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| The national magazine of the United Nations Association of Australia Weekly News Summary No 99, compiled from Federal parliamentary and other sources relevant to Australia’s obligations to the United Nations ISSN 1035-218X No 183 August 20, 1999 Editor: Ian Mathews Ph: (02) 6281 4025 Fax (02) 6285 2529 Email: imathews@ozemail.com.au
Your input to the Millennium Forum Cash needed for Turkish quake victims Australia confirmed 'in breach' on native title 'Forced labour' in Australian prisons Mission to West and East Timor Landmine training for Kosovars Aid workers and depleted uranium War: humanitarian and media interests International Seminar Support Scheme Diary updates, including parliamentary committee hearings
Your input to the Millennium Forum A vision statement for the United Nations of the 21st century, to be presented at the Millennium Forum, is being coordinated by Edith Ballantyne, former International President of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. Over the next three months, in consultation with as many NGOs and other civil society partners as possible, parts might be submitted to the UN Secretary General's Office in December as an input into the Secretary-General's report to the UN Millennium Assembly. Dr Waldaba Stewart and Edith Ballantyne are coordinating the development of a Vision statement as the introductory part to the discussion paper. "What follows is an idea of approach," Edith Ballantyne says. "People may want to see a different approach taken, or a different focus. This is a preliminary step, but your quick response would be much appreciated so that a more representative text could be circulated more widely soon for further input. Below are some ideas to start the project". The draft reads: The United Nations in the 21st Century - Our Vision "We, the people of the United Nations, look back on the 20th century with awe and also horror. "We look with awe at women's and men's scientific and technological achievements that have put men on the moon, that are lengthening human life expectancy everywhere, that can bring us visions within minutes of events that take place thousands of miles away, that enable us to communicate at lightening speed with others around the world and to inform and be informed. "We look with horror at our inhumanity toward others, at war and massacres, at hate and honour killings, at abject poverty in a sea of plenty, at conflicts in which entire populations are chased from their ancient lands, at the ruthless destruction of our life-giving environment, at what could have been and was not. "We are determined to make this new millennium one in which our achievements of the 20th century will be used for all people to live better and to live in peace, free of want and of war. "To these ends we will work for the democratic development and implementation of the provisions of the United Nations Charter and for the strict adherence to its principles and its spirit by living together in peace as good neighbours, by using our efforts to maintain international peace and security ensure that armed force shall not be used in settling conflicts. We will work to strengthen the United Nations institutional system in which the peoples voices are heard and the peoples needs are defended and met. "We take the occasion of the Millennium Assembly to proposed specifically.... (Then would follow the different texts under the sub-themes agreed to by the Steering Committee at its meeting on 28-29 June 1999, namely (1) peace and security and disarmament; (2) eradication of poverty; (3) human rights; (4) sustainable development and the environment; (5) facing the challenge of globalisation: achieving equity, justice and diversity); strengthening and democratising the United Nations and international institutions) You can send Edith Ballantyne your contributions and ideas by email: edibal@iprolink.ch or by fax to the WILPF office at +(41 22) 740 10 63 or to Edith privately at +(41 22) 732 50 19, or by post at Case postale 50, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland.
