2023 Voltaire Empty Chair Award Winner

Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Wed, 08/11/2023 - 11:33

Liberty Victoria is awarding the 2023 Voltaire Empty Chair Award to Mr Victor Yeimo, a strong advocate for West Papua’s independence from Indonesia and an international spokesperson for the National Committee for West Papua (KNPB) and the Papuan People’s Petition.

Established in 2016, the Voltaire Empty Chair Award is presented to a person who is worthy to receive the Voltaire or Young Voltaire Award but cannot be present to receive the award due to the consequences of their exercise of or advocacy for human rights, free speech or civil liberties.

Liberty Victoria supports the right to protest

Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Thu, 16/11/2023 - 10:31

Liberty Victoria understands that there are moves by the Opposition to introduce anti-protest laws to the Victorian Parliament. The proposed law would give police the power to break up protests and ban some protesters from rally sites.

The right to protest is a fundamental component of a robust democracy, and Liberty Victoria categorically opposes the introduction of any new anti-protest laws in Victoria. 

Tags: 
Freedom to protest
protests

Joint letter from the Presidents of NSW Council for Civil Liberties and Liberty Victoria relating to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza

Dear Prime Minister,

We write as Presidents of Australia’s leading, membership based human rights and civil society organisations, about the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. We are non-political, non-religious and non-sectarian.

Since October 7, 2023, Australians have witnessed over 12,520 people die in the ongoing conflict in Palestine (including the Israeli civilians), with approximately 11,320 of these deaths caused by Israel’s military operation in Gaza. Alarmingly, an estimated 40% of these deaths have been children.

Pill testing facilities at festivals

Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Thu, 11/01/2024 - 13:03

Liberty Victoria respectfully advocates for the implementation of pill testing facilities at festivals, as a crucial measure to protect the human rights of festival attendees. We understand that the taking of drugs at such events may be illegal, but the provision of pill testing facilities should be viewed as a pragmatic and responsible approach to address this issue.

Voltaire Awards 2023 Speeches

Call for Liberty Victoria Voltaire Human Rights Awards nominations

Dear members and supporters,

Statement on Entrapment

Submitted by Liberty Victoria on Thu, 22/02/2024 - 16:05

Statement on Entrapment

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