Annual Report 2007-2008: Chapter 11 - International Activities
Chapter 11
International Activities
- 11.1 CHINA-AUSTRALIA HUMAN RIGHTS TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROGRAM
- 11.2 VIETNAM-AUSTRALIA HUMAN RIGHTS TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROGRAM
- 11.3 ASIA PACIFIC FORUM OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS
- 11.4 INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
- 11.5 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
While the role and functions of HREOC as set out in legislation are primarily
directed towards human rights issues within Australia, HREOC undertakes an
international education and training role, with a specific focus on agencies in
the Asia Pacific region.
In 2007-08, as in past years, most of this has taken the form of technical
cooperation programs with other countries. These programs, which are based
around sharing knowledge and expertise, are generally delivered through the
framework of the Australian Government’s development cooperation program
administered by the Australian Agency for Inter-national Development (AusAID).
This international technical cooperation work is externally funded (not from
HREOC’s core budget, which is devoted to fulfilling its domestic
mandate).
These programs, along with HREOC’s participation in other international
fora, such as the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions, also
provide a valuable way to keep abreast of international developments in human
rights and models of best practice for national human rights institutions.
HREOC’s international role has evolved from the way that it has pursued
its domestic responsibilities. It also reflects the organisation’s belief
that helping to strengthen human rights protection in other countries has
flow-on benefits for everyone, including Australia. The international work also
provides staff development and gives wider international perspectives which
enhance HREOC’s domestic work.
In undertaking these activities, HREOC engages with a variety of institutions
and professionals relevant to the protection and promotion of human rights; for
example, government agencies and civil society groups in other countries, that
are involved in the protection and promotion of human rights and interested in
how the Australian experience could be relevant to their country. The activities
seek to strengthen the capacity of those institutions to protect human rights
through the increased ‘professionalism’ of agencies involved in
enforcing or implementing laws and the rule of law.
Many of HREOC’s international training activities involve a staged
process of implementation, from initial scoping to design through to full
implementation. This reflects the strong emphasis HREOC gives to detailed
planning to ensure that the Australian input accords with the needs and
priorities of overseas partner agencies.
It also reflects the fact that success in this area requires a gradualist
approach, with substantive progress often being preceded by a lengthy process of
establishing relationships and building confidence in the program. Concerted
efforts are also made to ensure that partner agencies feel a sense of ownership
of the program, which is essential to its success and long-term sustainability.
Most of the international training activities undertaken by HREOC centre on
practical issues that affect the lives of individuals, such as domestic
violence, police conduct, prison management, investigation techniques, access to
legal aid and so on. Notwithstanding this practical focus, efforts are made to
ensure that the activities are firmly grounded in human rights principles set
out in international law.
11.1 CHINA-AUSTRALIA HUMAN RIGHTS TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROGRAM
HREOC’s most substantial international program involvement is with the China-Australia Human Rights Technical Cooperation Program (HRTC), which
is an integral part of Australia’s annual inter-governmental Dialogue on
Human Rights with China. HREOC participates in the annual meetings of the
dialogue.
The HRTC program encompasses three principal themes: protection of the rights
of women and children; protection of ethnic minority rights; and reform of the
legal system. The program aims to provide an important information base of human
rights principles, ideas and strategies which can be drawn upon in the
development of Chinese policies and practices. The program includes activities
conducted in both China and Australia. Each activity in the program is
implemented as a cooperative venture between HREOC and particular Chinese
organisations. Some selected examples of activities implemented in the 2007-08
HRTC Program are given below.