ACFOA urges cash for Turkey quake victims The Australian Council for Overseas Aid's Executive Director, Janet Hunt, is urging Australians to help victims of the tragic earthquake in Turkey by sending cash donations to the aid agency of their choice. "The Australian public's generous assistance will reach needy people very quickly if it is in cash form," Ms. Hunt said. Several Australian aid agencies have launched appeals for assistance to the victims of the Turkish earthquake. Tax deductible donations may be sent to non-government organisations including:
Alternatively, non tax-deductible donations may be given to:
For more information contact: Janet Hunt on (02) 6285 1816 E-mail: acfoa@acfoa.asn.au Website: http://www.acfoa.asn.au For information on this diaster and all disaster operations access: www.reliefweb.int
Australia 'in breach' on native title The UN Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination re-affirmed on Tuesday, its earlier finding that Australia's amended Native Title Act are incompatible with the International Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has expressed serious concern that envisaged changes in policy by the Australian Government risked creating an "acute impairment" of the land rights of indigenous communities. [HR/CERD/99/52 of 16 August 1999]. The decision also reaffirmed decisions taken by the Committee in March in reference to the situation in Australia. Gay McDougall, the Committee Expert who served as rapporteur on the situation in Australia, said the recommendations contained in the Committee's March decisions had not been acted upon by the Government and there had been no progress with regard to indigenous land titles in Australia. Rather, she said, the situation was becoming of greater concern in that amendments to the Australian Native Title Act were being brought into effect within the jurisdictions of the various states and territories of Australia. The Committee noted, "In adopting these decisions, the Committee was prompted its serious concern that, after having observed and welcomed over a period of time a progressive implementation of the Convention in relation to the land rights of indigenous peoples in Australia, the envisaged changes of policy as to the exercise of these rights risked creating an acute impairment of the rights thus recognised to the Australian indigenous communities. It considered in detail the information submitted and the arguments put forward by the State party. ..." The chairman of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, Gatjil Djerrkura, said the Government should now enter meaningful negotiations with Indigenous leaders on the future of its native title legislation. He said it gave him no joy to see the Australian Government criticised by such an important body of the United Nations. "Australia is obliged in international law to comply with the provisions of the Convention to which it is party," he said. The Opposition spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs, Daryl Melham, and Shadow Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, said in a joint statement, "This is a shameful day in Australia's history. Under previous Labor and Liberal Governments, Australia was a strong and proud voice against racial discrimination. However, in order to appease sectional interests, the Howard Government has passed a law that has sullied our international reputation. ..." Neither the Attorney-General nor the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs made statements. The Attorney-General, Daryl Williams, is in Hamburg putting Australia's case against Japanese "research" fishing of blue fin tuna before the UN's Law of the Sea Tribunal. Senator Herron was in central Australia where he handed back the 6554-hectare Urrpantyenye title deed to members of the Yewerre Aboriginal Land Trust, following their claim on it lodged in 1989.
It was only to be expected, sooner or later, that the very domestic issue of the attempted dismissal of the Secretary of the Department of Defence, Paul Barratt, would involve some conjecture as to Australia's obligations under International Labor Organisation convention obligations. As it is, the Federal Court has now ruled that while the Prime Minister has the unrestricted authority to dismiss the head of a department, there is an obligation to give the person adequate reasons and the opportunity to rebut them. The Canberra Times legal reporter, Roderick Campbell, writing before the judgement was delivered on Thursday, noted that in a recent case in Victoria involving the dismissal of police officers, the Court had ruled that the terminations of the four officers' employment was governed by federal industrial relations laws which reflected the contents of a number of International Labour Organisation conventions and recommendations. According to The Canberra Times report, "The [Victorian] court concluded that the ILO convention covered public and private-sector employees equally, including police and military. It also covered high ranking public servants unless Australian law expressly excluded them or it was constitutionally not possible to extend to them the same protection which others enjoyed. The ILO conventions did not distinguish between holders of public office and other public employees. ..." Full report, The Canberra Times, August 19, 1999 p2: www.canberratimes.com
