The Australian Council for Human Rights Education (ACHRE), was established in 1999 by a group of committed and dedicated volunteers to actively pursue human rights education in Australia in response to the UN Decade on Human Rights Education (HRE). It serves as a platform for positive advocacy and lends a voice to the voiceless regarding human rights
violations particularly relating to human rights education. ACHRE supports government initiatives through its multi-disciplinary programs to promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in instilling respect, responsibility, understanding, tolerance and empowerment at home, at school, at work and within the global community.
We appreciate Australia’s engagement at the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC46) on 22 February to 24 March by reinforcing civil society participation in the UN. As a civil society organisation, ACHRE can add value and weight to the international advocacy and help to ensure that governments become accountable to the worldwide community.
Our submissions:
1. Myanmar
a. We support the urgent release of Professor Turnell and all others who have been wrongly detained.
b. We reiterate the adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
c. We recommend that ASEAN-Australian Partnership continue dialogue and strengthen advocacy for a peaceful outcome in Myanmar.
2. Globally
a. We support Australia’s efforts and non-partisan approach in helping alleviate problems arising from COVID-19 and addressing poverty, calamities and human rights challenges, particularly in Papua New Guinea and other endangered countries incapable of adequate health care in addressing COVID-19.
3. In reference to the “Joint Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, 9 March 2021”
a. We support the condemnation of the military in using schools and hospitals as human shields in abject violation of international humanitarian law.
b. We support immediate humanitarian access to all children in need as well as to undertake appropriate measures to mitigate the immediate, medium and long-term consequences of the pandemic on the curtailing of children’s education.
4. In reference to the “Joint statement on racism for the Item 9 General Debate, 19 March 2021”
a. We support the efforts of UN entities and its agencies to address the issue of systemic racism and racial discrimination in all sections of society.
b. We support continuing and proactive worldwide efforts to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to address issues on discrimination regarding race, religion, gender, status in society and culture.
Recommendations:
1. Strengthen the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals as universal goals to achieve a sustainable future for us all.
2. Increase the active participation of civil society organisations by providing more opportunities to advocate for social justice, human rights and peace in all countries.
3. Ensure safe universal access to education by providing protected educational facilities and making available education materials to children who are affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
Yours respectfully,
Dr Zeny Edwards OAM
President, Australian Council for Human Rights Education
13 April 2021