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.
(Please note some email addresses will need to be copied and pasted in browser).
[a] DIARY DATES AND INTERNATIONAL YEARS
[b] JOB VACANCIES
[c] RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIPS, CALLS FOR PAPERS
[d] REPORTS[e] UNAA RESOLUTIONS IN DETAIL
[e] UNAA 2007 NATIONAL CONFERENCE RESOUTIONS IN DETAIL
[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. 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.
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
AUGUST
AUGUST 31/SEPTEMBER 4 10th International Riversymposium & Environmental Flows Conference in Brisbane as part of Riverfestival, a 10-day annual celebration of Brisbane ’s river. DETAILS: www.riversymposium.com or Amy Pietsch on 07 3251 8127.
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER 1 People's Alternative to APEC, at Casey Plaza, Lecture Theatre, Bowen Street, RMIT, Melbourne, at 10am, organised by the International League of Peoples' Struggles – Australia. DETAILS: CEPU on 9349 4411.
SEPTEMBER 2 Iranian/Persian Cultural Foundation’s 800th anniversary of the birth of 13thC Persian philosopher, Sufi poet and mystic Rumi as part of a UNESCO designated Year of Rumi. 5pm at Wallace theatre, Sydney University. Rumi’s contribution to peace and consciousness (English) and (Persian) understanding love from a science and Gnostic perspective. DETAILS Dr Hashem Etminan, president, IPCF on 02 6282 4540 and at www.ipcf.org.au
SEPTEMBER 3/4 The 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; and local involvement. Details: Conference Secretariat, PO Box 20622, World Square, Sydney 2002; 04 2208 5222, email: msau-sec@uws.edu.au or International Literacy Day.
SEPTEMBER 5 Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) and the Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner forum on ‘It’s About Time: Women, men, work and Family’ Final Paper; 11am–1pm at Women Tasmania, 140/142 Macquarie Street, Hobart; DETAILS: on 6233 2208 or toll free 1800 001 377; email: wt.admin@dpac.tas.gov.au
SEPTEMBER 6 Dr Linda Weiss: National Insecurity 6pm NSW Teachers Federation building, Mary St. Surry Hills. For more information www.evatt.org.au
SEPTEMBER 13/14 Peacekeeping Conference: 60th anniversary of first Australian peacekeeping operation - in Indonesia. Peace keepers, academics from Australia and overseas, and those writing the official history of peacekeeping will give papers on the changing nature of peacekeeping in the modern world. DETAILS: Dr Walter Kudrycz, Military History Section, Australian War Memorial, Canberra, on 02 6243 4334.
SEPTEMBER World Maritime Day (during last week of September
SEPTEMBER 13/14 Peacekeeping Conference: 60th anniversary of first Australian peacekeeping operation - in Indonesia. Peace keepers, academics from Australia and overseas, and those writing the official history of peacekeeping will give papers on the changing nature of peacekeeping in the modern world. DETAILS: Dr Walter Kudrycz, Military History Section, Australian War Memorial, Canberra, on 02 6243 4334.
SEPTEMBER 16 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone LayerSEPTEMBER 21 International Day of Peace - video message from UN Secretary-General.
SEPTEMBER 21 Anti-Nuclear Bike Ride Around Australia: http://canc.org.au/about-the-ride
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. Details: 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/; email: law-cccs@unimelb.edu.au SEPTEMBER 28 The Indigenous Law Centre, Crime and Justice Research Network, Faculty
of Law, NSW University and the Human Rights Equal Opportunity Commission to jointly host a conference to commemorate 10th anniversary of the Bringing them Home Report and to discuss implications of the recent Trevorrow compensation decision. Venue: Barnet Long Room, Customs House, Circular Quay, Sydney from 9am-5.30pm. Speakers include: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma, Professor Mick Dodson, Professor Robert van Krieken, Professor Chris Cunneen, Associate Professor Helen Milroy, Jack Rush SC and Joanna Richardson (Trevorrow litigation). DETAILS: www.humanrights.gov.au/pdf/social_justice/ILCConf0907.pdf or www.ilc.unsw.edu.au; also Denise Lester on 02 9385 9623 or denise.lester@unsw.edu.au for registrations.
