I would like to inform you of the below event. All are welcome.
It is an event organised to inform mainstream Australians on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka.
You may wish to inform like-minded people (especially academics, political representatives in parliament, journalists, activists, religious leaders, etc). Please ensure that individuals register by Monday 4.00pm.
This event is not for those who are already aware of the situation, but rather for those who wish to find out more.
There are limited seats so please encourage interested people to register as early as possible to ensure they are able to attend.
Regards,
Organisers
Human Rights in Sri Lanka and Australia’s Role
On May 19 2009, the Government of Sri Lanka reported it had won the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Tamil Tigers). However, with the end to war, accusatoins of human rights violations and war crimes on both sides of the conflict are emerging.
What is the real situation in Sri Lanka?
What is the role of the Government of Australia and its people in protecting human rights in the Asia-Pacific region?
Date: Tuesday 16th June 2009
Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Venue: Theatrette, NSW Parliament
RSVP: forum16june@gmail.com
Guest speakers:
Hon. John Dowd AO QC
Hon. John Dowd AO QC is the President of the Australian Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and chair of the Executive Committee of ICJ Geneva. He has been on ICJ missions to Hong Kong, East Timor and Nepal, and led the Australian Government Delegation to Palestine to monitor the Palestinian Legislative Council Elections. A former NSW Attorney-General and Supreme Court judge, John Dowd is currently the Chancellor of the Southern Cross University and recently elected president of ActionAid Australia (formerly Austcare).
Dr. John Whitehall
Dr. John Whitehall is a paediatrician and Associate Professor in Public Health at James Cook University. He has done voluntary medical work in Sri Lanka in 2004 and 2005, and in 2006 was a finalist for Senior Australian of the Year for his work raising relief funds for victims of the Asian tsunami. John Whitehall is the co-author of the book War and Medicine, a collection of short stories of the experiences of medical practioners in NorthEast Sri Lanka.
Mr. Bruce Haigh
Mr. Bruce Haigh is a political commentator and author and a former Australian diplomat.Having joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 1972, he has extensive experience in South Asia, the Middle East and South Africa, including as Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Counsellor in the Australian Embassy in Pakistan. As First Secretary in the Australian Embassy in South Africa, Bruce Haigh initiated Embassy contact with members of the black South African resistance and helped a number of political activists to escape South Africa.
For more information or to register please email forum16june@gmail.com
Details required for registration: Firstname, Surname, Contact numbers (Mobile + Landline), Organisation