On January 19,2009, Ms Matilda Bogner, Regional Representative for the
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Pacific Office, briefed Embassy officials, members of Australian government committees and NGOs, at the UNIC Canberra office.
The briefing, titled “Human Rights in the Pacific”, was part of Ms Bogner’s first official visit to Australia. It covered the core work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights - such as the Universal Periodic Review process, and additionally, addressed the thematic areas of its work which includes the ill-treatment of detainees, violence against women, and the right to development.
Following the briefing an informative question and answer session ensued, including discussion on human rights and development, religious freedom, and indigenous issues.
The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), based in Canberra, is the formal UN presence in Australia. Its information-related responsibilities also extend to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Samoa, Tuvalu, Tonga and Vanuatu.
In this regard, the day’s event also highlighted the important partnership between UNIC Canberra and UN agencies in the Pacific region.
