Thursday 12 July 2007

UNITY

Compiled from Federal parliamentary and other sources relevant to Australia's obligations to the United Nations
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.
Items 1 to 14 are published in UNity 511

[15]
DIARY DATES AND INTERNATIONAL YEARS
[16] JOB VACANCIES
[17]
RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIPS, CALLS FOR PAPERS
[18]
REPORTS

[15] DIARY DATES, UN OBSERVANCES
If you want to include your organisation's event, email brief details to UNity to:
judycnnn@yahoo.com.au It would help a great deal if items could be submitted in the usual UNity Supplement format.
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 by calling (02) 9284 9618. HREOC reserves the right to select and edit submissions as seen fit.

DIARY DATES

JULY

JULY 19/22 Sami, the Indigenous people of Northern Europe (Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia). NSW University, Sydney: Sessions include social and economic development, Indigenous activism, Indigenous people at the UN, cultural identity, education, literature, natural resources and environment, and Indigenous people and the law. Program: http://www.arts.unsw.edu.au/ces/overview.html Indigenous students without access to institutional support: email g.minnerup@unsw.edu.auJULY Sydney and Melbourne (July 28) Rokkashomura Rhapsody. Life beside a plutonium plant - new Japanese documentary on the lives of the people of Rokkashomura:http://www.rokkasho-rhapsody.com/ Sydney: Chauvel Cinema, Paddington, Screening: 2:30pm-4:30pm; discussion 4:30pm-5:30pm with guest speakers Dr Mark Diesendorf and Dr Helen Caldicott. Tickets: email kayokg28@hotmail.com Melbourne: 3pm at Trades Hall, 54 Victoria Street, Carlton. Organised by Japanese for Peace, with MAPW and Friends of the Earth. $5.00. Details: www.jfp.org.au JULY 30/31 FECCA Congress, Hobart, Tas. Keynote speaker Jane Elliott, (Brown Eyes, Blue Eyes), diversity training exercises. Through panel discussions, workshops and presentations, a number of issues relating to concepts of empowerment and inclusion regarding Australia's cultural and social diversity. Details: Info: David Hopkins Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA);policy@fecca.org.au (02) 6282 5755 http://www.fecca.org.au/ and Marie van Alphen, PO Box 3130, BRACKEN RIDGE Qld 4017; mar-va@aapt.net.au Registration details available shortly, click here to request information.
JULY 31 Closing date for applications for grants under Queensland’s Multicultural Assistance Program. For information and guidelines call 07 3224 5690 or 1800 053 739 email:
info@multicultural.qld.gov.au website: www.premiers,qld.gov.au/multicultural

AUGUST


AUGUST 2/3 19th Women, Management and Employment Relations Conference, Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney. Sponsored by Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, presented by Macquarie University, the conference provides annual audit of the key issues for women in the workplace. Key themes include: employment relations, leadership, finance, superannuation and workplace flexibility. Keynote addresses include Julia Gillard, Opposition IR spokesperson, and Nanda Pok, Director of Women for Prosperity in Cambodia. Details, www.lmsf.mq.edu.au/wmer, (02) 9850 8985 and pam.morpeth@efs.mq.edu.au
AUGUST 5 Melbourne Hiroshima Day events: a city rally; and afternoon concert planned by Japanese for Peace.AUGUST 9 International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.AUGUST 12 International Youth Day
AUGUST 15 Bio-fuels, Energy And Agriculture: powering towards or away from food
security? Theatrette, New Parliament House, Canberra. Crawford Fund’s free annual development conference will discuss bio-fuels issues for developing countries and Australia. Participants to include Dr Joachim Von Braun, International Food Policy Research Institute, Lord Ron Oxburgh, of the UK House of Lords, chairman of D1 Oils plc, Dr Stephen Schuck, Bioenergy Australia, Dr Weber Amaral, National Brazil Biofuels Program, University of São Paulo, Dr Alok Adholeya, Energy and Resources Institute, India, Dr John Wright, CSIRO, Michael Taylor, Federal Transport and Peter Core, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Details: Wendy Parsons on 02 62316342 and 0419 208 194.
AUGUST 23 International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its AbolitionAUGUST 26/27 UNAA Federal Conference and Council Meeting 2007, Melbourne, UNAA,
info@unaavictoria.org.au
AUGUST 26-30 The Australasian Council of Women and Policing Fifth Australasian Women and Policing conference, Carlton Crest Hotel, Melbourne at the from 2007. For more information email to acwap@ozemail.com.au

