Media release - Human Rights Community Grants Program: $25,000 for Victorian community groups

10/07/2007

The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission has $25,000 to give to community organisations for human rights projects.

The grants are designed to support community organisations to educate about human rights, and to promote awareness of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

The Commission will grant up to $5,000 to community organisations for projects that further the community education objectives of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

The Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities came into effect on 1st January 2007. The Charter is an agreed set of democratic rights and freedoms protected by law.

One of the key new roles of the Commission under the Charter is to inform and educate Victorians about their human rights and responsibilities.

Commission chief executive, Dr Helen Szoke, said the grants program was an innovative way of raising awareness of human rights within the community.

“Human rights are an essential element of any democratic and inclusive society. We hope that community organisations that receive these grants can pass on knowledge and awareness of human rights to their communities,” she said.

“The Charter is a step forward for Victorians, and this program is an exciting opportunity for community organisations to become involved and create awareness of human rights.”

Only registered non-profit organisations may apply for a grant. Applications close 17th August 2007. The program guidelines and application form are available from the Commission website.

Media enquiries to Jessica Ardley, (03) 9281 7133 or 0428 881 254

Grants enquiries to: George Bisas, (03) 9281 7128