Blog for Human Rights!

Happy Happy Free Free

It is with great joy & hope I arrive with a story from an event last Sunday.The 'Cruelty Free Living Festival'.

I was running extremely late, having intended to arrive early morning. Midday I walk in to a Town Hall, to my happiness, absolutely brimming with co-believers in kindness to our friends the animals of this planet.

Love, activism (www.animal-lib.org.au), music (www.altruismusic.com), stalls to help our friends (www.choosecrueltyfree.or.au), animal free and slave free clothing(http://www.veganwares.com/)(www.etiko.com) and lots of food. Food that contained no animal product, make-up that required only colour from natural mineral sources (www.inika.com.au), music that came from the soul (http://stevekilbey.blogspot.com/) and words that came from mouths of solid hard-core & staunch activists who held no punches but clarity in their words. If one person was converted to not eating meat this day, that in itself is a wonderful thing. However, I believe there were many that walked out of the art-deco Petersham doors with a new sense of understanding of what it means to kill another living creature at the expense of our own selfish wants.

Our minds and bodies have evolved enough that we do not require any form of meat or animal produce. We feel better for it and the beautiful animals in our lives benefit by living their lives in peace.

Following is a quote from a book mark I bought on this day (and hello to Rob his grandson, a reader of this blog & ethical business person extraordinaire)...

'Non-violence leads to highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages'. - Thomas Edison.

Take some time to read the Declaration of Animal Rights. Take some more time, which is precious to use in the best ways we know how, and sign it. It will only take a moment but this moment expands with every name that sits within these words.


DECLARATION OF ANIMAL RIGHTS

Preamble

Considering
that Life is one, all living beings having a common origin and having diversified in the course of the evolution of the species;

Considering
that all living beings possess natural rights, and that any animal with a nervous system has specific rights;

Considering
that the contempt for, and even the simple ignorance of these natural rights cause serious damage to nature and lead man to commit crimes against animals;

Considering
that the coexistence of species implies a recognition by the human species of the right of other animal species to live;

Considering
that the respect of humans for animals is inseparable from the respect of man for another man.

IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED:

Article 1
All animals are born equal and they have the same rights to existence.

Article 2
a) Every animal has the right to be respected.
b) Man, like the animal species, cannot assume the right to exterminate other animals or to exploit them, thereby violating this right. He should use his conscience for the service of the animals.
c) Every animal has the right to consideration, good treatment and the protection of man.

Article 3
a) No animal should be submitted to bad treatment or cruel actions.
b) If the death of an animal is necessary, this should be sudden and without fear or pain.

Article 4
a) All animals belonging to a wild species have the right to live free in their natural environment, and have the right to reproduce.
b) Each deprivation of freedom, even for educational purposes, is in opposition to this right.

Article 5
a) Every animal that usually lives in a domestic environment must live and grow to a rhythm natural to his species.
b) Any change to this rhythm and conditions dictated by man for mercantile purpose, is a contradiction of this law.

Article 6
a) All animals selected by man, as companions must have a life corresponding to their natural longevity.
b) To abandon an animal is a cruel and degrading action.

Article 7
Working animals must only work for a limited period and must not be worked to exhaustion. They must have adequate food and rest.
Article 8
a) Experiments on animals that cause physical and mental pain, are incompatible with animal rights, even if it is for medical, scientific, commercial or any other kind of experiment.
b) A substitute technique must be investigated and developed.
Article 9
In the eventuality of an animal bred for food, it must be fed, managed, transported and killed without it being in fear or pain.

Article 10
a) No animal should be used for entertainment.
b) Animal exhibitions and shows that use animals are incompatible with an animal's dignity.


Article 11
Every action that causes the unnecessary death of an animal, is cruel which is a crime against life.

Article 12
a) Every action that causes the death of a lot of wild animals is genocide, that is a crime against the species.
b) Pollution and destruction leads to the extinction of the species.

Article 13
a) Dead animals must be treated with respect.
b) Violent scenes, where animals are the victims, must be forbidden at the cinema and on TV, unless they are for the demonstration of animal rights.

Article 14
a) Protection and safeguarding associations must be represented at government level.
b) Animal rights must be defended by law as are human rights.


The text below is from the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF ANIMAL RIGHTS has been adopted from the International League of Animal Rights and Affiliated National Leagues in the course of an International Meeting on Animal Rights which took place in London from 21st to 23rd September 1977.


Universal Declaration of Animal Rights

In as much as there is ample evidence that many animal species are capable of feeling, we condemn totally the infliction of suffering upon our fellow creatures and the curtailment of their behavioural and other needs save where this is necessary for their own individual benefit.

