The Fourth National Conference on Human Rights, Mental Health

Human Rights, Ethnic Diversity and Australia's Mental Health Policy

Thursday 2nd & Friday 3rd November 2006
Mitchell Theatre, Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, SYDNEY 2000

The mental health of individuals and communities is sustained by the feeling of support and inclusion from their wider society. Debates about terrorism, race relations, social and economic wellbeing can undermine this sense of acceptance both in terms of direct discrimination in policies and an overall sense of marginalization. This poses significant challenges to both government, and community organizations assisting migrants, refugees and diverse ethnic communities.

This year's conference aims to tackle these issues head on, bringing together representatives from a variety of ethnic, indigenous and community organizations, politicians and policy makers. The relationship between human rights and mental health in Australia will be a key focus, as will a renewed call for the recognition of inclusion and diversity in policy debates within Australian society. Finally, we will endeavor to initiate an appeal for action within Federal and State Governments and Parliaments, so that policy makers take immediate steps to ensure that people with mental health issues are treated fairly and humanely.

To be proud of Australia as a nation we must afford the most vulnerable people in our society their most basic human rights.

Click here for the Conference Program

Click here to download Registration Form

This event is being jointly hosted by S A V E - Australia Inc, Ausnews Global Network, Rights Australia Inc, Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC), Sisters of Charity Foundation, Mary Potter Trust Foundation, Mercy Foundation and sponsored by the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts (founded in 1833, it is the oldest School of Arts in Australia).