The case for an independent review of counter-terror laws

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security report on Australia's counter-terror laws has recommended the appointment of an independent reviewer to provide comprehensive and ongoing oversight, to report to the Parliament and to help to maintain public confidence in Australia’s terrorism laws.

Add your voice to the call for an independent review.

Human Rights Acts: Activists take the lead

Campaigns are under way to promote Charters or Bills of Human Rights at a national level and in several states, following the adoption of a Human Rights Act in the Australian Capital Territory (2004) and the Victorian Charter of Rights and Responsibilities (2006). Amnesty International activists are playing an important role in these campaigns. Find out more.

Take action: Please contact your local Federal MP and ask them to support a Human Rights Act in Australia.

Challenges to the 'war' paradigm

The UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights while Countering Terrorism has released the preliminary findings during a recent visit to the United States.

The report challenges the ‘war’ paradigm being employed by the US in its ‘war on terror’ and highlights the significant human rights concerns arising out of the jurisdiction and operation of the Military Commissions in the US.

In the news

Canada’s counter-terror laws were recently reviewed by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. Their report has been interpreted by the Canadian media, suggesting that the government is set to revive the extraordinary anti-terror police powers of "investigative hearings" and "preventive arrest", as part of a series of major security initiatives.

Police powers in Northern Ireland may now be extended across the country, which will allow officers to question individuals about their identity and movements, without needing to suspect that a crime has or is about to take place.

Calendar of events

5-26 June: Award-winning freelance journalist Michael Otterman will tour capital cities around Australia to discuss his new book American Torture. Hosted by Amnesty International Australia, Michael will talk about his research into the US policy of employing torture techniques in order to gather 'information'. Find out more.

4-6 July: The Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law are hosting a 'Law and Liberty in the War on Terror' symposium at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. Find out more.

19 July: Join leading human rights and civil liberties advocates at Melbourne Town Hall to hear about Australia's counter-terror regime and the campaign to restore fundamental rights violated in the name of national security.

Admission to the public forum is free and an RSVP is not required. For details and promotional material please email derec_davies@amnesty.org.au

Last word

Read the latest about Guantanamo Bay in the Sydney Morning Herald article: Guantanamo trial thrown out.

Take the pledge to close Guantanamo Bay! Amnesty International Australia's replica Guantanamo Bay cell is now touring Victoria. Find out when it will be near you.

And watch out for the new Amnesty International report, being released on 8 June, about people who are believed to have been held in secret CIA custody and remain unaccounted for.

Katie Wood and James Whelan
Human Rights and Security Campaign Coordinators
Amnesty International Australia