Monday 3 March 2008

In Rudd's Australia all human rights are equal, but some are more equal than others

Australia's Attorney General, Robert McClelland recently announced that the Federal Government will be signing the UN's Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
There is also a possibility that prohibitions against torture will be included in the Commonwealth Criminal Code.
 
I have to say I'm pleased with this announcement, but a little puzzled about why some human rights appear to be more important than others in the eyes of Rudders and Co.
 
Australia signed up to the UN International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination which has been in force since 1969.
Yet here we are breaking our commitment to this convention every day the Rudd Government allows Howard's NT Intervention legislation and regulations to stand.
Definitely an Animal Farm moment dragging uncomfortably on.

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