Justice News
A Uniting Church Response to Human Rights Legislation
Assembly Standing Committee, Uniting Church in Australia, March 2008
It was resolved to:
| 08.24.01 | communicate to the Commonwealth Government its support for a national human rights charter that is born from widespread and effective community and stakeholder consultation; | ||
| 08.24.02 | call on the Australian Government to develop a national human rights charter which | ||
| 08.24.03 | a) implements Australia’s commitment to human rights outlined in - the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, - the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and - the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; | ||
| b) holds public institutions and officials accountable for upholding and promoting human rights in the creation and administration of public policy and practice; | |||
| c) takes account of Indigenous Australians as the first peoples of this land and the long history of rights being denied to them; and | |||
| d) is supported and policed by properly funded, independent mechanisms; and | |||
| 08.24.04 | affirm support for relevant campaigns for a national human rights charter with these aims. |
Christmas Island chaplaincy: a light in the darkness
Christmas Island is a tiny speck in the Indian Ocean, yet it will seem vast compared to some of the tight spaces Rev Christine Senini worked in. And she won’t have to sleep in a bunk bed.
The President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev. Alistair Macrae has added his name to the list of prominent Australians calling for reform to our asylum seeker policies. UnitingJustice has continually advocated for a more compassionate approach to these vulnerable members of our society.
UnitingJustice and the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly has joined the chorus of voices calling for Constitutional recognition of the unique contribution that First Peoples have made to this country. Amendments to the Australian Constitution should also include removal of racist and discriminatory language and clauses. The open letter was accompanied by a submission to the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition made by UnitingJustice.
UJA Reference Committee member, Professor John Langmore, discusses the political momentum behind and the public benefits of introducing a financial transactions tax.
Rethink Refugees - watch UJA National Director, Rev. Elenie Poulos, reflecting on her work in refugee advocacy as part of Amnesty's information campaign
Preamble posters and Covenanting resources
Download or print your own here.
Position Vacant: Senior Media Officer
The Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia seeks to appoint an experienced media professional to the role of Senior Media Officer. Read more...
Churches solid on poker machine reform
The major Christian churches in Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to the Government’s proposed poker machine reform this morning in the face of Catholic priest Father Chris Riley’s apparent support for the inaccurate, well-funded industry campaign. Read more...