QLD/Northern NSW branch

CHRISTMAS CLOSURE NOTICE

What? AIA Office in Fortitude Valley is closing during Christmas

When? From 22 dec 08 to 12 Jan 09


CELEBRATING 60 YEARS

Human Rights took centre stage in Brisbane on 10 December with 60 gaint candles making the 60th anniversay of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Candles

The candles, erected in Brisbane Square, told the stories of prominent human rights defenders over the past 60 years and UDHR passports were handed out to the public in support of the call for a Human Rights Act for Australia.

Celebrations moved to the Sebel Citigate in the evening with a well-attended UDHR Public Forum and supper opened by the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AO.

Guv

Behind the podium for the keynote address was Australia's 2006 Human Rights Medalist, Columnist, Social commentator, and much more, Phillip Adams AO.

He was joined Brisbane Barrister Stephen Keim SC, questioning why Australia is the only western democracy without a Human Rights Charter.

Adams Crop

The supper featured discussions by Anti Discrimination Commissioner Susan Booth, President of the Australian Lawyers Alliance Ian Brown, Director of Queensland Council of Social Service Jill Lang, and other Human Rights Advocates.

EVERY HUMAN HAS RIGHTS

60th Anniversary Universal Declaration of Human Rights

What? Supper with Human Rights Advocates

Date? Wed 10 December

Time? Post forum 8.30pm

Where? Sebel-Citigate cnr Ann & Roma Streets, King George Square

How much? RSVP Essential: Tickets $35

To book for the supper, please click this link
 

EVERY HUMAN HAS RIGHTS - FORUM

Free Forum but places limited - RSVP to UDHR60@justrightsqld.org.au Info phone: 3136 6400

Speakers:

Phillip Adams AO

Stephen Keim SC

The UN theme for international Human Rights Day 2008 "Dignity and justice for all of us" reinforces the vision of the UDHR as a commitment to universal dignity and justice. It is not a luxury or a wish-list. The UDHR and its core values, inherent human dignity, non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality, apply to everyone, everywhere and always. The Declaration is universal, enduring and vibrant, and it is concerns us all.


Queer Rights Network

"Every human has rights"

Raising awareness of, and mobilising action against, homophobic violence, gender violence, domestic violence within same-sex/queer relationships

                    Amnesty Queer Rights Network Anti-Violence Vigil
               
                           16 days of action against Gender violence

                                        26 November 2008

                   4.30p.m - 7 p. m @ Brunswick St. Mall, Fortitude Valley

Speakers:

- Darryl Scott, Coordinator, Walksafe Anti-Violence Campaign
- Rev Leigh Neighbour, Pastor, MCC Brisbane
- Rev Lance Meergard, Senior Chaplain, Chaplain Watch
- Gai Lemon, Community Activist

Activities:

- Candle-lighting
- Hand-stamping/ graffiti wall on calico
- Petitions
- Discussion

 More information at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amnestyLGBTQI/
http://www.amnesty.org.au
http://www.myspace.com/amnestyqueerrights
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=35769929896&ref=ts
 

Stop Violence Against Women Breakfast

Dear Friend,

You are cordially invited to join the Stop Violence against Women team for their annual Women’s Breakfast on Thursday the 4th of December.

The guest speakers joining us for the morning, Mary Wellington and Mythiley Iyer, will be discussing their views on the progress of various women’s issues in the past five years.

Mary Wellington is a Bilingual Health Educator working for the Ethnic Communities Council of Australia on Papua New Guinea Community Claims.

Mythiley (Meeta) Iyer is a feminist with over 25 years experience in the struggle for women’s human rights, with a focus on violence against women issues. She is currently working in the Queensland government in a policy role.

Come along and be part of the 16 days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women. 

 For more information please click on this link


November 2008 QLD & NNSW newsletter issue 86


"16 days of activism against gender violence" Violence against women often occurs around the world, most of the victims are killed by their partner. To help prevent violence against women, please join our 16 days campaign.

"Urgent action appeal" In Nepal, Rita Mahato, aged 30, a counsellor in Women's Rehabilitation Centre, were attacked by men who disagreed to WOREC and threatened with rape and death. Please help these women's human rights defenders by writing letters to authorities in Nepal and Nicaragua.

"A challenge to Barack Obama: commitment to human rights" Amnesty International is calling on Barack Obama to take action on investigating abuses commited by the US government since the 11 September attacks, USA has commited cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in the name of countering terrorism.

For more information please click on this link.

AI Morning Tea

Unfortunately due to storm damage in The Gap area the morning tea has been postponed.

The event will be run in the new year, please watch this space for details.


Urgent Action Network

About UA Network:

We receive Urgent Actions every day from Amnesty International Secretariat in London. Urgent Actions are researched and collated based on information collected from all around the world. As as consequence, the human rights abuses that we read about and write letters on in Urgent actions are unpredictable. For example, there may be a flurry of 4 or 5 Urgent actions from Guatemala or another country and then nothing for six months. Some countries may not have any Urgent Actions for months.

We are offering to track and send you Urgent Actions from particular countries or along themes so that you can work on issues that you are particularly passionate about. What we are trying to highlight however is the unpredictability of countries and themes of Urgent Actions and can not guarantee to always have the countries or themes selected.

To join the UA network please email
qldaia@amnesty.org.au

 October 2008 QLD & NNSW newsletter issue 85

"World day against death penalty" It was about people were excuted from death penalty in 24 coutries and were death sentenced in 51 countries.

"Freedom for U Win Tin" U Win Tin, a 78 years old journalist and part of the League for Democracy (NLD) party.He was arrested in Yangon's Insein Prison to a total 21 years. U Win Tin was sentenced in addtional seven years for writing to the United Nations about the prison situation.

"Build a home in one night" To support disadvantaged children in Nepal, Nepal Australia Friendship Association(NAFA) has fund raise to provide safe house to children and teenage at the Prisoners Assistance Nepal(PA) Shelter at Sankhu. 

For more information, please click on this link.

 

Volunteers Needed!

Volunteering We are currently looking for volunteers for upcoming events and campaigns in 2008, particularly for the Stop Violence Against Women and Human Rights and Security campaign.

For more information contact Michael on 3136 6404 or email michael.hayworth@amnesty.org.au

It's always easy to drop in anytime if you're interested in being a volunteer orjust want to find out what's going on in Amnesty International Australia.

E-Newsletter

If you would like to receive our e-newsletter simply email us with the text 'e-newsletter sign-on' in the subject line.

 

Branch Contact Details

Activist Resource Centre:

Level 1, 354 Brunswick Street
Fortitude Valley
QLD 4006