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 3/4 Inaugural national ‘Muslim Students in Australian Universities’ conference hosted by University of Western Sydney at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Parramatta, to stimulate debate national strategies which universities may use in making provision for Muslim students; examine and further develop inclusive practices and teaching strategies; discuss issues associated with gender, discrimination and respect for difference; and to engage the Australian Muslim community in partnership and dialogue about educational aspirations, and local involvement. Details: Conference Secretariat, PO Box 20622, World Square, Sydney 2002; 04 2208 5222, Fax: 02 9266 0766 Email: msau-sec@uws.edu.au or http://www.uws.edu.au/about/adminorg/corpserv/edc/events

SEPTEMBER 8 International Literacy DaySEPTEMBER 16 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone LayerSEPTEMBER 21 International Day of PeaceSEPTEMBER 21 Anti-Nuclear Bike Ride Around Australia’s East And Southern Coasts: http://canc.org.au/about-the-ride

SEPTEMBER World Maritime Day (during last week of September)
SEPTEMBER 25 Protecting Human Rights Conference, Melbourne Law School, Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies, Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law (UNSW) and RegNet (ANU) conference. One day event to discuss developments in the protection of Human rights by Australian charters and human rights acts. Opportunity to examine the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities, the ACT Human Rights Act and other bills of rights. Leading Australian and international speakers on the future of the protection of human rights, such as economic, social and cultural rights, in Australia and other countries. The day is aimed at both a legal and non-legal audience. More information,
http://cccs.law.unimelb.edu.au; +61 (02) 9385 2259; 0414 241 593; fax +61 (02) 93851175; http://www.law.unsw.edu.au/staff/WilliamsG/; law-cccs@unimelb.edu.au

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 1 International Day of Older PersonsOCTOBER 2 World Habitat Day (first Monday of October)OCTOBER 3/4 London Nuclear Weapons: The Final Pandemic — Preventing Proliferation
OCTOBER 4/10 World Space Week OCTOBER 9 World Post DayOCTOBER 10 World Mental Health DayOCTOBER 11 International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction (second Wednesday of Oct)
OCTOBER 14/20 Anti-Poverty Week: See
http://www.antipovertyweek.org.au/events.php
OCTOBER 16 World Food DayOCTOBER 17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

OCTOBER 24 United Nations Day

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 6 International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War
NOVEMBER 16 International Day for Tolerance

NOVEMBER 20 Africa Industrialisation Day

NOVEMBER 20 Universal Children's Day

NOVEMBER 21 World Television Day

NOVEMBER 25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

NOVEMBER 29 International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

DECEMBER

DECEMBER 1 World AIDS Day

DECEMBER 2 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

DECEMBER 3 International Day of Disabled Persons

DECEMBER 5 International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development

DECEMBER 7 International Civil Aviation Day

DECEMBER 10 Human Rights Day www.ohchr.org

DECEMBER 11 International Mountain Day

DECEMBER 18 International Migrants Day www.ohchr.org

DECEMBER 19 United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

DECEMBER 20 International Human Solidarity Day


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, contact Mirian Vilela, Executive Director, Earth Charter Initiative, c/o Earth Council Institute, P.O. Box 319 _ 6100, San Jose, Costa RicaPhone: + (506) 205 16 00 Fax: + (506) 249 35 00Email:
info@earthcharter.org or contact "SUSAN ZIPP" suezipp@mcn.org of the Global People's Assembly network www.ourvoices.org
UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL YEARSFor 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[16] JOB VACANCIES

