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Editorial |
The war on terror, climate change, the drought, and refugees. The ‘values’
debate, xenophobia, and street riots. ‘Shared responsibility agreements’,
rising interest rates, and a culture of ‘dobbing’. In the past year, these
are issues which have touched the collective unconscious of Australian
society. What unifies them is the sense of threat they have come with
(real, imagined, or deliberately cultivated). Many people’s response has
been to turn inwards and take up arms and attitudes of self-interest and
self-protection. The resulting mistrust and skepticism has frayed the edge
of our communities. In times of change and confusion, people look for
security, constancy, and guarantees. When we pursue our personal right to
the good life, other people’s rights – often those less powerful and less
able – are easily compromised. However, rights themselves can offer the security and
constancy we look for. Rights articulate some of the fundamental and
unchanging interests of humanity. Fundamental rights – like the right to
freedom of belief and the right to life – can’t easily be undermined.
Rights are capable of recognising and respecting the different interests
and values of individuals, and of groups, races, ethnicities, cultures and
religions. Because of this, rights can empower individuals and communities
to develop in ways that are meaningful and sustainable. Rights also
provide standards to monitor, measure, and make accountable, the actions
of governments, corporations, and others – actions which, if unchecked,
have the capacity to threaten rights. In this first issue of Right Now, one author reminds us
how there’s nothing new about the idea of rights. The long history of
rights uncovers their timelessness and universality. Other authors tell
how rights can operate as a shield, capable of protecting individuals –
for instance, in arguing against unjustified detention or executive excess
– and as a sword, which can be used to secure the rights of individuals –
such as the right to a fair trial or equal rights at work. Our authors
write about taking a rights-based approach to development, poverty,
disability, and identity. Taking a rights-based approach creates
opportunities for individuals and communities to enjoy meaningful and
valuable social lives. Several authors consider how bills of rights and
legislated guarantees of rights, such as the Victorian Charter of Human
Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 and the ACT Human Rights Act 2004,
are powerful instruments for generating a rights culture and shaping a
future where rights are protected, promoted, and respected. In future issues, Right Now will publish a guest opinion
column on this page. Henrietta Zeffert
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