Human rights events and publications calendar
This is a calendar of upcoming events and publications related to human rights issues in Australia. It is not intended to be a detailed directory but rather a brief and quick reference to what's happening in the fields of human rights, anti-discrimination, gender-equality, racism in sport, human rights education, and equal opportunities in the workplace in Australia.
- A weekly update on events that the Australian Human Rights Commission, it's Commissioners or President are doing is also available
- How to submit an event
EVENTS
2010
Ongoing
February
Friday 19 February: ACCSR’s 4th Annual Conference “Meeting the Standard: the Post-GFC World of Responsible Business Practice”.
- Where: RACV Club, 501 Bourke St, Melbourne
- When: Friday, 19th February, 2010, 9:00am-5:30pm.
In 2010, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the world’s leading standards body, will release a global standard on what it means to be a socially responsible organisation. This conference will feature three international speakers and five experts who have been central to the development of ISO 26000.
Are you ready to meet the standard of responsible business practice in a post-GFC world?
Responsible business practices can help address the stakeholder and ethical issues that have eroded trust in business during the Global Financial Crisis. CSR survived the GFC, proving that ‘business as usual’ is no longer viable. ISO 26000 has the potential to reshape the CSR landscape. Find out what a global standard on social responsibility principles, topics and practices will mean for organisations.
Join us for ACCSR’s 4th Annual Conference to learn:
- What issues and practices the new ISO standard will cover
- What value it can add to organisations
- How it will relate to existing ISO standards and other CSR instruments i.e. the GRI and the UN Global Compact
- What the implications for stakeholders and the environment will be.
Please visit the ACCSR website for the conference brochure and registration form. Pay before 18 December to receive the ‘super early bird’ rate. The conference program will have some exciting updates, so make sure to check back often.
Tuesday February 23: Contact Officer Training Program
This training will equip participants with the right skills and knowledge to be effective and confident EEO and Anti-bullying Contact Officers. The program will ensure they understand the Federal and State Legislation concerning Unlawful Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Harassment and Bullying and refine and practice their techniques to assist employees with perceived complaints.
Featuring: iHR Australia’s CEO, Stephen Bell and Workplace Reality Theatre (Professional Actors)
Location: Brisbane Queensland
Venue: To be announced
Time: 9am – 5pm
Further information: call 1300 884 687 or click onhttp://www.ihraustralia.com.au/training&events/officer_training_program.asp to register or view details of the program.
Tuesday February 23: National Sunnies for Sight Day
Further information: Go to http://www.sunniesforsight.org/
Wednesday February 24: EEO & Anti-Bullying for Managers Training Program
This training will equip your leaders to be responsible for the everyday management and prevention of Unlawful Discrimination and Bullying in their workplace. This program draws the link between workplace culture and its reflection on what is perceived as acceptable behaviour. Upon completion of this program Managers will have a more sound knowledge of the legislative framework governing the Australian Workplace as well as an understanding of how important it is for them to role model appropriate behaviours.
Featuring: iHR Australia’s CEO, Stephen Bell and Workplace Reality Theatre (Professional Actors)
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Venue: To be announced
Time: 9am – 1pm
Further information: call 1300 884 687 or click onhttp://www.ihraustralia.com.au/training&events/EEOSettingStandard_public.asp to register or view details of the program
March
Sunday March 7 til Saturday March 13: World Glaucoma Week
Glaucoma is a worldwide epidemiological challenge affecting approximately four percent of the global population with an estimated 50 percent of glaucoma cases remaining undiagnosed. Research shows that in 2010, an estimated 60.5 million people globally will be living with either angle closure glaucoma or primary open angle glaucoma. World Glaucoma Day offers an opportunity to educate patients with glaucoma and those at risk for the disease by raising awareness and providing helpful tips about the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Further information: Go to http://www.glaucoma.org.au/
Monday March 8: International Women's Day
International Women's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women. In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day on 8 March.
