The President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC), John von Doussa QC, last Thursday opened the official call for nominations for the 2008 Human Rights Medals and Awards, urging individuals and organisations to enter.

“In communities around Australia – from the suburbs to regional areas and to the inner cities – many of us are often struck by the extraordinary efforts certain individuals and organisations, everyday people among us, make to better and assist Australian society,” said Mr Von Doussa.

“The Human Rights Medals and Awards were set up 21 years ago so that these people could be recognised for their selfless and often uncelebrated efforts and commitment in their day-to-day lives to issues of human rights, social justice and equality – efforts that serve to better the society we live in,” he said.

“If you are one of these people, or know of one of these people or organisations, I urge you to submit a nomination for one of these awards such as the Community (Individual) Award, Community (Organisation) Award, Human Rights Medal or Young People’s Human Rights Medal.”

Nominations are also being accepted for the Human Rights Awards categories of Law (sponsored by the Law Council of Australia), Literature (Non-fiction), Print Media, Television and Radio.

In celebration of the 60^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the theme for this year’s awards is ‘Dignity and justice for all of us’, the UN Human Rights Day theme for 2008.

Winners will be presented with their Medals and Awards at a gala luncheon ceremony to be held on Human Rights Day, 10 December 2008, in Sydney.

Nomination forms/ information:      www.humanrights.gov.au/hr_awards

                                                            Ph: 02 9284 9618 or hrawards@humanrights.gov.au

Nominations close:                             Close of business Friday, 3 October, 2008

Awards ceremony:                            Wednesday 10 December 2008
                                                            Grand Ballroom, Sheraton on the Park Hotel, Sydney

Tickets to awards:                             Ph: 02 9284 9618 or hrawards@humanrights.gov.au

                                                            $65 or $40 concession
                                                            Includes two course luncheon, drinks and entertainment

Mailing list for updates:                    Subscribe at www.humanrights.gov.au

Tags: equal rights, human rights