Convenors: Curtis Clark and Owen Loneragan
Through its Human Rights sub-committee, the UNAAWA promotes education and raises awareness about a diverse range of human rights issues in our local and national communities. It facilitates public lectures and events, and encourages mutual membership and collaboration with other human rights and social justice organisations within the community.
In 2009, UNAAWA supported an electric wheelchair user to gain better mobility and access to a nursing home. In 2010, UNAAWA lobbied to produce a public fact sheet about Taser use in Western Australia. UNAAWA successfully proposed a motion to the national UNAA body to move forward a resolution on positive strategies to reduce the number of indigenous prisoners in Australia. UNAAWA also joined with the Australian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Alliance to celebrate the diversity refugee and immigrant women bring to Western Australia.
This year, the Human Rights committee is focussing its advocacy towards issues for refugees, detainees and asylum seekers. In addition, the committee continues to partner with other members of the wider community to recognise, celebrate and advocate for other human rights issues. The WA Jewish community held a ceremony to mark the UN Day of the Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust on 27 January 2011. Plans are underway to organise the annual UN International Human Rights Day lecture in conjunction with the Young Lawyers Committee of the WA Law Society.
The members of the Human Rights sub-committee bring a range of personal experiences, cultural perspectives and specific human rights interests. We are always open to new members, ideas and passion to improve the quality of lives in our communities. You can access more information about this committee, including how to get involved, by phoning the office on 6380 7304, or by emailing the office at office@unaa-wa.org.au