UniSA’s Annual Hawke Lecture to focus on Human Rights
Update Newsletter Number 7
July 2004
Announcing the 2004 Annual Hawke Lecturer: Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International
The University of South Australia’s Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre will
present Irene Khan, world Secretary General of Amnesty International, in
Adelaide to deliver the 2004 Annual Hawke Lecture on Wednesday 8 September.
When Khan became the 7th Secretary General of Amnesty International in
August 2001, she took the helm as the first woman, the first Asian and the
first Muslim to guide the world’s largest human rights organisation.
Khan has worked tirelessly to reduce inhumane treatment of prisoners and
refugees and has led a global campaign to stop violence against women.
Most recently she has written to world leaders outlining Amnesty
International’s concern for the treatment of Iraqi prisoners of war and the
need for all involved in the reconstruction of Iraq to uphold international
human rights and humanitarian law. She has also sought advice from the State
Members of the Coalition in Iraq regarding a number of human rights issues
including human rights training of Iraqi police and rules of engagement for
coalition and Iraqi forces.
Launching the 2004 Amnesty International Report in May, the organisation
said that violence by armed groups and increasing violations by governments
have combined to produce the most sustained attack on human rights and
international humanitarian law in 50 years. This was leading to a world of
growing mistrust, fear and division.
"Human rights matter because they offer a powerful and compelling vision of
a better and fairer world, and a concrete plan of how to get there,” Khan
said.
“These global values of justice are the most effective route to security and
peace.”
In her lecture Khan will examine the challenges posed to human rights in the
context of global security and economic globalisation. She intends to
deliver important messages for community leaders, policy makers,
professionals, and the general public.
The Annual Hawke Lecture is the highlight of the Centre’s annual calendar
and is generally broadcast to a national audience. It offers an opportunity
to listen to the views of someone whose experience of human affairs is
notable, and whose concerns are truly worthy of consideration. Previous
speakers have included Managing Director of the World Bank, Dr Mamphela
Ramphele, Aboriginal leader, Mr Noel Pearson and President of the
International Crisis Group, the Hon Gareth Evans, AO, QC.
While in Adelaide, Khan will also present at a seminar on RESPECT for Women
to be held on Thursday 9 September. This seminar will include a number of
expert speakers and panel members who will contribute to an in-depth review
of the national and global situation for women.
Additional information is available at:
www.hawkecentre.unisa.edu.au