28 August 2014
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) invited ACHRE and other NGOs to a consultation on Human Rights on 28 August 2014.
Here is a brief summary of the outcomes:
. The Minister for Foreign Affairs is giving priority to the integration of foreign affairs/ trade/and aid; in so doing is emphasising three key components of foreign policy: Security, fairness, gender equality.
. Australia is seeking to be elected to the UN Human Rights Council in November 2014. There are two vacancies for the Western European and Others Group and 3 contestants: France, Spain and Australia. DFAT recognises the need to develop a coherent and compelling narrative for the election campaign.
. The DFAT overview of the Australian priority issues for the promotion and protection of human rights did not mention human rights education. We hope that the consultation has opened up opportunities for changing this.
. ACHRE highlighted the Washington Conference on Human Rights Education and invited everyone to come: www.wcl.american.edu/events/ichredu.