September 2009
I am appalled by your press announcement 12/9/2003 regarding new offences in public places and particularly your planning to give the police the power to sieze unopened alcohol in a public place.
I realise that you may regard this as clever politics and in a half smart state you might even get away with it. However such a move is contrary to humanity and justice. It may well be in breach of a range of international and some national legal requirements.
I suggest you get a staff member to at least have a read http://www.law.unimelb.edu.au/mjil/
Melbourne Journal of International Law
1 July 2003
HOMELESSNESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS: REGARDING AND RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS
AS A HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION
PHILIP LYNCH AND JACQUELINE COLE
This article argues that homelessness is a violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms, including the right to liberty and security of the person, the right to freedom from discrimination, the right to privacy, the right to freedom of expression, the right to freedom of association, the right to vote, the right to social security, the right to health, and the right to an adequate standard of living.
Recognising homelessness as a human rights violation is of significant normative value and legal import.
The article attempts to encourage and equip people working for and on behalf of people experiencing homelessness to invoke human rights law in litigation and public policy advocacy.
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