UNITY

The national publication of the United Nations Association of Australia

Compiled from Federal parliamentary and other sources relevant to Australia's obligations to the United Nations

February 15, 2002 No 287 ISSN 1035-218X

Editor: Ian Mathews Ph: (02) 6281 4025 Fax (02) 6285 2529

Post: 4 Stone Place, Garran ACT 2605 E-mail: imathews@ozemail.com.au

Earlier editions on website: www.unaa.org.au/fset.html

 

In this edition ...

  1. Comment: Supporters betrayed in bad faith ....
  2. 'Babies overboard' reports tabled
  3. Lies, damned lies and ministerial statements
  4. Wider areas of concern
  5. Robinson's request granted with conditions
  6. People smuggling conference
  7. Environment, population and asylum seekers
  8. Caritas pleads for refugees
  9. Increased penalties for hoaxes
  10. ASIO keeps an eye on asylum seekers
  11. UNAA People's Commission builds database
  12. Senate calls for action on West Papua murder
  13. Pregnant women legislation re-introduced
  14. Briefing paper on women's poverty
  15. Nancy Wilkinson 1946-2002
  16. Reid at Women's Day address
  17. Accessible public transport
  18. Parliamentary business
  19. World Environment Day Awards 2002
  20. Climate change at CHOGM
  21. Court confirms Native Title agreement
  22. HREOC re-appointments
  23. ACFOAís Aid Budget Campaign 2002
  24. UNA-UK conference
  25. UN news daily
  26. Fellowships, internships, jobs and websites
  27. Diary dates To list your event in Diary Dates just send brief details by e-mail to: imathews@ozemail.com.au
  28. Refugees: Contacts and coverage
  29. ReliefWeb and aid contacts

 

Editorial comment

[1] Supporters betrayed in bad faith ....

It is easy to call the Prime Minister, John Howard, and his ministers, liars over the "children thrown overboard" affair. However, their sin is much worse. While they may be able to satisfy themselves and, perhaps, others that they did not lie, there is no doubt that they welcomed and encouraged the widespread support for stories they knew to be doubtful.

Those who oppose the Government's asylum-seeker policy are accustomed to challenging the veracity of ministerial statements. Remember the "whole villages" poised to assault our borders? Remember the "rich illegals" buying their way to economic prosperity? Remember the "terrorists and criminals" attempting to land on our shores? These unsubstantiated claims by Mr Ruddock and by the then Minister for Defence, Mr Reith, were matched by other pseudo facts.

We know, for instance, that there never has been a flood of asylum seekers heading for Australia;

We know that most asylum seekers are found to be refugees;

We know there is no such person as an "illegal" asylum seeker;

We know Australia is the only country to detain some asylum seekers and their children indefinitely; and

We know there is no "orderly queue" for people seeking asylum.

Knowing all this, opponents of the Government's policy had doubts from the very beginning about the "children overboard" story. But the PM and his Ministers were not interested in persuading that minority to change its mind. The Government wanted to bolster even further the massive electoral support for its border protection policy. Its ministers allowed their untested "allegations" to be treated as facts by their talk-back supporters. It suited them to have deliberately-misled Australians peddle a lie on their behalf. That is so much worse than telling your own lies.

-- Ian Mathews, editor

[This editorial was submitted to several national newspapers for publication as a letter to the editor]

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[2] 'Babies overboard' reports tabled

Following sustained media challenges to the first disclosure by Immigration Minister Ruddock on October 7, 2001 that "a number of children have been thrown overboard" from a boat bearing asylum seekers, the Prime Minister, John Howard, ordered, on November 13, an internal inquiry into the affair.

On February 13, he tabled two reports in Parliament during Question Time:

Investigation into advice provided to Ministers on 'Siev 4' - Report prepared on behalf of the People Smuggling Task Force, by Jennifer Bryant, Assistant Secretary, Education and Immigration Branch, Social Policy Division, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, dated January 21, 2001; and

The Report of the Routine Inquiry into Operation Relex: the interception and boarding of Siev IV by HMAS Adelaide, by Major-General R.A.Powell.

Both reports support the contention that no children were thrown overboard as had been asserted by the then Minister for Defence, Peter Reith, and subsequently supported in various comments by the Prime Minister, and by the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Philip Ruddock.

Both reports are available on the Parliamentary website:

www.search.aph.gov.au/ type in SIEV 4 and the date 13.02.02 or access:

www.aph.gov.au/hansard and go to House Hansard, then 2002 and February 13 or

call the Prime Minister's office (02) 6277 7700 or call your Federal MP and/or Senator

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[3] Lies, damned lies and ministerial statements

The "children thrown overboard" debacle is just one of a series of issues being pursued by the Opposition and minor parties. Others included:

Allegations that the Government, despite denials, used the Defence Signals Directorate to eavesdrop on conversations between the refugee rescue ship Tampa and Australian citizens; and

An official report by the South Australian Government found no evidence that asylum seekers had sewn the lips of children together while in detention. The latter allegation had been given credence by government sources.

The Democrats support the ALPís call for a Senate inquiry into refugee children being thrown overboard, but are calling for the inquiryís expansion to include the ëPacific Solutioní, and the use of Australian defence personnel in the turning around, detaining and transporting of boatpeople.

The Greens have written to the leader of the Opposition in the Senate requesting that the proposed Senate inquiry into the children overboard incident also investigate the developing Defence Signals Directorate Tampa controversy.

Specifically Senator Brown will seek to amend the proposed terms of reference in the Senate posing the question, "How information from the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) was conveyed to and used by the Government during and since the Tampa crisis".

The Greens have also requested that the Senate inquiry consider the financial, social and humanitarian costs and international consequences of the 'Pacific Solution' and the use of detention centres for asylum seekers in Australia.

The Australian Democrats have moved that the Senate call upon the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security to investigate, with specific reference to the events related to the MV Tampa:

For more information:

Greens Senator Bob Brown (02) 6277 3170 e-mail: senator.brown@aph.gov.au

Australian Democrats Leader Senator Natasha Stott Despoja (02) 6277 3645 senator.stottdespoja@aph.gov.au
Australian Democrats Defence Spokesperson Senator Vicki Bourne (02) 6277 3820 senator.bourne@aph.gov.au website: www.democrats.org.au/

Terms of reference of the HREOC inquiry into children in detention are at:
www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/children_detention/index.html

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[4] Wider areas of concern

Other areas of concern about the asylum seeker issue, put forward by the Democrats for investigation by a Senate Committee, include, but are not limited to:

"That the Senate is of the opinion that the Government must move towards a more humane and workable approach to asylum seekers, and that the Woomera Detention Centre must be closed."

