Other Human Rights events

Right Now - Human Rights in Australia
Right Now is a volunteer, not-for-profit media organisation led by young people focused on human rights issues in Australia. We are committed to covering human rights issues through free, accessible, creative and engaging online, print and radio media. Our work begins with the belief that creating a positive, rights-respecting culture in Australia begins with the flow of information.

Right Now publishes an online journal containing art, poetry, fiction and non-fiction about human rights in Australia. Right Now Radio is broadcast live on Melbourne's 3CR 855AM at 6pm every Thursday. For more information about contributing art and writing, please email submissions@rightnow.org.au

Read & Rights is a book club with a difference. We discuss human rights issues raised in a variety of literature. The book club is hosted on the Right Now website and meets the second Tuesday of every month at Loop Bar in the Melbourne CBD.

Victorian Council of Civil Liberties membership
Julian Burnside QC, President, Liberty Victoria invites you to become a member of the organisation, especially (but not exclusively) the under 35s. Liberty Victoria were the organisation that stood up and took legal action on behalf of the Tampa asylum seekers in 2001. Membership form available at -www.libertyvictoria.org.au. 

The Aurora Project Legal Internships - Job opportunities with TAI
The Aurora Project and the Charlie Perkins Trust for Children & Students are seeking a NSW State Coordinator to implement TAI's pilot academic enrichment program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students living in NSW. This program will be the first of its kind in Australia, and if successful, has the potential to expand to other states in years to come.

Key responsibilities include coordinating and attending at least 20 days of residential programs in NSW each year, providing sustained long-term support for TAI students and their families, and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with key community groups, Elders, schools and other organisations. The State Coordinator position is a full time role, responsible for supporting 30 Year 8 students for 5½ years. Our aim is to ensure all TAI students are eligible to attend university.

The position calls for an engaged, dynamic person, who has a passion for education and proven experience in youth work, teaching or program coordination. The State Coordinator will need strong project management and relationship management skills.

TAI is also looking for those interested in teaching on the residential programs in NSW and Victoria. Key responsibilities include attending between 5 and 20 days of residential programs during the school holidays each year and working with a team of teachers to deliver an innovative and effective curriculum which supports students to develop their academic skills, and build their resilience and aspirations.

For more information please visit our website at: http://www.auroraproject.com.au/node/465

World Vision's Australia Program: Principal Policy Advisor
Some time ago World Vision Australia was invited to partner with an Indigenous community in the Northern Territory in translating its international development approach to the Australian Indigenous context. This approach by the community and World Vision has continued to be successful. World Vision, upon the advice of its Indigenous Advisory Group, has expanded its Indigenous program across Australia. Currently we have programs in the Western Desert, Central Desert, Mapoon (QLD) and Sydney. The focus of our programs is on early childhood development, youth leadership and economic development.

World Vision is looking for a Principal Policy Advisor for this team. This role will involve developing an advocacy strategy based on the voices of Indigenous children, young people and adults that helps influence policy change within Government and empower everyday Australians to support justice for Indigenous communities. 

See this link for a more comprehensive outline of the role:  http://careers.worldvision.com.au/jobDetails.asp?sJobIDs=492205. You will note that we the closing date for applications has passed, however applications are still being considered. For more information please contact Fiona Simpson at careers@worldvision.com.au.

The Human Rights Law Centre at the University of Nottingham - 2012 Summer School on 'Protecting Human Rights through United Nations Mechanisms'
The Summer School will take place from Monday 11 June - Friday 15 June 2012 and will be led by key experts in the field. The focus throughout will be practical and applied: the Summer School will give participants an insider's understanding of the mechanisms and will equip them with the tools to best use the UN system for the protection of human rights.  The School will have sessions devoted to the human rights treaty bodies (the reporting and individual communications procedures), the Human Rights Council's Universal Period Review Procedure, Special Procedures (UN human rights special rapporteurs, etc.), and the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and its field presences.

The Summer School is designed to benefit professionals in non-governmental organisations, national human rights institutions, governments, international governmental organisations, field operations, and interested academics and students. Further details on the 2012 Summer School, including contact details and names of expert speakers, are contained in the attached brochure. Details can also be found at www.nottingham.ac.uk/hrlc/SummerSchool

• The Privatisation of War: How can private military and security companies be regulated?