Further information: Go to http://www.un.org/events/women/iwd/ & or http://www.internationalwomensday.com/events.asp
Thursday March 11: Contact Officer Training Program
This training will equip participants with the right skills and knowledge to be effective and confident EEO and Anti-bullying Contact Officers for your organisation. The program will ensure they understand the federal and state legislation driving unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying and refine and practice their techniques to assist employees with perceived complaints.
Featuring: iHR Australia’s CEO, Stephen Bell and Workplace Reality Theatre (Professional Actors)
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Venue: To be announced
Time: 9am – 5pm
Further information: call 1300 884 687 or click onhttp://www.ihraustralia.com.au/training&events/officer_training_program.asp to register or view details of the program
Friday March 12: EEO & Anti-Bullying for Managers Training Program
This training will equip your leaders to be responsible for the everyday management and prevention of Unlawful Discrimination and Bullying in their workplace. This program draws the link between workplace culture and its reflection on what is perceived as acceptable behaviour. Upon completion of this program Managers will have a more sound knowledge of the legislative framework governing the Australian Workplace as well as an understanding of how important it is for them to role model appropriate behaviours.
Featuring: iHR Australia’s CEO, Stephen Bell and Workplace Reality Theatre (Professional Actors)
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Venue: To be announced
Time: 9am – 1pm
Further information: call 1300 884 687 or click onhttp://www.ihraustralia.com.au/training&events/EEOSettingStandard_public.asp to register or view details of the program
Sunday March 14 til Sunday March 21: Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week - VIC
Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week is Victoria's largest event for the promotion of cultural, linguistic and religious diversity and community harmony. The week incorporates the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which falls on 21 March each year. Right across Victoria there will be events and activities for everyone to enjoy.
Location: Victoria
Further information: Go to http://www.culturaldiversity.vic.gov.au/
Monday March 15: Workplace Investigations Officer Program
This training will equip HR representatives and senior managers to be able to conduct a workplace investigation related to Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment or Bullying for your organisation.
Participants should have background knowledge in the legislative framework surrounding Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying in the workplace, and the process of ‘Natural Justice’. Upon completion of this program participants will be equipped with the skills to execute a sound and legitimate investigation once a complaint has been brought to them.
Featuring: Senior Workplace Relations Practitioner/Expert Investigator John Boardman, Program Facilitator Jo Murphy and Workplace Reality Theatre (Professional Actors)
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Venue: To be announced
Time: 9am – 5pm
Further information: call 1300 884 687 or click onhttp://www.ihraustralia.com.au/training&events/InvestigationOfficeTrainingProgram_public.asp to register or view details of the program
Monday March 16: Contact Officer Training Program
This training will equip participants with the right skills and knowledge to be effective and confident EEO and Anti-bullying Contact Officers for your organisation. The program will ensure they understand the federal and state legislation driving unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying and refine and practice their techniques to assist employees with perceived complaints.
Featuring: iHR Australia’s Facilitator Jo Murphy and Workplace Reality Theatre (Professional Actors)
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Venue: To be announced
Time: 9am – 5pm
Further information: call 1300 884 687 or click onhttp://www.ihraustralia.com.au/training&events/officer_training_program.asp to register or view details of the program
Thursday March 17: Contact Officer Training Program
This training will equip participants with the right skills and knowledge to be effective and confident EEO and Anti-bullying Contact Officers for your organisation. The program will ensure they understand the federal and state legislation driving unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying and refine and practice their techniques to assist employees with perceived complaints.
Featuring: iHR Australia’s CEO, Stephen Bell and Workplace Reality Theatre (Professional Actors)
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Venue: To be confirmed
Time: 9am – 5pm
Further information: call 1300 884 687 or click onhttp://www.ihraustralia.com.au/training&events/officer_training_program.asp to register or view details of the program
Monday March 18: EEO & Anti-Bullying for Managers Training Program
This training will equip your leaders to be responsible for the everyday management and prevention of Unlawful Discrimination and Bullying in their workplace. This program draws the link between workplace culture and its reflection on what is perceived as acceptable behaviour. Upon completion of this program Managers will have a more sound knowledge of the legislative framework governing the Australian Workplace as well as an understanding of how important it is for them to role model appropriate behaviours.
