Human Rights Charter: Forum to explore impact for Indigenous Victorians

19/03/2008

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service is hosting a forum today about Victoria’s new Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and its importance and relevance for Indigenous Victorians.

This important forum is the first to look at the impact of the Charter on the lives of Indigenous peoples and will be attended by over 80 representatives from Indigenous communities and organisations across Victoria.

The Charter, which came into full effect on January 1 this year, aims to improve the work of State and local government by compelling them to act in a way that is compatible with human rights.

Commission Chief Executive Officer, Dr Helen Szoke, said the Charter is of great significance for Victoria’s Indigenous population and promotes respect and recognition of Indigenous rights.

“The Charter makes explicit reference to the importance of human rights for Indigenous people, and the protection of their distinct cultural rights” she said.

“This forum will bring people together to consider what opportunities the Charter provides to advance and promote change.”

The one-day forum features a workshop in which participants will identify issues facing Indigenous communities in Victoria and practical approaches using the Charter to address these issues.

Leading Indigenous academic, Larissa Behrendt and CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Frank Guivarra will give key note presentation on human rights laws from around the world and their impact for Indigenous communities.

A post-forum report will be developed to inform the future work of the Commission with Indigenous communities, and provide a summary of the approaches to addressing human rights issues developed by workshop participants.

The forum will run from 9.30am – 4.00pm on Wednesday 19 March at the Aboriginal Advancement League in Thornbury.

Media enquiries: Jessica Ardley 0428881254