Dear friend,

A husband and wife who lived together for 65 years were separated when he fell ill and was moved to a residential care home. His wife could not join him because "she did not fit the criteria". He was unable to walk unaided and relied on his wife to help move around, while she was blind and used her husband as her eyes.

In accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), senior citizens are entitled to security, quality of life and quality health care. But currently, these and other rights are not protected - in fact, Australia is the only western democracy without a charter of rights.

Right now, you have a unique opportunity to have your say about this. The Department of Justice is asking the Tasmanian community for input on what you think should be in a charter of human rights. Join the conversation now and be part of this historic consultation.

A human rights charter could offer protection that would mean a couple like the one above could challenge the local authority about decisions that affect their right to security, quality of life and health care.

More broadly, a charter would act as a statement about the values and principles of the community, and introduce standards to ensure that human rights are a priority for the government when making laws and decisions.

This is our chance to make a positive change that will last for generations. Make sure you have your say in this historic public conversation - make a written submission or attend a community consultation.

Writing a submission is easy - just tell your story in a paragraph or more, describing how you feel your rights are not fully protected, and how important a charter is to you. You can write a letter or use the form available at the Department of Justice website - it’s up to you.

We also encourage you to attend one of the public consultations, to listen and share your views with other Tasmanians. Hobart’s consultation is at Parliament House at 1pm on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 November - Amnesty International groups and Tasmania branch staff will be there.

You can find dates and locations for other community consultations, as well as the consultation paper, at http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/corporateinfo/projects/human_rights_charter.

Please join us and be part of this historic opportunity to help shape human rights protection in Tasmania.

Annalisa Rigby
Tasmanian Community Campaigner
Amnesty International Australia