Tampering with Human Rights

07/10/2002

Corporate litigation lawyer turned refugee rights advocate Eric Vadarlis will deliver the Equal Opportunity Commission's second annual Victorian Human Rights Oration on December 10.

Eric Vadarlis rose to prominence in August last year when he took Federal Court action against the Federal Government on behalf of 433 asylum seekers aboard the Tampa. He was awarded the 2002 Civil Justice Award of the Australian Plaintiff Lawyers Association for his efforts.

An outspoken critic of the Government's treatment of asylum seekers, Eric also represented two boys who were turned away by the British Consulate following their dramatic escape from Woomera Detention Centre and subsequent plea for asylum.

Titled 'Tampering with Human Rights', the Oration will give Eric an opportunity to speak on the meaning of human rights for ordinary Australians and how his experiences as a migrant drove him to take the Federal Government to Court over the treatment of asylum seekers aboard the Tampa.

The Victorian Human Rights Oration is the Equal Opportunity Commission's major annual event and will be held on December 10 to recognise United Nations Human Rights Day. The aim of the Oration is to bring a focus to human rights as an issue that affects everyone from world leaders to ordinary Australians.

Last year's inaugural Victorian Human Rights Oration was delivered by the then East Timorese independence leader Xanana Gusmao.

A Greek migrant, Eric Vadarlis and his parents docked in Port Melbourne in March 1969 in search of a better life. Settling in Brunswick, Eric's upbringing was similar to countless migrant children who were called wogs and got into fights. It was a potent combination of these early experiences, a passionate belief in helping the 'underdog' and pride in Australia's multiculturalism that compelled him to take action for the Tampa boat people - a move that has cost him and his family dearly financially, mentally and emotionally.

He and a team 21 lawyers argued that the Government had acted unlawfully by refusing to allow the asylum seekers into Australia to apply for asylum. After Justice Tony North ruled that Tampa boat people had been illegally held, Eric announced he would fly to see the boat people to deliver the good news. He still has not met them.

A few weeks after the decision, a Full Bench of the Federal Court overturned his short-lived success, in favour of the government.

The second annual Victorian Human Rights Oration

Tuesday 10th December 12pm to 1pm Followed by refreshments

Swanston Room, Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St Melbourne (wheelchair access available)

Registration Julie Paxton
Friday 6th December 2002
Ph (03) 9281 7169
Email: julie.paxton@eoc.vic.gov.au

Registration is free

Please advise at the time of registration if you require a sign interpreter, attendant carer or other support.