Featuring: iHR Australia’s CEO, Stephen Bell and Workplace Reality Theatre (Professional Actors)
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Venue: To be confirmed
Time: 9am – 1pm
Further information: call 1300 884 687 or click onhttp://www.ihraustralia.com.au/training&events/EEOSettingStandard_public.asp to register or view details of the program
Monday March 19: EEO & Anti-Bullying for Managers Training Program
This training will equip your leaders to be responsible for the everyday management and prevention of Unlawful Discrimination and Bullying in their workplace. This program draws the link between workplace culture and its reflection on what is perceived as acceptable behaviour. Upon completion of this program Managers will have a more sound knowledge of the legislative framework governing the Australian Workplace as well as an understanding of how important it is for them to role model appropriate behaviours.
Featuring: iHR Australia’s CEO, Stephen Bell and Workplace Reality Theatre (Professional Actors)
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Venue: Regus Riverside, QLD
Time: 9am – 1pm
Further information: call 1300 884 687 or click onhttp://www.ihraustralia.com.au/training&events/EEOSettingStandard_public.asp to register or view details of the program
Sunday March 21: Harmony Day
Harmony Day, an Australian Government initiative that began in 1999, provides Australians with an opportunity to think about our community's success as a multicultural society, re-commit to continuing tolerance, goodwill and understanding among all groups, and say no to racism. Harmony Day falls on 21 March each year and coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Further information: Go to http://www.harmony.gov.au/harmony-day/
Sunday March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws". Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. This day is the beginning of the Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination.
Further information: Go to http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/racial/
Monday March 22: World Water Day
Water and health are inter-twined in many ways and it is important to address the increasing need for adequate and safe water to protect both people and the planet. The international observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. The United Nations General Assembly designated 22 March of each year as the World Day for Water by adopting a resolution. This world day for water has been observed since 1993.
Further information: Go to http://www.worldwaterday.org/
Tuesday March 23: Contact Officer Training Program
This training will equip participants with the right skills and knowledge to be effective and confident EEO and Anti-bullying Contact Officers for your organisation. The program will ensure they understand the federal and state legislation driving unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying and refine and practice their techniques to assist employees with perceived complaints.
Featuring: iHR Australia’s facilitator Sebastian Harvey and Workplace Reality Theatre (Professional Actors)
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Venue: To be confirmed
Time: 9am – 5pm
Further information: call 1300 884 687 or click onhttp://www.ihraustralia.com.au/training&events/officer_training_program.asp to register or view details of the program
Wednesday March 24: Workplace Investigations Officer Program
This training will equip HR representatives and senior managers to be able to conduct a workplace investigation related to Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment or Bullying for your organisation.
Participants should have background knowledge in the legislative framework surrounding Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying in the workplace, and the process of ‘Natural Justice’. Upon completion of this program participants will be equipped with the skills to execute a sound and legitimate investigation once a complaint has been brought to them.
Featuring: Senior Workplace Relations Practitioner/Expert Investigator John Boardman, Program Facilitator Jo Murphy and Workplace Reality Theatre (Professional Actors)
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Venue: To be announced
Time: 9am – 5pm
Further information: call 1300 884 687 or click onhttp://www.ihraustralia.com.au/training&events/InvestigationOfficeTrainingProgram_public.asp to register or view details of the program
Thursday March 25: National Close the Gap Day
National Close the Gap Day is an annual event organised by Oxfam recognising Australia's largest campaign to improve Indigenous health.
Further information: Go to http://www.oxfam.org.au/act/events/close-the-gap-day
April
Thursday April 15: Workplace Investigations Officer Program
This training will equip HR representatives and senior managers to be able to conduct a workplace investigation related to Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment or Bullying for your organisation.
