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Protecting human rights and the Asia-Pacific

The parliamentary Human Right Sub-Committee is set to examine international and regional human rights mechanisms and models for the Asia-Pacific in its new inquiry.

Sub-Committee Chair Ms Kerry Rea MP welcomes this inquiry by the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade as a chance to examine the international and regional mechanisms used by groups working to tackle human rights violations around the world.

“By examining current tools for protecting and redressing human rights violations, we can build a picture of what is happening internationally and at regional levels,” Ms Rea said.

The focus on the Asia-Pacific is particularly important in helping to foster the promotion, prevention and redress of human rights violations in a region which is still in the development stage of a broad-based human rights mechanism.

“The Sub-Committee aims to draw on lessons from the United Nations human rights system and other mechanisms when considering possible models suited to the Asia-Pacific region.

“This inquiry is a chance for Australia to make a meaningful contribution to human rights resources in our neighbourhood,” Ms Rea said.

The Committee welcomes submissions from anyone who would like to make a contribution on the issues covered in the terms of reference. In particular, the focus will be on:

the United Nations human rights system:
regional mechanisms;
roles for parliament; and
the distinctive characteristics of the Asia-Pacific and its human rights landscape.

Submissions will be accepted until 20 November 2008 . The Sub-Committee will also hold a series of hearings later this year and in early 2009.

Visit: Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade - Inquiry into Human Rights Mechanisms and the Asia-Pacific