Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2009
Source: Productivity Commission, Australia

From Overview:

In 2002, Australian governments committed themselves collectively to overcoming the disadvantage experienced by Indigenous Australians. As part of this commitment, governments agreed to a regular public report on progress — the Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators report. This is the fourth edition of that report.

This report is more than a collection of data. It draws on extensive evidence to identify the areas where government policies will have the greatest impact. Over time, the report measures the effects of those policies — and reveals where more effort is required. This was recognised in the updated terms of reference for this report, provided this year by the Prime Minister on behalf of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG):

The OID report has been used by Governments and the broader community to understand the nature of Indigenous disadvantage and as a result has helped to inform the development of policies to address Indigenous disadvantage. Governments acting alone are unable to overcome Indigenous disadvantage. Meaningful change will also require commitment and actions by Indigenous people themselves, with support from the private and non-profit sectors and the general community, as well as governments. This report provides Indigenous people with a clear summary of current outcomes, and some examples of programs and policies that are improving those outcomes.

+ Direct link to Report (PDF; 7.3 MB)
+ Overview booklet (PDF; 3.8 MB)

Briefing on the Interception Modernisation Programme
Source: London School of Economics: Policy Engagement Network, Information Systems and Innovation Group (via The Register)
From Abstract:

In this briefing we aim to provide some depth of understanding of the nature of the Home Of?ce?s latest proposals on communications surveillance. We are sympathetic with the needs of the law enforcement community and we agree with the Home Office that the communications environment is changing. However we question whether the Home Office fully understands the extent to which the way in which surveillance activities are authorised would change were its wishes granted, in turn leading to a tipping of the balance in favour of state power and away from the individual. We are also concerned that there is a significant under-estimate of the burdens being placed on Communication Service Providers at a time where elsewhere in government there is a demand for universal broadband internet provision which industry is supposed to fund. This report was not drafted to respond to the Home Office’s Consultation document, but rather we are adding more expertise to the public deliberation on this policy. The report is the result of research we conducted with key experts across the UK and internationally.

+ Direct link to document (PDF; 932.1 KB)

Final report of the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission (PDF; 4 MB)
Source: National Prison Rape Elimination Commission

On behalf of the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission, I am pleased to submit the following report on our work to- ward the elimination of sexual abuse in correctional and de- tention facilities nationwide.

In the years leading up to the passage of the Prison Rape Elimina- tion Act and since then, the work of corrections and detention professionals to address the problem of sexual abuse has been significant and laudable. They have established new policies and programs in some facilities, and expanded and refined existing practices in others. Their determination and commitment has led the way and informed the work of our Commis- sion. Even more important, as a result of their efforts, we have seen ideas transform into actions that by all accounts have the potential to improve safety and security for those living and working within correctional and detention facilities.

Despite this important progress, much remains to be done. Although many correctional systems and individual facilities are ahead of the curve, others lag behind. Some corrections leaders enjoy the full cooperation and support they need from the policymakers who oversee their systems; oth- ers struggle to secure necessary resources and political commitments. The problem of prison rape and other forms of sexual abuse is too serious and far-reaching, too devastating to the individuals and communities that it ul- timately affects to be left to evolve unevenly. The Commission’s report and national standards create a mechanism for advancing the field uniformly, requiring the participation of all to protect people under supervision in every corner of our Nation.

Congress conferred upon the Commission an enormous responsibility: developing national standards that will lead to the prevention, detection, and punishment of prison rape. Yet Congress also and appro- priately required us to seriously consider the restrictions of cost, differ- ences among systems and facilities, and existing political structures. We have endeavored to comply with these directives, sometimes struggling to find the correct balance among competing considerations. This report describes the scope and seriousness of the problems, ways of solving them,

NCAVP Releases 2008 Hate Violence Report
Source: National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP)

New York- Violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people increased 2% from 2007 to 2008, continuing the trend of a 24% total increase in 2007, according to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP)’s 2008 Hate Violence Report. Bias-related murders were at their highest rate since 1999 with 29 known anti-LGBT murders committed in 2008. Reports of violence in Milwaukee increased 64% and Minnesota and Chicago saw increases of 48% and 42%, respectively.

“We are deeply troubled about the 2008 statistics for a number of reasons including the fact that increases in victimization in the Upper Midwest far exceed the national increase of 2%. With Minnesota’s 48% increase in 2008 and continued multi-year trend of such increases, we are concern for the safety of all GLBT Minnesotans even as we continue to work for equality,” said Rebecca Waggoner Kloek, Anti-Violence Program Director of NCAVP member organization OutFront Minnesota.

NCAVP, a coalition of over 35 local anti-violence programs across the U.S, releases an annual report on anti-LGBT hate violence. The 2008 annual Hate Violence Report examines data compiled from 2,424 LGBTQ people who experienced hate violence in regions across the country including Chicago, IL; Colorado; Columbus, OH; Houston, TX; Kansas City, MO; Los Angeles, CA; Michigan; Milwaukee, WI; Minnesota; New York, NY; Pennsylvania; Rochester, NY; and San Francisco, CA.

