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Release of the Eminent Jurists Panel Final Report |
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On 27 February 2009 the ICJ release the final report of the Eminent Jurists Panel EJP). The EJP conducted a worldwide investigation into the impact of counter-terrorism laws and practices on human rights. The report Assessing Damage, Urging Action is the result of a three-year investigation that draws on sixteen hearings covering forty countries in all regions of the world, including Australia.
The report concludes that many governments have confronted the threat of terrorism with ill-conceived measures that have undermined cherished values and resulted in serious violations of human rights. It illustrates the devastating effects that notorious counter-terrorism measures such as extraordinary rendition, torture, arbitrary detention, and unfair trials have had on human rights worldwide. It warns of the increasing secrecy preventing accountability, and the danger of “temporary” measures becoming permanent features of law and practice in many states, including in democratic societies. Click here to access a copy of the report.
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Inquiry into the Anti-Terrorism Laws Reform Bill 2009 |
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On 25 June 2009 the Senate referred the Anti-Terrorism Laws Reform Bill 2009 for inquiry and report. The Bill is a private Senator's Bill and seeks to amend the Criminal Code Act 1995, the Crimes Act 1914 and the Australian Information Security Organisations Act 1979. The ICJA has made a submission to the Inquiry.
The Bill and second reading speech can be accessed here.
The ICJA's submission can be accessed here.
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ICJA President John Dowd interview on Sri Lanka |
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On 30 September 2009 the President of the International Commission of Jurists Australia was interviewed by Michael Cavanagh, ABC Radio about the situation in Sri Lanka. The interview can be accessed at the following web address:
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/connectasia/stories/200909/s2700592.htm
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Human Rights in Sri Lanka and Australia’s Role |
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On May 19 2009, the Government of Sri Lanka reported it had won the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Tamil Tigers). However, with the end to the war, accusations of human rights violations and war crimes are emerging. Independent media recently reported deaths of 1400 civilians per week in military run camps where war refugees are currently interned indefinitely.
What is the real situation in Sri Lanka?
What is the role of the Government of Australia and its people in protecting human rights in the Asia-Pacific region?
These issues and more will be discussed at a forum on Wednesday 9th September 2009.
Time: 12.30pm - 2.00pm (Lunch provided)
Venue: Room 1R5, Federal Parliament
RSVP: 4.00pm Monday 24th August 2009
(Strictly registered visitors only)
Guest speakers will include as follows The Hon. John Dowd AO QC, President of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Australia and Vice President of ICJ Geneva; Ms. Sharan Burrow, President of Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU); Dr. John Whitehall, Paediatrician and Associate Professor in Public Health at James Cook University; Mr. Bruce Haigh, Political commentator and author and a former Australian diplomat; and Rev. Pan Jordan, Catholic Priest and Coordinator of the Queensland Branch of Pax Christi International.
For more information or to RSVP please call Dr. Sam Pari on 0433428967.
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17th Non-Government Organisation (NGO) Forum on Domestic Human Rights |
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On 14 August 2009 Ms Cate Matthews attended the AG NGO Forum on Domestic Human Rights as the representative for the International Commission of Jurists Australia. Representatives from of 40 NGO's discussed a range of issues including the national consultation on the promotion and protection of human rights and the implementation of Commonwealth legislative reforms to remove discrimination against same-sex couples and their children. A report has been prepared by Ms Matthews. The report can be accessed by clicking here. |
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Inquiry into the National Security and Legislation Monitor Bill 2009 |
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On 25 June 2009 the Senate, on the recommendation of the Selection of Bills Committee, referred the National Security Legislation Monitor Bill 2009 to the Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 7 September 2009. The ICJA has made a submission to the Committee.
The Bill and second reading speech may be accessed here.
The ICJA's submission can be downloaded from the Committee's website by clicking here. |
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