A call to action has come from the Australian Human Rights Commission...

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Cathy Branson QC, is calling for nominations from the legal profession for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards.

“The annual Human Rights Medal and Awards event is the highlight of the human rights calendar,” President Branson said.

“It’s the time of year when we recognise and applaud the outstanding efforts people are making around Australia every day to improve equality and protect the human rights of others.

“In this, the 22nd year of this prestigious event, it is my great pleasure to urge individuals and organisations from the legal sector to nominate themselves or others for this year’s Law Award, sponsored by the Law Council of Australia,”  Ms Branson said.

Winner of the 2008 Law Award was Bill Mitchell, principal solicitor of Townsville Community Legal Centre, in recognition of his work in promotion and advancement of human rights through the practice of law.

“The Award was unexpected and made me feel very proud about the work of community legal centres across Australia,” Mr Mitchell said.

Nominations are also being called for the Human Rights Medal and Young People’s Human Rights Medal and the six other award categories: Community (Organisation), Community (Individual), Literature (non-fiction), Print Media, Television and Radio.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has a web-section containing all the information about the 2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards, including Award categories, how to enter, judging criteria, previous winners and how to buy a ticket to the awards ceremony.

Nominations close on Friday, 2 October, 2009. Winners will be presented with their Medals and Awards at a gala luncheon ceremony to be held on Human Rights Day, Thursday 10 December 2009 at the Sheraton on the Park in Sydney.