Participants should have background knowledge in the legislative framework surrounding Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying in the workplace, and the process of ‘Natural Justice’. Upon completion of this program participants will be equipped with the skills to execute a sound and legitimate investigation once a complaint has been brought to them.
Featuring: Senior Workplace Relations Practitioner/Expert Investigator John Boardman, Program Facilitator Jo Murphy and Workplace Reality Theatre (Professional Actors)
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Venue: To be announced
Time: 9am – 5pm
Further information: call 1300 884 687 or click onhttp://www.ihraustralia.com.au/training&events/InvestigationOfficeTrainingProgram_public.asp to register or view details of the program
Sunday April 18: World Heritage Day
World Heritage is the shared wealth of humankind. Protecting and preserving this valuable asset demands the collective efforts of the international community. This day offers an opportunity to raise the public's awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage and the efforts that are required to protect and conserve it, as well as draw attention to its vulnerability.
Further information: Go to http://www.gdrc.org/heritage/world-heritage-day.html
Wednesday April 28: International Guide Dog Day
Celebrate on the last Wednesday in April, International Guide Dog Day is an opportunity to celebrate the mobility and independence a Guide Dog can bring to vision impaired people around the world. To find out how you can support the International Guide Dog Day celebrations in your state, contact the Guide Dog organisation in your state.
Further information: Go to http://www.guidedogsaustralia.com/
Friday April 30 til Sunday May 9: Human Rights Arts and Film Festival
The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (or her-aff as they like to call it) was founded in 2007 by Evelyn Tadros, Naziath Mantoo and a dedicated team of passionate her-aff-ers who had a vision to make human rights accessible, relevant and significant to the broader Australian community. In less than two years, HRAFF has grown into a nation wide Festival showing in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Canberra.
Location: Melbourne
Further information: Go to http://www.hraff.org.au/
May
Monday May 3 til Sunday May 9: National Mothering Week
National Mothering Week is always the week leading up to and including Mothers Day in Australia.
Further information: Go to http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/
Saturday May 8: World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
Each year, on 8 May, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement marks World Red Cross Red Crescent Day by highlighting the role of its staff and volunteers in saving lives and assisting vulnerable communities around the world. The day is extremely significant for the Red Cross, as it is the birthday of founder Henri Dunant.
Further information: Go to http://www.redcross.org.au/events_worldredcrossday_default.htm
Monday May 10 til Sunday May 16: National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week provides a national focus for organisations wanting to recruit volunteers and promote the value of volunteering to the community. Each year, Volunteering Australia adopts a different theme for the week. In Australia, National Volunteer Week is always celebrated in May and starts the Monday immediately after Mother's Day and runs through to the following Sunday.
Further information: Go to http://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/..._cat_id=357&nav_top_id=55
Monday May 10 til Monday May 17: Law Week
Law Week is held in May each year to promote greater understanding of our law and justice system. Law Week reaches out to members of the community with free events, inviting discovery of the rich culture of our law and justice system and celebrating the vital role it plays in our society.
Further information: Go to http://www.lawweek.com.au/
Saturday May 15: International Day of Families
International Day of Families, May 15, reflects the importance that the international community attaches to families as basic units of society as well as its concern regarding their situation around the world. The International Day of Families provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families as well as to promote appropriate action.
Further information: Go to http://www.familiesaustralia.org.au/...liesweek/international.htm
Friday May 21: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
UNESCO has always emphasised the linkages between culture and the broader aims of human endeavour. The need to enhance the potential of culture as a means of achieving prosperity, sustainable development and global peace, was recognised by the General Assembly on 20 December 2002, proclaiming 21 May the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (resolution 57/249). The Day marks the important role that dialogue between different cultures plays in the overall development of society. A new global consciousness is in process of emerging. It is a mind set that values human unity and the oneness of life; while also valuing the immense diversity of human cultures.