'Forced labour' in Australian prisons The Australian Council of Trade Unions has published a paper, "Australia and Prison Labour" which details the ACTU's representations to the International Labour Organisation on Australia's compliance with Convention 29 (Forced Labour). Prepared by Alan Matheson, the ACTU's International Officer, the paper [D.No 54/99] argues that Australia has breached Convention 29 (Forced Labour) as a direct consequence of its privatisation of prisons in Victoria. It puts the case that prison labour in Victoria's private prisons is not "work or service [which] is carried out under the supervision and control of public authority" as required by the Convention. Additionally, it argues that prison labour is in direct contravention of Convention in that it is "hired to or placed at the disposal of private individuals, companies or associations." The matter was first raised with the ILO by the ACTU in August last year. The Australian Government argued against the ACTU case before the Committee on the Application of Standards during the ILO's International Labour 67th Conference in Geneva in June. The ACTU paper contains relevant transcripts and other background material. For copies or more information, call Alan Matheson (03) 9663 5266 fax (03) 9663 4051 e-mail: alanm@actu.asn.au
Mission to West and East Timor Australia has sent AusAID officials to West and East Timor to assess humanitarian needs, with the emphasis on internally displaced people. Officials will hold talks with local communities, NGOs and representatives of the United Nations Mission to East Timor, UN High Commission for Refugees, the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, is particularly concerned about the prevalence of malaria, already affecting up to 150 UNAMET staff. Since March, Australia has provided relief assistance to internally displaced people through Caritas and the Kalyanamitra Foundation worth almost $700,000. Australia is also supplying vehicles to UNHCR in East Timor. For more information, call the Minister's office (02) 6277 7500 or Matt Francis at AusAID (02) 6206 4960 website: www.ausaid.gov.au
Australia is donating canned fish and rice to people displaced by ethnic tensions in the Solomon Islands in an additional aid package worth $220,000, bringing the total humanitarian aid to $560,000. Matt Francis at AusAID (02) 6206 4960 website: www.ausaid.gov.au
Landmine training for Kosovars Australia is training returning Kosovar refugees in basic mine awareness, as a prelude to their resettlement in areas where they can expect to find landmines, cluster bombs and booby traps. Two or three people from each safe haven will also be trained to run mine awareness course both in the safe havens and in communities when they return home. Australia's mine education program is being conducted in cooperation with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) which is responsible for implementing an integrated mine action program in Kosovo. This is conducted by the Mine Action Coordinating Centre in Pristina and includes surveying, mine marking, mine awareness education and mine and unexploded ordnance clearing. Australia will provide $420, 000 to UNMAS and $80,000 for training Kosvars in Australia. For more information, call the office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs (02) 6277 7500 or Matt Francis at AusAID (02) 6206 4960 website: www.ausaid.gov.au
Aid workers and depleted uranium Of interest to aid workers, peacekeepers and non-government organisation personnel visiting or working in areas where it is suspected that depleted uranium weapons have been used, is a brochure published by the International Depleted Uranium Information Network. According to the brochure, the US Department of Defence has confirmed that US weapons did fire armour-piercing ammunition made of depleted uranium against Yugoslav forces in and around Kosovo. Areas of Serbia are probably also affected. Groups in the west are still trying to obtain maps of affected areas. Groups in Kosovo and Serbia should request this information from NATO headquarters in Brussels. The US has so far refused to release information about the number and type of depleted uranium rounds shot and locations where they were fired. The brochure includes sections on: What is Depleted Uranium? and explains it is a chemically toxic and radioactive heavy metal nearly twice as dense as lead with a half-life of 4.5 billion years. Depleted uranium burn on impact, releasing a toxic and radioactive dust. How was depleted uranium used in the NATO-Yugoslav War? and asserts American A-10 (Thunderbolt) and possibly AV-8B Harrier jets fired such rounds during the war. Unconfirmed reports suggest British Harrier jets may have fired depleted uranium rounds, but this is denied by the UK Ministry of Defence. Other sections describe "How to identify depleted uranium bullets", "How to identify depleted uranium" and "How to reduce exposure" For more information contact: In Australia, e-mail: yusha@bigpond.com In the UK: Campaign Against Depleted Uranium (CADU), One World Centre, 6 Mount St. Manchester M2 5NS. Ph.. + 44-161-834-8301; Fax + 44-161-834-8187 e-mail: gmdcnd@gn.apc.org These websites also