- In July 2007, a Domestic Violence Workshop was held in Shenyang,
Liaoning Province. The workshop was conducted in cooperation with the All China
Women’s Federation but also involved other relevant Chinese agencies, such
as the public security bureaus. The main focus of the workshop was on developing
coordinated inter-agency responses to supporting victims of domestic
violence. - In October 2007, a Model United Nations was held in Harbin,
Heilongjiang Province, in cooperation with the United Nations Association of
China. This activity simulated the proceedings of the United Nations Human
Rights Council in the debate and adoption of resolutions on selected human
rights issues. - in november 2007, a delegation from the national Population and
family Planning Commission visited New South Wales and South Australia to study
measures for protecting and promoting human rights in the delivery of family
planning and reproductive health services. - In November 2007, a delegation from the Penitentiary Administration
Department of the Ministry of Public Security visited Western Australia. During
their visit they examined Australian laws and policies for protecting and
promoting the rights of detainees. - In November 2007, a Women’s Labour Rights Workshop was held in
Fuzhou, Fujian Province. The workshop was held in cooperation with the All China
Women’s Federation, and examined mechanisms for protecting the rights of
female workers and promoting a discrimination free workplace for women. - In January 2008, a Training Workshop for Migrant Workers’
Lawyers was held in Beijing, in cooperation with the Beijing Legal Aid
Organisation for Rural Migrants. Participants discussed methodologies for
providing effective legal aid services to rural migrants. - In february 2008, a delegation from the Supreme People’s Court
visited New South Wales to examine measures for protecting and promoting the
rights of victims of crime. - In February 2008, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
arrived in Australia to undertake postgraduate studies in human rights at the
University of Melbourne. - In April 2008, a delegation from the Supreme People’s
Procuratorate visited New South Wales to study laws and policies for combating
corruption and encouraging ethical conduct in the public sector. - In April 2008, a Seminar on Judicial Mediation was held in Kunming,
Yunnan Province. The seminar was conducted with the National Judges’
College of China, and was aimed at supporting reforms to develop specialist
mediation units within Chinese courts. - In April 2008, a Seminar on Government Support for Non-Profit
Organisations was held in Beijing. The seminar, which was conducted with the
Ministry of Civil Affairs, discussed ways governments can encourage an active
role for civil society organisations. - In May 2008, a delegation from the Beijing Legal Aid Organisation for
rural migrants visited australia. during their visit they met a range of
Australian organisations working in the provision of legal services for
disadvantaged members of the community. - In May 2008, a Seminar on Victims of Crime was held in Qingdao,
Shandong Province. The seminar was conducted in cooperation with the Supreme
People’s Court. Participants discussed victims’ compensation schemes
and other support services for victims of crime. - In May 2008, an Anti-Corruption Seminar was held in Tianjin
Municipality, in cooperation with the Supreme People’s Procuratorate. The
seminar examined measures applied in both China and Australia to combat
corruption, focusing particularly on the link between corruption and human
rights.
11.2 VIETNAM-AUSTRALIA HUMAN RIGHTS TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROGRAM
HREOC also participates in the Vietnam-Australia Dialogue on International
Organisations and Legal Issues, including Human Rights.
A program of human rights technical cooperation with Vietnam was established
as part of the dialogue and commenced in late 2006. The HRTC program with
Vietnam focuses on four areas: access to justice; dissemination of information
about legal rights and obligations; the rights of women; and raising awareness
of international human rights treaty obligations. HRTC activities implemented in
2007-08 included the following:
- In July 2007, a Seminar on Access to Justice was held in Ho Chi Minh
City, in cooperation with the Supreme People’s Court. The seminar was
attended by judges and staff from district courts in the southern provinces of
Vietnam. Participants examined measures for enhancing access to justice and
protection of human rights in the judicial system. - In July 2007, a Seminar on Access to Justice was held in Hanoi. This
activity was similar to the abovementioned seminar in Ho Chi Min City, but with
participants from the northern provinces. - In August 2007, a Seminar on Vietnam and International Human Rights
Treaties was held in Ho Chi Minh City, in cooperation with the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. The seminar aimed to assist officials become familiar with
Vietnam’s obligations under international human rights treaties, and
domestic laws and policies to give effect to those treaties. - In August 2007, a series of four women’s rights training
sessions were held in the provinces of Hung yen and Nam Dinh. The training was
conducted in cooperation with the Vietnam Women’s Union and attended by
staff from district and commune level women’s unions. - In August 2007, a Seminar on Dissemination of Legal Information was
held in Ho Chi Minh City, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice. The
seminar provided capacity building for government officials in their work of
informing citizens about their rights under Vietnamese law. - In December 2007, the Vietnam Women’s Union completed a series
of 48 ‘Women’s Rights Legal Talk Shows’, which were presented
in twelve target communes in Hung yen and Nam Dinh Provinces. The presentations
were attended by approximately 3 000 women. - In January 2008, the Vietnam Women’s Union completed a series
of Women’s Rights Legal Consultations, The consultations were held in
twelve target communes in Hung and Nam Dinh Provinces. - In February 2008, the Vietnam Women’s Union completed
publication of a series of women’s rights newsletters and legal bulletins.
The materials were published in three editions over a period of six months, and
distributed to approximately 12 000 households in Hung yen and Nam Dinh
Provinces. - In June 2008, the Ministry of Justice completed the publication of 4
000 copies of a ‘legal booklet’, to be used as a resource by
government officials in their work of informing citizens about their legal
rights. The activity also involved translation of the booklet into three
languages: H’Mong, Bahna and Kho’me.
The first phase of the HRTC Program was completed in June 2008. In January
2008, HREOC participated in a Program Design Mission to Vietnam, for
consultations with Vietnamese authorities that produced the design of the second
phase of the technical cooperation program. Pending formal approval,
implementation of the program is expected to commence later in 2008.
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HREOC worked with the APF to provide traning
to the Pacific Disability Forum to help build the
capacity of national disability organisations in the
Pacific. The training was provided in Samoa
11.3 ASIA PACIFIC FORUM OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS
The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) was
established in 1996 and its secretariat was hosted by HREOC until the APF became
a separate and incorporated entity in 2002.
the australian Government, through the minister for foreign affairs and
trade, and AusAID has provided financial support for the APF since its
establishment. The APF also receives contributions from its member institutions
and grants from governments, the United Nations, foundations and other
non-government organisations.