We do not accept that a difference in species alone (any more than a difference in race) can justify wanton exploitation or oppression in the name of science or sport, or for use as food, for commercial profit or for other human gain.

We believe in the evolutionary and moral kinship of all animals and declare our belief that all sentient creatures have rights to life, liberty and natural enjoyment.

We therefore call for the protection of these rights.

Name : _____ ______________________________

On behalf of (if applicable): ___ ___________________________

Position in organisation (if applicable) : ____ __________________

How many members/supporters does your organisation have? _____

Contact Address: ____ __________________________________

________________________________________

Tel: _________/______________________

Fax: _________________

Email address: ___________________________

Signed: ________________

Date: __________________

Please print, complete and return to:
Uncaged Campaigns, 2nd Floor, St. Matthews House, 45 Carver Street, Sheffield S1 4FT, UK.

http://www.blaikiewell.com/udar.html

http://www.uncaged.co.uk/declarat.htm


Love & Light.Peace & Mung Beans.

Ael xo

Remember you can make a difference:

http://www.care2.com/c2c/people/profile.html?pid=846734016

www.care2.com

www.thepetitionsite.com

http://www.mybloglog.com/buzz/community/allaboutaltruism/

Free the Hmong People of Laos Urgent Petition Please Sign

Hi there

It is getting close to the cut off date for this petition. I wish to send it onto the appropriate authorities by the end of the month. Will you please forward this petition to as many people as you know, so that we are able to help the Hmong People of Laos as soon as possible.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/free-the-hmong-people-of-laos

Many thanks!

Make Indigenous Poverty History

Hi everyone I am glad to be back after such a long break.

We are currently working on the www.happinessanditscauses.com.au conference which is happening this June,so all systems go. I'll be back with more news after June...stay tuned :)

Below is information relating to the Indigenous people of Australia, the words come from their latest email posted yesterday. We must show deep respect for the Elders of our country. There is still so much to be done and with their gracious behaviour as an example, they are great teachers in passive activism.

Thanks and see you after the conference!

Cheers

Ael x

Campaign update
May 24th 2007
Greetings all,

I had intended sending an updated email reminding you about activities around the country for Sorry Day and the 40th anniversary of the referendum earlier this week. Sadly, however, plans went awry as Graeme's father (and my father-in-law) Roy Mundine (snr) passed away on the weekend.

The reason I metion this sad family event is because Roy, a Bundjalung Elder, was an example of somebody who struggled against racism and poverty and still succeeded in providing a future of choices for his children. And so, below, I have included the obituary that Roy's family wrote, to commemorate this determined and proud man, and his wife Olive; because it's important when we consider the statistics and numbers that we use to describe Indigneous poverty to remember the real life experiences, to know that a man who had worked all his life, and was seen as an expert in his trade by his colleagues, was not able to get a bank loan simply because he was Aboriginal, and had to resort to a money lender to buy a house for his children; to know that he was a man who was not able to move about freely without carrying a license to enable him to do so and who was arrested for being in a town after 5pm, simply because he was Aboriginal.

So, this Sorry Day, instead of joining in the Sydney rally as planned, Graeme and I, together with the family, will be taking Roy home to be buried in his beloved home country, at Baryulgil; and we will be remembering and celebrating the life of a remarkable man who has inspired us all to continue the fight for justice and equality for Indigenous peoples.

Gabrielle
40 Days of Action for 40 Years of Inaction - MAY
Download action sheets for each of the days at the MIPH website - Click here - 40 Days of Action Sheets.


26th May - Sorry Day
Sorry Day is held on the anniversary of the Bringing Them Home report. Events are being held around the country - find out how to join in Click here - 40 Days of Action Sheets.

27th May - 40th Anniversary of the referendum.
Find out how you can mark this important day Click here - 40 Days of Action Sheets.



VALE ROY MUNDINE (Snr.)
1919 - 2007

This weekend, as we mark many significant events in Aboriginal affairs; the 40th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum; the tenth anniversary of the Bringing them home report on the Stolen Generations and the start of Reconciliation week, we also honour the achievements of a determined Aboriginal man who overcame racism and poverty to leave a strong and lasting legacy within the Australian community.

Roy Mundine (Snr), known as 'Fardi' to his extended family; was born around 14th January 1919 and died on Saturday 19th May 2007. Roy's birth date is not confirmed as, in those days, births were not automatically registered for Aboriginal people; the family thinks this date may not be correct as Roy's mother registered all her 12 children on the occasion of the youngest child Linda's (Walker) birth. The date was always recognized as contentious, with official documents showing different ages, and, when Roy did retire from work, Centrelink asked him to return to work for an additional year, as there was insufficient proof of his birth.

