Across The Country – Northern Territory

The Northern Territory government has adopted the NT Curriculum Framework (NTCF), Strong Beginnings and the National Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) which include a number of Human Rights Education practices. These practices are premised on:The NTCF has Studies of Society and the Environment (SOSE) which has sections on Civics, Governance, Social Justice and Cultural Diversity and is taught throughout schooling. This subject also includes Indigenous Studies and Values Beliefs.The EYLF is a National framework for small children from birth to five years and its approach is socio-cultural with Belonging, Being and Becoming as overarching values. It states values of cultural competence and respect for cultural diversity. The EYLF is a framework and not a curriculum document but has a very strong sense of children’s rights and the rights of diverse communities and families. The Strong Beginnings is a guide to Quality practice for three to five year olds.

Northern Territory Council for Human Rights Education (NTCHRE) was officially launched by Julian Burnside, QC on 18 April 2011 (for Mr Burnside inaugural address see: Mr Burnside inaugural address here)

The NTCHRE undertakes a range of activities to advance human rights education in NT, including:

Facilitation of public lectures on various Human Rights topics

For example, NTCHRE has hosted many prominent speakers like Julian Burnside QC, Catherine Branson QC, Rex Wild QC, Rev Djinivini Gondara, Dr Stephen Gray, Professor George Williams and many Indigenous leaders and elders.

Design pedagogy on Human Rights Education with rural community schools

In September 2011 NTCHRE has secured the Federal Government AG’s Grant for Human Rights to design pedagogy and facilitate human rights education workshops in remote community schools.

Collaboration and partnership with NGOs, government agencies and interests groups to carry our common goals on human rights development in Australia, Asia Pacific and South East Asia

Currently NTCHRE have working relationships on common projects with the NT Anti-Discrimination Commission, NT Legal Aid Commission, the Darwin Asylum Seekers Network and Charles Darwin University.
Initiate a movement for a Charter of Human Rights in the NT

The NTCHRE Management Committee Members are:

President: Jeswynn Yogaratnam
Vice-President: Brian Kelleher
Secretary: Erina Early
Public Officer: Kevin Kadirgamar
Treasurer: David Gomez
Members: Lynda McCaffery
Patron: Professor Stephen Larkin

NTCHRE Contacts:

E-mail: NTCHRE@gmail.com
Jeswynn Yogaratnam
Lecturer in Law
Faculty of Law, Education, Business and Arts
T. +61 8 8946 6085 | F. +61 8 8946 6588
jeswynn.yogaratnam@cdu.edu.au
Charles Darwin University
Darwin, Northern Territory 0909 AUSTRALIA
CRICOS Provider No. 00300K | RTO Provider No. 0373