Human Rights Week in Tasmania
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Benedict Bartl | Ansumana Koroma | Christopher Newell | Eamonn Pollard
| “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” (Article 1, Universal Declaration of Human Rights) |
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“Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and
inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the
foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, “Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people, “Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law, “Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations . . . From the Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights |
Every 10 December people
around the world commemorate the day that the United Nations adopted
the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. Translated
into a world record of more than 360 languages, the UDHR sets out
those
rights and freedoms that many of us take for granted. 10 December 2008 the United Nations Day for Human Rights will mark the 60th anniversary, and this year’s theme is “Dignity and Justice for All of Us”. It’s a day to raise public awareness and knowledge of why human rights matter, both amongst people who are lucky enough to enjoy their rights, and those who are not so lucky, who have little freedom and few rights. It’s a day to focus on core human values reflected in the UDHR: a commitment to inherent human dignity, non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality . It’s a day to consider what any one of us can do to defend our rights, and help others find and protect theirs. |
Tasmania – Human Rights Week
In Tasmania we go one better, and each December we celebrate
Human Rights Week as well as
commemorating the UN Day for Human Rights. Activities during the week are
designed to make us more aware of our own rights and where they could be at
risk, and to provide insight into people and issues from around the world,
and what we can do to support their efforts to achieve social justice.
The Human Rights Week Organising Committee,
which includes representatives from various organisations and other
individuals, co-ordinates the programme. This usually includes public
discussions, performances, Amnesty International’s March for Human Rights
and other activities. If you have suggestions for an activity that could be
included, contact the Committee.
The Tasmanian Awards for Humanitarian Activities are presented during the
week. For this year's Human Rights Week events go to our
Events Diary.
The Committee is supported by the
Office
of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, who also provide a contact
point through their Conciliation and Community Education Office.
Tasmanian Awards for Humanitarian Activities
Australia, like many other countries, has chosen to honour
people who’ve made a special contribution in humanitarian activities. Since
1991 Tasmania has also paid tribute to individuals, organisations or schools
that are based in Tasmania, by presenting Tasmanian Awards.
Anyone can nominate an eligible person or group they think deserves to be
recognised, who satisfies the criteria for an award. Nominations must be on
the official form, and
provide a description of why this person or organisation deserves to be
chosen, backed up by the names of referees, and any appropriate documentary
support. Forms usually need to be in by late October.
For eligibility, criteria and nomination form for individuals and organisations (other than schools) go to Award for Human Rights Activities.
For eligibility, criteria and nomination form for schools and school-based groups go to School Award for Human Rights Activities.
In December 2007 four Tasmanians were presented with their
awards at Parliament House by Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Social Justice Commissioner and National Race Discrimination
Commissioner of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission.
These four come from different backgrounds and experience, and all have made
a huge difference to many people in their own community, and further afield,
putting in a lot of their own time working for what they believe in. Their
activities cover a wide scope, and they are remarkably modest about their
own achievements, believing that anyone can do what they have done, if only
they want to.
Each has a special story to tell. They are, in alphabetical order:
Mr Benedict Bartl
For the incredible scope and impact of his contribution to social justice
and rights of the disadvantaged in the community.
This Young Australian Lawyer of the Year (2007) has
consistently been involved in human rights activities since his student
days. Involved in many successful community campaigns, often with a touch of
theatrical fun added, he works hard for the underprivileged, including
animals and the environment. He works by day with the Hobart Community Legal
Service, and volunteers significant time to helping disadvantaged groups,
promoting human rights and equal opportunity, and law reform.
More about Ben
....
Mr Ansumana Koroma
For his work in giving hope and direction to new African Tasmanians with
their settlement and future.
Experience of civil war, and life in a refugee camp would
discourage many, but has strengthened the commitment of this gentle man from
Sierra Leone who works tirelessly for his community and family. His
experience with the International Rescue Committee and Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies in Africa, his work with traumatised youth, and
re-integration of child soldiers have helped him in his current major role
assisting new African settlers to re-integrate in Tasmania, and to meet the
enormous challenges they face. More about Ansumana
...
Rev Dr Christopher Newell AM
For service to people with disability over many years, particularly through
advocacy and research.
He
has lived with a variety of disabilities all his life, including severe and
disabling pain, spent long periods in hospital and was several times was
expected to die. Yet he earned several degrees and fellowships to become a
great teacher, Anglican priest and ethicist. He continues to put his
knowledge at the service of the community, to challenge accepted thinking,
and fight to improve the lives of those who are treated by our society as
“not normal”, or “other”. More about
Christopher...
Spurred on by his hatred of suffering, poverty and injustice
Eamonn believes that, as a human being and as a Christian, working for a
better world is non-negotiable. He spent two or three years ‘finding his
focus’, including time in a monastic environment, and working in a hill
school in India. A teacher and Director of Ministry at Guilford Young
College in Hobart he volunteers much of his own time working for social
justice human dignity and respect. Many young people have been inspired by
him, and benefited greatly from his support and encouragement.
More about Eamonn ...