SOUTH SUDAN

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (17:19): I move:

That this council congratulates HURIDOSS (Human Rights Development Organisation South Sudan), Australian Chapter, on its launch and wishes it success in promoting awareness and protection of human rights in the Republic of South Sudan through community education, advocacy, research and consultation in order to advance important policy and legislative reforms in this new nation.

The Republic of South Sudan emerged out of one of the longest and most brutal civil wars of the 21^st century, with 2 million people killed and another 2 million becoming homeless. The Republic of South Sudan formally seceded from Sudan on 9 July 2011 as a result of an internationally monitored referendum held in January that year and was admitted as a new member state by the United Nations General Assembly on 14 July 2011. The Human Rights Development Organisation South Sudan (otherwise known as HURIDOSS) was established in 2011 as a non-profit, apolitical and non-governmental organisation.

The new Republic of South Sudan is dedicated to being a part of the United Nations international human rights treaties to uphold and protect the human rights of its people. HURIDOSS has in principle agreed to be bound by the international human rights laws; however, there is a higher need to support this new nation through capacity building and to enable it to develop its legal framework through which the sociopolitical, economic and cultural rights of the South Sudanese people can be upheld.

Australia has played a major role to ensure the success of this new nation through support, education and promoting its progress. The vision of HURIDOSS is:

to educate through programs aimed at promoting respect for and awareness of fundamental human rights as embedded in the transitional constitution of the Republic of South Sudan in a way compatible with international human rights documents;

to promote and encourage the ownership of human rights by South Sudanese citizens;

the engagement with individuals, communities and the government in creating an environment of peace and social cohesion in the country;

advocacy and legal representation;

recruiting of human rights volunteers and supporters to enhance the objectives of the agency;

to provide counselling and advice to victims of human rights abuses;

to organise community consultation as a two-way exchange of communication; and

to contribute to national debates aimed at integrating a rights-based approach in public policy formulation and implementation.

HURIDOSS appreciates the support provided by Australia in the process which contributed to South Sudan becoming a sovereign state. Thousands of South Sudanese people call Australia home and this has provided a strong friendship between the two nations.

On 28 January this year, I had the privilege of attending the launch of the Human Rights Development Organisation South Sudan, Australian Chapter, at Brooklyn Park on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, Ms Isobel Redmond MP. While Ms Redmond was unable to attend due to other commitments, she joined me in congratulating the South Sudanese community on the establishment of the Australian Chapter of HURIDOSS here in Adelaide.

I was asked to speak on the role of Australia in supporting human rights and the rule of law in new democracies. Like many Australians, I have followed the developments in South Sudan's pathway to nationhood, including the referendum a little over 12 months ago, the creation of the new nation last July and the subsequent admission to the United Nations and the African Union. I have also noted the adoption of the national anthem and flag, both of which featured prominently in the launch.

The event began with a colourful cultural performance and then prayers led by Pastor Michael Brawn. Mr Mabok Deng Mabok, patron of the Australian Chapter, was the host for the event and he welcomed all the guests and commenced the proceedings. Throughout the event we learnt of the struggles and triumphs this community has faced over many years to become an independent state and be given the same rights and freedoms as many around the world.

Through the voices of many of the community members who were there that day, this event outlined the roles of the South Sudanese people in explaining the impact of violence, the rebuilding of the nation and the importance of peace and education. The South Sudanese community members also discussed human rights in Australia and how this country has played a major role in the education and support of South Sudanese people and voicing the need for groups such as HURIDOSS to be promoted, funded and recognised as highly important in building close friendships with people from South Sudan. The protection of human rights is a vital part of democracy. It is important to defend and encourage the continuation of the different backgrounds and cultures that make up our society.

Australia, and South Australia in particular, have a strong history in this regard. In the very early days of this state many followers of the Lutheran religious domination came here to escape discrimination in their homeland. They have featured highly in the development of this state and country and in many industries, including the wine sector, while strongly maintaining their German heritage. This is a great example of how people proud of their culture can be determined to play a role in the continuing development of this country while maintaining a strong connection to and interest in their homeland.

Mr Bosco Opi, the HURIDOSS Director for International Relations and a human rights advocate, has worked for over 10 years, both in Australia and overseas, and is highly experienced on human rights and refugee issues. I had the privilege of hearing Bosco speak about his legal background and his efforts as a member of Amnesty Australia and his contributions to refugee and human rights policy in South Australia. Bosco has undertaken a number of research works and consultations on human rights, and in 2009 published a research finding entitled, 'When do I stop being a refugee?'

Among the other speakers and dignitaries participating in the launch were Major General Vikram Madan, who was there representing the Lieutenant Governor and chair of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission, Mr Hieu Van Le, AO; also, the keynote speaker, the Hon. Dr Lynn Arnold, the CEO of Anglicare and a former Premier of South Australia; His Excellency Mariano Ngor, the principal liaison officer, government of the Republic of South Sudan Mission in Australia; and the Hon. Robyn Layton, QC, Adjunct Professor, School of Law at the University of South Australia.

There is no doubt that Australian citizens, one and all, need to keep a strong focus on assisting human rights in the new nation of South Sudan. I look forward, as do my Liberal colleagues, to hearing more of the development and progress of the Australian chapter of HURIDOSS in the future, and I commend the motion to the council.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. J.M. Gazzola.