Commonwealth Human Rights e-Newsletter: March 2006   Commonwealth National Human Rights Commission (CNHRC) Project

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This e-Newsletter has been produced for Commonwealth National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) by the British Council, as part of the British Council's project to support networking and sharing between such NHRIs.

SPOTLIGHT of the month:   Speech by Dr Sev Ozdowski - OAM, Former Australian Human Rights Commissioner and Disability Discrimination Commissioner (2000-05), at the International Seminar ‘Making the Connection: Human Rights and Mental Health' organised by the British Council from 5 - 8 March 2006 in Edinburgh
Content:

	1. Forthcoming Events 2. Awards 3. Reports and Publications 4. News Stories

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

E-learning courses in 2006 by Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) The registration process is now open for all HREA distance learning courses offered in 2006. Courses include HREA's annual courses on human rights advocacy; the United Nations human rights system; human rights-based programming; project development & management in the NGO sector; and human rights monitoring.

62nd session of the UN Commission on Human Rights from 13 March to 21 April 2006 United Nations Commission on Human Rights will resume its 62nd session on 13 March 2006. It is likely to be the final session as the United Nations General Assembly is expected to adopt a resolution on the establishment of the United Nations Human Rights Council replacing the existing Commission on Human Rights. The draft resolution of 23 February 2006 on the establishment of the Human Rights Council calls for abolition of the Commission on Human Rights on 16 June 2006. Also read Review by Asian Centre for Human Rights

Sixth South Asian Orientation Course in Human Rights & Peace Studies (HRPS) 2006 starting from 1 May 2006 Applications are invited for the Sixth South Asian Orientation Course in Human Rights and Peace Studies. The course will have three components: A three months long distance learning beginning 1 May 2006; field work in August; and, a three-week long Direct Orientation in September 2006. The Distance-learning will be conducted on South Asia Forum for Human Rights (SAFHR) secure e-learning platform. Participants will also receive the course material on CDs. The last date for receiving applications is 25 March 2006. The selected participants from South Asia will have to deposit a registration fee of US $ 100 the latest by 15 April 2006. Participants from outside South Asia have to pay US $ 400.

Second World Forum on Human Rights in the Nantes, France from 10 to 13 July 2006 The second World Forum on Human Rights will be held in the Nantes Métropole International Convention Centre from 10 to 13 July 2006. 2006 will be marked by the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights, and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by the General Assembly of the United Nations. As in 2004, topical issues relating to Human Rights will be debated by policy makers (representatives of States, towns and local governments, members of parliaments) from all over the world, members of international organisations, of academia and representatives of civil society.

 

AWARDS,COMPETITIONS & INTERNSHIPS

Githongo and others honoured at the Human Rights and Democracy Awards 2006 The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights held the third Annual Human Rights and Democracy Awards on 18 February 2006 to inspire, recognise, support, and motivate individuals and institutions that have made contributions to Human Rights over the past year. Among the Awardees, was John Githongo, who was honoured with the 'Firimbi' (whistle blower) Award for his role in exposing the Anglo-leasing scandal. Speaking during the awards ceremony the Commission's chairman, Mr Maina Kiai, asked Kenyans to compliment themselves for forcing the resignations or sacking of three Cabinet ministers over the Anglo Leasing scandal. He asked Kenyans to maintain the pressure on the Government and demand good governance. Also read Chairman, Mr Maina Kiai's Speech

Winners announced - Commonwealth National Human Rights Commissions Staff Attachment Programme Applications from Kenya and Pakistan have been accepted for the Staff Exchange Programme launched by the British Council under the Commonwealth National Human Rights Commissions Project. South African Human Rights Commission will host Ms Alice W. Nderitu, Senior Human Rights Officer (Human Rights Education & Capacity Building) from Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. At the end of her visit she aims to develop an interactive self-learning/distance learning kit on human rights.  Kenya National Commission on Human Rights will host Mr Qaiser Munir, Senior Research Officer from Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights, Pakistan. He aims to developing guidelines for the efficient working of the proposed Human Rights Commission in Pakistan.  It is hoped that the Staff Exchange Programme will benefit both the sending Commission and the receiving Commission, and will also contribute to the personal development of the participating staff member by developing skills and knowledge of specific areas or practices and building networks.  Alice W. Nderitu and Qaiser Munir will submit a report of their work attachment that will be available on the Commonwealth National Human Rights Commissions Project website.