Further information: Go to http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/cultural_diversity/
Wednesday May 26: National Sorry Day
The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998 - one year after the tabling of the report 'Bringing them Home' which was the result of an inquiry into the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. One of the recommendations of the report was that a National Sorry Day should be declared. The Day offers the community the opportunity to participate and be involved in activities to acknowledge the impact of the policies of forcible removal on Australia's indigenous populations. See also http://www.acn.net.au/articles/sorry/.
Further information: Go to http://www.nsdc.org.au/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
Thursday May 27 til Thursday June 3: National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June) offers people across Australia the opportunity to focus on reconciliation, to learn about the culture and history of Australia's Indigenous people, and to explore new and better ways of meeting challenges in our communities. National Reconciliation Week is a time for us to renew our commitment to reconciliation and to think about how we can help turn around the continuing disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Further information: Go to http://www.reconciliation.org.au/home/get-involved/national-reconciliation-week
Saturday May 29: International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
The UN General Assembly has designated 29 May of each year as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served in United Nations peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace (resolution 57/129, 11 December 2002).
Further information: Go to http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/peacekeepers/
June
Thursday June 3: Mabo Day
Further information: Go to http://www.takver.com/history/ph_maboday.htm
Friday June 4: International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
Visit the UN Children's Fund http://www.unicef.org for ideas about how you can help make a difference.
Friday June 11 til Monday June 14: Barunga Festival - NT
Barunga Festival is one of Australia's major and longest-running Indigenous community festivals. It is celebrated in this Aboriginal community each year over the Queen's Birthday long weekend in June. Music is the highlight of the festival, with contemporary and traditional musicians and dancers from all over the Northern Territory performing. A full sports program runs throughout the weekend and attracts participants from remote communities throughout the Territory who keenly compete in football, basketball, and athletics.
Location: Northern Territory
Further information: Go to http://www.barungafestival.com.au/
Saturday June 12: World Day Against Child Labour
12 June is World Day Against Child Labour. Child labour, according to International Labour Organization conventions, is work that harms children's well-being and hinders their education, development and future livelihoods. When children have to work long hours in the fields, their ability to attend school or skills training is limited, preventing them from gaining education that could help lift them out of poverty in the future. Significant progress is being made worldwide in combating child labour. However, a strong and sustained global movement is needed to provide the extra push towards eliminating the scourge of child labour. Also see http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_34497.html
Further information: Go to http://www.ilo.org/ipec/Campaignandadvocacy/WDACL/lang--en/index.htm
Monday June 14 til Sunday June 20: International Men's Health Week
The purpose of Men's Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.
Further information: Go to http://www.menshealthweek.com.au/
Monday June 14: World Blood Donor Day
World Blood Donor Day is held on 14 June, and celebrates the contributions of voluntary blood donors worldwide. Each blood donation has the potential to save three lives. In Australia, only 3% of the population donates blood. It's been shown that 80% of us will need blood in our lifetime. Help change the numbers. Don't ignore the need for blood.
Further information: Go to http://www.wbdd.org/
Sunday June 20: World Refugee Day
Consider how radically your world would change if, without notice, you were forced to leave your home and possessions behind and relocate to an area in which you would know nobody and have little idea where your next meal would come from. For years, many countries and regions have been holding their own Refugee Days and even Weeks. As an expression of solidarity with Africa, which hosts the most refugees, and which traditionally has shown them great generosity, a special UN General Assembly Resolution was unanimously adopted in 2000 which designated 20 June every year as World Refugee Day.
Further information: Go to http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/refugee/
Saturday June 26: International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
On 12 December 1997, the 26th of June was officially proclaimed as the "United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture" by the UN General Assembly through the adoption of Resolution No. 52/149. The day reminds us that torture is a crime and provides us with an opportunity to stand united and voice our opinion against torture, a cruel violation of human rights.