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 And Achieving Abolition. Conference in partnership with the Catastrophes and Conflicts Forum of the Royal Society of Medicine and IPPNW's UK affiliate, Medact. See www.ippnw.org
OCTOBER 4/10 World Space Week
OCTOBER 9 World Post Day
OCTOBER 10 World Mental Health Day
OCTOBER 11 International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction (second Wednesday of October)
OCTOBER 12/14 Queensland UNAA Student State Conference, Luther Heights Youth Camp, Coolum Beach. Details: Virginia Balmain on 3254 1096 and 0430 469242; emailto: unaabalmain@optusnet.com.au
OCTOBER 14/20 Anti-Poverty Week
OCTOBER 16 World Food Day
OCTOBER 17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
OCTOBER 24 United Nations Day
OCTOBER 24 World Development Information Day
OCTOBER 24/30 Disarmament Week
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 6 International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
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: 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] JOBS AND VOLUNTEERS - AND WHERE TO FIND MORE
HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION
There are several non-ongoing employment opportunities available for 12 months with the possibility of on-going employment arising during this time.
The commission administers Commonwealth discrimination and human rights laws. The commission has experienced an increase in complaints lodged under these laws and needs additional staff to investigate and conciliate complaints about discrimination and human rights breaches. The role requires superior analytical, communication and written skills and demonstrated experience in complaint handling and/or dispute resolution is desirable. Ability to travel interstate is also a requirement. The total package includes base salary of between $58,730-$65,825 plus superannuation.
Selection documents: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/jobs/index.html
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 on 02 9284 9660 or write to The Human Resources Officer, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001 or by email: 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.
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
New UNAID vacancies currently listed:
Head of Compensation and Benefits
Regional Programme Adviser, Strategic Information Moscow, Russian Federation
Senior Adviser to Deputy Executive Director, Programmes
Senior Adviser to Executive Director
Technical Officer, Humanitarian Response
Closing date for applications: September 19
UNAIDS/07/FT27 Regional Program Adviser, Strategic Information Band 2. Fixed-term appointment with Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Deputy Executive Director, Regional Support Team, Asia and Pacific (RST AP), at Bangkok, Thailand. Annual salary: (Net of tax) USS D73 975 US$ at single rate USS 79 628 with primary dependants. Closing date for applications September 12.
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 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.htmFor 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
PhD RESEARCHAndrew 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; emailto: 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 legallyrecognised. Proof of this status is required.
To apply, contact the nearest affiliate of the International Federation of University Women (seehttp://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
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/ibuckleyFact 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)
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.htmlor 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.
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 WorldData and Research MDGs:
http://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.
[e] RESOLUTIONS FROM UNAA FEDERAL COUNCIL 2007
(See also report in UNity)
1. Government Intervention in Aboriginal Communities in NT
Preamble.
The revelations in the report of the Northern Territory Board of Inquiry into Protection of Aboriginal Children, “Children are Sacred”, certainly justify that emergency response measures be set up by the Federal Government, in consultation with Aboriginal leaders. However, the United Nations Association of Australia has some concern that the measures proposed may impinge upon the rights given to Aboriginal people under the provisions of the UN Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination, to which the Federal Government is a signatory.
Resolution.
UNAA recommends that the Federal Government , and those carrying out this NT emergency program, should protect the rights of the Aboriginal communities under the provision of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. to which the Federal Government is a signatory.
2. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Preamble
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is to be again debated at the General Assembly in September. A report from Wilton Littlechild to the 6th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, said that “the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand had been hard at work lobbying African States to vote against the Declaration in the General Assembly,” presumably due to concerns over mining interests.
Resolution
That the Australian Government respect the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which has been approved by the Geneva based Human Rights Council, and show their support for the rights of their own Aboriginal people by voting in favour of the Declaration at the September Session of the General Assembly.