For more information, call Senator Bartlett on (02) 6277 3406 e-mail: senator.bartlett@aph.gov.au

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[5] Robinson's request granted with conditions

The Government will allow a special envoy for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, to visit Woomera detention centre but not until at least May, when another UN group was due, according to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer.

Ms Robinson had made to request in person to Mr Downer in Geneva, nominating her personal representative, a former Chief Justice of India, S. Rajendra Babu.

In his statement, Mr Downer said, the Government would allow the visit as part of the planned visit by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. The decision followed discussion of the matter by Federal Cabinet on 11 February.

The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention had earlier been invited by the Government to visit Australiaís immigration detention and processing centres. The visit is expected to take place between May and August this year, with precise dates still to be determined.

Mr Downer said, "I reiterate that Australia has nothing to hide from scrutiny of its immigration detention and processing centres. These centres are visited regularly by a wide cross-section of community organisations and representatives, including from overseas. Allowing the High Commissionerís Special Envoy to visit in conjunction with the visit of the Working Group underlines the Governmentís readiness to facilitate international scrutiny, while rationalising the role of different UN agencies".

Four Liberal moderates who are reported as speaking out strongly in the Coalition party room against the Government's current asylum and detention policies, are Bruce Baird, Senator Marise Payne, Petro Georgiou and Christopher Pyne.

For more information on the UNHCHR visit, call the Minister for Foreign Affairs (02) 6277 7500 e-mail: A.Downer.MP@aph.gov.au website: www.dfat.gov.au

The office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: www.unhchr.org

The Minister for Immigration's office (02) 6277 7860 website: www.immi.gov.au

Prime Minister's office (02) 6277 7700 website: www.pm.gov.au

Australasian Correctional Management Pty which operates these detention centres is a fully-owned subsidiary of the American corporation Wackenhut Corrections website: http://www.wackenhut.com/fr-wcc.htm

An online Petition to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, titled "Call for the Australian Government to abide by International Human Rights and Refugee conventions" can be found at: www.petitiononline.com/aliraqi/petition.html

Another petition is at: http://www.petitiononline.com/ausrefug/petition.html

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[6] People smuggling conference

The Regional Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime will be held at the Hotel Grand Hyatt, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, February 26-28. The Conference will be co-chaired by Australia and Indonesia

For more information, call the office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs (02) 6277 7500
e-mail: A.Downer.MP@aph.gov.au website: www.dfat.gov.au

For additional information, call UNHCR Regional Office, Canberra (02) 6290 1355 e-mail: AULCA@unhcr.ch
website: www.unhcr.org.ch

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[7] Environment, population and asylum seekers

Friends of the Earth Australia has established a project on environment and population to get a cross section of environmental groups engaging in this debate from a human rights and international perspective. It seeks to address issues of: population and immigration; consumption; ecological debt; and immigration and racism.

Friends of the Earth believe that there is a danger that 'concern for the environment' will be used as an excuse to oppose further immigration to Australia (including asylum seekers currently in detention camps). This argument has been used widely in Western Europe and North America. Friends of the Earth feel that there is an onus on the environment movement to engage in this debate in such a way that directly opposes this type of argument. It is seeking views from the wider community.

Among those supporting the information campaign are:

Matt Skellern, National Environment Officer, National Union of Students; Kirsten Blair and Mark Wakeham, Coordinators, Environment Centre of the Northern Territory; Geoff Evans, Director, Mineral Policy Institute, NSW; Chris Chaplin, Immigration Spokesperson, Victorian Greens; Gavan McFadzean, campaigns co-ordinator, the Wilderness Society Victoria; Ruth Rosenhek, Rainforest Information Centre, NSW; Dr Martin Mulligan, general editor of Ecopolitics: Thought and Action journal; Jacob Grech, Secretary, Earthworker, the union-green caucus, Vic; Carmel Flint, North East Forest Alliance, NSW; Pamela Curr, Victorian Greens; Scott Alderson & Tom Widdup, Red Hot Green Black; Daniel Beaver, Forest Activist Network NSW; Harry van Moorst, Western Region Environment Centre, Vic.

For more information and the campaign kit, contact Cam Walker, National Liaison Officer, Friends of the Earth Australia, e-mail: foe@melbourne.foe.org.au Phone: (03) 9419 8700

The kit is on the Friends of the Earth Australia website: http://www.foe.org.au/

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[8] Caritas pleads for refugees

The Caritas Internationalis aid organisation has appealed to the Australian Government and people to uphold the rights of asylum seekers. Caritas Internationalis is a confederation of 154 Catholic overseas aid and development organisations worldwide. It is the worldís second largest humanitarian organisation.

Duncan MacLaren, head of the organisation, says Australia must "work to make sure that the rights of migrants and asylum seekers are upheld and that something like Woomera never happens againí".

Speaking at a NSW Parliamentary lunch hosted by Premier Bob Carr in support of Caritas Australiaís major fundraising appeal, Project Compassion, Mr MacLaren focussed on the detention of children, saying that "we have to work towards a more compassionate solution instead of detaining children."

Copies of Mr McLarenís speech are available from Caritas Australia. Information about Project Compassion can be found at www.caritas.org.au

For more information, call Georgie McGrillen, 02 9956 5799 E-mail caritas@caritas.org.au

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[9] Increased penalties for hoaxes

The Attorney-General, Daryl Williams, introduced into the Parliament on February 13 new anti-hoax legislation which he described as "the first element of the Howard Governmentís law reforms to bolster our armoury in the war against terrorism".

The Criminal Code Amendment (Anti-hoax and Other Measures) Bill 2002 is aimed at ensuring that people who create public fear and alarm by sending hoax material or dangerous substances will face tough new penalties.

Since September 11, the Attorney-Generalís Department has been advised that police around Australia have investigated more than 1000 anthrax hoaxes. The penalty for sending hoax material will be increased from five to 10 years imprisonment.

The new hoax offence will apply retrospectively to the date and time of the Prime Ministerís announcement, commencing at 2pm on 16 October 2001.

Footnote: On a copy of the press release pinned to a noticeboard in Parliament House somebody asked the question as to whether "hoax legislation" applied to stories about children being thrown overboard from boats carrying asylum-seekers!

For more information, call the Attorney's office (02) 6277 7300
website: www.law.gov.au

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[10] ASIO keeps an eye on asylum seekers

Australiaís border control mechanisms were an essential tool in minimising the risk of terrorists entering Australia, according to the Attorney General, Daryl Williams, commenting on the annual report of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisationís work in 2000-2001.