Roy was born at Baryulgil Square, on the Clarence River, NSW; seventh son of seven sons and five daughters. Roy's two remaining siblings Linda Walker (73) and Lola King (75), still live at Baryulgil. Roy's older brothers all worked in the asbestos mines and all passed away when they were in their 40s and 50s from asbestos related diseases; Roy was the only brother not to work in the mines. Roy is a direct descendant of traditional Elders and Clan custodians: Great Grandson of 'King' Derry of Casino; Grandson of Dick Donnelly of the Malara area; Grandson of Harry Mundine of Tabulam. Roy is the son of Harry and Lily Mundine (nee Donnelly) of Baryulgil.

Roy married Olive (nee Donovan of Nambucca Heads, also known as 'Dollie' to her extended family, deceased 25/05/92) at Bowraville 25th May 1940. They had 11 children and helped raise many others. After living in South Grafton for many years, the family moved to Auburn, Sydney, in the 1960's, for better opportunities for their children. All these children went on, as adults, to distinguish themselves with many significant honours. Such as:

Roy Mundine (Jnr) OAM Military - Distinction in the armed services for 36 years, receiving the Australian Services Medal with 4 Clasps; he served in Vietnam 3 times with military honours and honorary dispatches. He served in Malaysia, Borneo and in Vietnam where he lost a leg to a land mine in 1969.
Anne Jaeggi - In 1955 received one of the first offered Aboriginal bursaries to complete High School; gained a senior position with the Rural Bank and went on to work extensively with international banking in Switzerland.
Olive Brown (deceased 1993) - recognised as one of the first Aboriginal models in Australia, she modeled for the Wool Board and David Jones in the early 1960's. Olive worked for the Rural Bank and was also one of the first Aboriginal Education Assistants (Mt Druitt) to work in schools and is highly acclaimed for the work she did in the Department of Education.
Kaye Mundine - Commenced work in the Rural Bank and was an activist with FCATSI for the 1967 Referendum; editor of 'Dawn' Magazine; Director Human Rights Commission (Queensland); Honourary Life Member WILPF (Women's International League of Peace & Freedom); worked in the Federal and NSW State Public Service Boards; chair and escort of Pope John Paul II at his meeting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Alice Springs. He was the second Pope Kaye had met with; received the Centenary Medal for services to the Australian Public Service.
Charles Mundine - Indentured to the Postmaster General as an electronics apprentice prior to entering the army as an electrical Mechanic where he served in the armed services for 21 years; Australian Services Medal with Clasp; Australian Military Medal; worker with 'Link-Up' organisation which assists Aboriginal people from the Stolen Generation find their families.
Djon Mundine OAM, PhD - has an economics degree; is highly acclaimed as an International Indigenous arts curator; and has completed his PhD in Arts History.
Peter Mundine - completed his trade as an Electrician; had worked in retail; and has been recognised for his work as a union organiser for the Storeman & Packers Union.
Phillip Mundine - completed indentured apprenticeship as a printer and book binder; worked with maritime services and unions; and is now with the NSW Lands Council.
Warren Mundine - one of the first Aboriginal Public Service cadets with the Australian Taxation Office; Deputy Mayor Dubbo; first Aboriginal Acting Mayor of Dubbo, Local Government Grants Commissioner, first Aboriginal person to be the National President of the ALP; currently CEO of Native Title Services, NSW; Centenary Medal recipient for services to Local Government & the Local Community.
James Mundine - has held senior finance positions with Department of Housing and Construction and SBS; and is treasurer with Gadigal Aboriginal Media Association - Koori Radio.
Graeme Mundine - Marist Brother for 20 years; has been a teacher, youth worker and the inaugural Chair, National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council; currently Executive Secretary of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission of the National Council of Churches; and leads the 'Make Indigenous Poverty History' campaign.

The family recognizes that the fire in their bellies to work for change; and the knowledge that they can achieve anything they want, comes from the strong foundations laid by their father and mother. They have all followed their parents' example and have contributed much to further the causes of equality and reconciliation for Aboriginal people in Australia.

Roy himself spent his working life as a grader driver. He assisted on the Darwin to Alice Springs road, where his job was to sit on top of the grader watching for enemy fighter planes; he received a Civilian Service Medal 1939 - 1945, for his work there. He often told the story of how he watched an American man arrive on the tarmac in Darwin and did not realize until later that it was General MacArthur.

