One of the most important parts of being human is feeling empathy and practising respect. We deny ourselves that if we deny the rights of others
‘We must all ensure the actions we undertake and the language we use to advocate for the rights of some do not undermine the rights of others.’‘We must all ensure the actions we undertake and the language we use to advocate for the rights of some do not undermine the rights of others.’
As I conclude my term as president, the war in Gaza is inflaming tensions across our country and having terrible impacts on Jewish, Palestinian, Muslim and Arab communities. At the same time, complex issues such as domestic violence, child justice, immigration, housing, the environment and climate change – among others – continue to torment and frustrate many people and communities.
But the deprivation of rights also plays out in other, less overtly hostile ways: the inability to access spaces and information due to a person’s disability; the denial of services and opportunities because of a person’s race, age, citizenship status, sexual orientation or gender identity; and the constant erosion of privacy, safety and agency wrought by advances in technology.
Activating these values is by no means an easy process as violence, abuse and discrimination create formidable barriers to the exercise of compassion and empathy. Holding these tensions is a key part of the commission’s remit as Australia’s national human rights institution. However, part of it is also expressing these tensions in a way that aligns with the values of empathy, equity, compassion and respect which we seek to promote and protect as an institution.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Only 60% of Australians accept ‘climate disruption’ is human-caused, global poll findsExclusive: French survey of 26 countries finds fewer Australians than global average agree that climate change is the greatest health threat facing humanity
Read more »
Almost one in three Australians fell for this tax scam, would you?Research participants were confident they could pick a scam, but 31 percent of those tested fell for one of these.
Read more »
‘It’s a cold one’: Millions of Australians brace for freezing wet and windy SaturdayMillions of people in south-eastern Australian can expect freezing wet weather to blast through their cities this Saturday, as strong wind warnings have been issued for major capitals.
Read more »
It’s one small step for the Wests Tigers, one giant leap for Leichhardt OvalIt’s been a big week for Leichhardt Oval and on the Wayne Pearce Hill on Saturday, the true believers were daring to dream again.
Read more »
SIM boxes send text messages to unsuspecting Australians 'every two seconds'According to police, SIM boxes are behind the influx, which can hold which can hold up to 100 SIM cards and are capable of sending out a text message every two seconds.
Read more »
Microplastics found in every human semen sample tested in studyChinese scientists say further research on potential harm to reproduction from contamination is ‘imperative’
Read more »