have more information: http://www.globaldialog.com/~kornkven/ http://www.web-light.nl/index.html http://www.iacenter.org/du62497.htm http://reports.guardian.co.uk/sp_reports/iraq/p-1868.htm The ACTU has published a paper, "Burma and the ILO" which details decisions and background documents from the 1999 annual conference of the International Labour Organisation, held in Geneva from June 1-17. In his introduction, the ACTU's International Officer, Alan Matheson, says, "In an unprecedented move by a United Nations agency, the 1999 International Labour Conference (the annual policy meeting of the ILO) Burma was universally condemned and excluded, de facto, from the ILO." While noting that the vote against Burma was 333 to exclude, 27 for Burma and 47 abstentions, Alan Matheson says Burma's military junta has successfully forced two democratic countries - Thailand and India - to withdraw permission for an international conference on the issue of Burma to be held in their countries. He concludes, "It is an interesting insight into the influence and power that the junta commands when two major democracies in the region - India and Thailand - bow to pressure. ..." For copies or more information, call Alan Matheson (03) 9663 5266 fax (03) 9663 4051 e-mail: alanm@actu.asn.au
The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 23 in Parliament House, Canberra, to take evidence from interested people on the following treaty actions: the proposed termination of Social Security Arrangements with the UK; proposed Agreement to amend the Scientific and Technical Cooperation Agreement with the European Community; Fourth Amendment proposed to the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund; and proposed Agreement with the USA on Mutual Antitrust Enforcement Assistance. [Earlier references, UNity No 98, August 16, 1999] When the Government produces a National Interest Analysis of a proposed treaty action, it notes that these proposed treaty actions have been tabled in Parliament and have been referred to the Joint Committee on Treaties for consideration and report. Anyone with any comments on the purpose or content of the proposed treaties should contact the Secretary of the Treaties Committee on (02) 6277 4002, fax (02) 6277 4827, or e-mail: jsct@aph.gov.au Copies of the national interest analyses and more information about the Committee's review can be found at the Committee's website: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/
Crispin Conroy has been appointed as Australia's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Nepal. Among his many positions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade he has worked in the International Organisations and Legal Division. >From 1995-98 he was First Secretary at Australia's Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva. He takes up his posting in December. For more information, call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (02) 6261 9111 or website: www.dfat.gov.au
The Australian Law Reform Commission has published its discussion paper, Review of the federal civil justice system, which, while finding no crisis in the civil law system, does find problems in aspects of it, particularly the Family Court. The Commission is seeking public comment by mid-October and will present its final report in November. The report itself is not expected from the printers until August 25. It will not be available on the Internet for possibly two weeks. For information, call the Australian Law Reform Commission (02) 9284 6333 or e-mail: info@alrc.gov.au website: www.alrc.gov.au
The principal output of the recent World Conference on Science ("Science for the Twenty-first Century - A New Commitment") was a nine page "Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge" and a supplementary 14-page "Science Agenda - Framework for Action". These were developed through extensive consultation before, and negotiated during, the conference on the basis of national presentations and forum discussions. They were adopted/agreed by acclamation in a final plenary meeting. The Declaration focuses on four principle themes: (1) science for knowledge; knowledge for progress; (2) science for peace; (3) science for development; (4) science in society and science for society. The agreed Framework for Action was seen as providing a strategic guide for partnership within the United Nations system and between all stakeholders in the scientific endeavour in the years to come. The World Conference on Science was held in Budapest, Hungary, from 26 June-1 July 1999 under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the International Council of Science (ICSU). It was attended by some 2,000 delegates from more than 150 countries and a large number of governmental and non-governmental organisations. The fifteen member Australian delegation included representatives of the Australian Academy of Science, the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the Institution of Engineers Australia, along with other representatives of both the natural and social science communities including Australia’s candidate for Director-General of UNESCO, Gareth Evans, and Justice Michael Kirby of the High Court of Australia. It was led by Dr John Zillman, Director of the Bureau of Meteorology, who also