After the war Roy continued his career as a grader driver, including working for the Public Works & Roads Department for over 20 years, and working in places such as the Snowy Mountains; widening the road to the Jenolan Caves and grading the Sydney airport runway. It seemed to his children that everywhere they traveled Dad had built the road!

During his working life, Roy became a member of the union and fought hard to work for equal pay as he was only paid an "Aboriginal allowance". He helped pave the way for other Aboriginals to receive the same pay as their White workmates.

While he was renowned for his expertise in the job, it wasn't all plain sailing. The family remembers one incident in particular, when Roy worked on the Bankstown Shopping Centre, the electrical lines had not been mapped properly and Roy's grader cut through the power and coaxial cables, blacking out all of Sydney. No one quite believed that he had survived such an event.

Roy's work ethic was legendary; he worked 16 hours a day seven days a week but, despite this, when he wanted to buy a house in the early 1950s, no bank would give one to an Aboriginal man. Roy and Olive had to get a special loan from the local money lender who charged him 13% interest. Even at that rate it only took Roy and Olive 15 years to pay off their home loan. He was also a strong believer in education and it was a matter of great pride to him that he was able to put all his children through the Catholic school system.

In 1956 Roy applied for, and received an 'Exemption Certificate' officially making him 'exempt' from the Aboriginal protection laws of the time (or exempt from being Aboriginal), so he could continue working and, as he said, "drink at the pub, with my work mates". Roy was forced to apply for "exemption" after being arrested for being in Coffs Harbour after 5pm without such a certificate or "dog license" as they were called. The police were not willing to believe that he was in town for his job and accused him of lying about his employment. Eventually they thought to confirm his "story" with his boss, who then insisted that Roy obtain an exemption to secure his job. Roy carried this dog license with him every day, long after the law changed, until the day he died. At every opportunity, in later years, Roy would pull out his "dog license" to show people and remind them of the discrimination that he endured.

Roy was also known for his sporting prowess. He was a member of the Baryulgil cricket club, as were many of his family members. All the Mundine boys were respected players and Roy himself was a mean spin bowler. After leaving Baryulgil he continued to play cricket both at club level and socially in the North Coast of NSW. Roy was also renowned for his immaculate garden and the beautiful orchids he grew. He was a simple man who enjoyed his family, garden, a beer or two and the odd visit to the TAB.

Roy is well known to many, throughout Australia, and, as well as his large family and former workmates, he counts politicians, Ministers and senior clergy in the Catholic Church as friends. It was his work within the Church over many decades, including the first days of the Aboriginal Catholic ministry, to being on the Indigenous advisory committee for the 2008 World Youth Day at the time of his death, which saw him traveling to Aboriginal communities around the country. The people that he met along the way will join with his many friends and extended family to mourn this powerful personality, as they will miss him dearly.

Roy leaves behind a legacy of successful and highly contributing children, grand children (18 at present) and great-grand children (20 at present) to the Australian landscape, many of whom are considered elite in their fields of work; academia, the arts, Church, sports, human rights, Aboriginal culture.

He is a loved and highly respected Bundjalung Elder who will be sadly missed but not forgotten

The Action continues!
Don't forget that the 40 days of action continues after the 40th Anniversary referendum. June actions will be posted next week.
We are just about out of cards - having distriubted 25,000, thanks to you all. We still have plenty of wristbands and t.shirts.

This campaign is all about getting involved and supporting initiatives that work. If you know about local programs and ideas that are making a difference please let us know. Also, don't forget to tell us about activities that you organise to support the campaign, we'll post it on the website to inspire others.
Sincerely,
NATSIEC
email: natsiec@ncca.org.au
web: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=a6udjacab.0.6wyff4bab.gk8ia7bab.543&ts=S0254&p=http://www.makeindigenouspovertyhistory.org.au/

The Make Indigenous Poverty History campaign is an initiative of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commision (NATSIEC) which is a commission of the National Council of Churches in Australia.

Dog Meat Party for 60 000

Dear Friend

Please be aware that this website is very disturbing, but it is extrodinarily necessary for everyone to know just what is going on in China.

This is outrageous,ill-educated, archaic and barbaric.

These beautiful & intelligent dogs were bred for 10 months before being killed as food for the Chinese New Year feast. 60 000 people were asked to participate in the 'delicious aroma & flavour' of cooked dog.

http://blog.sina.com.cn/u/4b2b8401010007sb#comment

For reasons that the Chinese try to cover up situations such as these, the website has been disguised. As you know in China, journalists & anyone with a point of view other than ordered, are also treated like this.

Help stop this act of cruelty & bring China into an age of reason, altruism and sense.

Raise awareness and create positive change by passing on this information to all you know.

