing date for applications is February 1.

MULTICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION INC. VOLUNTEER SERVICES

512 Stanley Street, South Brisbane Q 4101.Ph (07) 333 75428; fax on 07 3337 5444’ email: lorrainea@mdane.org.au; MDA Reception on 07 3337 5400:
http://www.unaids.org/en/Careers/Professionalvacancies/default.asp.

RECRUITMENT AGENCY ESTABLISHED FOR NGOS

An international recruitment agency has been set up to respond to the globalisation of non-governmental organisations. Global Charity Jobs aims to provide web-based recruitment solutions within the not-for-profit sector for charities, foundations, higher education institutes, the cultural sector and United Nations agencies. The agency is designed to help those looking to fill senior posts in leadership, development, fundraising, finance, administration, marketing, human resources, new media, communications, campaigning and advocacy. For more information, visit www.ipsterraviva.net/Europe/article.aspx?id=3205.

UNAIDS POOL VACANCY NOTICES
This kind of pool recruitment process will be started twice a year in March and October, during that time the vacancy will stay open for applications. A UN system Personal History Form (electronic copy available on UNAIDS website: www.unaids.org or a comprehensive curriculum vitae should be addressed to: Human Resources Management, Email: HRM@UNAIDS.ORG or UNAIDS 20, Avenue Appia, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland or fax on +41 22 791 4784.

UNAIDS VACANCIES

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL VACANCIES:

Distribution Clerk (Bulk Mailing Focus): Please note that this vacancy has been republished until February 6. Candidates who have already applied need not re-apply – their applications will be reviewed after the closing date.

Humanitarian Response Advisor

Knowledge Sharing Coordinator

Programme Officer, Aid Effectiveness Division

Team Leader, Field Support Unit

Assistant, Communications Focus

Closing date for applications: February 20.

Head, Content Management Please note that this vacancy has been republished until February 20. Candidates who already applied need not re-apply – their applications are already recorded and will be reviewed after the closing date.

Director, Regional Support Team for the Middle East and North Africa Please note that this vacancy has been republished until February 20. Candidates who already applied need not re-apply – their applications are already recorded and will be reviewed after the closing date.

UNAIDS vacancy notices.

External vacancies:

Senior Policy and Programme Advisor, South Africa

Senior Adviser, Epidemiology and Evaluation

Secretary, aids2031

Global Flows Technical Officer

Closing date for applications: February 27.

OTHER VACANCIES

DIPLOMACY TRAINING PROGRAM IS SEEKING ADMINISTRATOR.

The successful candidate will possess previous administrative experience and will play a vital role working with a small team to advance the work of a regional human rights advocacy training organisation. This is a full-time position for a 12 month contract (with the potential for renewal). DETAILS: email: dtp@unsw.edu.au or call 02 9385 3549; Lillian Dang, Administrator/ Accounts, Diplomacy Training Program | Faculty of Law, UNSW, Sydney; also on +61 2 9385 3549; F + 61 2 9385 1778 and website: www.dtp.unsw.edu.au.

WILPF UN OFFICE DIRECTOR - REACHING CRITICAL WILL - VACANCY

The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom is seeking candidates for the position of Director of the United Nations Office.

WILPF is seeking a dynamic and experienced woman to manage and direct the organisation's programs and projects in the WILPF UN Office in New York City. The UN Office Director reports to WILPF's Secretary General in Geneva, and is responsible to an international team of elected executive committee members and an International board of members from 35 national sections throughout the world.

The position of director requires an exceptional ability to relate effectively in conveying WILPF's positions and programs to diverse groups such as the UN staff and diplomatic community, NGOs and coalition partners, donors and heads of foundations, WILPF staff, interns and activists in many countries. The ideal candidate will have successful experience in fiscal management and fund-raising.

DETAILS and application materials, by DECEMBER 15 to: Human Resources
WILPF, Case Postale 28, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland; Fax: + 41 22 919 7081 and hr@wilpf.ch
Detailed job description on request. Request: No phone calls.

WILPF: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/action/listindex.html ; info[at]reachingcriticalwill.org Ray Acheson, Project Associate, Reaching Critical Will, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, UN Office, 777 UN Plaza, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017 on 212.682.1265; fax: 212.286.8211;
ray@reachingcriticalwill.org and http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org

AUSTRALIAN YOUTH AMBASSADORS FOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Become a participant or Australian Partner Organisation for the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program.

The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) program places young Australians between 18 and 30 on short-term assignments (3-12 months) in developing countries throughout the Asia Pacific region. AYADs exchange skills and knowledge with local counterparts to strengthen the capacity of overseas host organisations.

