The time is ripe to consider the extent to which existing or potential institutional arrangements might improve the human rights records of Asia-Pacific nations and facilitate the development of a regional community.

This conference brings together experts in this area to explore how current practices might be effectively harnessed to realise a truly effective and integrated regional community based on the norms and spirit of human rights protection.

The theme of the conference is Human Rights in Asia-Pacific: Towards Institution-Building.

On 4 June 2008, Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, announced his vision for the establishment of an Asia-Pacific Community. Subsequently, the Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade has undertaken an inquiry into international and regional human rights mechanisms and possible models for the Asia-Pacific region.

This conference will address questions such as whether such a regional institution would include a function to monitor and protect human rights across the region and, if so, could it succeed in effecting policy change in the face of the strong assertion of state sovereignty.

The conference is hosted by Australian Network for Japanese Law (ANJeL), Sydney Centre for International Law (SCIL), and The Centre for Asian and Pacific Law in the University of Sydney (CAPLUS), in partnership with the Australian Human Rights Centre (AHRC).

Registration Fees (GST included):

Full rate: $220

Early bird rate: $110 (before 30 September)

Academic rate: $110

Student rate: free (with the production of evidence, i.e. a student card)

Conference dinner (optional): $60

Time: Friday 27 September at 8.30am-5.30pm; Saturday 28 September at 9.00am-1.00pm

Contact: Sydney Law School Events Coordinator: call 02 9351 0238 or email lawevents@usyd.edu.au.

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