New resource to support lawyers and advocates defend human rights in Victoria
A new resource has been developed to assist Victorian lawyers and civil society advocates defend and promote human rights for all Victorians.
Launched by the Human Rights Law Centre, and supported by the Victoria Law Foundation’s Community Legal Grants, the resource focuses on how the Victorian Charter of Human Rights works, provides examples of how it has been used to uphold human rights, and how to take action such as making a complaint with the Victorian Ombudsman.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a clear example of how having clear human rights considerations at the heart of law-making could improve government policies and decisions. The Victorian Charter was pivotal in improving Victoria’s pandemic response laws to protect people’s rights alongside balancing public health concerns.
Human Rights Law Centre Chief Executive Officer Caitlin Reiger said: “Everyone benefits when human rights are at the heart of our laws. This new resource helps ensure that is a reality for everyone.”
“This continues our proud tradition of helping lawyers, civil society advocates, and the broader community, learn more about their rights and what they can do when they are breached. This new website puts in the one place easy to use resources to learn more about the Victorian Charter and how it has been used effectively to defend and promote human rights.”
“This new website is a valuable resource for any Victorian lawyer, civil society advocate, or person interested in human rights in Victoria, and we hope the improvements for people across Victorian society are long and lasting.”