3. Climate Change Refugees
Preamble
Owing to overwhelming scientific research that suggests that increases in the levels of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are likely to cause significant increases in mean global temperatures, the frequency of extreme meteorological events and sea-level rise, it is necessary for the United Nations to recognise the emergence of a new class of refugees. Residents of nations with low mean altitude such as Tuvalu and Bangladesh are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise.
Resolution
UNAA believes that the competence of the High Commissioner for Refugees should be broadened so as to extend to any person who owing to the effects of climate change can no longer safely reside in the country of his or her nationality. To achieve this, Section A of Article 6 of Chapter II of the Statute of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees should be amended by inserting the words “(iii) Any person who owing to the effects of climate change can no longer safely reside in the country of his or her nationality;” after the following paragraphs of Article 6:
A. (i) Any person who has been considered a refugee under the Arrangements of 12 May 1926 and 30 June 1928 or under the Conventions of 28 October 1933 and 10 February 1938, the Protocol of 14 September 1939 or the Constitution of the International Refugee Organization;
(ii) Any person who, as a result of events occurring before 1 January 1951 and owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear or for reasons other than personal convenience, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence, is unable or, owing to such fear or for reasons other than personal convenience, is unwilling to return to it.
UNAA considers that a person who owing to the effects of climate change can no longer safely reside in the country of his or her nationality, should be afforded refugee status and the rights attaching there to, as set out in the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. UNAA asks the World Federation of UN Associations (WFUNA) to take up this matter within the UN system.
4. Cluster Munitions
Preamble
Senator Lyn Allison, Leader of the Australian Democrats, put forward a private member’s bill to ban cluster bombs. In a report on the bill at the end of May 2007, the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade took a different approach and supported the purchase of high-precision cluster bombs and others that are deigned to self-destruct when dropped. The Defence Department ad argued before the committee that Australia’s forces would be at a disadvantage if such weapons were banned. NGO groups have argued that Australia should give an example to others by not using weapons that pose a serious threat to civilians. They also claim that the self-destruct versions of cluster bombs are unreliable and can still cause injury and death well after they are used.
Resolution
UNAA (a) expresses its grave concerns to the Australian Government at the possible acquisition by the Australian Defence Forces of cluster munitions or sub-munitions based weapon systems, as recommended in the recent report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade; (b) it also expresses its concern that at the recent Lima Conference on Cluster Munitions, Australia did not support the call for a ban on cluster munitionsUNAA commends the Australian Government on upholding to date of the Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol One with reference to the use of cluster bombs in the current campaign in Iraq., and urges the Australian Government to support a ban on the production use and transfer of cluster munitions.
5. Human Rights in Sabah
PreambleThe population of Sabah, Malaysia, has increased four-fold since 1971,largely owing to the presence of many illegal immigrants from neighbouringcountries. Squatter colonies have grown around the city of Sandakan inparticular. The population growth rate is much higher than the nationalaverage. The levels of poverty and crime in Sabah exceed those of otherparts of Malaysia. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia has raisedconcerns about these trends in Sabah, and the Chief Minister of Sabah hasexpressed concern that it is difficult to enforce the law because of the wayplantation operators and others shelter the 'illegals', often deep in thejungle areas.ResolutionThat UNAA (a) expresses concern at the reports of human rights abuses in Sabah arising from the substantial increase in population as a result ofillegal immigration; (b) asks the Australian Government to seek information from Malaysian authorities on steps being taken to respond to these reports.
6. Housing
Preamble
United Nations Association of Australia (Qld), supported by Just Rights Queensland and Q Shelter and recommended by 100 participants at the Affordable Housing Forum, held in Brisbane on Thursday 2 August 2007 made the following observations and recommendations. We welcome the UN Report tabled at the Human Rights Council Fifth session held in Geneva in June 2007 which addressed adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living by Special Rapporteur Miloon Kothari (June 2007).