represented the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. The conference included three sequential forums: "Science: Achievements, Shortcomings and Challenges" (chaired by Australia); "Science and Society" and "Towards a New Commitment". Issues discussed included the nature of science, the universal value of fundamental science, science in response to basic human needs, public perceptions of science, science for development and setting priorities in a new socio-economic context. The Australian Statement to the conference was based significantly on the "Sydney Communique" from a preparatory Asia-Pacific Conference convened in Sydney in December 1998 under the auspices of the Australian National Commission for UNESCO. It was presented on behalf of the Australian delegation by Gareth Evans and, along with a more detailed statement, was distributed to delegations. Many of the keynote presentations at the conference and the debates in some of the thematic meetings were of a very high standard, although a few were disappointingly unfocused and superficial. Several major themes emerged from the presentations and debates:
For more information: Ian Anderson, UNESCO National Commission (02) 6261 2037 e-mail: ian.c.anderson@dfat.gov.au UNESCO website: www.unesco.org
War: humanitarian and media interests The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Cross Australia are holding an international media seminar, "From the Boer war to Kosovo - Humanitarian Action and Media Coverage" at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum on September 14. The organisers say, "Armed conflict continues to ravage the globe, as cruel as ever, with civilians suffering the most, in many cases as a direct violation of the laws of war. We are confronted however, not only by the reality of these shocking events themselves, but also by the new ways in which they have been brought to our attention. The ever-increasing presence of media reporting in conflicts and disasters requires us to look deeper: what role does the media play today? Should we perceive the media as reporters of events, or as formers of opinion who hold sway over decision-makers?" The seminar will examine television reporting from conflict zones; does it assist or block humanitarian action? How do humanitarian organisations and the media complement or compete with one another? And what are the ethical issues related to the media's use of humanitarian workers as their "eyes and ears" in cases of limited access to conflict zones? It will also examine how some wars are "selected" for coverage and others are forgotten. Keynote speakers will include:
For program and registration, call ICRC Sydney on (02) 9388 9039, fax (02) 9388 9042, E-mail: icrcsyd@ozemail.com.au
The United Nations Information Centre in Sydney is distributing to UNAA divisional offices and other interested persons a number of pertinent documents. They are:
For more information, call UNIC's research librarian Toni Smith (02) 9262 5111 e-mail: sydney@ccmail.unic.org Conference correction Due to a double booking the UNAA (NSW) dialogue on the International Year of the Older Person, to be held at the Mitchell Room, Mechanics Institute, Castlereagh Street, Sydney has been rescheduled for September 18. Information: Taylor Dong: Ph: (02) 9385 1712 mobile: 0414 525 856 Fax: (02) 9385 1040 E-mail: taylor@unsw.edu.au website: http://www.cyberone.com.au/~unaansw/symposium/index.html International Seminar Support Scheme The International Seminar Support Scheme (ISSS) is an Australian Government aid program which funds attendance at international development-oriented seminars in Australia and overseas. Since July 26, new guidelines have been introduced, the key changes being:
The new guidelines, forms and details of allowances are at: www.ausaid.gov.au/business/other_opps/isss.html or call (02) 6206 4970 fax (02) 6206 4925 Remote recruiting coordinator, Darwin Australian Volunteers International is seeking a Remote Recruiting Coordinator to manage the Darwin office. Remote Recruiting specialises in recruiting staff for Aboriginal communities in remote areas of northern and central Australia. This full-time position begins in November. For more information visit: www.ozvol.org.au or call Stewart Denmead (03) 9279 1733 or toll free 1800 331 292 e-mail: sdenmead@ozvol.org.au Applications close September 13
Diary updates, including parliamentary committee hearings This year is the International Year of Older Persons August 22-28 Hearing Awareness Week. Info: Deafness Forum of Australia (02) 6262 7808 TTY: (02) 6262 7809 fax: (02) 6262 7810 e-mail: deaforum@ozemail.com.au August 23 Parliamentary Joint Committeeon the National Crime Authority, Parliament House, Canberra; Inquiry into the involvement of the NCA in controlled operations. Info: Michael McLean (02) 6277 3567 August 23 Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee public hearing Parliament House, Canberra, into the Economic, Social and Political Conditions in East Timor. Information: Paul Barsdell (02) 6277 3535 August 25 Amnesty International Parliamentary Group meets. Info: Peter Nugent MP (02) 6277 2088 August 26, 2 - 3.30p.m. ANU, Canberra lecture, Seminar Room B, Coombs Building ‘Citizenship, Humanity and Cosmopolitan Harm Conventions’ Andrew Linklater. Info: Amy Chen Ph: (02) 6249 2166 Fax: (02) 6279 8010 Email: ir.rspas@coombs.anu.edu.au URL: http://coombs.anu.edu.au/ir August 27 Senate Community Affairs References Committee inquiry into childbirth procedures; Parliament House, Canberra. Info: Elton Humphery (02) 6277 3515 August 27 The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, in association with Jubilee 2000 in Australia, seminar on World Debt in the main committee room at Parliament House, Canberra Information (02) 6277 2098 or e-mail: jon.bonnar.reps@aph.gov.au website: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt/index.htm August 27 Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee public hearing Melbourne, into the Economic, Social and Political Conditions in East Timor. Information: Paul Barsdell (02) 6277 3535 August 27 Parliamentary Joint Committeeon the National Crime Authority, Parliament House, Canberra; Inquiry into the involvement of the NCA in controlled operations. Info: Michael McLean (02) 6277 3567 August 27 Indigenous Rights: The Struggle for Land and Cultural Revival in Central America 7.30 pm University House, ANU. To book, call Community Aid Abroad Ph.: (02) 6257 4472, Fax: (02) 62489248 E-mail: paulaf@caa.org.au August 29 Refugee Sunday National Council of Churches in Australia (02) 9299 2215 or state offices August 30 Senate Employment, Workplace Relations, Small Business and Education Committee, Parliament House, Canberra; inquiry into Education and training programs for Indigenous Australians. August 30-31 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-NGO consultative meeting on international human rights August 31 Richard Butler, formerly of UNSCOM, at the National Press Club, Canberra http://www.npc.org.au/speak/fr_speak.html September 1 to 3, Sydney international conference organised by the Human Rights Council of Australia and the University of Technology Sydney "Sport and Human Rights". Information, Andre Frankovits, Executive Director, Human Rights Council of Australia Inc, PO Box 841, Marrickville NSW Australia 1475 Telephone and fax (02) 9559 2269 e-mail: agf@pegasus.com.au Website http://www.ozemail.com.au/~hrca September 4 The Australian Human Rights Centre University of NSW, quiz on human rights. For more information Melinda Jones, Director, Australian Human Rights Centre, email: ahrc@unsw.edu.au September 4-5 "Steps for Reconciliation", Honeysuckle Creek, Namadgi National Park Info and bookings: Flora Macdonald: Phone /Fax (02) 6231 7884 or Phone: (02) 6296 5428, E-mail: mopar@cyberone.com.au September 8 International Literacy Day September 8-9 Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee public hearing NT Parliament House, Darwin, into the Economic, Social and Political Conditions in East Timor. Information: Paul Barsdell (02) 6277 3535 September 8-9 International conference on Child Soldiers, Melbourne. Info: 1300 301143 e-mail: csc@wva.org.au September 9-11 Refugee Studies Program: Displacement, Forced Settlement and Conservation at Oxford, UK. Information: Program Organisers E-mail: dawn.chatty@quh.ox.ac.uk September 10 Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee public hearing Sydney, into the Economic, Social and Political Conditions in East Timor. Information: Paul Barsdell (02) 6277 3535 September 11 ACFOA annual dinner, Canberra. Info: Debbie Venugopal (02) 6285 1816 September 14 International media seminar "From the Boer war to Kosovo - Humanitarian Action and Media Coverage", organised by the ICRC and Australian Red Cross; at The Powerhouse Museum, Sydney 8:30-5pm, fee $20 (students free).Contact: ICRC Sydney (02) 9388 9039; e-mail: icrcsyd@ozemail.com.au September 14 Parliamentary Joint Committee on Native Title andthe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Fund. Kalgoorlie, WA; inquiry into Section 206 (d) of the Native Title Act 1993; Info: Peter Grundy (02) 6277 3598 September 14-18 International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development (INFID) conference, Bali. Info: Vanessa Johanson, Australia Council for Overseas Aid, Human Rights Office, 124 Napier St, Fitzroy, Melbourne 3065 Ph. (03) 9417 7505, e-mail: vjohanson@acfoa.asn.au or acfoahr@acfoa.asn.au website: http://www.acfoa.asn.au September 15-17 Annual UN/NGO conference, New York, "Meeting the Challenges of a Globalised World" http://www.un.org/Moreinfo/ngolink/welcome.htm September 15 Parliamentary Joint Committee on Native Title andthe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Fund. Leonora, WA; inquiry into Section 206 (d) of the Native Title Act 1993; Info: Peter Grundy (02) 6277 3598 September 16 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer www.unep.org September 16-17 Parliamentary Joint Committee on Native Title andthe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Fund. Parliament Houe, Perth, WA; inquiry into Section 206 (d) of the Native Title Act 1993; Info: Peter Grundy (02) 6277 3598 September 16-17 1st Seminar of the Australasian Chapter of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2), Sydney, Information:: Max Hardy, Public Officer Tel: (02) 4226-4040 Fax: (02) 4226-4042 E-mail: max@twyford.com.au September 18 [corrected date] UNAA (NSW) dialogue on the International Year of the Older Person, Mitchell Room, Mechanics Institute, Castlereagh