Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Under 25 and doing great things? Nominate for the Young People’s Human Rights Medal
The Australian Human Rights Commission is encouraging young people who have made an outstanding contribution to advancing human rights in Australia, to nominate for the Young People’s Human Rights Medal.
Commission President Catherine Branson QC, said the Young People’s Medal was open to those aged 25 years or under on 3 July this year, and was always hotly contested due to the great efforts being undertaken by young people to protect the human rights of others.
“Each year the Commission receives nominations from committed, innovative and passionate young people who take it upon themselves to lead the protection of human rights or raise awareness of human rights issues in their communities, colleges, workplaces and schools,” Ms Branson said.
“The judging panel has a difficult task in assessing these nominations, but is always inspired by the efforts young people are making to build a fairer and better society for us all.”
Winner of the 2009 Young People’s Human Rights Medal, Vinay Menon, said winning the Medal was an honour and recognition of the valuable services provided by the Red Cross, the organisation for whom he volunteers.
“I have been lucky to be a part of the Red Cross and the services they provide that make a difference for vulnerable people,” Mr Menon said.
“Winning the Young People’s Medal was also an opportunity to highlight that young people do care about creating a fairer Australia and there are thousands of us volunteering everyday to achieve that goal.”
Nominations can be made for the Human Rights Medal and Young People’s Human Rights Medal and seven Award categories: Law, Community (Organisation), Community (Individual), Literature (non-fiction), Print Media, Television and Radio.
The Commission’s website contains all the information about the 2010 Human Rights Medals and Awards, and information about the sponsors for this year’s awards, which are: Rio Tinto; the Department of Immigration and Citizenship; the Law Council of Australia; iHR Australia; Avant Card; Trophyland; The Co-op Bookshop; Online Opinion and Vibe Australia.
Nominations close at 5pm on Monday, 4 October, 2010. Winners will be presented with their Medals and Awards at a ceremony to be held on Human Rights Day, Friday, 10 December 2010 at the Sheraton on the Park Hotel in Sydney.
Nomination forms/information: www.humanrights.gov.au/hr_awards or Ph: 02 9284 9618 or hrawards@humanrights.gov.au.
Tickets to awards: Ph: 02 9284 9618 or hrawards@humanrights.gov.au ($80 or $50 concession includes two course luncheon and drinks.)
Mailing list for updates: Subscribe at www.humanrights.gov.au/hr_awards/index.html
Media contact: Louise McDermott 02 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