Blessings

Ael.

What the???

http://endeavor.med.nyu.edu/~strone01/altruism.html

The evolution of blogging...for some reason the last post has encrypted the info...so here is the missing link, yes bad pun but worth it! ha ha ha

The Evolution of Altruism

This story & debate on the genetic printing and evolution of Altrusim in animals, including us humans, is such an interesting article which I hope you will enjoy.

It was written for the New York Times (on the web) Science 1997. Still ten years later a worthwhile and informative piece

December 1997
The Evolution of Altruism
By ERIC STRONG

Follow the link for this article at: http://endeavor.med.nyu.edu/~strone01/altruism.html

Accessed 18th February 2007

Fred Hollows Foundation

Plan to fix Indigenous health within 25 years

The Fred Hollows Foundation has joined other leading Australian health, human rights, aid and development organisations in calling for health equality for Indigenous people within 25 years.
"There are no excuses for Australia to be the only developed country in the world where people still suffer from trachoma, where Indigenous men in areas such as the east Katherine region have an average life expectancy of 46 years, where babies are dying at a rate three times higher than babies born to non-Indigenous parents," says The Foundation’s CEO Brian Doolan.
As part of the campaign an open letter to the nation’s politicians has been circulated to media outlets and a full page advertisement placed in The Australian. The letter outlines the steps towards achieving health equality within a generation.
"Improving Indigenous health in 25 years is achievable - there are no big secrets around how to go about it," says Doolan.
"We know it’s about equality of access to primary health care and health infrastructure. We know it’s about housing, about reducing the overcrowding which facilitates the spread of infections, about ensuring the quality of construction and the provision of adequate sanitation," says Doolan.
"We know it’s about nutrition, about people understanding the role of diet and having access to fresh fruit and veggies. And we know it is about making sure there is genuine participation and where appropriate Indigenous control," says Doolan.
The letter, which was published in The Australian on December 11, outlines the minimum requirements for achieving health equality within a generation:
- Measures to ensure equal access for Indigenous peoples to primary health care and health infrastructure.
- Increased support for developing the Indigenous health workforce.
- A commitment to support and nurture Indigenous community controlled health services.
- A focus on improving the accessibility of mainstream health services for Indigenous peoples.
- An urgent focus on early childhood development, maternal health, chronic illness and diseases.
- Supporting the building blocks of good health such as awareness and availability of nutrition, physical activity, fresh food, healthy lifestyles, adequate housing and the other social determinants of health.
The Fred Hollows Foundation carries on the work of the late Professor Fred Hollows, who was a passionate advocate for improvements in Indigenous health.

(Written by Joe Boughton-Dent 11 Dec 2006)

For more information about the Fred Hollows Foundation go to:

http://www.hollows.org/content/FrontPage.aspx?s=3

Love & Blessings

Ael

Liberation Prison Project - Venerable Robina Courtin

Hello and welcome to the new year!


'All about Alturism' is back with lots more info on an inspiring range of people and organisations...





This weekend I was one of the good people who helped co-ordinate a wonderful event with Venerable Robina Courtin.


Venerable Robina works with great energy to help prisoners world wide to find peace and happiness.

Her public talks and workshops also benefit eveyone of us, by discussing happiness, our minds and our choices
in life.



Her websites are very informative and I have added a recording of section of her workshops which is thought provoking and interesting:


http://www.liberationprisonproject.org/robina.html





http://www.liberationprisonproject.org/mission.html



http://www.lamrim.net/archive/misc/mp3/32k/02.09.03-WOW-32k-Ven_Robina-Courtin-Changing_the_Mind.mp3


Blessing and hello again!

Ael x

Empowerment & Status

Through education and raising self esteem & status for women globally, it is for certain that the repercussions will only be positive in creating a safer environment and world.

As woman are the mothers of all children and these children grow to become decision making adults it is so important that the woman of this planet gain as much confidence and good self image that will reflect in the people they are raising.

If we can lead by example I believe this will only benefit human kind.

For more information on groups such as Zonta International which mentors and provides funds for Women globally please go to this link: http://www.zonta.org/site/PageServer?pagename=zif_home

Care are also in partnership with the AMWA. They are focusing on health care and to strengthen the voices of the underprivileged: http://www.amwa-doc.org/index.cfm?objectid=25F1910B-D567-0B25-566C9CC313515548

Cares work regarding women has been very positive and their continued effort in this area will bring about a huge wave of positive change within the countries it participates with: http://www.amwa-doc.org/index.cfm?objectid=25F1910B-D567-0B25-566C9CC313515548

Have a wonderful day,

Ael