John Humphrey Freedom Award 2006 Rights & Democracy presents the John Humphrey Freedom Award each year to an organisation or individual from any country or region of the world, including Canada , for exceptional achievement in the promotion of human rights and democratic development. The Award consists of a grant of $25,000, as well as a speaking tour of Canadian cities to help increase awareness of the recipient's human rights work. It is named in honour of the Canadian John Peters Humphrey, a human rights law professor who prepared the first draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The deadline for submissions is 15 April 2006.

 

REPORTS & PUBLICATIONS

International

Sexual and reproductive health and rights - Quick guide through the key issues This Eldis Health Key Issues guide reviews current policy issues relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), examining questions of definition and exploring key debates. The guide also highlights current and future challenges for attaining greater levels of sexual and reproductive well-being, and considers the role of innovative technologies and approaches in achieving sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.

Global Appeal 2006 by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) This Global Appeal is published by UNHCR to alert governmental and private sector donors, Executive Committee members and Standing Committee observers, Governments and their Permanent Missions in Geneva, the UN Secretariat, UN agencies, intergovernmental agencies, NGOs, regional organisations and other institutions and interested individuals to the plight of millions of refugees and other persons of concern falling within UNHCR's mandate. UNHCR's ninth Global Appeal outlines the Office's strategies and programmes for 2006. This document highlights UNHCR's work to protect and provide durable solutions for refugees and other persons of concern in relation to the wide range of challenges which the Office will have to face in 2006.

HIV-related Stigma, Discrimination and Human Rights Violations: Case studies of successful programmes Stigma and discrimination have fuelled the transmission of HIV and worsened the epidemic. How can HIV-related discrimination be addressed in order to achieve public health goals and overcome the epidemic? This paper by UNAIDS examines this question, drawing on a range of case studies from all over the world. Stigma, discrimination and human rights violations are intimately linked, reinforcing and legitimising each other. Multi-faceted action, sustained over time, is needed to prevent stigma, challenge discrimination and promote and protect HIV-related human rights.

Digital Dangers: Information and Communication Technologies and Trafficking in Women The word ‘trafficking' suggests something very physical. Stories of trafficking of women often include details of stolen passports, border crossings, and foreign countries. But what happens when a concept that suggests the actual movement of people is taken into the virtual world of the web? What happens when trafficking is combined with information and communication technologies (ICTs)? This paper, jointly produced for publication by AWID (Association for Women's Rights in Development) and APC WNSP (The Association for Progressive Communication's Women's Networking Support Programme, seeks to explore these and other questions about the possible relationships between trafficking women, information and communication technologies, with a view to advancing understanding of these complex issues. The first section of this paper lays the foundations for discussing ICTs and trafficking , asks what we know about how ICTs are and can be used both in the trafficking of women and in counter-trafficking efforts. The examples were provided by activists and advocates around the world who are working on trafficking or ICTs or on both issues. The paper explores three pivotal and at times controversial questions in relation to the role of ICTs and trafficking. Does the role of ICTs matter or is it a fashionable distraction from serious counter-trafficking work? Can we talk of trafficking in images or does trafficking only apply to people? Is consideration of privacy in relation to ICTs contrary to counter-trafficking work or an essential part of a broader movement to create safety and freedom for individuals and communities? The paper also asks what action can and is being taken, by governments, feminists, NGOs, and other actors.

Falling Short of the Mark: An international study on the Treatment of Human Trafficking Victims A 40-page study, entitled “Falling Short of the Mark: An International Study on the Treatment of Human Trafficking Victims”, was released by The Future Group, a leading Canadian non-partisan, non-governmental organisation founded in 2000 that specialises in combating human trafficking and has worked with victims in Southeast Asia and West Africa.  The study evaluates Australia , Canada , Germany , Italy , Norway , Sweden , the United Kingdom and the United States in meeting their obligations to protect victims under the U.N. Trafficking Protocol and international best practices. The study found that Canada 's Interdepartmental Working Group on Trafficking in Persons (IWGTIP) which was created several years ago to develop a national strategy to combat human trafficking has failed to announce such a plan. The study found that contrary to the practice in other developed countries, trafficking victims in the United Kingdom and Canada are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and are routinely deported.  Only minimal support has been provided to victims in recent years, and only general laws exist for their protection during investigations. It also found there is no evidence that providing legal status to victims would result in abuses of the system.