+ Full Report (PDF; 5.4 MB)

Trafficking in Persons Report 2009
Source: U.S. Department of State

“The ninth annual Trafficking in Persons Report sheds light on the faces of modern-day slavery and on new facets of this global problem. The human trafficking phenomenon affects virtually every country, including the United States. In acknowledging America’s own struggle with modern-day slavery and slavery-related practices, we offer partnership. We call on every government to join us in working to build consensus and leverage resources to eliminate all forms of human trafficking.”
–Secretary Clinton, June 16, 2009

The Second Destitution Tally: an indication of the extent and causes of asylum seekers, people at the end of the asylum process and refugees in the UK
Source: Asylum Support Partnership (via Refugee Council)

This report reveals the extent and causes of destitution for people seeking asylum and refugees across the UK, and proposes solutions for implementation by policy makers and administrators of the asylum system. It is a repeat of the first Destitution Tally conducted by the Asylum Support Partnership in 2007 and published in January 2008 which demonstrated the extent of destitution among asylum seekers and refugees accessing their One Stop Services across the UK. In October 2008 the Partnership agencies repeated the survey to demonstrate the persistence of destitution as a feature of the lives of asylum seekers and refugees and their independent advice services, and to understand further its extent and causes.Between the 1st and 31st of October 2008, case workers from the 5 refugee agencies which comprise the Partnership completed a short survey for each client contact episode, recording the proportion of the people who were destitute. The survey results were collated and are presented in this report alongside existing research recommendations. It recommends a range of policy and operational solutions to end destitution as a feature of the UK asylum system.

+ Direct link to document (PDF; 453.7 KB)

Over not out: The housing and homelessness issues specific to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender asylum seekers
Source: Refugee Support

Little is known about the total number of LGBT asylum seekers currently in the country or those arriving each month. Whilst this report includes a conservative estimation of numbers, these are no substitute for the systematic gathering of data. Researchers have provided an even more cautious estimate of the number of transgender asylum seekers, an whilst numbers may be small, these individuals have a range of unmet needs that are exacerbated by their transgender identity.

In many other research reports the experience of all asylum seekers reflects what has been termed “rough justice”. Access to legal advice can be problematic, the quality of accommodation poor with the experience of detention and/ or dispersal uncomfortable and challenging. These indings suggest that LGBT asylum seekers not only experience thes problems, but their sexuality or gender identity can add signi icantly to the problems they face adding layers of multipl disadvantage arguably more acute than for other asylum seekers.

+ Direct link to document (PDF; 942.7 KB)

The Trade in Human Beings: Human Trafficking in the UK
Source: House of Commons Home Affairs Committee

Key Facts:

• Between 100,000 and 800,000 people are trafficked into the EU each year
• At a conservative estimate, there are at least 5,000 trafficking victims in the UK
• About 8,000 women work in off-street prostitution in London alone, 80% of whom are foreign nationals
• Over 1000 women trafficked into prostitution have been referred to the Poppy Project since March 2003
• 200-300 victims of trafficking for domestic labour register with the relevant NGO each year
• It is estimated 330 child victims will be trafficked into the UK each year
• About 60% of suspected child victims in local authority care go missing and are not subsequently found
• There is long-term government funding for 35 places for victims in safe accommodation
  92 people were convicted of sex trafficking and four for labour trafficking between 2004 and December 2008

• There are only 100-300 prosecutions for trafficking across the EU each year
• Each sex trafficker earns on average £500-£1000 per woman per week

Anti-racism conference outcome document – what it actually says
Source: United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

The outcome document of the Durban Review Conference is designed to bring real changes for the millions of victims of racism worldwide. It has identified “concrete measures and initiatives at all levels” to stamp out racial discrimination and intolerance.

Victims are given special consideration in the document, which was adopted by consensus at the Durban Review Conference. It represents the latest global consensus on how to fight all forms of racism.

Contrary to a common misconception, the Durban Review Conference and its outcome did not focus on a single issue, conflict or group of people – the Middle East for instance is not mentioned in the outcome document. Rather, it emphasizes that all victims of racism “should receive the same necessary attention and protection and accordingly appropriate treatment.”

The outcome document includes specific measures to address multiple forms of discrimination against vulnerable groups, such as migrant workers, refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons, children, women and girls, persons with disabilities, victims of slavery and exploitation, trafficking and people living with HIV/AIDS.

It also urges governments worldwide to promote greater participation and opportunities for people of African and Asian descent, indigenous peoples and individuals belonging to ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities.

Concerning “defamation of religion”, there were concerns that the outcome document would introduce such a concept and threaten freedom of expression. The document does no such thing.

It unequivocally reaffirms the positive role of freedom of expression in the fight against racism, while also deploring derogatory stereotyping and stigmatization of people based on their religion or belief, as manifested in Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, Christianophobia and anti-Arabism.

+ Conference Outcome Document (PDF; 92 KB)

The Torture Timeline
Source: Foreign Policy

Having trouble keeping track of all the memos, executive orders, and policy decisions that led the United States into the moral low ground? FP brings you the ultimate guide to the Bush administration’s journey to the dark side.

