Protecting and promoting human rights in Asia and the Pacific
Friday 10 December 2004
Protecting and promoting human rights in Asia and the Pacific
Today marks the 56th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General Assembly of
the United Nations.
Australia has a proud tradition of protecting and promoting human rights, and I am pleased to announce the provision of
almost $600,000, through AusAID's Human Rights Small Grants Scheme, for new projects in 10 countries in Asia and the
Pacific.
These practical initiatives assist grassroots organisations to support human rights in a direct and tangible way. The
projects will see human rights work undertaken at the community level, helping to make a practical difference to the
lives and futures of ordinary people.
I congratulate the recipients of these funds, commend them for the efforts they have made in formulating and gaining
community support for these initiatives, and look forward to the success of their projects. The new activities to be
funded are:
- Cambodia: The Peace and Development Institute will provide multi-media human rights education and develop human
rights curricula for schools.
- East Timor: Forum Tau Matan will monitor and educate community groups and legal officials about prison conditions.
- Federated States of Micronesia: The Ministry of Justice will build on a record of legal reform to improve juvenile
justice programs.
- Fiji: The Fiji Disabled People's Association will train and provide resource material to community advocates for
disability rights.
- Laos: The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs will target children, teachers and school officials in community education
campaigns on human rights and obligations.
- Pakistan: The Researchers Organisation will address issues relating to violence against women.
- Solomon Islands: The Solomon Islands National Council of Women will provide non-partisan support for women candidates
in the country's next election.
- Sri Lanka: The Institute of Human Rights will provide human rights training to Sri Lankan police, especially those
involved in criminal investigations.
- Tonga: The Tonga Women's Association will provide non-partisan support for women candidates in the 2005 election and
provide training for new parliamentarians.
- Vietnam: The Centre for Education, Promotion and Empowerment will provide community based activities aimed at
preventing trafficking in women and children.
ENDS