ABOUT THE JUSTICE PROJECT

HISTORY OF THE JUSTICE PROJECT

The Justice Project is a not for profit human rights organisation that was set up in 2004 by Kurt Esser, The Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser, Julian Burnside QC, Young Australian of the Year (2004) Hugh Evans and others. The Justice Project arose out of concerns regarding the violation of the basic human rights of refugees, asylum seekers and others needing humanitarian protection.

WHAT WE STAND FOR

The Justice Project believes in the Australian tradition of a fair go, democracy, community, public service, equality, tolerance and the celebration of diversity. The focus of The Justice Project is to stand up for the principle of basic human rights in our society. It is committed to basic human rights for all regardless of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

AIMS OF THE JUSTICE PROJECT

The Justice Project has four main aims:

1. To facilitate the adoption of a Charter or Bill of Rights in as many States and Territories as possible. It helped to introduce the Victorian Charter of Rights and Responsibilities. It now wants to demonstrate the benefits of the Victorian Charter in order to campaign for the introduction of more State Charters and a Federal Charter.
2. To campaign for the introduction of a Federal Charter of Human Rights. This involves enhancing community understanding of human rights and the need to protect them.
3. To agitate for a fair and humane refugee policy for Australia.
4. To campaign for an effective balance between security laws and basic freedoms. The Justice Project believes that border protection and protection of the community from acts of terrorism are legitimate objectives, but that these must be balanced against humanitarian considerations.