The World's Women 2005: Progress in Statistics The World's Women report is prepared by the Statistics Division of the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) at regular five-year intervals starting in 1991. This is the fourth World's Women report that focuses on this issue of national reporting of sex disaggregated statistics in such areas as demographics, health, education, work, violence against women, poverty, human rights and decision-making. Five years ago, the World's Women report emphasised that there was a lack of sex disaggregated data and that the improvement of national statistical capacity – the ability to provide timely and reliable statistics – are essential for improving gender statistics. The three previous issues compiled and analyzed data on women's status world wide.

Honour: Crimes, Paradigms and Violence Against Women A publication of CIMEL (Centre of Islamic and Middle Eastern Laws) and INTERIGHTS, t his book is a collection of essays that examine global strategies to address ‘honour crimes'. The authors give voice to the struggle to locate ‘honour crimes' firmly within the international framework of violence against women and human rights, rather than positioning these abuses as specific to particular cultures or communities. This book arises from the practical insights and experiences of individuals and organisations addressing so-called ‘honour crimes' in different geographic and social contexts, including ‘honour killings' and interference with the right to marry. Its purpose is to support human rights activists, policymakers and lawyers by explaining what such crimes are, how they vary from country to country, and what strategies are needed to combat them. Drawing on original case material from a wide range of countries, it identifies and analyses cross-cutting thematic issues and seeks to develop a human rights based framework as an alternative to a culturally relativist approach. It urges the reform of many national legal systems which enable men to rely on the pretext of ‘honour crimes' in order to get a reduced sentence.

Africa

The Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa and its compatibility with Islamic Legal Principles – paper by Maryam Uwais The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa was adopted in July 2003 during the 2nd Ordinary Session of the African Heads of States. Currently, 29 countries have signed the Protocol and 15 have ratified it, which enabled it come into force in November, 2005. This paper by Maryam Uwais attempts to draw comparisons between the contents of the Protocol and the rights of women within the Islamic legal framework, with a view to highlighting areas of common concern, and especially those Islamic concepts and legal principles that lend credence to the provisions adopted by the African Union, for the protection of Muslim African women.

Australia

Social Justice Commissioner argues a different approach to the Indigenous land tenure debate The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner, Tom Calma, argues in the Native Title Report 2005 that the Australian Government's proposal to encourage individual leases on Indigenous land will not necessarily lead to improved economic outcomes for Indigenous people. This year's Native Title Report, which was tabled in federal Parliament, assesses the issues and the potential impacts of the Indigenous land leasing proposal, as well as providing some alternative economic development strategies and initiatives. Commissioner Calma said: "the National Indigenous Council's (NIC) Indigenous Land Tenure Principles are essentially the Australian Government's instrument to implement the land tenure proposal. If implemented in their current form, the principles breach international human rights standards and obligations". Read the Social Justice and Native Title Reports 2005 Community Guide Read the Social Justice Report 2005, fact sheets and summaries Read the Native Title Report 2005 and summary

Report of National Inquiry into Disability in Australia and Employment tabled in Parliament Workability II: Solutions , the Report of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's National Inquiry into Employment and Disability, was tabled in federal Parliament. The report has called on the federal Government to lead the development of a National Disability Employment Strategy for Australia to help get more people with disability into work. Federal, State and Territory governments must work together to create a level playing field for people with disability in employment” said Graeme Innes, Human Rights Commissioner and acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner. He expressed his appreciation for the work of his predecessor as Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Sev Ozdowski, in initiating and leading the Inquiry. The National Inquiry was launched on 4 March 2005 to address the low employment rate and earning potential for people with a disability. The Inquiry's interim report, Workability I: Barriers, found there were three sets of obstacles to higher employment rates – the lack of easily accessible and comprehensive information and advice; concern about the possible costs for employers and employees with disability; and the “risk” factor or concern about the financial and personal impact on employers and employees if the job does not work out. The Inquiry found that governments needed to do more to provide support, services and incentives to employers and to people with disability to ensure true equality of opportunity. The federal Government has already agreed to establish a one-stop shop to provide a central information point for people with disability and employers, the first of 30 recommendations in the report. Read the full report

Malawi

Intimate partner violence: results from a national gender-based violence study in Malawi Focusing on intimate partner abuse in Malawi, this study explores sexual, emotional, and physical violence, as well as financial abuse. This on-line book by Institute for Security Studies (ISS), South Africa, presents the main findings of the study where a total of 3,546 households were sampled, and females and males interviewed. Both a male and female perspective is offered in the study in addition to recommendations and suggestions for both parties. The authors consider various areas of intimate partner violence including how women understand gender based violence; the impact of abuse on an individual; men's perceptions and experience of abuse. The authors present recommendations from the study and conclude that a single strategy is required that can be implemented by all concerned agencies, and more importantly, that can be closely monitored to ensure it is correctly implemented and suitable for its target population.