ASIOís annual report, tabled in the Parliament this week, shows that much of the agencyís investigative work last financial year was focussed on Middle East terrorist groups, some of which were said to have a small number of supporters in Australia.

In his statement, Mr Williams said, "ASIO is the principal source of advice to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs on the entry to Australia of people of security significance. ASIO assesses whether people applying for entry or permanent residence have the potential to conduct terrorist activity, espionage or foreign interference, and provides a security assessment advising whether a person is a risk to national security."

The report notes that on ASIOís advice, five people were refused visas or had their existing visas cancelled in 2000-2001 ó three on espionage grounds, one on politically motivated violence grounds and one because of an identified link to a terrorist group. Further details relating to these people are classified.

ASIOís annual report is available website: www.asio.gov.au

For more information, call the Attorney-General (02) 6277 7300 website: www.law.gov.au

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[11] UNAA People's Commission builds database

The United Nations Association of Australia is gathering information about Australian Detention practices in response to ongoing community disquiet about the treatment of asylum seekers - and in the absence of a Royal Commission.

For more information: Margaret Reynolds, UNAA National President margaret.reynolds@bigpond.com PH.0418 181 843

David Purnell, UNAA National Administrator larkspur@cyberone.com.au (02) 6254 1111

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[12] Senate calls for action on West Papua murder

The Senate has agreed to Greens Senator Bob Brown's motion urging action by the Indonesian Government on the death of West Papuan leader Theys Eluay. Mr Eluay was murdered by unknown assailants in the Indonesian province of West Papua. According to Senator Brown, there is compelling evidence that the Indonesian military murdered Mr Eluay.

The motion, opposed by the Government but passed with the support of the ALP and Democrats, reads: that the Senate:

(a) expresses its grave concern of the death of West Papuan leader, Theys Eluay; and

(b) calls on the Australian Government to request that the Indonesian Government conduct a full and independent inquiry into Mr Eluay's death.

For more information, call Senator Bob Brown 02 62773170 e-mail: senator.brown@aph.gov.au

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[13] Pregnant women legislation re-introduced

The Attorney-General, Daryl Williams, has re-introduced legislation into the Parliament "to better protect rights of pregnant and potentially pregnant women" under the Sex Discrimination Amendment (Pregnancy and Work) Bill 2002.

The Bill makes it clear that employers will not be able to ask women questions about pregnancy or potential pregnancy in job interviews and people will not be able to discriminate against breastfeeding women. It also clarifies federal anti-discrimination laws to ensure that employers obtain information about pregnancy in medical examinations for legitimate reasons only.

The Bill, which was before the Parliament last year but lapsed when the federal election was called, addresses concerns raised by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission as a result of its national inquiry on pregnancy and work issues in Australia.

A pamphlet will be widely distributed to raise awareness about rights and responsibilities concerning pregnancy and potential pregnancy issues in the workplace. The pamphlet complements the Pregnancy Guidelines that were released by the Commission in 2001.

For more information call the Attorney-General (02) 6277 7300 website: www.law.gov.au

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[14] Briefing paper on women's poverty

The Womenís Rights Action Network Australia has prepared a briefing paper on Women and Poverty Eradication which will be discussed at the Commission on Status of Women 2002.

This month WRANA's Rights-On-Line publication emphasises the issues for the forthcoming Commission on Status of Women, in particular, their work on Women and Poverty. WRANA also is organising a letter-writing action to bring the issue to the attention of the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Status of Women. There is also some action focused on the ALP and their refugee and asylum-seeker policy.

The recommendations have been prepared to assist negotiations for the Commission on Status of Women Resolution on Eradicating Poverty, including through the empowerment of women throughout their life cycle in a globalising world. Recommendations are formulated for inclusion in the resolution, and are directed at both Governments and the UN system.

These recommendations have been developed by the Womenís Rights Action Network Australia is consultation with womenís community groups in Australia. The recommendations are based on Australian experiences, and relate to a specific set of economic, political and cultural factors; they bring together experiences which may be common to OECD countries.

It is important that the CSW resolution recognise the differential experiences of poverty, and address issues affecting the eradication of womenís poverty: Globally, in the Global South/Third World; and In the North

The briefing paper addresses nine key issues:

Each of these topics is addressed in the paper with an appropriate "language recommendation" -- for instance, "adopt the language of human rights as a framework for the resolution". This is followed by a "rationale" on each topic.

For more information, e-mail: Caroline Lambert caro@bigpond.com

To subscribe to rights-on-line, a monthly e-mail activism alert, go to http://www.nwjc.org.au/avcwl/lists/info/rights-on-line.html

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[15] Nancy Wilkinson 1946-2002

Nancy Wilkinson, a pioneer and indefatigable worker in a number of humanitarian fields, died in Canberra on February 6, just days before her 55th birthday and nine months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

A member of the ACT division of the United Nations Association of Australia, Nancy was part of the small group of Canberra women who worked to establish a Chapter of UNIFEM, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, 15 months ago in Canberra.

She remained a key person in the Chapter, seeing it grow over that time to a membership of over 100 people. She was involved in helping establish a number of successful UNIFEM activities - the UNIFEM Informs seminar series, International Women's Day fundraising lunch for women in East Timor and in particular, Nancy was the original co-ordinator for the first UNIFEM Spring Walk in Canberra. In October, when she was already quite ill, she led a five- kilometre walk with friends from the local community to raise over $250 for women in East Timor.

Nancy, who was born in Melbourne, worked in a range of child welfare positions in Perth, WA, and Guelph, Ontario. In recent years she was a senior social worker in the area of loss and grief at Canberra Hospital, focussing more recently on children and women's health with ACT Community Care.

She married Harold Wilkinson, currently national treasurer of UNAA, in 1968 and they worked together on Quaker projects in New York 1975-75 and in London until 1977.

Harold and their son, Rohan, and daughter, Anna, are establishing a Nancy Wilkinson Memorial Fund to further her work in Families as Medical Educators (FAME), initiated by her at Mt Sinai Hospital, New York in 1998-99.

For more information about the Memorial Fund, e-mail: Harold Wilkinson wilko@cyberone.com.au or phone/fax (02) 6251 5084

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[16] Reid at Women's Day address

Elizabeth Reid will address a UNIFEM Canberra luncheon to mark International Women's Day at the Canberra Institute of Technology School of Tourism and Hospitality, Constitution Ave, Reid.

