The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) that reviews the human rights records of all UN member states.
It is a chance for Australia to engage in a dialogue with other states, NGOs and national human rights institutions about the progress Australia has made in implementing its human rights obligations. As part of the process, we have an opportunity to encourage and influence the Government to improve the protection of human rights in Australia.
The UPR process includes a ‘shadow’ report to the HRC prepared by Australian NGOs. In November, the UPR working committee will consider Australia’s report, the NGO shadow report and other materials, meet with an Australian delegation to discuss key issues and then make recommendations about actions which should be taken to improve human rights in Australia.
The amount of space allocated for each subject area in the report is very limited - only 300 words in total and NGOs can make only 3 recommendations. Other areas have even smaller word limits.
This means NGOs will only be able to report on the most urgent and strategic issues of women's human rights. The NGO report coordinating committee needs your help to identify the currently pressing issues affecting women on gender equality and the recommendations you think are most strategic to include in the shadow report. Fill out the survey here before 15 January 2020.
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The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is developing a roadmap for an ideal Australian Accessible Communications future. It will outline an accessibility manifesto of sorts, and will explore what is required for communications services in Australia to be fully inclusive and accessible for all consumers.
ACCAN would like to invite your feedback to help ensure that this roadmap reflects the current and emerging needs and expectations of people with disability across Australia.
They want your thoughts on the top 3 or so communications issues that are currently affecting you. For example, issues might relate to having access to the right equipment or appropriate training, or the affordability of communications services such as the NBN or smartphones.
They also want your initial thoughts and suggestions for possible approaches to address these communications issues. Feel free to be creative in your suggested approaches – they’re keen to receive a range of innovative ideas about how communications could be made more accessible.
Your feedback can be provided via email or telephone by Friday 17 January. Want to have your say? Please contact to Meredith Lea, Disability Policy Adviser, meredith.lea@accan.org.au by Friday 17 January 2020.
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Right now, the criminal justice system in NSW can be traumatic and unsafe for DV victims-survivors to give evidence. They are usually required to appear in an open court in front of the general public and may be directly cross-examined by their abuser. And their matters are heard by a general pool of local court magistrates who may be dealing with drug or traffic matters on the same day. There are no funded services to support the women at the actual hearing after they've had their first court mention.
Frontine DV workers supporting women in 117 local courts across NSW have identified the following urgent reforms needed to make courts safer for DV victims-survivors.
1. Outlaw direct cross-examination of domestic violence complainants by their accused;
2. Provide for all domestic and sexual violence matters to be heard in closed court proceedings;
3. Provide right of access to audio-visual link facilities to give evidence in both domestic and sexual violence matters;
4. Increase funding for women’s domestic violence court advocacy services to support women through domestic violence hearings and ensure access to a safe room; and
5. Require domestic, family and sexual violence matters to be heard by specialist magistrates with specific knowledge and expertise in dealing with such matters in accordance with the standards set out in the National Domestic and Family Violence Bench Book
Tell the government that it's time to make this happen! Sign the petition here.
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The Finishing Touch is always looking for quality people to join their staff of home packing, unpacking and organising professionals.
The requirements are:
- Experience and passion for setting up and organising homes.
- Physical fitness, as packing and unpacking homes is physically demanding.
- Flexibility in terms of the times, days and locations within your city, that you are prepared to work. This is because they work where and when their clients require, so staff must be flexible to meet this.
- Please be aware that the work is highly variable. Some weeks you may work 20 hours and others you could work only 4 hours. Therefore it does not suit those who need a regular income.
Interested? Learn more here.
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All senior members of the Inner West are invited to come together with Aboriginal and multicultural communities for a special Seniors’ Festival event.
'Love to Celebrate Happy Ageing Together' is a day to engage in creative activities, forums and showcases - sharing culture, conversation and cuisine.
Includes: Refreshments, cultural performances, wellbeing activities, information and entertainment.
When: 19th February 2020 from 10am to 2pm
Where: Gumbramorra Hall, Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville 2204
Translation and transport services may be available by arrangement. Registration is essential by 31/1/2020. Limited seats available. Individuals and groups of maximum 20 guests please book via Eventbrite or by ringing 9569 7633 or 8507 2027 or email: hong.pham@ccci.org.au
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The Soroptimist International of the Hills and Soroptimist International of Hornsby and Women's Community Shelters will be hosting a forum on “Action on Homelessness-Older Women in Crisis” on 3rd March 2020. Please save the date. Our chair, Beverly Baker, will be a panelist.
Where: Rydges Norwest, Sydney 1 Columbia Court, Baulkham Hills
When: 3rd March 3pm - 7pm
More information and booking details to come.
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A free forum hosted by The Little Bay Coast Centre for Seniors in partnership with the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA).
With the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affecting three million Australians by 2050, the inaugural Coast Centre for Seniors Healthy Ageing Forum, as part of Brain Awareness Week, will emphasise strategies to reduce risk of cognitive decline in late life and promote positive ageing. The talks will not only showcase the wonderment of the brain but also that we have the capacity to improve brain health.
Keynote Speakers
"Can We Really Prevent Dementia?" Professor Perminder Sachdev, AMCo-Director, CHeBA
"Mind Fitness: Maximise Brain Health for Late Life" Dr Nicole Kochan, Senior Research Fellow, CHeBA
When:Thursday, 19 March 2020 10:00am –12:00pm
Where:The Little Bay Coast Centre for Seniors. 1 Darwin Ave, Little Bay
Registration Essential: Book here.
Morning Tea provided.
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Art and Dementia Workshop
Artful Professional Development Evening at the MCA
Wednesday 26th February 2020: 5:30–8:30pm
Our Artful: Art and Dementia professional development evening will include the latest tools and research for individuals interested in exploring art and creative learning as a way to engage people living with dementia and their support networks. The evening includes hands-on activities led by artist educators from the MCA’s Artful program, an interactive gallery experience to gain confidence in facilitation skills, and a panel discussion with key experts in the field on best-practice strategies and research.
Attendees will also be the first to see the MCA’s new Artful digital toolkit and will hear insights from their 3-year research report on the impact of the program on participants’ wellbeing and on markers of neuroplasticity.
Buy tickets here.
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THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN - Complimentary Film Preview. Tickets still available.
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Our friends at Transmission Films have an invite to our members for an advance preview screening of THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN at a cinema near you! For more information and to download tickets go to: http://www.showfilmfirst.com/pin/505513
Based on the worldwide best-selling novel by Simon Winchester, THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN is an extraordinary true tale of madness, genius, and obsession about two remarkable men who created history with the writing of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Check out the trailer here. In cinemas February 20 #TheProfessorandTheMadman
If you require any assistance, please contact helpANZ@showfilmfirst.com
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Updated classes for 2020.
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Do you have a problem resisting the urge to acquire more items for your home? You may suffer from a hoarding disorder, a condition that is often misunderstood even though more than 2% of the population may have it.
Would you like to learn tips on how to declutter and stop over-acquiring?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) - Specialised Service and Catholic Healthcare will be running 'Buried in Treasure' Support Groups around NSW.
To register yourself, or someone you know, please contact the local office, Catholic Healthcare on 1800225474 or Mercy Splitt, Hoarding and Squalor Manager on mesplitt@chcs.com.au
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The Last Word
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