Affordable housing is considered to be a fundamental human right. Increasing unaffordable housing and rising rates of homelessness are not acceptable in Australia, noting 15 years of record economic growth since 1992. The changing nature of Australia's demographic and ethnic profile indicates that different housing solutions should be considered and developed by Commonwealth, state and local councils. That in Australia housing should be economically, socially and environmentally sustainable for individuals, families and the community.
Resolution
UNAA calls for the Australian Government to take action to address United Nations report tilted Implementation of General Assembly Resolutions 60/251 of 15 March 2006 entitled “Human Rights Council”. United Nations Report of the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, by Miloon Kothari.
UNAA recommends to the Australian Government that the findings and recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur Miloon Kathari on housing in the report tabled at the UN General Assembly in June 2007 be noted and implemented.
UNAA urges the Australian Commonwealth Government, State Governments and Local Councils/ Governments take note of these recommendations and findings and take action to implement them throughout Australia.
UNAA recommends that the Australian Government establishe a Ministry of Housing and a community advisory board, to develop and be responsible for developing and implementing a National Affordable Housing Strategy and that the Ministry be the point of contact for housing issues.
7. Darfur, Sudan
Preamble
Since the Government of Sudan has finally accepted the combined UN and African Union peacekeeping force to protect the civilian population of Darfur the Australian Government should seize this opportunity to make a contribution to that body; even if it were to be a small contingent.
The authorities in Khartoum are on record expressing their desire that most of the troops in the UN mission in Sudan should be drawn from Arab, African and Muslim countries. Since one of the requirements for participation in the task of peacekeeping is neutrality, Australia has the credentials to participate in this peace mission which to save lives regardless of creed or ethinicity. A token force of Australian troops is required for Darfur to meet Australia’s commitment to its obligation to the international community and we request the Government reverse its decision not to send peacekeepers to Darfur.
The conflict in Darfur has resulted in a serious humanitarian crisis of huge proportion. The contribution of food in particular from the international community through the UN World Food Program has saved many lives of displaced refugees, and the victims of the war in Darfur are thankful to the people and Government of Australia for their contribution.
However, history teaches us that even when guns fall silent, humanitarian needs continue for much longer, and tax the resources of donor countries and UN agencies. We recommend Australia continue and increase its humanitarian assistance to Darfur and Southern Sudan.
Resolution
UNAA asks the Australian Government to (a) offer to contribute peacekeeping forces for the UN presence in Darfur, following the recent Security Council resolution; and (b) continue and increase its humanitarian assistance to Darfur and Southern Sudan.
8. Disability
Preamble
One tenth of the world’s population, or 650,000,000 people, have some form of disability. In many nations people with disabilities face a chronic lack of awareness, resources, financial assistance and support services.
Only fifty member States of the UN have disability related legislation.In 2004, the international disability community jointly initiated the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was opened for signature on 30 March 2007.
The Convention, and accompanying Optional Protocol, specifically prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of life, including employment, access to justice, and the right to education, health services and access to transport. The international disability community is to be commended on their success in the creation of this Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Australian Government is to be commended for being one of the first nations to sign the Convention, and it should move to ratify both the Convention and Optional Protocol. UNAA members should note the adversity faced by people with disabilities – both here and around the world, and value the diversity of our population.
Resolution
UNAA (a) congratulates the Australian Government for being one of the first nations to sign the new Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and asks the Government to move speedily to ratify the Convention and the Optional Protocol; and (b) asks the Government to use its influence to encourage other member States of the United Nations to do so.
9. Deafblind
Preamble
In 2000, UNAA adopted the following resokution:
UNAA (a) believes that deafblindness should be recognised wherever possible as a separate disability type, and (b) believes that the Australian Government should put in train suitable mechanisms to ensure appropriate programs for the deafblind, consistent with Australia’s human rights obligations under international conventions (2000).
Resolution
UNAA (a) reaffirms its 2000 resolution, (b) notes the report of a survey of services in Australia prepared for the Australian Council for the Deafblind, and © asks the Australian Government to outline its policies for supporting the deafblind.