AYADs also develop linkages and networks between partner organisations in Australia and those in developing countries, and gain overseas professional experience. A distinctive feature of the AYAD Program is its relationship with Australian Partner Organisations (APOs). An APO is any organisation that develops an assignment in partnership with an organisation in the Asia Pacific region.

The program is funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and provides in-country support and living and assignment support allowances to successful applicants during their period overseas.

With program expansion, 400 AYADs will be mobilised each year. The next Intake will focus primarily on trades based and Vocational Education and Training (VET) assignments. Some of the exciting assignments available in past Intakes have been:
Vocational Teacher Trainer, Indonesia - Information Technology Assistant, Tonga - Community Ecotourism Officer, Cambodia - Construction Assistant, Vietnam - Chef/Hospitality Trainer, Samoa - Sailing Instructor, Vanuatu - Offset Printing Trainer, Philippines - Small Business Skills Technical Advisor, East Timor - Human Resources and Administration Advisor, Solomon Islands - Technical Advisor (Construction Trades), Laos.

For further information about the AYAD Program and/or to interview a returned Australian youth ambassador, please contact Ruth Daugalis, Marketing and Alumni Project Coordinator at email: rdaugalis@austraining.com.au or 1800 225 592.

For more information on opportunities available to APOs: Ruth Daugalis Project Coordinator Alumni & Marketing AYAD Program Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program, Level 2, 81 Flinders Street, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia Telephone: 08 8232 3050 Freecall (Australia): 1800 225 592 www.ausaid.gov.au/youtham.

VOLUNTEERING FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FROM AUSTRALIA

VIDA is Australia's latest international volunteer program. VIDA places skilled Australian volunteers in developing countries in the Asia Pacific region. VIDA volunteers work with local counterparts to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development in the communities in which they work through skills exchange, institutional strengthening and capacity building.

VIDA is funded by the Australian Government’s International Aid Agency, AusAID, as part of the Australian Volunteer Program. A range of assignments are available across sectors that include education, environment, governance, health, infrastructure, rural development and trades.

VIDA is currently sending volunteers to PNG, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru, East Timor, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. It is also concerned with sending volunteers to Burma, China, Mongolia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Assignments can be one month to three years in length.

WHO CAN BECOME A VIDA VOLUNTEER?

Australian citizens and permanent residents aged 18+ are eligible to apply. Register your interest online and apply for a specific volunteer assignment advertised at www.vidavolunteers.com.au.

Financial assistance including airfares, living and accommodation allowances, comprehensive insurance, in-country support and pre-departure training are provided to successful applicants.
VIDA Volunteers: www.vidavolunteers.com.au Free call 1800 995 536.

AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEERS VACANCIES

Australian Volunteers is recruiting skilled professionals from the following sectors: health, education, IT, Finance, Agriculture, Environment and Community Development. DETAILS: email: recruit@australianvolunteers.com; website: http://www.australianvolunteers.com.

VACANCIES WITH THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION (ICSC)

ICSC is an independent expert body established by the United Nations General Assembly. Its mandate is to regulate and coordinate the conditions of service of staff in the United Nations common system (see below), while promoting and maintaining high standards in the international civil service. http://icsc.un.org/vab/index.htm.

For all UN positions vacant, access:
https://jobs.un.org/release1/vacancy/vacancy.asp.

Alternative sites for employment opportunities with the United Nations and its field operations and list of professional posts vacancies in the International Civil Service, job classification, salary scales and daily subsistence allowances are at the following websites:
www.un.org/Depts/icsc; www.un.org/Depts/OHRM; www.un.org/Depts/dpko (to apply for field employment and to download P-11 application form).

AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ACFID publishes details of vacancies in the NGO area. Details are available on the ACFID website at http://www.ACFID.asn.au/ or on 02 6285 1816.

SPECTRUM EMPLOYMENT SERVICES CO-OPERATIVE

Spectrum is a largely self funded, not for profit organisation, committed to a Vision of “an economic and social environment which creates professional training and fulfilling employment opportunities for all”.

Originally established as a labour co-operative in the early 1990s to provide employment opportunities for unemployed people in inner city areas, Spectrum has expanded its scope of operations across metropolitan and suburban Sydney, with offices in Marrickville, Bidwill, Claymore, Campbelltown and Padstow.

As a community-based service, Spectrum’s purpose is to alleviate poverty and improve the prosperity of the communities in which we work. We do this by providing training, education and employment opportunities for the unemployed and working with employers, community organisations, government and the unemployed to maximise the available opportunities.