Celebrations will be held this year on Tuesday, 5 March 2002 (International Women's Day is 8 March). International Women's Day luncheons and breakfasts have become a focal point for UNIFEM and are supported throughout Australia by our members, NGOs, corporate and local communities, all governments, and our special school students. Numerous venues participate to strengthen the initiatives of women's economic rights, engender governance and leadership, promote women's human rights, and to free the world of violence against women and children.

Ms Reid will speak on "Women to Women Development -- Can we make it happen?"

In 1975 Elizabeth Reid became the first adviser to an Australian Prime Minister (Gough Whitlam) with particular responsibility for matters relating to the welfare of women and children.

From 1992-1997 she was the UNDP Director of the HIV and Development Program in New York. From 1998-2000 she was the UNDP Resident Representative and the UN Resident Coordinator in PNG. During 2000 she worked for the UN in Rwanda and Cambodia. She has been appointed a Visiting Fellow in Gender Relations at the Australian Nation University, Canberra.

Proceeds will support UNIFEM's economic empowerment program for women in East Timor. For more information about the luncheon including inquiries regarding Corporate Tables, contact ó

Libby Lloyd, e-mail: llloyd@compuserve.com ph: (02) 6238 1024 mob: 0416244501 or Helen OíLoghlin, e-mail: ologhlin@apex.net.au ph (02) 6286 8577 or Salena Kulkarni, e-mail: salenakulkarni@empowergrp.com mob: 0414593846

Invitation forms also available at www.unifem.org.au

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[17] Accessible public transport

Legislation has been re-introduced into the Parliament to the implement Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport. The Disability Discrimination Amendment Bill 2002 will allow the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission to grant appropriate temporary exemptions from Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport, when they come into force. The standards have been developed in consultation with industry and the disability community.

The final draft of these disability standards, together with accompanying guidelines, for public information have already been published. The final draft standards and associated information is available at www.law.gov.au/Department.html

For more information call the Attorney-General (02) 6277 7300 website: www.law.gov.au

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[18] Parliamentary business

Draft Senate and House of Representatives Legislation Programs is available at the Prime Minister and Cabinet website: www.pmc.gov.au (functional index - parliamentary information). The Parliamentary Sittings Calender for 2002 is on: http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/work/sitting2002.pdf

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[19] World Environment Day Awards 2002

Nominations are now open for the 2002 United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards. Awards will be presented in the categories of City of Melbourne Triple Bottom Line Award, URS Business Enterprise Award, Alcoa Community/Individual Award, Local Government Award, Global 500 Education/School Award and Media Awards for Environmental Reporting (print, radio and television). The winners will be announced at an Awards Presentation Dinner to be held on May 22. The closing date for nominations is April 30. Individuals or organisations wishing to enter the Awards should visit the UNAA (Vic) website: www.unaavictoria.com.au or contact the United Nations Association of Australia (Vic) on ph (03) 9482 3655, fax (03) 9482 5118 or by e-mail UNAA.VIC@bigpond.com

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[20] Climate change and CHOGM

The Climate Action Network Australia says with Commonwealth leaders meeting for CHOGM in Coolum (Qld), in March, Climate Change and its impacts need to be addressed urgently.

A Forum is being hosted by the Queensland Conservation Council, Australia Institute, Climate Action Network Australia and the Australian Conservation Foundation to discuss "Implications of Climate Change for the Commonwealth". The forum will be held on February 26 from 10 am to 3.15 pm at the Queensland Museum Theatre, Queensland Museum, Cnr of Grey & Melbourne sts, South Bank, Brisbane, Qld.

The program will include an opening address by Professor Ian Lowe; other topics will include "Climate Change and The Commonwealth" by Dr Clive Hamilton, The Australia Institute; "Climate Change and Island States", by Ms Patrina Dumaru, Pacific Concerns Resource Centre, Fiji; "Climate Change: A Developing Country Perspective", by Ms Neelam Singh, Centre for Science and Environment, India; "The Vulnerability of Commonwealth Countries to Climate Change", by Dr Jon Barnett, University of Melbourne; "Climate Justice", by Mr Yin Shao Loong, Third World Network, Malaysia.

Participants should register by February 22.

For more information, call Anna Reynolds, Climate Action Network Australia 08 - 9192 7387 or 0419 547 217 e-mail: anna@climateaustralia.org website: http://www.climateaustralia.org

Warnings from the bush - impacts of climate change on the nature of Australia available at http://www.climateaustralia.org/bush/

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[21] Court confirms Native Title agreement

Justice North, in the Federal Court, has formally determined that the Karajarri People of the Western Kimberleys are the holders of native title over an area of more than 24,000 square kilometres south of Broome.

This determination was reached with the agreement of all the parties to the native title application, including the Karajarri People, fishing, pastoral, mining and pearling interests and the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments. It is the first consent determination of native title to which the Commonwealth is a party.

The Commonwealth has also agreed to transfer a parcel of Commonwealth land previously used for defence purposes to the Karajarri Traditional Lands Association for the benefit of the Karajarri people.

For more information, call the Attorney-General (02) 6277 7300 website: www.law.gov.au

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[22] HREOC re-appointments

Dr Sev Ozdowski has been reappointed as the Acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner and Dr Bill Jonas reappointed as the Acting Race Discrimination Commissioner. Dr Ozdowski is currently the Human Rights Commissioner, and has occupied the position of Acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner since December 2000. His new term as Acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner runs until February 10 2003.

Dr Jonas is currently the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and has been the acting Race Discrimination Commissioner since September 1999. His new term as Acting Race Discrimination Commissioner runs until February 10 2003.

In announcing the reappointments, the Attorney-General, Daryl Williams, reiterated the Government's Senate-frustrated intention of "pursuing legislation to remove Commissioners limited to narrow interest areas and replace them with three deputy presidents managing a range of special units, in order to promote and protect a greater range of human rights."

For more information, call the Attorney-General (02) 6277 7300 website: www.law.gov.au

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has created some new mailing lists, collapsing some of the old lists, and generally improving the information service it provides by e-mail. To join any address on these mailing list send a blank e-mail (no text in the body of the message) to:

ALL HREOC STATEMENTS: join-priority@list.humanrights.gov.au

CHILDREN & YOUTH: join-children_youth@list.humanrights.gov.au

COMPLAINTS & LEGAL: join-complaints_legal@list.humanrights.gov.au

DISABILITY RIGHTS UPDATE: join-drupdate@list.humanrights.gov.au

HUMAN RIGHTS: join-humanrights@list.humanrights.gov.au

HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS UPDATE: join-hrawards@list.humanrights.gov.au

HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION: join-hreducation@list.humanrights.gov.au

INDIGENOUS: join-indigenous@list.humanrights.gov.au

RACIAL DISCRIMINATION: join-racediscrim@list.humanrights.gov.au

SEX DISCRIMINATION: join-sexdiscrim@list.humanrights.gov.au

For more information on HREOC Mailing Lists, visit:

http://www.humanrights.gov.au/mailing_lists/index.html
or e-mail: webfeedback@humanrights.gov.au

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[23] ACFOAís Aid Budget Campaign 2002

The Australian Council for Overseas Aid has produced a 38-page submission to the Federal Treasurer setting out its case for "reducing poverty, creating human security -- the challenge for Australia's overseas development assistance."