[16] JOB VACANCIES

JOBS AND VOLUNTEERS - AND WHERE TO FIND MORE

Volunteer bookkeeper AID/WATCH is seeking a volunteer bookkeeper, preferably with a taxation background, to maintain financial records and complete quarterly Business Activity Statements (BAS). The position may become a remunerated position in the future pending funding. Basic training from existing accounting/bookkeeping can be provided.HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION VACANCIES
Selection for current vacancies advertised on the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission website are based on job specific selection criteria. Applicants should obtain a copy of the documentation from the commission's website at:
www.humanrights.gov.au/jobs or by telephoning (02) 9284 9660 or write to The Human

Resources Officer, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001 or by e-mail to
personnel@humanrights.gov.au Selection criteria and more information is available on the HREOC website at:www.humanrights.gov.au/jobs/index.htmlThe commission encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people with disabilities and women.

VACANCIES
HREOC Complaints Information Officer, Complaint Handling Section. APS Level 4. The commission has a 12 month non-ongoing vacancy for a Complaints Information Officer. There is a possibility of ongoing employment. Details: Bridget Akers. Application deadline to Personnel: July 27. Documents:
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/jobs/index.html

HREOC Human Rights Program Manager, International Programs Unit. APS Level 6. The commission has two ongoing vacancies in its International Programs Unit for a suitably experienced person to participate in the management of international co-operation activities. Details: Bill Kennedy. Applications to Personnel by July 20.Selection documents:
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/jobs/index.html

MULTICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION INC

VOLUNTEER SERVICES5 12 Stanley Street, South Brisbane Q 4101.Ph (07) 333 75428Fax: (07) 3337 5444’ email: lorrainea@mdabne.org.au; MDA Reception: (07) 3337 5400http://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 VACANCIES 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, E-mail: HRM@UNAIDS.ORG Or UNAIDS 20, Avenue Appia, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland or fax: (+41 22) 791 4784.

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 the 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 and we need to get the word out! Some of the exciting assignments available in past Intakes have been:

o Vocational Teacher Trainer, Indonesiao Information Technology Assistant, Tongao Community Ecotourism Officer, Cambodiao Construction Assistant, Vietnamo Chef / Hospitality Trainer, Samoao Sailing Instructor, Vanuatuo Offset Printing Trainer, Philippineso Small Business Skills Technical Advisor, East Timoro Human Resources and Administration Advisor, Solomon Islandso 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
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)


Volunteering for International Development from Australia (VIDA) is Australia's newest 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. Soon, it will also be 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 applyRegister 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

Australian Volunteers is recruiting skilled professionals from the following sectors: health, education, IT, finance, agriculture, environment and community development. For more information, contact
recruit@australianvolunteers.com; website: http://www.australianvolunteers.com

A Just Australia needs someone to help with data entry into a computer data base in the office. Orientation will be provided. If you can give some time please contact us at mail@ajustaustralia.com or (02) 9745 9727Newsletter service provided by A Just Australia.
mailto:mail@ajustaustralia.com?subject=unsubscribe%20ajustaustralia

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).

The Australian Council for International Development publishes details of vacancies in the NGO area. Details are available on the ACFID website at
http://www.ACFID.asn.au/ or by phoning 02 6285 1816.

Spectrum Employment Services Co-Operative 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:
www.spectrumemployment.com; 02 02 9573 0444.

