Saturday 31 March – Sunday 1 April 2007 at 11 Tasmania Circle, Forrest, Canberra

AGREED STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES || PAPERS || ART EXHIBITION || PHOTOS

Australia, traditionally “the land of the fair go”, has, in recent years, introduced ever more restrictive legislation and administrative measures targeted against asylum seekers who have independently sought refuge in Australia. This situation has led to the topic for the sixth Weekend of Ideas. 

The Weekend provides an opportunity to explore and debate a topic of concern to Australians – and the world. As the number of refugees grows alarmingly, this problem cries out for urgent attention. Weekend organisers and our generous sponsors believe we can contribute to a better understanding of, and deeper compassion for, millions of people who have unwittingly become refugees, particularly those who have sought – and are seeking – refuge in Australia.

Underpinning our preparation for the event are the following two significant universal statements:

“Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution”.
(Article 14 (1) of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

For the purposes of the Refugee Convention a refugee is defined as: "A person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution." (UN High Commissioner on Refugees, Paraphrase of definition provision of Article 1 of  the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, adopted in 1951, UNHCR)

The event will be held under a large marquee in the MCH gardens. Food and drink will be available. Stalls selling relevant books and other merchandise will also feature. Free tours of the historic, heritage-listed house will be conducted.

Program of Saturday and Sunday sessions and speakers

Assocaited Art Exhibition

We would like to thank all our sponsors

Further information:
|| About WEEKEND OF IDEAS || WELCOME message || SPONSORS || PROGRAM OF EVENTS ||
|| ART EXHIBITION || WEEKEND OF IDEAS Flyer [ PDF 254 kb] ||
|| WEEKEND OF IDEAS Brochure Part 1 [ PDF 232 kb] & Part 2 [ PDF 364 kb] ||