ACFOA has prepared a Campaign Kit, which is on its website: www.acfoa.asn.au

The kit and a series of workshops present an opportunity to discuss some of the tricky issues involved in raising funds and how to communicate messages about overseas development to the public, who remain largely unaware of the complexities behind funding and implementing projects overseas.

Facilitated by the UKís Michael Westerman, a leading fundraising consultant who has provided input and advice to charities both large and small, workshops have been organised in Melbourne and Sydney to help develop an understanding and consensus as to how ethical guidelines can be applied to fundraising practice.

The workshops will be held at:

Melbourne: Thursday 28 Feb. 10am-4pm at CAA, Fitzroy

Sydney: Friday 1 March. 10am-4pm at the Quakers, Surry Hills.

For more information see www.acfoa.asn.au or call ACFOA on 02 6285 1816

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[24] UNA-UK conference

The United Nations Association UK has invited UNAA to send a representative to their annual conference to be held at Morecombe, Lancashire on April 5-7. As there are no funds available for this trip, any UNAA member who is likely to be in the area at that time and would like to represent UNAA, should contact David Purnell, UNAA National Administrator on (02) 6254 1111 or e-mail: larkspur@cyberone.com.au

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[25] UN news daily

UN Wire is a free daily news service sponsored by the United Nations Foundation and its sister organisation, the Better World Fund, which are dedicated to supporting United Nations efforts on behalf of the environment, population stabilisation and children's health. Its reports and the complete issue of each day's UN Wire can be found on the Web at http://www.unfoundation.org The Web version includes hot-links to the complete text of cited articles, a fully searchable archive and easy access to recent issues.

The UN newsservice also provides official UN news at www.un.org/News/

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Fellowships, internships, jobs and websites

[26] Community Service fellowships

The Myer Foundation Community Services International Residency Program offers fellowships to enable people working in the community services field to undertake an overseas residency for 2-3 months.

The MFCSRP aims to provide opportunities for people in the community services sector to learn from international counterparts and develop international linkages.

Over the past four years the MFCSRP has seen 15 international residencies taken up in a variety of fields including:

The MFCSRP is a national program, inviting applications from people across Australia. The applicants organise their own contacts and assignments overseas, and are able to apply for financial assistance from the program for up to $12,000.

Applications for the 2002/2003 program are welcome now. The closing date for applications is the 7 June 2002.

This program is run by Asialink, a non-profit organisation supported by the Myer Foundation and the University of Melbourne. Asialink promotes public understanding of the countries of Asia and creates links with Asian counterparts through a wide range of programs.

Inquires, information and applications are available from the Asialink website: www.asialink.unimelb.edu.au

For further information, e-mailt: juliamw@unimelb.edu.au

Julia Wilson, Program Manager,
The Myer Foundation Community Services International Residency Program
The Asialink Centre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre
The University of Melbourne 3010 Tel: (03) 8344 3582 Fax: (03) 9347 1768
e-mail: jm.wilson@asialink.unimelb.edu.au

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Internship: Information and Documentation

Title: Information and documentation intern

Location: ECRE London Office

Duration: 6 months (negotiable)

Start date: February/March 2002

The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) is the umbrella organisation for co-operation between European non-governmental organisations concerned with refugees.

ECRE's work is coordinated by the Secretariat in London and an office in Brussels. Much of ECRE's legal work is carried out through the European Legal Network on Asylum (ELENA), a network of lawyers who promote the highest human rights standards in the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.

An intern is needed to assist the information officer with the production of the annual country report publication, a report which provides an overview of asylum developments for the previous year in all the countries where ECRE has member agencies, that is currently 28 European countries. The intern will also answer information requests and at times undertake administrative tasks. The information officer is responsible for the ECRE websites, information queries by phone, email and letter, for information circulation within the office and network, for a documentation area and library and for producing several ECRE publications.

The position is for 4 days a week for six months and requires a person with a good understanding of refugee issues, whether gained through work experience or academic study. The candidate should also have excellent English in order to be able to edit the reports, and very good word processing and excel skills.

Conditions include

How to Apply: Send a CV and covering letter to Katy Fletcher kfletcher@Ecre.org

European Council on Refugees and Exiles, Clifton Centre, Unit 22, 110 Clifton St. London EC2A 4HT. Tel: 0207 729 5152 by 18 February

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Australia-Indonesia Institute initiatives

Two initiatives funded by the Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII) aim to further strengthening relations and building mutual understanding between the people of Australia and Indonesia.

The "Australia-Indonesia Dialogue" seeks to build enduring relationships between young emerging leaders in Australia and Indonesia and to identify ways to deepen the bilateral relationship. The dialogue will be organised by the Asia-Australia Institute at the University of New South Wales in conjunction with its Indonesian partner, the Habibie Center in Jakarta.

The "Muslim Exchange" is a three-year AII program under which Muslim leaders from both Australia and Indonesia will visit one anotherís countries for up to two weeks to meet Islamic leaders and religious, ethnic and community groups. The exchanges will be organised by the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University in consultation with Indonesian Islamic groups.

The AII is an Australian government-funded institute established to develop relations between the people of Australia and Indonesia by promoting greater mutual understanding and expanding areas of contact and exchange.

For more information, contact:

The AII Secretariat , PO Box E8, Kingston ACT 2604

Tel: (02) 6261 3827/3821 Fax: (02) 6261 1743

Website: www.dfat.gov.au/aii

E-mail: ausindonesia.institute@dfat.gov.au

***

Jobs and websites

Australian Council for Overseas Aid

Position: Pacific Policy Officer, Policy and Advocacy Team

The Policy Officer will join ACFOAís Policy and Advocacy Team whose objective is to ensure the efficient delivery of high level policy and advocacy services for the membership. The Policy Team has three strategic focus areas:

The salary package consists of a base salary of $39,800, plus a tax free fringe benefit equivalent to a fully taxable salary of $46,670 in addition to superannuation of $3573, giving a total remuneration package of $50,243.