Spectrum Employment Services have offices located across Sydney, servicing government and commercial customers.
DETAILS: http://www.spectrumemployment.com/and on 02 9573 0444.

C: NGO RESEARCH, COURSES, SCHOLARSHIPS, PAPERS

ASSISTANCE FOR REFUGEE WOMEN GRADUATES

The International Federation of University Women is offering limited financial assistance for women refugees who have mostly or fully completed their university degrees, and who need further training in language or professional practices in order to find employment in their new country.

Small grants are designed to help some already qualified women get established faster in their new environment, so that they can then support their families and get involved to encourage their less fortunate 'sisters'.

This assistance is open to refugee graduate women anywhere in the world. The grants are usually around $US1000 and are intended as short-term help for a woman to get a few necessary courses or certification so that she can work as a professional.

The women must have valid refugee status in their new country; and are not available to those who are waiting to be processed or to be sent back to their country of origin. They must have permission to study (and eventually, to work) in their new country of residence, and be legally
recognised. Proof of this status is required.

To apply, contact the nearest affiliate of the International Federation of University Women (see
http://www.ifuw.org/nfas/index.shtml for a list of national organisations) for assistance with their application. The affiliate can confirm the applicant's credentials and status, and the appropriateness of the courses or training desired, as well as monitoring her progress, and hopefully providing some moral support and friendship.

The application form for grants is available in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format at: http://www.ifuw.org/hegg-hoffet/grant.htm It should be accompanied by the appropriate documentation, if available, or else letters of recommendation and validation of expertise from local educational authorities.

IFUW will also contact the local IFUW affiliate to assist in processing the application, so it helps if the applicant has already been in contact with them. More details: http://www.ifuw.org/hegg-hoffet/index.htm or email the Refugee Council of Australia at info@refugeecouncil.org.au.

D: REPORTS

INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP

Crisis Group Weekly Update for the week of January 28 2008

CrisisWatch N°54 Seven actual or potential conflict situations around the world deteriorated in January 2008, according to the new issue of CrisisWatch (1/2/08).
REPORT: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=5276&l=1

SEE other reports in Unity Supplement.

Burma/Myanmar: After the Crackdown
A three-level approach, drawing on the respective strengths of the UN, the country’s neighbours and wider international community, to promote change in Burma/Myanmar. (31/1/08).
REPORT: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=5273&l=1

Timor-Leste: A State of Insecurity
Neil Campbell, openDemocracy, (1/2/08)
REPORT: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=5279&l=1

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: ‘The Rafah Quartet’
Ezzedine Choukri-Fishere, Al-Ahram Weekly ( 31/1/08).
REPORT: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=5278&l=1

‘Nagorno-Karabakh - A Frozen Conflict That Could Boil Over’
Sabine Freizer, European Voice ( 31/1/08).
REPORT: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=5277&l=1

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: "هل يدخل النور من ثغرات جدار رفح ؟"

‘Will the Light Go in Through the Cracks of the Rafah Wall?’
Ezzedine Choukri-Fishere, Asharqalawsat ( 31/1/08).
REPORT: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=5275&l=1

CONTACTS: Andrew Stroehlein (Brussels) 32 2 541 16 35;
Kimberly Abbott (Washington) 1 202 785 1609;
Crisis Group’s Media Unit click here and http://www.crisisgroup.org

Dr Hans Blix, Weapons of Terror

The Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission report by chairman, Dr Hans Blix, Weapons of Terror: Freeing the World of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Arms. The full text of the Report (PDF format, 227 pages, 3,494Kb) and related materials are available at URL: http://www.wmdcommission.org/.

Amnesty International Report 2006: the state of the world’s human rights: www.amnesty.org.au and 02 9217 7620.

State of the World’s Mothers 2006 report: www.savethechildren.org.au.

Australia's Foreign Wars: Origins, Costs, Future?! at: http://users.cyberone.com.au/ibuckley
Fact sheet on Australia’s Foreign Wars: Origins, Costs, Future?! with examples of some key historical developments: Dr Ian Buckley, email: ibuckley@cybermac.com.au.

The World Health Report: http://www.who.int/whr/en/
Aid Report of Core Group at AusAID contains 46 recommendations. Core Group’s Report is at www.ausaid.gov.au.