New Zealand

Race Relations Report 2005 urges action to bridge inequalities in New Zealand More work needs to be done to reduce the serious social and economic inequalities facing Maori and Pacific New Zealanders, according to an annual review of race relations released on 27 February 2006 by the Human Rights Commission. Race Relations in 2005 provides an overview of the major issues and developments of last year, covering areas such as cultural diversity, the Treaty of Waitangi, discrimination, and economic and social rights. Race Relations in 2005 includes a review of race-related complaints made to the Human Rights Commission. Last year the Commission received 1,796 complaints, with 597 referring to race, colour or ethnic or national origins. A total of 455 complaints were resolved at, or close to, initial contact with the complainant, through the provision of information or an informal intervention. The remaining 142 complaints were resolved through the Commission's dispute resolution service, which often involves mediation between the parties involved. Read the full report

Pakistan

‘State of Human Rights in 2005' report by Human Rights Commission, Pakistan (HRCP) Lack of respect for basic democratic rights; increased ruthlessness in crushing dissent; a disturbing determination to keep government processes and the emergence of dangerous new trends, such as the ‘disappearances' of more and more people across Pakistan marked the human rights environment during the first eight months of 2005 and the last two of 2004, says Human Rights Commission Pakistan (HRCP) report “State of Human Rights in 2005”. According to the report, there was no change in official statistics showed an average of 1000 women died each year in ‘honour' killings. As many as 366 women in the country suffered gang-rape or rape from November 2004 to August 2005. Fewer women were registered as voters than men, while many in the Northern Areas continued to be denied their right to balloting by traditional elements. About 10 million children were estimated to form a part of the labour force, while at least 70,000 remained on streets across the country. It said that during the first six months of 2005, 71 children were murdered after sexual abuse. The physical abuse of children remained widespread, while due to the conditions in which they lived, many children across the country suffered malnutrition, illness and death.

United Kingdom

Lost in Transition - A report of the Barrow Cadbury Commission on Young Adults and the Criminal Justice System Should convicted offenders under the age of 23 be exempt from prison sentences? This is one of the recommendations put forward by the UK 's independent Commission on Young Adults and the Criminal Justice System in its report. It reasons that most young people 'grow out' of offending naturally by this age, and to imprison them is counterproductive and likely to lead to a lifetime of offending. The commission points to the £800 million cost of imprisoning 18-24-year-olds and says this group is responsible for £20 billion worth of crime annually in the UK. But according to the report most young men will "grow out" of crime after the age of 18 - and the majority will desist naturally at the age of 23. It also argued that young offenders under the age of 23 should not be required to disclose their criminal convictions to potentional employers.

UK government's ‘war on terror' policies put people at risk of torture say Amnesty International Britain's anti-terrorism laws have led to serious human rights abuses, Amnesty International has claimed. Amnesty International's report titled ‘ Human Rights: a broken promise' claims new legislation limits the powers of the courts and attempts to reverse the ban on the inadmissibility of evidence obtained by torture. Amnesty's report criticises the now abandoned indefinite detention of foreign terrorism suspects and its replacement with control orders allowing house arrest. This report was compiled from interviews carried out by Amnesty International representatives with people detained by the UK government under anti-terrorism measures, their families and lawyers, both in prison and in their homes. Amnesty International representatives have monitored judicial proceedings in the UK arising from the implementation of measures described as countering terrorism; the organisation has also engaged in litigation in the UK courts, intervening as a third party in two legal challenges arising from the implementation of the above-mentioned measures. The report is also the result of exchanges with UK government Ministers; with members of the legal profession; other non-governmental human rights organizations, both domestic and international; journalists; academics; and others. Read the full report

 

