Australia will conduct two more human rights workshops in Burma
in July, as well as funding judicial training for two Burmese
judges.
Like the seven human rights workshops Australia has conducted since
2000, these activities are designed to improve the lives of ordinary
Burmese citizens and to encourage the Burmese Government to make
advances with political reconciliation. Over time, they will make
a modest contribution to preparing the ground for the eventual return
to democracy in Burma.
The Human Rights and Responsibilities Workshops will be conducted
by Monash University in Mandalay and Taunggyi in July. This will
be the first time one of Australia's human rights workshops has
been conducted in Taunggyi, the capital of Shan state.
As in the past, the workshops will include mid-level officials
from a range of government ministries as well as civil society representatives.
So far, 151 Burmese have participated in the workshops.
The Government is also funding the participation of two Burmese
judges in a three week course on judicial and domestic implementation
of international human rights law. The course, conducted by the
International Development Law Institute, will include training on
judicial administration and reform.
The Government will continue to look at ways to expand the Human
Rights Initiative as part of its efforts to promote democratic reform
and human rights in Burma.
For media enquiries : Lyndall Sachs (Departmental) 02 6261 1555
