HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY

The basic notion of human rights lies in people’s recognition of the need to protect and affirm every person’s individual dignity. We all tend to think and talk about our concerns in terms of human rights. One way of looking at human rights is to see them as a special kind of claim we have on others. In our society we all tend to agree that we have a right to life, freedom from abuse and other inhuman treatment, rights to a fair trial, free speech, religion, health, education etc. There are many others. People everywhere seek physical security, freedom from suffering and freedom from unreasonable restraint. They also seek equality and fairness. Moral rights are based on people’s sense of what is fair and just. Rights also relate to what is lawful: that is, some rights are laid down in law. Rights are, and always have been, a part of the way people interact with each other. They involve responsibilities and duties toward each other. Knowledge about human rights empowers individuals and promotes remedies for specific problems. Proper observance of human rights promotes the security and well-being of all people.

Common service violations of human rights towards people with disabilities include:

• Treating and talking to adults as if they are children.

• Using raised voices to control people.

• Not letting people take reasonable risks and learn from mistakes.

The rights of individuals will be measured against the standards emanating from the State Disability Services Legislation 1992.

The people being served:

• will be supported to access the same rights as all other citizens.

• will be treated in a manner consistent with expectations for others.

• will be afforded the opportunity to contest actions or decisions they believe are not fair or in their best interests.

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