Women want a human rights watchdog

There is undeniable evidence pointing to the misconduct of Australian fossil fuel companies operating in low income countries. But when a community’s rights are violated, there is no Australian body that can investigate and deliver justice.

We can’t let big companies continue to act with impunity while women and communities face serious rights violations from their operations overseas. That’s why we’re calling for a human rights watchdog that would put misbehaving fossil fuel companies on a leash.

Tell your MP to take action by sending them a message today!

There is undeniable evidence pointing to the misconduct of Australian fossil fuel companies operating in low income countries. But when a community’s rights are violated, there is no Australian body that can investigate and deliver justice.

We can’t let big companies continue to act with impunity while women and communities face serious rights violations from their operations overseas. That’s why we’re calling for a human rights watchdog that would put misbehaving fossil fuel companies on a leash.

Tell your MP to take action by sending them a message today!

Send a message to your local MP

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Australians want a government that stands up for justice by stopping Australian fossil fuel companies from committing human rights abuses overseas.

Email your MP and call on them to take action by introducing a human rights watchdog! To have a bigger impact, remember to personalise your message by editing the sample text below.

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Subject:

I am writing to you, as your constituent, because I am deeply concerned by reports of Australian companies violating the rights of women and their communities overseas – especially in low income countries.

The extractive industry in particular poses a high risk to human rights, particularly in communities affected by mining, oil and gas operations.

Women are disproportionately impacted by fossil fuel extraction, which can further entrench poverty. It also increases gender-based violence, loss of livelihoods, health problems , and unpaid work – as well as accelerating dangerous climate change.

I am worried that that, without greater regulation, Australian fossil fuel companies will continue to put women’s rights at risk. In this context it is clear that Australia is not doing enough to uphold and protect the rights of women and girls in compliance with our international commitments.

Fortunately there is a solution. I am a supporter of ActionAid Australia, and we have been campaigning for an effective human rights watchdog with the power to ensure women and their communities have justice if their rights are violated by Australian companies overseas.

I am including a link to a detailed policy brief prepared by ActionAid Australia and Jubilee Australia, which explains the need for a human rights watchdog, and why our current system is clearly insufficient: https://actionaid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Non-judicial-remedy-Jubilee-Australia-and-ActionAid-Australia.pdf

I urge you to listen to the thousands of Australians calling for this policy and to pledge to take action in accordance with Australia’s commitments to protecting and promoting women’s rights. I look forward to hearing back from you regarding your position on this issue and your thoughts on the policy recommendations.

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