NEWS STORIES

CHILD RIGHTS

Secretary-General appoints Radhika Coomaraswamy of Sri Lanka Special Representative for Child and Armed Conflict UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan announced the appointment of Radhika Coomaraswamy of Sri Lanka as his Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict on 7 February 2006. Ms. Coomaraswamy, a lawyer by training and currently Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission, is an internationally known human rights advocate who has done outstanding work as Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women (1994-2003). In her reports to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, she has written on violence in the family, violence in the community, violence against women during armed conflict and the problem of international trafficking. A strong advocate on women's rights, she has intervened on behalf of countless women throughout the world seeking clarification from Governments in cases involving violence against women. Ms. Coomaraswamy was appointed Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission in May 2003. She is also the Director of the International Centre for Ethnic Studies in Colombo . She is a member of the Global Faculty of the New York University School of Law and teaches a summer course at New College Oxford University every July. She has published widely, including two books on constitutional law and numerous articles on ethnic studies and the status of women. Ms. Coomaraswamy is a graduate of the United Nations International School in New York. She received her B.A. from Yale University , her J.D. from Columbia University, an LLM from Harvard University and honorary PhDs from Amherst College , the University of Edinburgh and the University of Essex.

Sri Lanka launches National Year of Children The President of Sri Lanka has launched the National Year of Children- 2006 under the theme "A Caring Hand Through Childhood's Land". He pointed out that the National Year of the Child would take up problems of children with a new approach and new attitudes. He identified the need for a separate ministry to serve the children through his new "Mahinda Chinthana policy" . President Rajapakse also recommended the Child Development Ministry to take steps to establish a Children's Parliament, Children's Municipal Councils through which the voice of the children will be heard.

UNICEF calls on Sri Lanka separatists to stop recruiting child soldiers The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) urged Tamil separatists in Sri Lanka to stop recruiting child soldiers and release those already in their ranks. In a press statement, UNICEF said it had expressed its concerns to officials from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and had also called on both sides in the conflict on the island to reaffirm their commitment to a ceasefire. “While recruitment of children in the last six months declined to an average of 43 a month, only 79 children were released and reunited with their families during the same period,” said Ms. JoAnna VanGerpen, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka. Since January 2002, UNICEF has recorded 5,368 cases of reported child recruitment in Sri Lanka .

HEALTH

NHRC India says health care provision is appalling Dr. Justice A.S.Anand, Chairperson, NHRC India has said that the state of health care provision in the country is appalling and that public sector and private sector need to act in partnership to bring health care facilities for the general public. He said that the Commission acknowledges various constraints of the Governments in providing health care to all but constraints cannot be accepted by citizens for far too long as an excuse for the denial of their right to health The State cannot avoid its constitutional obligation with regard to providing health care on account of financial constraints. He said that in terms of health care facilities the country faces three-basic challenges; accessibility, availability and affordability. Dr. Justice Anand was addressing the participants of the Review Meeting of the Recommendations of NHRC Core Group on Health and Public Hearing organised by the Commission on 4 March 2006 in New Delhi. Emphasizing that health is not merely absence of disease, Justice Anand said that in the Preamble of the WHO Constitution, health is defined as "state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". The Commission has focused on the issue of 'Right to Health' especially on issues related to silicosis, organ transplant, blood transfusion, HIV/AIDS related issue and Emergency Medical Care. It has organized 5 Regional Public Hearing on Health followed by a National Hearing in December 2004.

World not doing nearly enough to protect children affected by AIDS - Third Global Partners Forum focuses on Protection, HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care The global response to children affected by HIV and AIDS does not come close to matching the enormity of their rapidly deteriorating plight. By 2010 an estimated 18 million children in sub-Saharan Africa alone will be orphaned by the disease. Children living with sick and dying parents remain extremely vulnerable, and an estimated 4 million infected children do not have access to appropriate treatments. This year's Global Partners Forum, hosted by UNICEF and the UK Department for International Development (DFID), has brought together high level representatives from 90 international organisations, NGOs and governments in an effort to ramp up practical responses to the suffering of millions of children caught in the AIDS pandemic. This year's forum will focus on ways to strengthen the capacity of families to protect and care for orphans and other children made vulnerable by HIV; mobilize community-based responses to support affected families; ensure equal and full access to education; guarantee universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care. The forum will also examine ways to advocate for changes in law and policies governing the protection of vulnerable children and to raise awareness and reduce stigma for children affected by AIDS.

