OHCHR report on conscientious objection to military service (50th session of the HRC)
On 29 March 2022, Amy Maguire was invited to attend a virtual event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD), which is part of the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) special procedures framework. Amy Maguire was invited by Ms Leigh Toomey, the outgoing Australian expert member of the WGAD. The session was opened by Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights and former President of Chile. It was co-hosted by the Ambassador of France to the UN in Geneva. The focus was on the protection of human rights defenders from intimidation, reprisals, and arbitrary detention. This opportunity arose after Amy Maguire contacted Leigh Toomey regarding the current issue of conscientious objection to military service for men who are not permitted to leave Ukraine. Amy Maguire, with assistance from research assistant Zar Chavla, submitted to the OHCHR inquiry on conscientious objection. Learn more.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.