30,000 act on violence against women
25 November 2008, 11:51AM
Tanya Plibersek MP (left) receives bags of signatures from Claire Mallinson (right). © Andrew Campbell
Claire Mallinson, National Director of Amnesty International Australia, commemorated International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women today with a petition presentation to Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Housing and the Status of Women.
The petition of 30,000 signatures calls for a National Plan of Action to address the issue of violence against women. In Australia, 57 per cent of women have experienced physical and / or sexual violence.
Amnesty International has welcomed the Government’s commitment to such a plan, a draft of which is currently being developed by the National Council to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children.
"Violence against women is the most widespread human rights abuse in the world," said Ms Mallinson.
"In Australia, it is a national problem that needs a national solution. The plan must take a comprehensive approach at all levels of Government - Federal, State and territory - and across portfolios. Short-term initiatives at different levels of government have proven inadequate in addressing the problems.
"Australia’s plan should lead the world in good practice. Amnesty International’s research shows that without substantial funding plans fail. We call on the government in the 2009 budget to ensure significant and on-going funding is committed to the plan."
Average spending by European countries on national plans targeted to violence against women is about $14,000 per 10,000 people annually. The Australian approach in 2007 appeared to total less than two thirds of this average - roughly $9,300 per 10,000 people annually. The Republic of Ireland currently allocates the greatest level of funding at $62,570 per 10,000 people annually.
Amnesty International welcomed Australia’s formal move yesterday to become a party to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Features and analysis
Healthy homelands
An Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory is showing the government how to close the health gap.
Childbirth in Sierra Leone
Many women in Sierra Leone spend the final months of pregnancy and agonising hours of childbirth fearing for their lives.
Harming Children
Professor Louise Newman explains how detaining children on Christmas Island is likely to affect their mental health.
These features are taken from our Human Rights Defender magazine - subscribe free now
By Category
By month
Make an impact
You can make a difference right now. Your action will help shine the light of hope into people's lives across the world.
Check out what 110,722 people are doing right now to support human rights.
Stay Informed
Get Involved
Amnesty International relies on your support to continue our vital work protecting human rights. Please help us keep governments accountable, bring the guilty to justice, and save lives.
Sitewide information
- Copyright © Amnesty International Australia
- ABN: 640 0280 6233
- Phone: 1300 300 920
Comments
Comments are submitted by members of the public and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Amnesty International Australia. If you find a comment objectionable please contact the web editor.
female libido enhancer
27 November 2008, 05:38PM
sometimes there were problems with us, acting like martyrs, but thank to this program many women were saved.
ashman63
26 November 2008, 07:38AM
Where can we see the rest of the photos taken at this event?
Page 1 of 1 pages