[17] NGO RESEARCH, COURSES, SCHOLARSHIPS, PAPERS

PHD RESEARCH: Andrew Hughes writes: I am a full-time PhD student in the Department of Gender, Work and Social Inquiry at the University of Adelaide. My research project is investigating, through life history interviews and archival research, experiences of masculinity amongst white men who have lived and worked with Indigenous Australians and Pacific Islanders (including East Timor and Papua / Irian Jaya). The group includes for example patrol officers, teachers, police, military personnel and medicos. For more information contact: Andrew Hughes, Gender, Work & Social Inquiry, the University of Adelaide, +61 8 8303 3734; andrew.hughes@adelaide.edu.au CRICOS Provider Number 00123M

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 are available on: http://www.ifuw.org/hegg-hoffet/index.htmOr email the Refugee Council of Australia info@refugeecouncil.org.au

[18] REPORTS

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published guidelines for the cultivation and collection of Artemisia annual, a Chinese traditional medicinal plant which is the source of artemisinin, used to produce the most effective medicines for malaria. Guidelines:
http://www.who.int/entity/medicines/publications/traditional/ArtemisiaMonograph.pdf

For more information, contact Daniela Bagozzi, Media Communications, Health Technology and Pharmaceuticals, WHO, tel. +41 22 791 45 44; email:
bagozzid@who.int or Dr Xiaorui Zhang, WHO Coordinator for Traditional Medicine, office +41 22 791 36 39, email: zhangx@who.int.

Groundbreaking 2500-page report of East Timor’s Reception, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CAVR) documents the nation’s human rights abuses under Indonesian occupation. Dr Mark Byrne, convener of the Australian Coalition for Transitional Justice in East Timor (ACTJET), states the report explains some of the underlying causes of violence in East Timor (8/10/06). Details: Dr Mark Byrne, Senior Researcher, Uniya Jesuit Social Justice Centre, on 02 9356 3888.

The United Nations Office in Timor-Leste with the support of the World Bank and UNDP prepared the report: Strengthening Accountability and Transparency in Timor-Leste.The full text of the report (PDF format, 290Kb, 55 pages) is available at:http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTTIMORLESTE/Resources/Report_of_the_Alkatiri_Initiative_Review_Mission.pdfMore information is available at URL:http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/EASTASIAPACIFICEXT/TIMORLESTEEXTN/0,,contentMDK:20890881~menuPK:294048~pagePK:1497618~piPK:217854~theSitePK:294022,00.html

A new 2006 edition of an annual review Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business is at The Small Arms Survey
http://hei.unige.ch/sas/index.html


This is an independent research project at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. This edition features case studies on small arms violence in Papua New Guinea and Colombia, armed groups in West Africa, and the Lord's Resistance Army in northern Uganda. The final chapter "Angry Young Men" considers why young men account for the lion's share of global small arms violence. Summaries of all 12 Chapters at:
http://hei.unige.ch/sas/files/sas/publications/yearb2006.htmlTo order the Small Arms Survey 2006, contact Oxford University Press.


New international survey from the Control Arms Campaign: Amnesty International, Oxfam International and International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA)For further information please see:
www.controlarms.orgAll AI documents on Control Arms:http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaeUyOabrnOcbfE1obb/
Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee report on the Migration Amendment (Designated Unauthorised Arrivals) Bill 2006

www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/legcon_ctte/migration_unauthorised_arrivals/report/index.htm
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/


The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) has recently published the Millennium Development Goals Report 2006. The full text of the report (PDF format, 32 pages, 1,401Kb) and "The Millennium Development Goals: 2006 Progress Chart" (PDF format, 242Kb); available at:
http://mdgs.un.org/unsd/mdg/Host.aspx?Content=Products/ProgressReports.htm
For more information, call United Nations Information Centre - Australia and the Pacific(02) 9262 5111 Web: www.un.org.au

Joint Standing Committees: The following parliamentary reports by the Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade have been released:Australia’s response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami:
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt/tsunamiresponse/report.htmAustralia’s relationship with the Republic of Korea: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt/korea/report.htm