Street, Sydney. Information: Taylor Dong: Tel: (02) 9385 1712 mobile: 0414 525 856 Fax: (02) 9385 1040 E-mail: taylor@unsw.edu.au website: http://www.cyberone.com.au/~unaansw/symposium/index.html September 18-21 "Rural Education - more precious than gold" Kalgoorlie, WA. Information: Rosa Lincoln, Society for the Provision of Education in Rural Australia Tel: (08) 9021-1344 Fax: (08) 9091-2719 September 21 International Day of Peace www.un.org/peace September 21 Closing date for booking UNAA (NSW) parliamentary luncheon. Info: (02) 9221 1709 September 21-24 CIVICUS 3rd World Assembly, Manila - Towards a New Civil Society: The Changing Roles of Civil Society Organisations, Business and Government. Email: civicus@csi.com.ph Sept 22-25 "Landscape Futures", and international symposium hosted by UNESCO Institute for Bioregional Resource Management, University of New England, Dr David Brunckhorst (02) 6773 3001 Fax: (02) 6773 2769 E-mail: dbrunckh@metz.une.edu.au and website: www.ibrm.une.edu.au/future/conf.htm Registration and other inquiries UNE Conference Company, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2351 Phone (02) 6773 2154 Fax (02) 6773 3766 Email: confco@metz.une.edu.au Last week in September World Maritime Day www.imo.org September 26 1999 Human Rights Medal and Awards Info:Public Affairs Unit HREOC www.hreoc.gov.au/news_info/ Presentation 10 December 1999 September 27 Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee public hearing Parliament House, Canberra, into the Economic, Social and Political Conditions in East Timor. Information: Paul Barsdell (02) 6277 3535 Sept 27-28 Small Islands - issues and actions UN Gen.Assembly session Info: e-mail: oodit@un.org website: www.sidsnet.org Sept 29 Amnesty International Parliamentary Group meets. Info: Peter Nugent MP (02) 6277 2088 September 29-October 1. 1999 Fulbright Symposium "Beyond the republic: meeting the global challenges to constitutionalism", Brisbane. Information: Barbara Johnstone, manager the Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance, Griffith University fax (07) 3875 6634 e-mail: B.Johnstone@mailbox.gu.edu.au October 1-8 30th South Pacific Forum, Koror, Palau. Info: (02) 6261 1555 website: www.dfat.gov.au October 1 International Day of Older Persons Info: (02) 6289 4463 website: http://www.health.gov.au/coa or October 2 UNAA (Tas) & Dept. of Health and Human Services "Global Embrace Grand Parade" Info: Pym Trueman (03) 62239 4269 e-mail: pym@tassie.net.au October 4 World Habitat Day October 5 UNAA (NSW) Luncheon, NSW Parliament House Info: (02) 9221 1709 October 9 World Post Day October 9 Board of ATSIC election. Information: ATSIC (02) 6121 4000 website: www.atsic.gov.au October 10-16 Global NGO conference The Role of NGOs in the 21st century: Inspire, Empower, Act Seoul, Korea Information, UNAA national president, David Purnell, (02) 6254 1111 or e-mail: korcngo@ngo99korea.org website: www.ngo99korea.org October 11-17 AUSTCARE Refugee Week with UNHCR. Landmine theme "Clearing a Safe Path:" Details (Sydney) (02) 9565 9100; Vic (03) 9663 1600; SA (08) 8362 9006; WA (08) 9325 9330 Qld (07) 3392 0666 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 17—22 The International Aviation Safety Management Conference, Sheraton Hotel, Perth, WA. Info: (08) 9450 1662, fax (08) 9450 2942 or Email: convlink@wantree.com.au Conference website: www-chs.cowan.edu.au/iasmc/HOME.htm October 20 Public submissions close on revised draft of Australian and New Zealand Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters. Guidelines available from Environment Australia’s Community Information Unit 1800 803 772 or (02) 6274 1817 October 24-30 Disarmament Week www.un.org/peace October 24 United Nations Day October 24 World Development Information Day www.undp.org October 25 UNAA (NSW) UN wreath laying ceremony, Cenotaph, Martin Place. Guest of honour, the Commissioner for Rural Fire Services Phil Koperberg. Info: Geoffrey B.W.Little icq: 42508815 e-mail: polepfor@onaustralia.com.au website: http://rotarnet.com.au/users/P/PLEPFR/index.htm October 27 UNICEF’s Universal Children's Day November 14 International Diabetes Federation & WHO World Diabetes Day November 15-26 UN Convention to combat desertification-Third Conference of Parties, Recife, Brazil. Info e-mail: sjampies@unccd.de November 20 Africa Industrialisation Day www.un.org/Depts/eca November 16 International Day of Tolerance November 20 UNICEF' s 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Convention on the Rights of the Child 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.ch December 5 International Volunteer Day 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 12 UNICEF’s International Children's Day of Broadcasting December 14: UNICEF's State of the World's Children Report 2000 Release December 29 International Day for Biological Diversity www.unesco.org 2000 January 24- February 11 "10th Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training Program" at the Law School, Northern Territory University, Darwin. Info: Diplomacy Training Program, Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052 Australia, tel: (02) 9385 2277/2807, fax: (02) 9385 1778, e-mail: dtp@unsw.edu.au website: www.law.unsw.edu.au/centres/dtp
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