Violence against women: http://www.unfpa.org/swp/swpmain.htm. Chapter 7 states 'Gender-based violence is perhaps the most widespread and socially tolerated of human rights violations. The cost to women, their children, families and communities is a significant obstacle to reducing poverty, achieving gender equality and meeting the other Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Access Economic report summary: http://www.aph.gov.au/library/intguide/SP/ViolenceAgainstWomen.htm.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION (Australia)

HREOC REPORTS ON 2006-7

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission’s (HREOC) 2006-07 Annual Report says HREOC carried out investigation and conciliation of complaints of alleged discrimination in the areas of sex, race, age and disability, as well as breaches. HREOC received 16,606 inquiries, an increase on previous years of over 65%. There were 1,779 complaints, an increase on previous years of over 42%; 94% of matters were finalised within 12 months, a slight improvement on the previous year and 38% were finalised by conciliation – consistent with previous three years.

The annual report also details its major projects, reports and inquiries; HREOC’s contribution to policy development and legislative review; human rights promotional and education activities and regional and international activities.

COPIES: at http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/publications/; or call HREOC Publications Officer on 02 9284 9600 or email publications@humanrights.gov.au

Discussion Paper on Discrimination in Employment on the basis of Criminal Record' : http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/criminalrecord/discussion.html http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/criminalrecord/submissions/index.html
or email: criminalrecord@humanrights.gov.au.

The HREOC Report on disability rights and employment and other material from its inquiry: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/employment_inquiry/index.htm.

Indigenous Young People with Cognitive Disabilities and Australian Juvenile Justice Systems Report:
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/index.html.

HREOC report 'Rights of Passage: A Dialogue with Young Australians about Human Rights': http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/rights_of_passage/ or call HREOC www.humanrights.gov.au/ or Paul Oliver on 02 9284 9880.

HREOC Human Rights On Line: Volume 20 of the Human Rights Law Bulletin, covering developments in  domestic and international human rights law during the period April - August 2007 is now available online:  http://www.humanrights.gov.au/legal/bulletins/volume_20.html.

Federal Discrimination Law Supplement: The latest Federal Discrimination Law Supplement: 1 March 2005 - 1 July  2007 is now online at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/legal/fed_discrimination_law_05/index.html.

Rights Australia has material on the following topics:
Immigration Detention: http://www.rightsaustralia.org.au/articles62.html.
Full pdf of Inquiry into the Circumstances of the Immigration Detention of Cornelia Rau by Mick Palmer [ISBN 0 646 44945 1] is at http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/media-releases/2005/v05030.htm.

Productivity Commission's Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Report: http://www.pc.gov.au or (03) 9653 2244.

Australia: The impact of indefinite detention - the case to change Australia's mandatory detention regime, http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadHwnabikbSbfE1obb/.

Guide for ‘climate refugees’: Download the Guide for ‘climate refugees’ http://www.foe.org.au/download/Citizen's%20Guide%20to%20Climate%20Refugees-1.pdf
(PDF format, 1.1MB) and FoE Australia’s on-line opinion piece on Climate Refugees: http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=3569.

Make Poverty History Email Bulletin: http://www.acfid.asn.au/fairshare%20folder/emailnew7.pdf.
Email: mph@acfid.asn.au or call Michaela Sargent, Campaigns Coordinator, Australian Council for International Development on 02 6281 9227 and www.acfid.asn.au.

Plight of women in Afghanistan:
http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/615D4B5628D7E547C125704200343ECB?opendocument.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORTS AND STATEMENTS
Relevant to the United Nations and to specific country reports on human rights including the death penalty can be accessed via http://asiapacific.amnesty.org/apro/APROweb.nsf/pages/baza_aipub and

http://asiapacific.amnesty.org/apro/aproweb.nsf/pages/takeaction.

ONLINE ATLAS OF MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The new World Bank Online Atlas of the MDGs is a visualisation of the Millennium Development Goals:
· Explore maps of key indicators for each of the eight MDG goals. It is designed to make a wide range of data for over 200 economies easily accessible
· Resize countries to reflect comparative values.
· Zoom in on countries and pull up quick tables of supporting indicators. Website: http://devdata.worldbank.org/atlas-mdg/ and http://ddp-ext.worldbank.org/ext/GMIS/home.do?siteId=2.

THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS MAP: Charting Progress toward a Better World
Data and Research MDGs:

http://econ.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/EXTDEC/0,,contentMDK:20637864~pagePK:64165401~piPK:64165026~theSitePK:469372,00.html.

The World Bank’s Data Group and National Geographic are in a partnership to raise awareness of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by producing and disseminating a large-format, full-colour wall map highlighting progress toward the goals.

The map, entitled A Global Agenda to End Poverty, is a tool to increase understanding of the MDGs among all audiences. It has a special focus on educating secondary school students about the substance of the MDGs and what is needed to meet them.