Applications must be lodged by Friday, 1 March, 2002,

For detailed job description, responsibilities, and how to apply, access: www.acfoa.asn.au/job_vacancies/list_of_vacancies.htm or call (02) 6285 1816

***

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission

Senior Inquiry Officer, Executive Level 1, Human Rights Unit, Sydney

This is a non-ongoing position for the Commissionís National Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention.

DUTIES: In consultation with the Director and Commissioner manage arrangements for National Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention. This includes:
Organising public hearings and receipt of submissions;
Researching and evaluating evidence; and,
Drafting chapters of the report of the Inquiry.

Draft correspondence and speeches for the Director and Commissioner in relation to the Inquiry and associated areas.
Provide policy advice on the Inquiry to the Commission.

Liaise with relevant departments, agencies and organisations.
Other duties consistent with the above as directed.

Applications must be lodged by Friday, February 22, 2002,

To apply: Selection for current vacancies advertised on the HREOC website are based on job specific selection criteria. Applicants should obtain a copy of the documentation from the Commission's website at: www.humanrights.gov.au/jobs or by telephoning (02) 9284 9660. or write to The Human Resources Officer, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001 or by e-mail to personnel@humanrights.gov.au

The Commission encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people with disabilities and women.

***

UNRWA international vacancy notice (VN/M/04/2002) for the post of Field Procurement & Logistics Officer, P-4 at Jordan Field Office. Deadline for applications: 28 February 2002 For details e-mail: UNRWA-AHR@UNRWA.ORG

UNAIDS Vacancies

For information on any vacancies, e-mail: hrm@unaids.org

Hard copies of the vacancy announcements are available in HRM, V.222 and also available on the UNAIDS Internet Homepage: http://www.unaids.org

For all UN positions vacant, access:

http://www.detya.gov.au/iae/international/AIRSSite/airshome/airshome.htm

For more information, contact Steve Price, the site manager, e-mail: Stephen.price@detya.gov.au or phone (02) 6240 9012 Alternative sites for employment opportunities with the United Nations and its field operations and list of professional posts vacancies in the International Civil Service, job classification, salary scales and daily subsistence allowances are at the following websites:

www.un.org/Depts/icsc

www.unorg/Depts/OHRM

www.un.org/Depts/dpko (to apply for field employment and to download P-11 application form)

The Australian Council for Overseas Aid publishes details of vacancies in the NGO area. Details are available on the ACFOA website at www.acfoa.asn.au or by phoning 02 6285 1816.

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[27] Diary dates

To list your event in Diary Dates just send brief details by e-mail to: imathews@ozemail.com.au

To February 24 Treasures of the World's Greatest Libraries, including UNESCO's Memory of the World register exhibits, National Library of Australia, Canberra. Info on access: (02) 6262 1292 (Weekdays 9amó5 pm) or (02) 6262 1111 (Weekends 10am ó 5pm) Website: www.nla.gov.au click on the Treasures icon

To February 20 Public Health in Complex Disaster Settings (Refugee Health Care) Short Course. Melbourne. Conducted by The Burnet Institute. Contact: Trish Clark: (03) 9282 2275 or e-mail - clark@burnet.edu.au

February 16 March for Refugees in Katoomba NSW Info: Alex Damon and Ann Gethin (02) 4782 4493 or 02 9660 5300 www.refugeecouncil.org.au

February 16 2pm Return from Aceh by Australian activist, Kim-Louise van den Nouwelant. A Peace Brigades International Speaking Tour, Canberra, Friends Meeting House, Cnr Conomite and Bent St's, Turner, ACT

February 18-21 Additional Senate Budget Estimates

February 18-22 Asia-Pacific Centre for Military Law conference, University of Melbourne 'Pushing the Envelope: Australian Defence Force Contributions to the Development of International and Operations Law'. Details: www.law.unimelb.edu.au go to 'Military Law Conference' or call Dianne Costello, ph: (03) 8344 4775 e-mail: d.costello@unimelb.edu.au

February 21 Former Australian Human Rights Commissioner Chris Sidoti at Public forum on refugee policy: Is there a way out of the mess? 6-7.30PM City Labor Club, Childers Street, Canberra City Info: Racial Respect, Sallie Ramsay 02 6286 1564, e-mail mail@racialrespect.org.au

February 25 Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy 12th Annual Training for Human Rights Defenders from the Asia-Pacific region in Sri Lanka Contact in Australia: (02) 9385-2277 dtp@unsw.edu.au website: www.law.unsw.edu.au/centres/dtp

February 26-28 Regional Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, Hotel Grand Hyatt, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, , Info: Minister for Foreign Affairs (02) 6277 7500 e-mail: A.Downer.MP@aph.gov.au website: www.dfat.gov.au

February 27 Irish Ambassador to Australia AMBASSADOR RICHARD O'BRIEN E-mail National Press Club: npc@npc.org.au Phone: 02 6273 3644 Fax: 02 6273 4657 Web: www.npc.org.au

February 28, 7pm Return from Aceh by Australian activist, Kim-Louise van den Nouwelant. A Peace Brigades International Speaking Tour, Melbourne. Trades Hall, Victoria St. Carlton

March 2 Commonwealth Heads of Government opens on Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Info: Tracey Bell, Issues Manager, CHOGM 2001 Task Force Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (07) 3017 1474 Website: www.chogm2002.org

March 7-9 Model United Nations of the Americas Conference,n Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Info and "Registration Forms" at: http://www.unadr.org/americas/index.htm or e-mail: jgagain@unadr.org

March 8 International Women's Day

March 9 East Timor: 'Triumph and Tenderness' at 10th Annual International Women's Day Sydney Breakfast. Info: International Women's Development Agency (IWDA) Ph: 02 9264 5399 Fax: 02 9264 6399 E-mail: astewart@ihug.com.au

March 10 WOMEN'S FAIR DAY: Footscray Community Arts Centre, Footscray, Melbourne 12.30pm - 5pm http://www.vicnet.net.au/~wfair

March 11 DR DAVID SUZUKI will launch his new book 'GOOD NEWS FOR A CHANGE, Hope for a troubled planet'. E-mail National Press Club: npc@npc.org.au Phone: 02 6273 3644 Fax: 02 6273 4657 Web: www.npc.org.au

March 12-13 Beyond Tolerance: A National Conference on Racism, Sydney Opera House. Info: janisconstable@humanrights.gov.au at the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.

