Hume’s new chapter on Human Rights

08/09/2009

Twenty Hume residents with a passion for human rights will today step out as human rights facilitators at a launch which will also unveil a new human rights passport.

As part of the Everyday People, Everyday Rights project, the facilitators participated in community meetings held in May and June and received specialised training from the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission.

“The facilitators come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, with unique experiences and their own stories to tell,” said Dr Helen Szoke, Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission.

“Now they will apply what they’ve learned where it matters the most - at the individual level where people interact with each other, their government and their communities.”

The Human Rights Passport, a unique publication developed by Hume residents and produced by the Commission, features stories about everyday people, comprehensive information on ‘taking action” and “getting information”.

“The passport is a key to understanding how human rights relates to the everyday world and will better equip people to assert their rights.” said Dr Szoke.

Hume Mayor, Cr Jack Ogilvie believes the work of facilitators will build on Council’s leadership and strengthen the culture of human rights in the local community.

“We’ll now have a diverse group of people, going out into the community, talking about human rights and providing practical education to make a difference in their lives - this is the start of a new chapter for Hume.” said Cr Ogilvie.

Each facilitator will develop their own action plan that involves identifying issues, target audience, and where and how their activities will be run.

“We’ve benefited tremendously from this project and now I want the community to experience what we have,” said Gary Jungwirth, a facilitator who is keen on working with migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“It’s about time we have something like this here. I’m really proud of Hume,” said Helen Urut, a facilitator who is interested in working with refugees and asylum seeker.

The launch also incorporates the Everyday People, Everyday Rights art exhibition, featuring work and stories by the residents of Hume. The art exhibition will be on at the Hume Global Learning Centre until 30 September.

Details:

When: 5.30pm, Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Where: Hume Global Learning Centre, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows

More information: contact project coordinator Jessie Lees on 03 9281 7108 or go to www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/hume

Everyday People, Everyday Rights is funded by the Legal Services Board.

Dr. Helen Szoke and the human rights facilitators are available for media interviews.

Media contact: Ian Row, 0408 126 396