Further information: Go to http://www.irct.org/Default.aspx?ID=766
July
Sunday July 4 til Saturday July 10: NAIDOC Week
National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week is a way of celebrating and promoting a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and our culture. From Alice Springs to Adelaide, Canberra to Cairns or from Brisbane to Broome, communities throughout the country come together to celebrate the survival of Aboriginal peoples, the continuation of Aboriginal culture and to also demonstrate the contribution that Indigenous Australians have made to our nation.
Further information: Go to http://www.naidoc.org.au/
Saturday July 24: National Stress Down Day
Stressdown on 24/7 is a great day to do something for both yourself and a great cause. Do something relaxing to raise money for Lifeline's 24 hour telephone counselling line
Further information: Go to http://www.stressdown.org.au/
August
Monday August 2 til Sunday August 8: National Homeless Persons' Week
On any given night, there are nearly 100,000 homeless people in Australia. These people come from every neighbourhood and every age group but they all have one thing in common; they are all suffering. The Australian Federation of Homelessness Organisations hosts an awareness week at the start of August to bring attention to the plight of Australia's homeless people.
Further information: Go to http://www.homelessnessaustralia.org.au/
Wednesday August 4: National Aboriginal and Islander Children's Day
National Aboriginal and Islander Children's Day, (NAICD), is an annual event celebrated on 4 August each year having been established by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) in 1988. The aim of NAICD is to demonstrate how important children are to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. By focussing on a different theme each year NAICD draws attention to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and major issues SNAICC is pursuing on their behalf.
Further information: Go to http://www.snaicc.asn.au/children/
Friday August 6 til Tuesday August 10: Garma Festival - NT
The Garma Festival of Traditional Culture is a celebration of the cultural inheritance of the Yolngu people, the Indigenous Aboriginal Australians of NorthEast Arnhemland. The Garma ceremony has as its purpose the sharing of knowledge and culture, and the opening of hearts to the message of the land at Gukula. It includes a Key Forum that in 2010 will focus on Indigenous Education. One of the central issues and challenges to be discussed at the Key Forum on the Creative Industries will be the extent and nature of Creative Industries interface with Indigenous Australians, including cultural and commercial rights, and the place of traditional art.
Further information: Go to http://www.garma.telstra.com/
Friday August 6: Hiroshima Day
Hiroshima Day is observed in many parts of the world with special vigils and peace marches. It is held to commemorate the dropping of the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945. Three days later a second bomb fell on the city of Nagasaki. The occasion is marked on 6 August.
Further information: Go to http://www.kidsturncentral.com/...idays/glossary/defhiroshima.htm
Monday August 9: International Day of the World's Indigenous People
The 9 August is an opportunity to acknowledge the significant place that indigenous cultures occupy in the world's cultural landscape, and the important contribution they make to our rich cultural diversity. By resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994, the General Assembly decided to celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous People on 9 August every year during the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. In 2004 the Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade by resolution 59/174. The goal of this Decade is to further strengthen international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by indigenous people in such areas as culture, education, health, human rights, the environment, and social and economic development.
Further information: Go to http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/indigenous/
Thursday August 12: International Youth Day
International Youth Day gives the world an opportunity to recognise the potential of youth, to celebrate their achievements, and plan for ways to better engage young people to successfully take action in the development of their societies. It presents a unique opportunity for all stakeholders to rally together to ensure that young people are included in decision-making at all levels
Further information: Go to http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/iyouthday.htm
Sunday August 15 til Saturday August 21: National Glaucoma Week
National Glaucoma Week seeks to raise awareness of the 'silent' eye condition - glaucoma. It is a major cause of sight loss in Australia.
Further information: Go to http://www.glaucoma.org.au/
Sunday August 22 til Saturday August 28: Hearing Awareness Week
Hearing Awareness Week is an annual event held in the last full week of August. It provides an opportunity to raise community awareness of hearing impairment and ways to protect your hearing. This week is a key event for Deafness Forum which is the national coordinating body. Hearing Awareness Week also provides an opportunity for the 22 percent of Australians aged 15 years and over who have a hearing impairment to share their experience and knowledge and help to create a greater understanding of their needs and aspirations.
