10 December 2000
Human Rights Medal and Awards 2000
Darwin Community Legal Service presented with Community Award
A community legal service that mixes political strategy and grass-roots activism has won the Community award. Established in 1991, the Darwin Community Legal Service has campaigned against mandatory sentencing and domestic violence, pushed for better access for the disabled and promoted human rights.
The judges were impressed by the range of issues tackled by DCLS and the methods of gathering community support - including use of the media and facilitating community debate on issues such as the impact of mandatory sentencing on people with an intellectual disability. They said DCLS tackled difficult issues and sometimes advocated a course of action that ran counter to prevailing community and political attitudes.
DCLS coordinates the community group Territorians for Effective Sentencing, has lobbied for better access to indigenous interpreter services, organised the Annual Human Rights Arts Awards and successfully pushed for a police prosecutor dedicated to domestic violence matters.
The Refugee Council of Australia was highly commended for being a champion of the cause of refugees in Australia by developing policy, providing education and support and acting as an advocate for Australia's diverse refugee community. One of the judges described the council as an "energetic advocate" for refugee rights in an environment not necessarily sympathetic to such issues.
Also Highly Commended was People with Disabilities (NSW) Inc, which has been an outstanding advocate for disability rights over two decades and has contributed to fundamental changes in the treatment of people with disabilities in New South Wales. The judges were impressed by the unrelenting efforts of the organisation and its brave stance in taking test case litigation against the (NSW) Government that provides its funding.
Media contacts: Janine MacDonald on (02) 9284 9880 or 0412 783 631 Margie Cook on (02) 9284 9677 or 0418 637 230
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