The APF is the leading regional human rights organisation in the Asia
Pacific. It is a member-based organisation that supports the establishment and
strengthening of independent human rights institutions in the region. The APF
provides practical support to its members to assist them in their role of
promoting, monitoring and protecting human rights. It also provides specialist
advice to governments and civil society groups. The APF currently has seventeen
member institutions drawn from all parts of the Asia Pacific.
During the reporting period, HREOC hosted the APF’s Twelfth Annual
Meeting in Sydney from 24-27 September 2007. HREOC is the Chair of the APF until
its next annual meeting which will be hosted by the Human Rights Commission of
Malaysia in July 2008.
As Chairperson, the President of HREOC, the Hon. John von Doussa, undertook
several speaking roles on behalf of the APF, including at the 20th session of
the international Coordinating Committee of national institutions held in Geneva
from 14-18 April 2008. In addition Mr von Doussa spoke at the International
Conference on Terrorism, Human Security and Development in Hong Kong on 17
October 2007.
HREOC provides a wide range of support to other national human rights
institutions under the umbrella of the APF. In November 2007 HREOC was
commissioned by the APF to provide two training workshops on human rights
investigations to the staff of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea.
These workshops were held in Seoul, Korea from 5-7 October and 31 October to 2
November 2007.
HREOC participated in a workshop on the review of the role and functions of
the APF’s Advisory Council of Jurists that was hosted by the National
Human Rights Commission of India and held in Delhi, India from 26-28 February
2008.
HREOC has also been working with the APF to provide training to the Pacific
Disability Forum on thematic areas like women with disabilities, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Pacific Plan
and the Biwako Millennium Framework, to help build the capacity of national
disability organisations in the Pacific. This training was held in Apia, Samoa
from 23-25 April 2008.
HREOC continues to strongly support the APF and has a Memorandum of
Understanding with its secretariat which provides for accommodation and
corporate services support.
11.4 INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
In addition to formal programs of bilateral technical cooperation, HREOC
frequently receives international visitors and participates in meetings with
representatives of organisations concerned with human rights. A summary of these
meetings is given below.
- In July 2007, HREOC met with a delegation of officers working in
immigration and border services from Australia, Canada, the UK and USA, as part
of an exchange program sponsored by DIAC. - In August 2007, HREOC hosted a delegation of Muslim community leaders
from Singapore, including representatives of the Islamic Religious Council of
Singapore. - In October 2007, HREOC hosted a visit by a delegation led by the
Chief Commissioner of the national human rights Commission of mongolia, Ms
Daramjav Solongo. - In October 2007, HREOC hosted a delegation from the Iraqi Ministry of
Human Rights and other relevant agencies as part of the AusAID human rights
training program. - In October 2007, a delegation from the ministry of Law, Justice and
Parliamentary affairs of Bangladesh visited hreoC. - In December 2007, HREOC hosted a delegation from the Malaysian Human
Rights Commission, SUHAKAM. - In January 2008, HREOC met with Justice Zak yacoob of the South
African Constitutional Court. - In March 2008, HREOC hosted a further delegation from the Iraqi
Ministry of Human Rights and other relevant agencies, also under the ausaid
human right training program. - In March 2008, HREOC hosted eight Chinese lawyers who were in
Australia as part of the Attorney-General’s Australia-China Legal
Profession Development Program. - In April 2008, HREOC hosted a visit by Ms Angela Kerins, Chairperson
of the irish equality authority. - In April 2008, HREOC met with Professor Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, Vice
Minister of Health of Vietnam. - In April 2008, HREOC hosted a visit by Ms Gay McDougall, the UN
Independent Expert on Minority Rights and the Chairperson of the Coordinating
Committee of UN Human Rights Special Procedures. - In June 2008, HREOC hosted a delegation of provincial and local
government officials from Mindanao, Philippines.
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The Sex Discrimination Commissioner and
the President, pictured with a delgation from
the ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary
Affairs of Banladesh
11.5 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
International conferences and meetings HREOC participated in during 2007-08
included:
- Workshop on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Yogyakarta,
Indonesia, November 2007. - Meeting of the Expanded Bureau of the International Coordinating
Committee of National Human Rights Institutions, Geneva, Switzerland, December
2007. - 52nd Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, New York,
United States, February 2008. - Workshop on the review of the role and functions of the Asia Pacific
Forum Advisory Council of Jurists, Delhi, India, February 2008. - Regional Seminar, Strategies for the Future: Protecting Rights in the
Pacific, Apia, Samoa, April 2008. - National Women with Disabilities Forum, Apia, Samoa, April 2008.
- Twentieth Session of the Annual Meeting of the International
Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions, Geneva,
Switzerland, April 2008. - Beijing Forum on Human Rights, Beijing, China, April 2008.
