The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) is calling for young Australians between the ages of 11 and 18 to enter the Human Writes personal essay and Rights in Perspective art competitions.

The two competitions were first held last year, as part of the Young People and Human Rights Dialogue project. The resulting report, ‘Rights of Passage’, provided a unique insight into what young Australian’s think and feel about human rights.

Human Rights Commissioner, Mr Graeme Innes AM, wants to keep the ‘dialogue’ with young people ongoing in 2006.

“In the competitions’ second year, HREOC aims to seek out some of the most creative and talented young people in the country to illustrate their views on important human rights issues in Australia,” he said.  “Last year the competitions attracted over 150 entries from all states and territories and I am hoping for a similar response in 2006.”

“Last year’s competitions also attracted some very positive feedback from teachers who found the essay and art competitions were a great way to get their students thinking about human rights.”

There are great prizes on offer! HREOC will award iPods or digital cameras to the national winners and the Australian Red Cross has prizes for State and Territory winners.

Winning and shortlisted artworks and essays from last year’s competitions can be viewed on the HREOC website at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/rights_of_passage/art/
and http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/rights_of_passage/essay/

For more information, including entry forms, hints and tips, eligibility, conditions of entry, downloadable posters and an audio file about the competitions go to http://www.humanrights.gov.au/competitions/index.html or call
02 9284 9635

Entries close FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 2006

 

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