Seeking youth perspectives on human rights in Australia

The youth of Australia have a voice and it’s time to have a say on one of the most important issues for the future. Human Rights - we’ve all got them, right? But do we? What are they?

The Federal Government has started community consultations about human rights and whether we need a bill or charter to protect them.

Did you know Australia is the only democracy without comprehensive Human Rights protections?

We think Australia can do better, and that we need to.
It’s time for young people who often get left out of government decision making processes to have their say - because it’s their right.

 How: the first step is to go to www.humanrightsact.tv

From here you can learn more about the campaign and send a message to Canberra using an online form. If young people really want to be heard, follow the easy steps to create a YouTube message or videoblog. Or send an SMS to 0428 415939 saying what human rights are important to you. Don’t forget to include your name and postcode.

Submissions must be received by May 29.

Who are we? An group of people - prominent lawyers, youth workers and young people - who want to see a Human Rights Act introduced in Australia.
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The following people are available for interviews

Phoebe Knowles, Secondee Solicitor, Human Rights Law Resource Centre
0412 139 130 Secondee1@pilch.org.au

Rys Farthing, Lecturer - Youth Studies
RMIT Uni
rys.farthing@rmit.edu.au

A number of articulate young people are also keen to have their say, contact rys.farthing@rmit.edu.au for their details.
“Today’s young people should get right into this consultation. After all the results, good or bad, will be with them for the rest of their lives.” Susan Ryan, AO, Chair of the Human Rights Act for Australia Campaign

“Human rights have a special role in the lives of young people in that they empower them to be recognised as equal citizens with rights and responsibility and with the capacity to contribute to their communities.” Lucas, 19 from Melbourne.

“Like other groups of Australians, young people’s rights are not adequately protected. When a policeman asks a group of teenagers to move on from a public hang-out: a shopping centre or train station, their rights to freedom of movement and association may be breached. Young people have some important things to say about rights, and their voices should be heard right now, not just in the future.” Phoebe Knowles Solicitor, Human Rights Law Resource Centre.

“Human rights means to me that despite ethnicity, culture, religion or social background we should all have the right to equality and to live a healthy sustainable life. Basic human rights should consist of living in a world where we each have the right to gain access to food, clean water, education and work….” Eloise, 23 from Melbourne.