For more information, contact the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Secretariat by phone on (02) 6277 4306 or email at
jscfadt@aph.gov.au.
Human Rights Council documents In addition to the web page
www.ohchr.org/English/bodies/hrcouncil/ for texts of draft resolutions and decisions; lists of tabled resolutions; technical guidelines for the submission of draft resolutions, and other information not available on the council's web page; Oral statements made by dignitaries at the High Level Segment, members, observers, NGOs and others (only statements provided to the secretariat are included)

HREOCA Report No 33 - Discrimination in employment on the basis of criminal recordThe president's report of his inquiry into a complaint by Ms Tracy Gordon of discrimination in employment on the basis of criminal record has been tabled in parliament.

The president found that the decision of the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority ("ESTA") of Victoria to prevent Ms Gordon applying for employment as a communications officer on the basis of her criminal record constituted discrimination in employment.

The president rejected ESTA's assertion that a person who has a criminal record that includes a serious traffic offence did not meet the character requirement for a communications officer. ESTA are giving consideration to potential changes to its current recruitment practices.
The report is available online
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/human_rights_reports/hrc_report_33.html

HREOC Report No 34 - Breach of human right to freedom of expressionThe president's report of an inquiry into a complaint by Mr Daniel Clark against the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of a breach of his human right to freedom of expression has been tabled in Parliament.
The president found the Ministers decision to withdraw Mr Clark’s invitation to participate in the Non-Government Organisation Consultations was inconsistent with or contrary to Mr Clark’s human rights. The President recommended the responded provide a written apology. The minister declined to provide an apology and notified the Commission no action would be taken as a result of the findings. The report is available online
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/human_rights_reports/hrc_report_34.html

Preventing Disease Through Healthy Environments - towards an estimate of the environmental burden of disease The World Health Organization (WHO) For more information, please contact: Ms. Nada Osseiran, Advocacy and communications Officer, Tel: (+4122) 7914475; Email osseirann@who.int
Volume 15 of the Human Rights Law Bulletin, covering developments in domestic and international human rights law during the period March - May 2006 now available: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/legal/bulletins/volume_15.html

Amnesty International Report 2006: the state of the world’s human rights, go to www.amnesty.org.au For more information, (02) 9217 7620
State of the World’s Mothers 2006 report, go to
www.savethechildren.org.au
Australia's Foreign Wars: Origins, Costs, Future?! available at http://users.cyberone.com.au/ibuckleyFor a fact sheet on Australia’s Foreign Wars: Origins, Costs, Future?! with examples of some key historical developments: Dr Ian Buckley ibuckley@cybermac.com.au

The World Health Report 2006 is at: http://www.who.int/whr/2006/download/download/en/index.htmlAid Report of Core Group at AusAID contains 46 recommendations; Core Group’s Report is at www.ausaid.gov.au
Australian Labor Party’s Aid Policy discussion paper is available from www.bobsercombe.com/For more information, call the office of Bob Sercombe (02) 6277 4742 or (03) 9331 1922 e-mail: Bob.Sercombe.MP@aph.gov.au

Tsunami aid Report by AID/WATCH and Eye on Aceh highlights problems with the reconstruction efforts and provides practical answers in how to solve them. The report can be downloaded from
www.aidwatch.org.au Or go direct to:http://www.acheh-eye.org/data_files/english_format/ngo/ngo_eye_on_acheh-eng/ngo_eye_on_acheh_007_2006.pdf

The HREOC Report on disability rights and employment and other material from its inquiry is available at http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/employment_inquiry/index.htmIndigenous Young People with Cognitive Disabilities and Australian Juvenile Justice Systems Reporthttp://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/index.html

Ombudsman’s Report on Deportations, access: www.ombudsman.gov.au and go to “Media & releases”, then to “reports” or call (02) 6276 0111

Capacity Building: Successful Communication: A Toolkit for Researchers and Civil Society Organisations published by the Overseas Development Institute for researchers and practitioners in civil society organisations, including development NGOs, research institutes, think tanks and universities. For more information and to download the toolkit, visit www.comminit.com/materials/ma2005/materials-2604.html

