|
1995
- Discussion Paper: Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, 1981 - 1 Sep 1995
Australia has been active for some time in the international community's attempts to formulate and to articulate certain basic rights and freedoms for individuals and for nations. We note that recently, a number of judges of superior courts have recognised that international law is "a legitimate and important influence on the development of the common law, especially when international law declares the existence of universal human rights." This does not contradict the recog- nised principle of international law that international instruments, whatever their character, be they convention, declaration or protocol, do not have force, as of right, in domestic or municipal law. It should be remembered, of course, that international instruments are forged in discussions between peoples of diverse cultural, religious, political and legal traditions. - Discussion Paper: A Bill of Rights for Australia? - 6 Apr 1995
In recent months, State and Federal judges, politicians, academics2 and the press have commented on the desirability of a Bill of Rights for Australia. At a Federal level, the Australian Democrats have foreshadowed the introduction of a draft Bill into Federal Parliament. - Rights: Proliferation & Adjudication - Tribunalisation in an Age of Internationalisation - 7 Mar 1995
To place the following discussion, appropriately, in some theological context, it is as well to begin with a brief restatement of significant comments of the Church in relation to human rights in recent times. |
