Amnesty International is thrilled to be participating in this year's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, held at the Sydney Opera House from 30 September to 2 October.
The festival will bring together some of the world's leading thinkers, including Amnesty International global Secretary General Salil Shetty. Each talk will inspire you to think about some of the tough questions surrounding some controversial and sometimes divisive issues including the use of torture, Australia's treatment of refugees, Wikileaks and much more.
Read more about some of our favourite events below, and click through to buy tickets.
Human rights used to be something that Western countries tried to impose on others without talking about their own problems. What is actually achieved when politicans from both sides have 'frank' discussions about each other's human rights records? Actions count for more than rhetoric. Could it be that supporting others as they fight for their rights is more effective than giving toothless sermons?
Salil Shetty is Secretary General of Amnesty International.
When: Sunday 2 October, 12.15pm
Where: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Tickets from $20 (plus transaction fee)
Some dub him 'the most dangerous man in the world'. Hear from Wikileaks founder himself, Julian Assange, as to whether Wikileaks can bring about a brave new world of government openness and accountability. His organisation has brought radical transparency to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Guantanamo Bay and the workings of the US Government. And that's only the beginning.
Julian Assange is an Australian publisher, Internet activist and editor-in-chief of Wikileaks.
When: Friday 30 September, 9pm
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Tickets from $35 (plus transaction fee)
NB. If Julian Assange is unable to travel, he will join us via video link.
Throughout the Middle East and North Africa, we've seen ordinary people come together to claim their rights in the face of oppressive regimes. Some claim Twitter and Facebook as the other heros of the revolution -- but are social media and Al Jazeera instrumental in what happenened, or just the latest communication tools?
The panel includes Mona Eltahawy, New York-based Egyptian-American journalist; Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International; and Simon Sheikh, National Director of GetUp!.
When: Sunday 2 October, 6pm
Where: Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
Tickets from $20 (plus transaction fee)
The Australian Government's 'Malaysia deal' could see 800 asylum seekers sent abroad to solve a political problem. Meanwhile, the cruel treatment of cattle exported to Indonesia has prompted a massive public outcry. Do we really think that animals 'born into Australian care and protection' deserve better than people fleeing terror, war and persecution?
Julian Burnside is a human rights lawyer, author and past President of Liberty Victoria.
When: Sunday 2 October, 2pm
Where: Studio, Sydney Opera House
Tickets from $20 (plus transaction fee)
The debate on torture has been re-ignited by claims that information obtained using 'enhanced interrogation techniques' was crucial in the mission to kill Osama bin Laden. David Petraeus, Obama's choice to head the CIA, has added that the US should consider using 'something more than the normal techniques' in order to save lives. This session will explore the idea that torture can be justified in exceptional circumstances.
Marc Thiessen is an author, columnist and political commentator.
When: Sunday 2 October, 5.30pm
Where: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Tickets from $20 (plus transaction fee)
SOME ABORIGINAL PEOPLE ARE MORE ABORIGINAL THAN OTHERS
Aileen Moreton-Robinson, Bronwyn Fredericks
Aileen Moreton-Robinson
White Australia has always had a view on what makes a 'real' Aboriginal person. Spread across a continent after 200 years of colonisation, Aboriginal peoples and communities are diverse in a way that is at odds with media stereotypes of 'traditional' Aboriginal peoples living in troubled remote communities. Does 'white' or 'black' matter? Who speaks for Aboriginal people and defines who they are?
Aileen Moreton-Robinson is a Geonpul woman from Stradbroke Island. Bronwyn Fredericks is a Murri woman from South-East Queensland.
When: Sunday 2 October, 9pm
Where: Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
Tickets from $20 (plus transaction fee)
The 'Arab Spring' has unleashed the hunger for freedom and democracy of people living under dictatorship. As Egypt, Tunisia and Yemen come to terms with their post-dictator future, and serious western intervention in Libya creates a stalemate repressive regimes endure in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, while brutal repression in Syria is met to date with tokenistic sanctions.
Mona Eltahawy is an award-winning columnist and international public speaker.
When: Sunday 2 October, 3.45pm
Where: Studio, Sydney Opera House
Tickets from $20 (plus transaction fee)
Making children into soldiers is one of cruelest aspects of war. Seen as expendable, they die and suffer in disproportionate numbers, sent into battle by adults who know their talent as scouts and risk takers. Most of us only see this danger represented on the screen. This very special conversation with two people - who have seen this danger first hand - will bring these dangers to reality.
Kate Adie is an author and journalist. Emmanuel Jal is an acclaimed hip-hop artist who was recruited as a child soldier when he was seven.
When: Sunday 2 October, 2.30pm
Where: Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Tickets from $20 (plus transaction fee)
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