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2008 Human Rights Medal Winner - Les Malezer and musician Dan Sultan

By Rhianna Patrick

14 December 2008 - Les Malezer was awarded the 2008 Human Rights Medal for his work in advancing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait people both nationally and internationally. You'll also hear from Koori Mail Editor, Kirstie Parker, who was the winner of this year's Print Category at the Australian Human Rights Commission Awards. And you'll catch up with Dan Sultan to hear about his role in Bran Nue Dae.

60 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Australia was a founding member of the UN and was one of eight nations involved in drafting this significant declaration.

The 2008 Australian Human Rights Commission Medals and Awards were announced in Sydney recently.

The awards and medals recognise the commitment of organisations, individuals and the media to issues of human rights, social justice and equality.

This year the 2008 Human Rights Medal was awarded to Indigenous advocate, Les Malezer who has spent his life and his own money on improving the human rights of Indigenous Australians.

Les talks about his work over the last three decades, his work overseas with the United Nations Indigenous caucaus and how he funds his work with his own money in order to make sure the human rights of Australia's Indigenous people are upheld.

The 2008 Australian Human Rights Commission Awards and Medals ceremony also honoured Indigenous reporting.

The Print Category was won by Indigenous newspaper, The Koori Mail, which was recognised for its commemorative lift out of the Apology to the Stolen Generations.

The Koori Mail's Editor, Kirstie Parker talks about what it means to be recognised nationally and why more Indigenous Australians need to consider a career in print.

Indigenous musician, Dan Sultan has been described as the black Elvis - but that's probably more to do with the quiff and the cowboy boots.

Dan's been living in Broome temporarily, working on the film version of the Jimmy Chi musical, Bran Nue Dae, which is being directed by Rachel Perkins.

Daniel Browning from Radio National's "Awaye" program found Dan backstage at the recent Australasian World Music Expo in his hometown of Melbourne.

*music included in this program but not included in podcast due to copyright terms was The Specials - "Doesn't Make It Alight" in honour of the news that the U.K Ska Band will reform for their 30th anniversary next year.

Source: ABC

Further information: human rights issues page - includes news index and external links