March 14-17 World Federation of UN Associations at the NGO Forum before the Financing for Development Conference (March 18-22), Monterrey, Mexico. Info: www.egroups.com/group/wfuna-una Or e-mail: Lene Schumacher schumacher@wfuna.org

March 15-16 Human Rights in Asia: Tradition and Trajectories conference at the Asian Studies Centre Michigan State University, US, organised by the University's Info: website: www.isp.msu.edu/asianstudies/hrc_asia

March 18-22 International Conference on Financing for Development, Monterrey, Mexico Documents on website www.un.org/ffd

March 19 International Candle Lighting Ceremony, 7pm Poolside at The Baron Townhouse, Cnr Hindley & Morphett Streets, Adelaide SA Inquiries to glenysj@ozemail.com.au BPW Australia website: http://www.bpw.com.au

March 21-28 Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling Against Racism & Racial Discrimination www.un.org/rights and www.universalrights.net

March 23 World Meteorological Day - www.wmo.ch

March 25-26 (tbc) HREOC national forum on the availability of tertiary study materials for students who are blind or vision-impaired, or who have another print disability. Info: Bruce Maguire, Disability Rights Unit HREOC 02 9284 9613 E-mail: brucemaguire@humanrights.gov.au Access: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/education/forum1.htm

April 7 World Health Day http://www.who.ch

April 15-19 International Model United Nations, Moscow Info on UNA-Russia website: www.una.ru Or "Model UN" modelun@mgimo.ru

April 19-21 UNYA(WA) State Conference for senior secondary-school students "Religion in World Politics" Info: www.unya.asn.au/wa

April 23 World Book and Copyright Day www.wipo.int

April 30 final day for nominations UNAA Environment Day awards. Information: www.unaavictoria.com.au or call Anna Stone ph 03 9482 3655.

May 3 World Press Freedom Day www.unesco.org

May 8 World Red Cross Day

May 13-24 Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, New York Info: Sandra Aragón, NGO Liaison Officer Anti-Discrimination Unit, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Tel (41 22) 917 93 93 Fax (41 22) 917 90 50 E-mail : saragon.hchr@unog.ch

May 13-18 World Health Assembly, Geneva. Resolutions and other Executive Board documents can be found at www.who.int/gb

May 14 Federal Budget

May 15 International Day of Families

May 17 World Telecommunication Day

May 19-22 Ecotourism Summit,Quebec, Canada. Info:: www.world-tourism.org and www.uneptie.org World Tourism Organisation,Madrid + 34 91 5678 100 e-mail: env@world-tourism.org and/or Oliver Hillel at the UN Environment Program, Paris + 33 1 44 37 76 21 e-mail: oliver.hillel@unep.fr

May 22 UNAA Environment Day award, ANZ Pavillion Victorian Arts Centre, Melbourne Information: www.unaavictoria.com.au or call Anna Stone ph 03 9482 3655.

May 21-25 UNEP Children's Conference on the Environment, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Info: www.iccCanbada2002.org e-mail: info@iccCanada2002.org

May 24 HIS HOLINESS TENZIN GYATSO The 14TH DALAI LAMA OF TIBET E-mail National Press Club: npc@npc.org.au Phone: 02 6273 3644 Fax: 02 6273 4657 Web: www.npc.org.au

May 25 Summer Course on Refugee Issues, Centre for Refugee Studies, York University, Toronto, Canada www.yorku.ca/crs

May 27-30 Senate Budget Estimates

May 29-31 Green Processing 2002: International Conference on Sustainable Processing of Minerals, Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns Qld. Info: Miriam Way, Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (03) 9662 3166 e-mail: conference@ausimm.com.au

May 31 World No-Tobacco Day www.who.org.ch /

June 3-6 Senate Budget Estimates

June 4 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression www.unicef.org

June 5 World Environment Day www.unep.org

June 9-28 23rd International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP) in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, from The Canadian Human Rights Foundation (CHRF) www.chrf.ca

June 17 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought www.unep.org

June 26 International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking www.undcp.org

June 26 UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture www.un.org/rights and www.universalrights.net

July 3 International Day of Cooperatives

July 7-14 United Nations Youth Association of Australia National Youth Conference (UNYC) Brisbane. Info: www.unya.asn.au/unyc

July 7-13 World Congress of Sociology, Brisbane. Info: papers, participants, or registration, call the Congress Secretariat in Melbourne (03) 9417 0888 fax (03) 9417 0899 e-mail: sociology@meetingplanners.com.au website: www.sociology2002.com

July 7-12 14th International AIDS Conference, Barcelona. Info: www.firabcn.es

July 8-12 Australasian Model United Nations Conference, Melbourne. Info: www.amunc.net or Agnes Milowka, Under-Secretary General and Delegate Liaison Coordinator AMUNC 2002 Mobile: 0409762372 Email: milowka@ozemail.com.au

July 11 World Population Day www.unfpa.org

August 9 International Day of the Worldís Indigenous People www.un.org/rights

August 12 53rd anniversary of the Geneva Convention www.unhchr.ch

September World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg. Info: International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Diego Noguera at diego@iisd.org website: http://iisd.ca/scripts/lyris.pl and choose 2002SUMMIT-L from the list of IISD's e-mail lists

September 8 International Literacy Day www.unesco.org

September 8 World Reconciliation Day:

September 16 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer www.unep.org

September 21 International Day of Peace www.un.org/peace

Last week in September World Maritime Day www.imo.org

September 29- October 3 17TH annual International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) conference "Volunteering, Reaching Out for Reconciliation and Peace". Seoul, Korea. Info: e-mail: kdennis@iave.org website: www.iave.org

October 1 International Day of Older Persons

October 4 World Habitat Day

October 9 World Post Day

October 13 International Day for Disaster Reduction

October 16 World Food Day www.fao.org and www.wfp.org

October 17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

October 24-30 Disarmament Week www.un.org/peace

October 24 United Nations Day www.un.org

October 24 World Development Information Day www.undp.org

October 24 Universal Childrenís Day (Australia)

October 27-30 Maturity Matters conference on Ageing Perth WA. . Info: Judy Hogben, Office of Seniors Interests, Level 4, St Georges Tce, Perth WA 6000. www.congresswest.com.au/IFA

November 14 International Diabetes Federation & WHO World Diabetes Day

November 16 International Day of Tolerance

November 20-21 Supplementary Senate Budget Estimates

November 20 Africa Industrialisation Day www.un.org/Depts/eca

November 21 World Television Day www.unesco.org

November 29 International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

December 1 World AIDS Day www.unaids.org

December 2 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery www.un.org/rights and www.universalrights.net

December 3 International Day of Disabled Persons www.who.org.ch/

December 5 International Volunteer Day for Economic & Social Development www.un.org/ecosocdev

