When was Just Rights Queensland established?
Just Rights Queensland started as a small research group in late 2004. The purpose of the group initially was to look at the international human rights literature and identify gaps in human rights coverage in Australia. On the basis of this work a number of major areas of concern were identified, and the group resolved to begin a Queensland based campaign to address these issues.
What are the main areas of human rights concern?
In the 'about rights' page, you can read about agreed human rights standards and principles. According to international reviews, Australia (and Queensland) has major human rights concerns in the areas of:
- anti-discrimination
- children and young people
- civil and political rights
- disability
- education
- environment
- health
- housing
- Indigenous
- lesbian, gay and transgender rights
- older people
- people with a mental illness
- prisoners
- refugees and asylum seekers
- women
- workers
What is JRQ trying to achieve?
JRQ is campaigning for a human rights act for all Queenslanders. That is, we would like to see state parliament enact legislation to protect the rights of all of us and facilitate more opportunities for people to realise their full potential.
From mid 2005, JRQ has been holding public forums on general human rights challenges and on specific areas of most concern (such as those in the above list). For a list of the events that have been held as well as upcoming events go to the 'news and events' page.Through taking this message to the community, a number of organisations have stated their support of the human rights campaign. They are shown in the 'our partners' page.
A human rights act will be a powerful instrument of positive change only if the community supports it. Community engagement on human rights is also part of creating a human rights culture, one where people respect the dignity and humanity of their fellow citizens.How can I help?
There are a number of ways to help.
- Come along to our public forums, learn about rights and meet great people
- You can even help organise a forum or human rights event
- Download and distribute information from this website
- Talk to family, friends and work colleagues about human rights
- Let us know about your events and activities
- Join the JRQ email list.
Contact campaign@justrightsqld.org to discuss how you can help.
JRQ meetings
Just Rights Queensland general meetings are held every two months. Social events are also organised from time to time so we can enjoy each other's company in a more relaxed way.
Contact campaign@justrightsqld.org to find out more about our meetings.