Asia Regional Consultation on Youth, HIV and AIDS and Human Rights AIDS-related stigma and discrimination remains one of the greatest obstacles to people living with HIV being able to exercise their human rights. Lack of respect for human rights continues to increase vulnerability to HIV infection of individuals and the whole society. Strategies to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic are hampered in an environment where human rights are not respected. HIV strikes hardest where human rights are least protected, particularly among stigmatised people, including sex workers, injecting drug users and men who have sex with men. Realising the deepening vulnerability of young people to HIV infection and human rights violation, Commonwealth Youth Programme Asia Centre have organised "The Asia Regional Consultation on Youth, HIV and AIDS and Human Rights" in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India in Pune from 13 to 18 February 2006. To overcome the global HIV epidemic for global solidarity, peace and sustainability the consultation has provided an opportunity for the participants to enhance their knowledge, enrich their skills and develop the right attitude on various critical issues concerning HIV and AIDS and Human Rights. The participants from the member countries India, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Singapore presented a declaration on Youth, HIV and AIDS and Human Rights and collectively urged the governments of the Commonwealth countries that the countries respond to Youth, HIV and AIDS from a right based perspective.

HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION

NHRC India preparing dossiers for human rights education for University students In its continuing effort at creating awareness and inculcating Human Rights Culture amongst the masses in the country, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) held a meeting with experts and academicians in New Delhi on 20 February 2006. The meeting, which was jointly organised, by the NHRC and the NGO Karnataka Women's Information and Resource Centre deliberated on how to prepare dossiers on Human Rights Education for University level students. Addressing the meeting Dr Justice A.S.Anand, Chairperson, NHRC stated that the idea of preparing the dossiers is not to bring out yet another textbook for University students but to generate awareness and get the students interested. This could be achieved if the authors of the dossiers interact with the teachers in the university to help crystallise their thoughts as well as use their personal experiences gained on the field while writing for the dossiers. It was felt that these dossiers should make all related information available at one place, contain practical suggestions and thus be of such quality that they help in developing the curricula for the University.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS

Human Rights awareness is vital for creating a culture of human rights says Dr Justice A S Anand, Chairperson, NHRC India Spreading Human Rights awareness among the general public in their language is vital for creating a culture of human rights. Unless people are aware about their human rights they cannot protect their human rights or seek redressal of its violation. The language of Human Rights Awareness literature, thus, should be simple enough to be understood by general public. Dr. Justice A.S.Anand said at the concluding session of the two-day National Seminar in Hindi on the Concepts of Human Rights in Indian Culture & Importance of Human Rights Education in India , organised by the Commission in New Delhi on 2 to 3 March 2006. He said that all religions are inspired in their own way by an innate concept of Human Rights. He emphasized that rights and duties are interlinked. While rights without duties lead to arrogance, duties without rights lead to slavery.

Everything young people want to know about human rights: new webpage launched by AHREOC A new human rights webpage for secondary students was launched in Sydney by the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission(AHREOC). ‘Information for Students' is an online education resource for secondary school students to help them gain an awareness and understanding of human rights; their origin and history, the development of international human rights norms and contemporary human rights issues in Australia. AHREOC President, the Hon. John von Doussa QC said "Educating the community about human rights is not just about disseminating information. Students need to understand what human rights are about, what responsibilities go with those rights and how they are relevant to their everyday lives." He said ‘Information for Students' would "greatly assist young people in their development as informed, active citizens and would encourage values of tolerance, respect and understanding." 'Information for Students' complements the existing Information for Teachers web-based program and builds upon the findings of Rights of Passage , a recent HREOC report that provided an insight into what Australian young people know and think about human rights.

Getting behind harmony day in big way in Australia The Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission is getting behind Harmony Day in a big way this year by becoming an official supporter. Celebrated on 21 March, Harmony Day is a federal Government initiative which brings together Australians and encourages them to say "no" to discrimination and racism. The day coincides with the United Nations International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma will join in the celebrations by participating in a range of events leading up to Harmony Day. Mr Calma recently launched a range of print, audio and website resources titled 'Voices of Australia', which feature a collection of real-life stories about diversity and living together in contemporary Australia , as well as information about the Racial Discrimination Act.

