Laura meets the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Laura Naing recently enjoyed meeting Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Laura was part of a meeting between Michelle and Australian disability organisations and advocates.

Laura and Michelle talked about

• Human Rights in Australia
• Issues for people with disability
• Recommendations from the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

They agreed that Australia needs better laws to protect human rights. Better laws might include a Human Rights Act or laws to stop discrimination.

Laura talked about the importance of advocacy services to help people with disability build confidence, speak up and make change.

Michelle was very friendly and enjoyed hearing from Laura. She said she will tell the Australian Government and the United Nations what Laura and the group talked about.

Michelle said she wants to work with us to improve the human rights of people with disability in Australia and around the world.

“I enjoyed talking with Michelle,” says Laura. “It was a privilege to meet her. I also enjoyed meeting Rosemary Kayess, who is from the United Nations committee on disability rights.”

Other people at the meeting included Ben Gauntlett, Australian Disability Discrimination Commissioner, and Rosalind Croucher, President Australian Human Rights Commission.

Laura is a Member of CID. She is also a member of Inclusion Australia’s Our Voice Committee. Inclusion Australia is a national voice for people with intellectual disability.