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Local Youth Take Part In Human Rights ForumWonthaggi resident Rebecca Harrison represented Bass Coast Shire Council at a Youth Forum on Human Rights held in Melbourne on 26 February. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 2nd March 2007 - Back to News Convened by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (formerly the Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria) in association with Youthlaw, the Forum discussed human rights issues, including the recently enacted Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities, as they relate to young people from across the state.
On the day delegates shared their experiences of human rights and heard from high-profile speakers, including the Minister for Youth Affairs, The Hon James Merlino, Commission CEO Dr Helen Szoke, and musician Kate Ceberano.
Delegates workshopped their ideas about the Charter of Human Rights, and with the help of youth hip-hop group A.R.A.B. (‘Anti Racism Action Band’) translated the day’s key messages into a ‘beatbox’ rap performance.
Each youth delegate participating in the Youth Forum was sponsored to attend by their local Council.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Neville Goodwin said that Council was very pleased to sponsor Rebecca to attend the Youth Forum.
"This was a great opportunity for Rebecca to meet others from different walks of life, to develop a better understanding of human rights and the recently passed Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities, and then to report back to other young people from Bass Coast Shire about her experiences," he said.
The Forum coincided with the Commission’s major Human Rights Conference, held on 27 February. The Conference, featuring keynote addresses from Major Michael Mori and Sir Nigel Rodley, was held to mark the launch of the Charter and to celebrate 30 years of anti-discrimination legislation in Victoria. Youth Forum participants presented their findings to the Conference and all the Youth Forum delegates were invited to attend the presentation.
The theme for the conference was ‘Freedom, Respect, Equality and Dignity’ and it addressed the benefits of a Human Rights Charter and the adoption of human rights principles into every day life. Victoria is the first Australian state to launch a Charter.
Commission Chief Executive Officer Dr Helen Szoke welcomed the Bass Coast Shire’s interest in human rights issues.
"We are very pleased that Bass Coast Shire Council has demonstrated its commitment to youth participation and human rights by sponsoring Rebecca to attend the Youth Forum", said Dr Szoke.
"The Charter is for all Victorians, and it’s important that young people understand their rights and have the chance to share their thoughts and experiences with each other and the whole community."
The Charter is an agreed set of democratic rights and freedoms protected by law, and will act as a form of insurance to ensure that human rights are a priority for present and future governments. The Charter states that human rights apply equally to all persons, including children and young people.
Children and young people also have special needs for protection and as a result the Charter makes some specific references to their rights, such as the right to protection by the state, and rights in criminal proceedings.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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