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


The World Health Organisation has sent all countries a document outlining
recommended strategic actions for responding to the avian influenza pandemic threat.This document and others can be found at:WHO avian influenza site: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/Responding to the avian influenza pandemic threat. Recommended strategic actionshttp://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/influenza/WHO_CDS_CSR_GIP_05_8-EN.pdf Avian influenza: assessing the pandemic threathttp://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/H5N1-9reduit.pdfWHO global influenza preparedness plan: http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/influenza/WHO_CDS_CSR_GIP_2005_5.pdfMore WHO pandemic preparedness materials:http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/pandemic/en/index.htmlFor more information, Dick Thompson, WHO communication officer, Geneva, Switzerland, at + 41 22 791 2684 or email thompsond@who.int

Mental Health Report of national consultations: Not For Service, the report of national consultations on mental health and human rights by the Mental Health Council of Australia and the Brain and Mind Research Institute in association with HREOC, is available from
http://www.mhca.org.au/notforservice/ and also from the HREOC disability rights site http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights

UNFPA report 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

Terrorist Asset Freezing: Addition to the Consolidated List: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has made an addition to the Terrorist Asset Freezing Consolidated List at numbers 543, and 543 a-f following advice from the UN 1267 Committee. The updated list can be accessed from DFAT's website at: http://www.dfat.gov.au/icat/freezing_terrorist_assets.html

Human rights publications and actions, include: Liberty Victoria released a discussion paper on Terrorism and Human Rights, available at: http://libertyvictoria.org.au/index.asp

Laws for Insecurity? A Report on the Federal Government’s Proposed Counter-Terrorism Measures, written by a group of community lawyers, policy workers, advocates and legal academics, outlines in detail various concerns regarding the Commonwealth government’s proposals. This is report is also available from
http://www.amcran.org/images/stories/Laws%20for%20Insecurity%20Report.pdf orhttp://www.civilrightsnetwork.org.au

HREOC: Discrimination law casesThe Legal section of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has published the September 2005 supplement to Federal Discrimination Law 2005 covering significant cases decided in the Federal unlawful discrimination jurisdiction since March 2005
The publication provides a comprehensive overview of case law in the federal unlawful discrimination jurisdiction. In addition to its analysis of discrimination law jurisprudence, Federal Discrimination Law 2005 also covers issues of practical concern for litigants and practitioners, with chapters on procedural issues, damages and remedies, and costs.
The publication is available on the HREOC website as a free download at
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/legal/publications.htmland is available in pdf format athttp://www.humanrights.gov.au/legal/fed_discrimination_law_05/PDF/supplement-200508.pdf It is also available in Word format on request: legal@humanrights.gov.auTo buy a copy, the order form is also available at http://www.humanrights.gov.au/legal/publications.html

The full list of selected submissions to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's 'Discussion Paper on Discrimination in Employment on the basis of Criminal Record' are now available on the project webpages at http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/criminalrecord/discussion.html http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/criminalrecord/submissions/index.html.For inquiries on the project e-mail: criminalrecord@humanrights.gov.au

Recent updates on HREOC's disability rights site: www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights include a submission and evidence to the Senate Committee on Mental Health and a submission to a review by the Australian Building Codes Board and the Victorian Building Commission on accessible housing.