The Human Rights Act 5 years on by Professor Monica McWilliams, Chief Commissioner, NIHRC The Human Rights Act 1998 has now been in force for five years in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) continues to regard the Act as central to human rights promotion and protection. Its enactment was a major advance. By giving effect to the European Convention on Human Rights in domestic law the Act heralded a shift in focus towards a rights-based approach and expressly recognised that people have legal rights which should be respected. The legal system and public administration have not collapsed under the weight of unfounded human rights claims, as some had feared. "Where reform is needed this fact has been exposed; where rights are violated redress is available. There is much more to do, but we should acknowledge the progress made so far" says Professor Monica McWilliams.

Human Rights Commission launches a Web site The Chairperson of Human Rights Commission Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy re-launched its web site http://www.hrcsl.org on 27 February 2006 to make its activities easily accessible and transparent to general public. All reports and existing documents of Human Rights Commission are easily accessible in a user friendly format via all popular search engines. The site is developed in a user friendly way so that all information regarding the HRC of Sri Lanka is arranged in a logical and easy to find area of the web site. It enables a complainant making a complaint to the HRC to view the progress of the investigation of his complaint. The HRC expects to expand the scope of information by providing a service for users to receive updates via e mail.

UN human rights experts call for dialogue in wake of cartoon controversy Three independent United Nations human rights experts have strongly deplored the recent controversial depictions of the Prophet Muhammad as well as the violent reactions that ensued while urging all to come together in a spirit of dialogue. This view was expressed in a statement released in Geneva that was endorsed by the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Doudou Diene; the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir, and the Special Rapporteur for the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Ambeyi Ligabo. They are all unpaid experts serving in their personal capacity. “The special rapporteurs strongly deplore the depictions of the Prophet Muhammad and are distressed by the grave offence they have caused to the members of the Muslim community,” the statement said.

Racism and racial discrimination on rise around the world, UN expert warns Racism and racial discrimination are on the upswing and becoming widespread throughout the world, with the current global situation confirming the worst expectations that man's worst tendencies are created in the womb, a United Nations expert on racism warned. While racial discrimination used to be the province of extremist far right political parties, it is now becoming a regular part of democratic systems, being blended in for example with the fight against terrorism, Doudou Diène, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance told the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in Geneva.

RIGHTS OF THE DISABLED

2006 General Elections in Fiji to be accessible to the Disabled The 2006 General Elections will be fully accessible to disabled persons after the Fiji Human Rights Commission successfully resolved a complaint lodged by the Fiji Disabled Peoples Association (FDPA). The Elections Office and FDPA have come to an agreement to make the 2006 General Elections in Fiji accessible to disabled persons. In its complaint, FDPA claimed that disabled persons were denied their right to vote in secret as provided by Section 36 of the Constitution. The Elections Office has decided to put in place certain provisions that will ensure that the 2006 Elections will be accessible to disabled persons. In order to provide accessibility to all persons, the Elections Office will place all voting facilities on the ground floor. Visually impaired or blind persons will be allowed to enter the voting booth in the company of a family member who can provide assistance when needed. In addition to these, a dedicated booth in every polling station will be provided to suit wheelchair users. This booth will be equipped with a low desk as well. The Elections Office will also provide sign language interpreters. Polling clerks will be made aware of these provisions through the Elections Manual, in which this information will be included.

First-ever treaty for people with disabilities gains ground The U.N. estimates that 600 million people worldwide, about one-tenth of the world's population, currently live with some form of disability, ranging from blindness and deafness, to immobility and various mental disabilities. Key issues, covered by the draft Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities, are equality and non-discrimination, raising awareness regarding disability, accessibility, right to life, equal recognition before the law, access to justice, liberty and security of the person, liberty of movement, personal mobility, living independently and being included in the community. Sticking points in the draft text that remain open include what type of technical and economic assistance governments should provide, how implementation of the treaty will be monitored, and whether there should be separate articles on women and children with disabilities. After a three-week session, a United Nations committee has expressed confidence in finalising a new international treaty to protect the disabled by the end of the year. Also read: Draft Report of seventh session the Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities on its seventh session Working Text at the end of the seventh session

New legislation to improve rights of people with disabilities in Northern Ireland People living with disabilities in Northern Ireland are to benefit from new legislation, which will improve their civil rights. Equality Minister, Jeff Rooker, announced the Disability Discrimination Order 2006, which will increase the scope of legislation to include more people with disabilities. The new legislation will also protect people with cancer, HIV and multiple sclerosis even if they are not yet showing signs of their illness. The new laws will also provide extra protection for disabled people in other areas such as private clubs, when renting premises and applying to discriminatory job advertisements. All public transport is also to become more accessible to people with disabilities with all trains, buses and coaches to be fully accessible by 2022.