In recent years, parties to armed conflicts have increasingly recruited private military and security companies (PMSCs) to undertake tasks traditionally carried out by the armed forces. The involvmeent of these companies in or close to military operations has raised questions about the way international humanitarian law should be applied to these actors. This discussion will be chaired by Rain Liivoja (Asia-Pacific Centre for Military Law) and an expert panel; Marie-Louise Tougas (International Committee of the Red Cross), Andre du Plessis (Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces), and Felix Schwendimann (Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs)
Date: Thursday 10 May 2012
Time: 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton
RSVP: to Pip at pross@redcross.org.au

• Walk for Justice

The Walk for Justice, now in its fifth year, celebrates National Pro Bono Day and raises much needed funds for the Public Interest Law Clearing House Vic (PILCH). PILCH is a not-for-profit organisation which provides free legal assistance for the most vulnerable. We also seek to address the systemic causes of injustice.  We work with asylum seekers, seniors, community organisations, people experiencing homelessness, and other areas of unmet legal need. The Walk for Justice raises funds to help with this work. You can support the walk either by registering to walk, sponsoring a walker or donating. All walkers who register by 27 April will go in the draw for an EARLY BIRD PRIZE - a wine gift pack from the award-winning Brokenwood Winery, Hunter Valley.
Date: Tuesday 15 May 2012
Time: 7:30am
Where: From Parliament House, through the CBD via the Yarra River, finishing at the County Court on William Street
Cost: $20 for individual walkers, $10 for students and $180 per team of 10 (includes a light breakfast
To register: https://register.pilch.org.au/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1

• Human Rights Arts & Film Festival

Opening Night After Party at ACMI, The Cube following screening. Includes drinks, food and music by JABULA! Thanks to Intrepid Travel everyone that purchases a ticket to Opening Night will go in to the running for a $5000 Asian holiday. Winner to be announced on the night.
Date: Tuesday 15 May 2012
Time: 6:30pm
Venue: The Forum Theatre, Melbourne
Full details: http://hraff.org.au/film-event/under-african-skies-opening-night-celebration

• Monash University Law - 2012 Great Law Week Debate

Witness a team of prominent Monash Law Alumni battle it out with current Monash Law Students, over the topic "Political bias in the media should be banned".
Date: Thursday 17 May 2012
Time: 6pm to 7:30pm
Venue: Monash University Law Chambers, 555 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Cost: Free
RSVP: law-marketing@monash.edu, by Monday 14 May
Full details: http://www.law.monash.edu.au/about-us/events/great-debate-final.pdf 

• Courts Open Day 2012

The Supreme Court of Victoria and the Melbourne Magistrates' Court will both open their doors to the public on Courts Open Day, Saturday 19 May, as part of Law Week celebrations. Located in the legal precinct on the corner of William and Lonsdale Streets, both courts will welcome the public with a FREE program of tours, talks and public information stalls, from 10am to 3pm. Bookings are required for some events.
Full details: www.victorialawfoundation.org.au/lawweek

Australia Red Cross - The Responsibility to Protect: Where to from here?

The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is a principle aimed at the protection of the world's most vulnerable populations from the most heinous international crimes. King & Wood Mallesons, the International Law Association (Victoria Chapter) and Australian Red Cross will host a thought-provoking public event examining different approaches to this important principle and how it re-enforces existing legal frameworks such as International Humanitarian Law. Featuring three presentations from leading R2P experts Professor the Hon. Gareth Evans, Professor Damien Kingsbury and Dr Phoebe Wynn-Pope, the topics will include an examination of R2P in relation to an important emerging concept called "Responsibility While Protecting", R2P from a prevention and development perspective and R2P during armed conflict and other situations of violence.
Date: Tuesday 29 May 2012
Time: 6pm to 7:30pm
Venue: King & Wood Mallesons, Level 50, 600 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Cost: Free
RSVP: rsvp.ila.vic.chapter@gmail.com
Full details: http://www.redcross.org.au/the-responsibility-to-protect-where-to-from-here-vic.aspx