The August 2008 edition of the Human Rights Law Resource Centre Bulletin includes:
- An opinion piece by Paul Ronalds, Deputy CEO of World Vision, regarding the relationship between human rights, aid and development
- News about Australia’s ratification of the UN Disabilities Convention, a campaign to end mandatory immigration detention, the further development of an Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, a call from former world leaders for renewed commitment to international human rights and the rule of law, and contributions to the Centre by Minter Ellison and Lander & Rogers
- Updates on the Victorian Charter of Rights, including and an analysis of the Statements of Compatibility on the Local Government Amendment (Elections) Bill 2008 and the Medical Treatment (Physician Assisted Dying) Bill 2008
- Updates on other Charters of Rights, including a UK Parliamentary Committee report calling for a broadened definition of ‘public authority’
- Victorian Charter case notes, including in relation to involuntary treatment and the mental health review board, an eviction from public housing, and planning law
- Comparative law case notes on significant recent human rights decisions from the European Court of Human Rights (access to legal aid in civil proceedings; right to private and family life), UK courts (meaning of ‘public authority’; anonymous witnesses and the right to a fair hearing; respect for families and children) and Canadian courts (Aboriginal people and substantive equality; balancing the rights of children to medical treatment with the religious beliefs of parents)
- Information about the Centre’s policy work, including in relation to ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women, the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the UN Disabilities Convention, together with the Centre’s call for amendment to taxation laws to enable charities to advocate for the ‘advancement of human rights’
- Updates on the Centre’s casework and litigation, including in relation to transparency and accountability in prison management
- Details of forthcoming human rights seminars and events, including Centre seminars with the Hon Rob McClelland and Justice Maxwell (7 August) and with Prof Philippe Sands QC and the Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH (19 August)
- Information about useful human rights resources, including recent additions to the Centre’s website
- Human rights jobs, including a fellowship with University of Texas Law School and a CEDAW Shadow Report Project Coordinator
- Updates on major international human rights developments from our foreign correspondent in Geneva, Claire Mahon
- ‘If I were Attorney-General’ by Lucy McKernan, Senior Associate with Allens Arthur Robinson and a founding member of the Human Rights Law Resource Centre Advisory Committee