The UN has published, Sixty Ways the United Nations Makes a Difference. This can be accessed at: http://www.unfoundation.org/features/2005_world_summit/pdf/summit60ways.pdfOr http://www.wfuna.org/docUploads/60Ways%5Fshort%2Epdf
UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Women and Peace and Security report: http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp? m=s/2005/636
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 www.minister.immi.gov.au/media_releases/media05/index05.htm

Productivity Commission's Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Report is available for downloading from the Productivity Commission's website http://www.pc.gov.au. For more information, Productivity Commission (03) 9653 2244
For full text, Australia: The impact of indefinite detention - the case to change Australia's mandatory detention regime,
http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadHwnabikbSbfE1obb/
For text of UK’s Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Billhttp://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/013/06013.i-iv.html Explanatory Notes - [Bill 13-EN] 54/1http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/013/en/06013x--.htm

Download the Guide for ‘climate refugees’
http://www.foe.org.au/download/Citizen's%20Guide%20to%20Climate%20Refugees-1.pdf(PDF format, 1.1MB)

View FoE Australia’s on-line opinion piece on Climate Refugees from
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=3569
Make Poverty History Email Bulletin linkhttp://www.acfid.asn.au/fairshare%20folder/emailnew7.pdfE-mail mph@acfid.asn.au if you would like to add other members of your organisation to this email distribution list or call Michaela Sargent, Campaigns Coordinator, Australian Council for International Development, (02) 6281 9227 www.acfid.asn.au

Plight of women in Afghanistan:

http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/615D4B5628D7E547C125704200343ECB?opendocument
Amnesty International reports and statements:USA: Human dignity denied: Torture and accountability in the "war on terror" (AI Index: AMR 51/145/2004) http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaeFWSabpy6SbfE1obb/Full text of the Human dignity denied report at: http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaeFWSabpy6TbfE1obb/
USA: “The best kept secret in the aviation industry”?http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaeFWSabpy6WbfE1obb/The CIA rendition planes and where they have been:http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaeFWSabpy6XbfE1obb/

China:
http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaexF3aboFpubfE1obb/
Amnesty International release: Arms traffickers enjoy impunity as UN arms embargoes 'systematically violated' http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaeANtabo2UdbfE1obb/United Nations All AI Documents:http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaeznIaboRzWbfE1obb/
Iraq For a copy o, Beyond Abu Ghraib: Detention and torture in Iraq, go to:http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaeyxTaboL9abfE1obb/For a copy of NGO report on arms trading by G8 countries go to:http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadE68abh2YYbfE1obb/Democratic Republic of Congo: http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaetsAabn9gIbfE1obb/
Iran: Amnesty International report, "New government fails to address dire human rights situation" available at http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaevWpabor4ebfE1obb/Guatemala:http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaetsuabn9eXbfE1obb/
Katanga see the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) February 2006 report Forced Displacement and Cholera in Katanga, DRC http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaetsAabn9gZbfE1obb/North-Kivu crisis, see the Amnesty International September 2005 report North-Kivu:

Civilians pay the price for political and military rivalry at
http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaetsAabn9gYbfE1obb/
USA: 800 secret CIA flights into and out of Europehttp://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaehonabmCgYbfE1obb/
Sri Lanka: Act now to prevent escalation of violence and abusehttp://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaehonabmCgZbfE1obb/
Europe: Reject Attempts to Legitimize No-Torture Promiseshttp://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaehIEabmEfbbfE1obb/
Eritrea: Government must end religious persecutionhttp://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaehIEabmEfcbfE1obb/
Serbia and Montenegro: Stop attacks on human rights activistshttp://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaef2jabmp6MbfE1obb/
Sierra Leone: must implement Truth & Reconciliation recommendationshttp://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaef2jabmp6NbfE1obb/
Joint Appeal to African Leaders to address the human rights situation in Zimbabwehttp://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaedJSabl729bfE1obb/
Myanmar: Stop using forced labour and penalizing protestershttp://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaedJSabl73abfE1obb/
Tunisia: Government repression “making a mockery” of WSIShttp://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaedJSabl73bbfE1obb/
Russia: Director of RCFS possible prisoner of consciencehttp://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaedJSabl73dbfE1obb/Take action: Human rights defenders in Russia facing threats and intimidationhttp://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaedJSabl73ebfE1obb/
South-East Asia View all AI documents at:http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadMUgabiWdebfE1obb/Amnesty International's Asia Pacific regional website:http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadMUgabiWdfbfE1obb/
Refugees have rights: http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadMUgabiWdgbfE1obb/Iraq: http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadKFBabiFqcbfE1obb/Amnesty International reports, relevant to torture and ill-treatment in the "war on terror". Include: http://web.amnesty.org/pages/stoptorture-index-eng .
Sudan: Investigations into John Garang's death must be independent
http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadPlQabjdiAbfE1obb/http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadPlQabjdiBbfE1obb/
Italy: New "counter-terrorist" legislation jeopardises exercise of human rightsEUR 30/011/2005
Cambodia: Amnesty International calls on states to nominate their highest qualified judges and prosecutors to the Extraordinary Chambers of Cambodia. ASA 23/004/2005
For a full copy of the Amnesty International Report 2005: the state of the world's human rights access:
http://www.amnesty.org/report2005
Guantánamo: Lives torn apart The impact of indefinite detention on detainees and their families, access: http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaesVdabn5pMbfE1obb/Cruel. Inhuman. Degrades us all. http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaesVdabn5pNbfE1obb/"Guantánamo and beyond: The continuing pursuit of unchecked executive power": http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadzT2abhrAHbfE1obb/
USA: Human dignity denied: Torture and accountability in the 'war on terror' ":http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadzT2abhrAIbfE1obb/US military commissions:http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maacy0qaa9iWWbfE1obb/
EU's recent counter-terrorism initiatives in the area of criminal law - is available on: http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadzxGabhpmhbfE1obb/A shorter Executive Summary http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadzxGabhpmibfE1obb/ is also available online.Appeal Case: The Russian-Chechen Friendship Society under threat http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadtuWabgBV0bfE1obb/
Russian Federation: Concerns over reports of "disappearances" of relatives of Aslan Maskhadov http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadtuWabgBV1bfE1obb/Russian Federation: Human rights group threatened by security forces http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadtuWabgBV2bfE1obb/Russian Federation: The Risk of Speaking Out: Attacks on Human Rights Defenders in the context of the armed conflict in Chechnya http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadtuWabgBV3bfE1obb/
Belarus: Suppressing the last voices of peaceful dissent http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadtuWabgBV4bfE1obb/Belarus: Chernobyl commemorations end in large-scale arrests http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadtuWabgBV5bfE1obb/
Turkmenistan: The clampdown on dissent and religious freedom continues http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadtuWabgBV6bfE1obb/
Turkey: Death threats/Fear for safety http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadtuWabgBV7bfE1obb/
Human Rights Defenders at Risk http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadtuWabgBV8bfE1obb/Death Penalty: View all documents on the death penaltyhttp://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadmLrabfKhNbfE1obbafpLUV/
France: "The Search for Justice: The effective impunity of law enforcement officers in cases of shootings, deaths in custody or torture and ill-treatment" go to:http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadm3KabfMPabfE1obb/
Israel and the Occupied Territories:http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaerJKabnV4bbfE1obb/Israel/Occupied Territories: The report Conflict, Occupation and Patriarchy: Women Carry the Burden examines the impact on women of the spiralling violence and unprecedented level of restrictions of movements imposed by Israel on Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, as well as increased violence against women in the family and discriminatory laws and practices. To access the full report, go to http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadlF7abfBjIbfE1obb/
Nepal: View all documents on Nepal at http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadoPnabf0nFbfE1obb/
Afghanistan: View documents on Afghanistan at http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadrVdabgoBObfE1obb/
Zimbabwe Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566website: http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadFjZabh4EebfE1obb/

Online Atlas of Millennium Development GoalsThe 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 indicatorsWebsite: 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 Worldhttp://econ.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/EXTDEC/0,,contentMDK:20637864~pagePK:64165401~piPK:64165026~theSitePK:469372,00.htmlThe 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.