Redesigning security, reinforcing human rights
A
packed audience of more than 1000 gave a standing ovation to the
secretary general of Amnesty International, Irene Khan, at the seventh
annual Hawke lecture on September 8 at the Adelaide Town Hall.
Hawke Centre director Elizabeth Ho was pleased to note that the lecture had been widely quoted in the media and broadcast in full on the ABC. "The Annual Hawke Lecture has become nationally recognised for its contribution to public affairs and supports the University's commitment to serve the community" she said.
Speaking on the topic, Security for Whom? Redesigning Security, Reinforcing Human Rights, Khan argued for a culture of security in place of the war on terror.
"We are living in a world that is unsafe, unfair and endangered," she said, "but sacrificing human rights in the name of security is a no-win game."
"I believe the world is endangered by the sustained attack on global values, standards and institutions, which constitute the system of human rights and international law and which, in my view, hold much of the antidote for a better, safer world."
Reflecting on the 'fair go' attitude of Australians, Khan commented on Australia's human rights heritage. "The world needs an engaged Australia, internationalist in outlook and multilateralist in foreign policy, to once again play its part in the region and globally."
She argued for a paradigm shift in pursuit of national security, incorporating the promotion of justice, the eradication of HIV/AIDS and violence against women, the control of small arms and the reduction of poverty and community polarisation.
Khan also addressed the Hawke Centre's Respect for Women seminar joining Prof Lowitja O'Donoghue and sex discrimination commissioner Pru Goward to discuss violence and other issues. Transcripts for both events are at www.hawkecentre.unisa.edu.au