Action Sheet 1

Write a letter to the Government asking what actions it plans to undertake, to support and promote the aims of the World Conference

 

SAMPLE LETTER:

Name
Position
Address

[date]

Dear

I am writing to you in relation to the forthcoming World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, which will be held in August/September of this year in Durban, South Africa.

I am sure that you share with me the hope that Australia's community life will always be open and tolerant for all the citizens of our country, and I wish to express my deep concern about the human rights situation that exists in many countries around the world. As I am sure you are aware, racism is an attack on the very notion of human rights. It systematically denies certain people the full enjoyment of their human rights, simply because of their 'race', colour, descent, ethnicity, caste or national origin. It is an assault on the fundamental principle underlying the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) that human rights are everyone's birthright and apply to all without distinction.

The right to not suffer racial discrimination is one of the most fundamental principles of international human rights law. The principle appears in virtually every major human rights instrument as well as in the UN Charter. Indeed, one of the main purposes of the UN is to "achieve international co-operation... in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion" (UN Charter, Article 1, para 3).

The right to not face racial discrimination or persecution is outlined further in the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination. And yet racial discrimination persists in every society. Around the world, people continue to suffer human rights violations simply because of their racial identity. Some have been victims of genocidal onslaughts. Some have suffered "ethnic cleansing". Others have been imprisoned and tortured on account of their race, yet others have been the subject of racially abusive acts or behaviour by others. This occurs despite the fact that everyone has the right not to be racially abused. I would argue that it is Australia's responsibility as a member of the international community to encourage, by all means possible, all countries to respect those rights.

As recent events here have shown, even an egalitarian and democratic country such as our own is not free of racial discord, despite the existence of anti-discrimination legislation on Australia’s statute books. So I feel that having an open discussion within the Australian community, on issues of racism and tolerance - and how to address these issues as they exist in our country - will be a wonderful contribution we can make to the worldwide effort to eradicate racism, especially if someone of your position shows leadership in advocating and promoting harmony, tolerance and understanding within the community.

Specifically, I would urge the government to seriously consider the recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination from March 2000. It is important that we show leadership by dealing with the most pressing issues of racial discrimination in Australia, which the Committee discussed in its Concluding Observations.

I am pleased that the government will be attending the World Conference and has stated its commitment to it. It is of course important to ensure that the voices of ordinary Australians are heard on this matter and I would ask that you engage with the community before and after the World Conference. I would be pleased to hear how you intend to do this. Indeed, I would hope that the Australian Government not only tackle these issues directly at home, but will also be actively working to use its influence on all governments around the world, to remind them of their human rights commitments and obligations, in the area of protecting people from racism and racial discrimination

The issue of human rights transcends international boundaries and is thus the responsibility of every country.

I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.

Yours faithfully

(Your name)
(Address:)

List of Relevant Cabinet Ministers

The Hon John Howard MP  Prime Minister Suite MG8 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Fax: 02 6273 4100	The Hon Alexander Downer MP Minister for Foreign Affairs Suite MF-27 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Fax: 02 6273 4112	The Hon Phillip Ruddock MP Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, and Minister for Reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Suite MF 40 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Fax: 02 6273 4144
Or Electorate Office Contact Sydney Office: Location: Level 9, Charterbridge House 56-70 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: (02) 9251 5711 Fax: (02) 9251 5454 Or Electorate Office: Location: 230 Victoria Road Gladesville NSW 2111 Postal Address: PO Box 336 Gladesville NSW 2111 Tel: (02) 9816 1300 Fax: (02) 9816 1349	Or Electorate Office Contact Stirling Office: Location/Postal Address 76 Mount Barker Rd Stirling SA 5152 Tel 08 8370 9288 Fax: 08 8370 8188	Or Electorate Office Contact Hornsby Office: Location; Level 3, 20 George St Hornsby NSW 2070 Tel: 02 9482 7111 Fax: 02 9482 70189

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This kit is supported by the following organisations (in alphabetical order) in April 2001: Amnesty International Australia, Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, Coalition Against Racism WA, Human Rights Council of Australia Inc., Quaker Service Australia, The Religious Society of Friends in Australia (Quakers),Western Australians for Racial Equality, WA Social Justice Commission - Uniting Church in Australia.