Celebrating human rights 2011
Media release
Tripoli
8 December 2011
In the lead up to Human Rights Day, celebrated around the globe on December 10, Australia has announced support to 41 organisations that are promoting and protecting human rights throughout the developing world.
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd made the announcement during his visit to Libya where he met with senior figures of the interim Libyan Government to discuss the challenges ahead as they rebuild their country and its economy.
"One of the fundamental causes of the Arab Spring was the subjugation of people's basic human rights by repressive regimes.
"Nowhere has the fight for recognition of those human rights been more evident than in Libya," Mr Rudd said.
Australia is a dedicated supporter of the efforts of people to win basic human rights such as free speech, freedom of association, gender equality and justice.
"The Australia Human Rights Grant Scheme, established in 1997, helps non-government organisations and human rights institutions in developing countries to promote and protect human rights in practical ways.
Australia will provide $3.7 million to fund 41 projects across the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, including:
- In the Solomon Islands, $100,000 will assist enlisting and training men in 20 target settlements to champion ending violence against women.
- In Vietnam, $99,000 will reduce discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people by increasing their access to legal advice and training government officials to reduce discrimination.
- In Burma, $100,000 will assist communities, government officials and corporations to incorporate human rights into the planning of mining projects.
- In Tanzania, $90,000 will train a network of paralegals at the district and national levels to enable improved access for marginalised people to legal aid.
The selection of successful projects is overseen by an independent panel of Australian experts including 2011 Australian of the Year, Simon McKeon, and former Australian Human Rights Commissioner, Chris Sidoti.
A full list of the successful projects funded under the 2011-12 round and previous rounds of the Human Rights Grants Scheme can be found at http://www.ausaid.gov.au/business/other_opps/humanrights_scheme.cfm
Media enquiries
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