Further information: Go to http://www.hearingawarenessweek.org.au/
September
Sunday September 5 til Saturday September 11: National Child Protection Week
A major event for the NAPCAN Foundation each year is the coordination of National Child Protection Week, starting on Father's Day in September. During this special week activities are held throughout Australia promoting community awareness of child abuse and neglect in all of its forms, the dramatic benefits of positive parenting towards the prevention of child abuse and neglect, and the role communities must play in preventing child abuse and neglect before it starts.
Further information: Go to http://www.napcan.org.au/
Wednesday September 15: International Day of Democracy
Throughout history, democracies have flourished, been threatened or dismantled, and re-emerged in societies all over the world. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly acknowledged the resilience and universality of the principles of democracy by declaring 15 September the International Day of Democracy.
Further information: Go to http://www.ipu.org/dem-e/idd/overview.htm
Friday September 17: Australian Citizenship Day
Australian Citizenship Day, first celebrated in 2001, is held on September 17 and is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the meaning and importance of our Citizenship. It is a chance for all of us to think about the changes that have shaped our nation and the role both new and Australian born citizens have played in building Australia and shaping our future. Most importantly, Australian Citizenship Day provides a special day on which we reflect on the values which underpin our democracy, equality, and respect for each other's beliefs.
Further information: Go to http://www.citizenship.gov.au/news/announcements/citday.htm
Tuesday September 21: International Day of Peace
In 1981, the General Assembly declared that the opening day of its regular session in September 'shall be officially dedicated and observed as the International Day of Peace and shall be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples'. On 7 September 2001, the Assembly decided that, beginning in 2002, the International Day of Peace shall be observed on 21 September each year, with this date to be brought to the attention of all people for the celebration and observance of peace (resolution 55/282). It declared that the Day shall be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities throughout the Day.
Further information: Go to http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/
October
Saturday October 2: International Day of Non-Violence
The first International Day of Non-Violence was marked on 2 October 2007, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence. According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271, the International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence".
Further information: Go to http://www.un.org/events/nonviolence/
Thursday October 14: World Sight Day
World Sight Day is an annual event, held on the second Thursday of October, which focuses attention on the problem of global blindness. 'Every 5 seconds one person in our world goes blind and a child goes blind every minute'. It is coordinated by VISION 2020: The Right to Sight, a joint initiative of the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, and aims to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020.
Further information: Go to http://www.v2020.org/page.asp?section=000100010007
Sunday October 17: International Day for Eradication of Poverty
In 1992, the General Assembly declared 17 October the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (resolution 47/196 of 22 December). The observance of the Day aims to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries, particularly in developing countries - a need that has become a development priority.
Further information: Go to http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/poverty/
Sunday October 17 til Saturday October 23: Anti-Poverty Week
Anti-Poverty Week aims to strengthen public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world and within Australia. It also aims to encourage research, discussion and action to address these problems, including action by individuals, communities, organisations and governments. The week always runs from the Sunday to the Saturday which incorporates the UN Eradication of Poverty Day.
Further information: Go to http://www.antipovertyweek.org.au/
Wednesday October 20 til Tuesday October 26: World Refugee Week
Consider how radically your world would change if, without notice, you were forced to leave your home and possessions behind and relocate to an area in which you would know nobody and have little idea where your next meal would come from. For years, many countries and regions have been holding their own Refugee Days and even Weeks. As an expression of solidarity with Africa, which hosts the most refugees, and which traditionally has shown them great generosity, a special UN General Assembly Resolution was unanimously adopted in 2000 which designated 20 June every year as World Refugee Day.
Further information: Go to http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/refugee/
Wednesday October 27: United Nations Day
The anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter on 24 October 1945 has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. It has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization. In 1971, the General Assembly recommended that Member States observe it as a public holiday (resolution 2782(XXVI)).