Help the disabled without ramping up the cost – UK Although it came into effect almost a year and a half ago, many service providers in the UK remain either unaware of their requirements under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) or have misconception that it relates specifically to the building, and will require expensive modifications to be made to a building's infrastructure in order to achieve compliance. In fact, the DDA is about people, not property, and its definition of what constitutes a disability is far broader than someone confined to a wheelchair. The notion that service providers must ensure that steps are taken to enable wheelchair access into every part of every building at all times is quite wrong. There are various ways to comply with the DDA without having to make any physical alterations to the building from which a service is provided. In its Code of Practice, the Disability Rights Commission lists various factors that will be taken into consideration when considering reasonable-ness, such as the likely effectiveness of the proposed step, the practicability for the service provider to take the step, the disruption such a step might cause, whether or not the service provider can afford it and what other resources have been expended already on making adjustments relating to the DDA.

Consultation on the definition of disability in anti-discrimination law in the UK The Disability Rights Commission(DRC) is currently consulting on a possible change to the Disability Discrimination Act's (DDA) definition of disability, which would broaden it so that the law provides protection against discrimination on the grounds of impairment regardless of the level or type of impairment. The consultation follows the announcement by Government of a discrimination law review to inform a new Single Equalities Act, which would apply to six dimensions of equality: religion, race, gender, age, sexuality and disability. The review is likely to set the legal framework for the next generation of equality law.

RIGHTS OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

U.N. negotiations on indigenous rights wrap up, for now The current round of negotiations on the U.N. Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples came to a close on 3 February 2006 with nearly two-thirds of the provisions agreed upon by the member states of the U.N. Human Rights Commission. The Human Rights Commission's Working Group on the Draft Declaration, including member countries as well as many indigenous participants, wrapped up its final week of negotiations after some 11 years of work. Articles regarding indigenous peoples' right of self-determination and rights to lands and natural resources continued to be controversial in negotiations between indigenous delegates and several nation states. Though the negotiations did not result in consensus on all provisions, the advancement of the declaration represents a major development in the rights of indigenous peoples in international law. Read all the documents of t he eleventh session of the inter-sessional working group on the draft United Nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples took place from 30 January – 3 February 2006

TERRORISM

Free speech debate swells around U.K. terrorism law An anti-terrorism law that the British House of Lords criticized as restricting freedom of speech has been passed by the U.K. House of Commons. The law would ban "glorification" of terrorism and give police new powers to act against inflammatory websites. The House of Lords had struck down the term "glorification" from the bill, drafted after the London bombings, saying it was dangerously vague. Opponents of the "glorification" clause said existing laws that prohibit incitement to commit violence were adequate to cover the crime the UK government meant to address.

TOLERANCE

Respect for religious and cultural sensitivities critical for global harmony Religious and cultural sensitivities must be respected in order to build harmony in our world, said Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon at a special lecture in Karachi, Pakistan, on 17 February 2006. He stressed the importance of mutual respect and understanding across faiths and communities, and warned against those who try to create discord and divisions among various peoples. Mr McKinnon stated that the Danish cartoons controversy, which resulted in widespread protests in the Muslim world, has sharpened tensions in a world being made ever smaller by the forces of globalisation. This globalisation has facilitated greater interaction with people of different races and ethnic and religious groups, and yet, he said, "there are those who seek to force these groups apart, expounding chauvinism, intolerance, threatening behaviour and extremism." Also read full text of the speech

WOMEN

International Women's Day 2006 (IWD): Inspiring Potential International Women's Day is the universal day that connects all women around the world and inspires them to achieve their full potential. IWD 2006 launches another year of working progressively for women's equality worldwide. It is an important day around the world because the collective power of women is witnessed by millions, and the brave achievements of women past, present and future are respectfully honoured. International Women's Day 2006 was celebrated globally on Wednesday 8 March 2006. Reflecting on this year's UNIFEM theme for International Women's Day ‘Women in Decision-Making', Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Pru Goward said she is concerned that gender equality in the workplace is still an issue despite sex discrimination legislation being in place in Australia for over 21 years.

 

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