Number of people affected by climate disaster up 54 percent by 2015
Source: Oxfam America

The number of people affected by climate-related humanitarian disasters is projected to rise by 54 percent by 2015, threatening to overwhelm emergency response and humanitarian aid systems, said international agency Oxfam America in a new report released today.

The rise in numbers—from the current 250 million per year to 375 million by 2015—is due to the increasing threat of climate change-induced severe weather events and inability of millions of people worldwide to prepare to deal with such catastrophes. In the report, The Right to Survive, Oxfam America recommends adequate and urgent investments in climate change adaptation and an overhaul of the current system of humanitarian assistance in order to meet the challenge of more frequent and devastating disasters.

+ Full Report

Demonstrating respect for rights? A human rights approach to policing protest
Source: Human Rights Joint Committee
Summary:

The Government should protect and facilitate the opportunity for people to protest peacefully. To fail to do so would jeopardise a number of human rights including the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of expression.

We have found no systematic human rights abuses in the policing of protest but we have some concerns which can be addressed by legal and operational changes. Making these changes would further protect the rights of people who wish to protest in the UK.

The Government should amend Section 5 of the Public Order Act. Reference to insulting words or behaviour should be removed. This change would allow the police to arrest people for using threatening or abusive language or behaviour but not for using insulting language or behaviour.

Counter-terrorism powers should never be used against peaceful protestors: the Government’s guidance on stop and search powers in Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 should make this clear.

The Government should protect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly around Parliament by repealing the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. Protest around Parliament should be governed by the Public Order Act 1986. However, the 1986 Act should be amended to deal with the specific circumstances of Parliament, so as to allow Parliamentarians and others to access and work in Parliament whilst protest is ongoing.

The police and protestors need to focus on improving dialogue. The police should aim for “no surprises” policing: no surprises for the police; no surprises for protestors; and no surprises for protest targets.

Regular, relevant and up to date human rights training should be integrated into other police training. Police forces should ensure that there is sufficient human rights knowledge and understanding available to police officers to help avoid human rights breaches. They should review how they foster effective dialogue with protestors. Protestors should also, where possible, engage with the police at an early stage in their planning, in order to facilitate peaceful protest.

Tasers should never be used against peaceful protestors and the Government should make this commitment in its guidance on tasers. The Government should also report to Parliament every three months about the deployment and use of tasers, should monitor the health effects of tasers, and publish the results of that monitoring.

+ Full Document (PDF; 1.2 MB)

Justice Department Memos on Interrogation Techniques
Source: U.S. Department of Justice (via New York Times)

The Justice Department on Thursday released detailed memos describing harsh interrogation techniques used by the Central Intelligence Agency. President Obama said that C.I.A. operatives who carried out the techniques would not be prosecuted.

+ Original Document (PDF; 20.6 MB)

See: Interrogation Memos Detail Harsh Tactics by the C.I.A. (NYT)

Report Outlines Medical Workers’ Role in Torture
Source: International Committee of the Red Cross (via New York Times)

Medical personnel were deeply involved in the abusive interrogation of terrorist suspects held overseas by the Central Intelligence Agency, including torture, and their participation was a “gross breach of medical ethics,” a long-secret report by the International Committee of the Red Cross concluded.

Based on statements by 14 prisoners who belonged to Al Qaeda and were moved to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, in late 2006, Red Cross investigators concluded that medical professionals working for the C.I.A. monitored prisoners undergoing waterboarding, apparently to make sure they did not drown. Medical workers were also present when guards confined prisoners in small boxes, shackled their arms to the ceiling, kept them in frigid cells and slammed them repeatedly into walls, the report said.

Facilitating such practices, which the Red Cross described as torture, was a violation of medical ethics even if the medical workers’ intentions had been to prevent death or permanent injury, the report said. But it found that the medical professionals’ role was primarily to support the interrogators, not to protect the prisoners, and that the professionals had “condoned and participated in ill treatment.”

+ Full Report (PDF; 163 KB)

See: The Red Cross Torture Report: What It Means (New York Review of Books)

Annual Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General, 2009
Source: United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (via Council on Foreign Relations)

The present annual report, the first submitted to the Human Rights Council by the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navanethem Pillay, outlines the efforts made by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to implement its mandate. It describes the support given to the work of the Council and the effective functioning of its mechanisms. In this context, it pays attention to the universal periodic review and the support given to this process by the Office of the High Commissioner.

In the report, the High Commissioner elaborates on the strategic themes identified in the Strategic Management Plan for the period 2008–2009 and their implementation. She also gives an overview of ongoing efforts in the field and activities related to the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The report focuses on the support for an inclusive and successful Durban Review Conference and the leadership of the Office in enhancing a rights-based approach on issues such as migration, freedom of expression and incitement to racial and religious hatred. Finally, the report highlights the support for human rights treaty bodies and the importance of ensuring follow-up to the recommendations resulting from their work.

+ Full Report (PDF; 96 KB)