Further information: Go to http://www.un.org/events/unday/2007/
November
Saturday November 6: Australia's Kindness Day
National Kindness Day is held on 6 November each year, and is the beginning of a sixteen day celebration devoted to kindness and unity. It includes World Kindness Day (13 November), UNESCO's International Day of Tolerance (16 November), and the International Day for Children (20 November). While National Kindness Day is relevant to Australia, the other three days will be celebrated throughout the world. They represent a world wide promotion of global kindness and understanding, which will create a greater awareness of how kindness can help to heal the world.
Further information: Go to http://www.kindness.com.au/
Saturday November 13: World Kindness Day
The purpose of World Kindness Day is to look beyond ourselves, beyond the boundaries of our country, beyond our culture, our race, our religion; and realise we are citizens of the world. As world citizens we have a commonality, and must realise that if progress is to be made in human relations and endeavours, if we are to achieve the goal of peaceful coexistence, we must focus on what we have in common. When we find likenesses we begin to experience empathy, and in such a state we can fully relate to that person or those people. While we may think of people from other cultures as being ‘different’ when we compare them with our own customs and beliefs, it doesn’t mean that we are any better than they are. When we become friends with someone from a different culture we discover that despite some obvious differences, there are many similarities
Further information: Go to http://kindness.com.au/cms/content/view/16/38/
Tuesday November 16: UNESCO International Day for Tolerance
In 1996, the General Assembly invited Member States to observe the
International Day for Tolerance on 16 November, with activities directed towards
both educational establishments and the wider public (resolution 51/95 of 12
December). This action came in the wake of the United Nations Year for
Tolerance, 1995, proclaimed by the Assembly in 1993 (resolution 48/126). The
Year had been declared on the initiative of the General Conference of UNESCO. On
16 November 1995, the UNESCO member States had adopted the Declaration of
Principles on Tolerance and Follow-up Plan of Action for the
Year.
The 2005 World Summit Outcome document (A/RES/60/1), outlines
the commitment of Heads of State and Government to advance human welfare,
freedom and progress everywhere, as well as to encourage tolerance, respect,
dialogue and cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and
peoples.
Further information: Go to http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/tolerance/
December
Monday December 20: International Human Solidarity Day
International Human Solidarity Day was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2005 as an initiative in the fight against poverty. The Millennium Declaration identified solidarity as one of the fundamental and universal values that should underlie relations between peoples in the twenty-first century. Convinced that the promotion of the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing was important for combating poverty, the General Assembly proclaimed 20 December as International Human Solidarity Day.
Further information: Go to http://www.un.org/...dev/social/intldays/IntSolidarity/index.html
2012
Sunday September 9, 2012: Paralympic Games
London is the host nation for the 14th Paralympic Summer Games, to be held from 29 August - 9 September 2012. The Paralympic Games commence 12 days after the close of the Olympic Summer Games.
Further information: Go to http://www.paralympic.org.au
PUBLICATIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER
A Publication of Australian Human Rights Centre, University of New South Wales
Current issue - June 2009.
The Human Rights Defender is a human rights magazine which features information and comment on a broad range of current issues in human rights. It also seeks to provide a platform for the expression of critical thinking and the discussion of conceptual developments in human rights.
Further info: www.ahrcentre.org/content/research_hrd.htm
NEW MATILDA.COM
Human Rights Act for Australia online discussion forum.
Further info: http://www.humanrightsact.com.au/
How to submit an event
If you would like to submit an event or publication, please email details (event / publication name, date, time, location, key participants, contacts for further information) to paffairs@humanrights.gov.au.
Events can be conferences, seminars, book or media launches, competition deadlines, community forums, courses, calls for submissions, days/weeks of observance (eg, International Day of Older Persons, Anti-Poverty Week), workshops, performances, etc.
The Commission reserves the right to select and edit submissions as we see fit.
