Former Human Rights Commissioner joins discussion on human rights in the age of terror

The former President of Ireland and more recently United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs Mary Robinson, will be a special presenter at a discussion at The University of Queensland today.

Mrs Robinson will join a panel of fellow human rights advocates to discuss human rights in the age of terror.

Mrs Robinson, who is the founder and current Executive Director of Realizing Rights – The Ethical Global Initiative, will speak about her work with Realizing Rights and offer her perspective on the human rights situation with a particular focus on Australasia.

Executive Dean of UQ’s Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences Professor Linda Rosenman said the discussion would provide a unique opportunity for staff and students to participate in lively dialogue on this relevant and topical issue.

“UQ is home to the Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies which is involved in human rights work, and we have a number of international leaders in this area working with us,” Professor Rosenman said.

Other presenters include former Queensland Senator and Federal Government Minister Professor Margaret Reynolds, and Professor Kevin Clements and Dr Anne Brown from the Australian Centre of Peace and Conflict Studies.

“The speakers will cover topics related to the impact of the war on terror on civil liberties and human rights, human rights, borders and political community, and the role of the United Nations,” Professor Rosenman said.

Guests will also have the opportunity to join in the discussion with time devoted to questions.

Mrs Robinson is in Brisbane to participate in the first International Conference on Engaging Communities, which is hosted by the Queensland Government in cooperation with the United Nations.

The conference, which started yesterday, is providing the opportunity for community engagement and development practitioners to interact with international leaders in engaging communities.

Media are invited to attend the discussion, which will be held in the Senate Room (Level 5, Brian Wilson Chancellery) at The University of Queensland commencing at 3.30pm.

For further details, contact Melinda Midgley on 07 3365 8820 or m.midgley@uq.edu.au