High School students show why we need an Australian Charter of Human Rights
Chuk Yin Darien from Auburn High School is the winner of the Australian Charter of Human Rights School Writing Competition with this entry:
We, the proud people of Australia, recognise the inherent dignity and equal worth of all human beings. We acknowledge the long and ongoing struggle for human rights, both domestically and internationally, and recognise the need for a comprehensive and enforceable framework to protect the rights of all Australians.
Therefore, we hereby establish this Charter of Human Rights for Australia, to serve as a living and enduring testament to our commitment to the protection of human rights and freedoms. This Charter shall be binding on the government, the judiciary, and all other institutions, and shall be upheld as the supreme law of the land.
The provisions of this Charter shall reflect the principles of equality, dignity, and freedom, and shall be interpreted in a manner that advances these values and protects the rights of all individuals. The Charter shall apply to all persons within the jurisdiction of Australia, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic.
This Charter is founded upon the belief that all human beings are entitled to certain inalienable rights and freedoms, including the right to life, liberty, and security of person; the right to freedom of thought, conscience, sexuality, and religion; the right to freedom of expression and association; the right to equality before the law; and the right to education, health, and social security.
The provisions of this Charter shall be enforced by the courts and other relevant institutions and shall be subject to reasonable limits imposed by law and necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals, or the rights and freedoms of others.
We, the free people of Australia, declare our commitment to this Charter of Human Rights, and affirm our belief in the importance of human rights and freedoms for the advancement of a just and equal society.
Background
The competition, run by the Human Rights Law Centre, aimed to find the best introduction to an Australian Charter of Human Rights. Australia is the only western liberal democracy without a human rights charter or similar.
The entries were reviewed by an expert panel of judges:
Thenu Herath, 2021-2023 CEO of Oaktree
Lee Carnie, Executive Director for Advocacy of the Foundation for Young Australians.
Caitlin Reiger, CEO of the Human Rights Law Centre.
Click here to learn more about a Charter of Human Rights.
Photo by Marcos Luiz on Unsplash