Voices Against Torture: A Call for Global Justice and Human Rights

Join us on June 26, 2024, at Parliament House, Sydney for an impactful evening event, "Voices Against Torture: A Call for Global Justice and Human Rights." This event commemorates the International Day in Support of Survivors of Torture, focusing on the profound impact of torture and the crucial role of diaspora communities in advocating for human rights.

Event Highlights:

• Networking Reception: 6:00 PM - Enjoy light refreshments and drinks while connecting with like-minded individuals dedicated to human rights advocacy.
• Welcome to Country: Acknowledgment of the traditional custodians of the land.
• Keynote Address: By Emeritus Professor William Maley on the human rights situation in Afghanistan.
• Panel Discussion: Featuring insightful discussions on resilience, advocacy, and support for torture survivors.

SPEAKERS:

Emeritus Professor William Maley

Role: Keynote Speaker, Expert on Afghanistan
Background: William Maley is an Emeritus Professor of Diplomacy at The Australian National University. He has an extensive background in diplomacy, international law, and humanitarian issues, having served as a professor and visiting fellow at various prestigious institutions. He is the author of several books on Afghanistan and refugee issues and has received numerous accolades for his humanitarian work.

Jorge Aroche

Role: Chief Executive Officer, STARTTS
Background: Jorge Aroche is a clinical psychologist and the CEO of STARTTS. Born in Uruguay, Jorge has been working with migrants and refugee survivors of torture since 1989. Under his leadership, STARTTS has grown significantly, becoming a world leader in the field of torture rehabilitation. Jorge has also held honorary positions in various international humanitarian organisations and Australian government advisory bodies.

Michael do Rozario 

Role: Chair of the DTP Board, Human Rights Advocate and Legal Expert
Background: Michael do Rozario is a partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth and a dedicated human rights advocate. As a board member of the Diplomacy Training Program (DTP), he has driven pro bono projects that support DTP’s mission, including analysing the legal framework for Nepal’s migrant workers. Michael specialises in major liability cases, commissions, inquiries, and cyber security law.

Deborah Gould

Role: STARTTS Clinician
Background: Deb Gould has been working at STARTTS as a clinical consultant and counsellor since 1998. Deb trained as a Registered Nurse (General, Psychiatric and Midwifery) in the 1980s in South Africa and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. She worked in academic and community mental health settings in South Africa for 10 years prior to joining STARTTS. Deb has lectured in Clinical Psychology at South African and Australian universities and has several journal publications and text book contributions. She has delivered clinical training at STARTTSfor many years, drawing heavily on her experience with clients and learning from colleagues. She enjoys therapeutic work with clients across the lifespan, but has a particular interest in working with children.

Dr. Mubashar Hasan

Role: Academic and Human Rights Advocate
Background: Dr. Mubashar Hasan is a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Oslo and an adjunct research fellow at the University of Western Sydney. He has a background in communications and journalism, and his current research focuses on foreign interference and transnational repression in diaspora communities. Mubashar is a survivor of torture and has actively supported human rights advocacy through the Diplomacy Training Program.

Juan Aburto

Role: Latin American Community Advocate
Background: Juan Aburto is a former political refugee from Chile and a survivor of torture. Diagnosed with complex PTSD, Juan has been a strong advocate for mental health and inclusive work practices within organisations and the community. His survival story is featured in the Museo de La Memoria in Chile, and he has participated in events organised by the UN and WHO to advocate for refugees and mental health.

Christine Kininmonth

Role: MC and Panel Moderator
Background: Christine Kininmonth is a seasoned content writer, copywriter, and interviewer for The Growth Faculty’s business author talks, webcasts, and podcasts. She brings a wealth of experience from her background as a former TV newsreader and presenter for ABC’s The New Inventors.

Why Attend?

• Gain valuable insights from leading experts and advocates in the field of human rights.
• Hear powerful testimonies from survivors of torture.
• Learn about the critical role of diaspora communities in supporting survivors and advocating for change.

Seats are limited, so secure your ticket now to be part of this important event.

GETTING TO NSW PARLIAMENT HOUSE

NSW Parliament House transport information:

The Parliament of New South Wales building is located in Macquarie Street, closer to Hyde Park than Circular Quay.

Street address:
Parliament of New South Wales
6 Macquarie Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: (02) 9230 2111 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday except public holidays)



• Google Map and Directions to Parliament House
• Information on Accessibility at Parliament House​
  





Train travel
The nearest train stations are Martin Place and St James.

Bus travel
Buses run in Macquarie, Elizabeth and Castlereagh Streets. Route numbers 200, 309, 324, 325, 326, 327, 333, 339, 343, 373, 374, 376, 377, 380, 389, 391, 392, 394, 396, 397 and 399 service the area.

By car
Car parking is not generally available at Parliament House. Car parks are located at:

• Cook and Phillip Parks (access via Cathedral St); and 
• The Domain (access via St Marys Road). 
• Sydney Hospital next door to Parliament House (access via Hospital Road).
• It can be much cheaper to book your parking online! Here is the link to book parking at the Wilsons car park at the Domain: https://www.wilsonparking.com....


By bicycle
Bicycles may not be brought into Parliament House, however there are a number of nearby parking facilities at which bicycles may be secured. These include cycle rings along Macquarie St near the entrance to Parliament; U-rail facilities at Town Hall and Cook + Phillip Park, as well as bike cages at the Goulburn Street Parking Station. For more information on parking facilities, and for cycleway maps please visit
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/ParkingAndTransport/Default.asp