Election 2001

MEDIA RELEASE

4 November 2001

ALP PROMISES HUMAN RIGHTS AMBASSADOR

The ALP has promised to appoint an Ambassador for Human Rights with the responsibility for advancing Australia's human rights objectives at the United Nations and in regional and bilateral dialogues.

Welcoming this initiative, the spokesperson for the New South Wales Human Rights Education Committee (NSWHREC) Ms Bev Pavey noted that the role of the ambassador would be to build alliances with like-minded countries committed to the advancement of human rights.

"With the intention of bringing human rights back into the mainstream of the debate, our committee sent five questions to the Coalition, the ALP, the Democrats, the Greens, One Nation, and key independents. These questions related to a Bill of Rights, Indigenous Australians, asylum seekers, discrimination and the impact of the global economy upon the social good,"
Ms Pavey said.

"Substantive responses were received to our questionnaire. The speediest and most concise response was from the Greens and the slowest but most comprehensive response was from the ALP.

"Responses to the questions can be viewed on our website at
www.nswhrec.freeservers.com."

In summarising the survey results, Ms Pavey noted that while respondents differed on a range of issues, including the need for a Bill of Rights; the signing of a treaty for Indigenous Australians; whether to reform or expand the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC); and the treatment of asylum seekers; there was widespread support for the furtherance of human rights education.

For more information please contact Bev Pavey on (02) 9416-8731 or 0407-457858.