December 7 International Civil Aviation Day www.cam.org/Icao

December 10 Human Rights Day. www.unhchr.ch and http://www.un.org/rights and www.universalrights.net

December 11 World Asthma Day. WHO info: e-mail: rozovi@who.ch website: http://www.who.ch/

December 29 International Day for Biological Diversity www.unesco.org

 

United Nations International Years:

The International Year of Mountains, 2002, is being organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation.website: www.mountains2002.org

For Environment Australia's program for IYM, access www.australianalps.environment.gov.au or call Cath Renwick (02) 6250 9501 or e-mail: cath.renwick@ea.gov.au

The International Year of Ecotourism will be observed in 2002 Australian website: www.ecotourism.org.au/IYE2002

For a full list of International Years from 1959, call the UN Information Centre, Sydney, (02) 9262 5111 or Fax (02) 9262 5886

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[28] Refugees: Contacts and coverage

Because of the wide and varied media coverage of the on-going refugee situation, UNity lists some of the many outlets monitoring and commenting on the events.

Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (02) 6277 7860 website: www.immi.gov.au

Opposition spokesperson Julia Gillard (03) 9742 5800 Julia.Gillard.MP@aph.gov.au

Senator Bartlett (02) 6277 3406 or (07) 3252 7101 e-mail senator.bartlett@aph.gov.au

Refugee Council of Australia David Bitel 02 9286 8700 Margaret Piper 0405 144 099

UNAA representative on Refugee Council Lurline Price (02) 9363 0786
e-mail: dilmprice@bigpond.com

National President United Nations Association of Australia, Margaret Reynolds, Phone: 0418181843 E-mail: margaret.reynolds@bigpond.com

Nicholas McNally, Chair, NSW Young Lawyers, Human Rights Committee

Ph: (02) 9263 3428 or 0419 855 002; Fax: 02 9264 6622;

E-mail: nick_mcnally@bigpond.com

UNSW Centre for Refugee Research ph: (02) 9385 1961 email: cenrefre@unsw.edu.au _
Website: www.crr.unsw.edu.au

http://www.unhcr.ch/refworld/refworld/legal/instrume/asylum/1951eng.htm

For other information on refugee issues:

A site with a registration if you are prepared to house a refugee or refugee family, lists of refugees (for direct communication) and factsheets. www.spareroomsforrefugees.com/

Pacific Conference of Churches Secretariat: GPO Box 208, Suva, Fiji

Tel: + (679) 311277; Fax: + (679) 303205; E-mail: pacific@is.com.fj

The Asylum Seeker Project at Hotham Mission, Melbourne, evaluation and report of its work with asylum seekers in the community e-mail Asylum Seeker Project <asp@sub.net.au

Rural Australians for Refugees e-mail: "Susan Varga" <susan@goulburn.net.au or Anne Coombs susanne@hinet.net.au or Helen McCue Ph (02) 4862 2325 hmccue@hinet.net.au

website - www.ruralaustraliansforrefugees.org/

Justice for Refugees call 9 West St, Lewisham NSW 2049. Tele/fax: 02 9572 7484

The Refugee Claimants Support Centre, Brisbane http://www.refugees.org.au

Phone: (07) 3357 9013 Fax: (07) 3357 9019 E-mail: refugees@ecn.net.au

The Asylum Support Service website www.asylumsupport.info lists all of the currently policy documents of the UK National Asylum Support Service (NASS), as well as having a search engine allowing for keyword searches across all the bulletins.

The Refugee Claimants Support Centre in Brisbane has a new website address: http://www.refugees.org.au

Or contact Chris Gibbings, Refugee Claimants Support Centre, 12 Bonython Street, Windsor, QLD 4030

PO Box 160, Lutwyche QLD 4030 Phone: (07) 3357 9013 Fax: (07) 3357 9019 E-mail: refugees@ecn.net.au

Senate Scrutiny of Bills Committee assessment of migration package of Bills; Alert Digest No 13 www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/scrutiny]

The Report of the Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade and its Human Rights Sub-Committee's visits to Immigration Detention Centres [ISBN 0 642 36648 9] is on the Internet at: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt

Or a printed copy can be obtained from the Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313

Media monitoring

Refugee Action Collective - Victoria e-mail: refugeeaction@mail.com

websites: www.rac-vic.org and www.topica.com/lists/Racvicnews

Justice for Refugees: 02 9572 7484 e-mail: Ausnews@egroups.com

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newslink/nat/

The Asylum Seeker Project website: http://vic.uca.org.au/linkup

Grant Mitchell grantmitch@yahoo.com or Alistair Gee al@bpartner.com.au Simon O'Neill simon_oneill@yahoo.com

'Reportage' is prepared by the UTS/ACIJ Students: http://www.reportage.uts.edu.au/more.html#political

In addition, Refugees Daily is a global refugee news review prepared by UNHCR from publicly available media sources but it does not reflect UNHCR's views, nor can UNHCR vouch for its accuracy. For more information e-mail: AULCA@unhcr.ch

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[29] ReliefWeb and Aid contacts

Donations sought for Afghanistan

The following agencies are accepting cash donations to assist people in Afghanistan and are signatories to the ACFOA Code of Conduct requiring professional standards of public accountability:

For further information and comment contact: ACFOA: Jim Redden, Acting Executive Director or Jenny Wells, Program Coordinator (02) 6285 1816 e-mail: acfoa@acfoa.asn.au website: www.acfoa.asn.au

AusAID: Fionna Douglas 02 6206 4960 www.ausaid.gov.au

ReliefWeb, the United Nation's humanitarian web site, Map Centre can be found at http://www.reliefweb.int/w/map.nsf/home

The site currently contains over 1,000 maps and links focusing on information related to humanitarian assistance and coordination in emergencies.

For more information on the ReliefWeb Project, contact: Alta Haggarty, ReliefWeb New York Phone: (+ 1 212) 963-9145 E-mail: haggarty@un.org

Craig Duncan, ReliefWeb Geneva Phone: (41 22) 917-2232 E-mail: cd@reliefweb.int

For the latest on where emergency aid is needed, contact ReliefWeb, a project of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: www.reliefweb.int
e-mail info@dha.unicc.org

For aid agencies which are signatories to the Australian Council For Overseas Aid Code of Conduct contact ACFOA (02) 6285 1816 e-mail: acfoa@acfoa.asn.au website: www.acfoa.asn.au

To donate to Red Cross appeals call 1800 811 700, or GPO Box 9949 in any capital city.

AusAID (02) 6206 4960 website: www.ausaid.gov.au

END

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