human rights

The 1967 Referendum: history and myths

Australian Parliamentary Library research briefing published in 2007, on the Parliament of Australia's ParlInfo site. The 1967 referendum led to changes in the Australian Constitution and resulted in aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders being counted in the census. The referendum also opened the door to further changes in the way aborigines were treated by non-aborigines. The briefing provides background and historical information, looks at the implications and impact of the referendum and addresses myths which have grown up around it.

Burundi legal system and research

Guide to the legal system and law of Burundi by lawyers Jean-Claude Barakamfitiye and Janvier Ncamatwi. Published on New York University's Globalex website in 2007 (and updated in 2024) it outlines the history and legal system of Burundi and the structure of its government,  describes the sources of law and the court system and examines human rights issues. It also gives links to Burundian internet resources, including news sites, NGOs and the government website.

Centre for Comparative and Public Law

The Centre for Comparative and Public Law, based at the University of Hong Kong, conducts research in the fields of comparative and public law. Its website provides details of conferences, lectures and training courses held by the Centre and makes available its occasional papers, conference papers and other publications. There is also information about the Centre's research projects.

Public Interest Law Initiative

The Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) is an American NGO concerned with promoting access to justice in Illinois. It runs a pro bono initiative, student internship programmes and graduate fellowship programmes to encourage participation in the field of pro bono legal advice. Its website has information about its activities and events and provides links and guidance for the public, pro bono volunteers, law firms, corporations and others.

Lambda Legal

Lambda Legal is a US legal and educational advocacy organisation representing lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and people with HIV who are fighting discrimination. The site provides information relating to Lambda's work and background to legal issues concerning lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. There is also background information to key issues Lambda is concerned with including employment rights, marriage and family law, youth, HIV, rights of transgender people, fair and impartial courts and immigration.

Harvard Law and Policy Review

Website of the Harvard Law and Policy Review, the journal of the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS), run by students at Harvard Law School.T he whole series is available on an open access basis, 2007 onwards. The website also provides details of the editorial staff, the board of advisers and submissions policy.  The ACS is an educational organisation of lawyers, law students, scholars, judges and policymakers concerned with promoting progressive law and policy in the United States. 

American Constitution Society for Law and Policy

The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS) is a non-profit, educational organisation of lawyers, law students, scholars, judges and policymakers concerned with promoting progressive law and policy in the United States. Its website includes organisational information and news and a blog, together with details of ACS research projects. Briefings, reports, articles and other publications are available; other resources include videos of ACS events.

International Rule of Law Directory

Global directory of organisations working to support the rule of law, compiled by the International Bar Association (IBA). Ten areas of activity are covered: administration of justice; alternative dispute resolution; assisting lawyers and human rights defenders; assisting law schools and universities; legal protection of human rights; assisting police and prison workers; assisting refugees and asylum seekers; financial assistance to uphold the rule of law; promoting law reform; and research. The Directory can be searched or browsed.

Exploitation of women and children: a comparative study of human trafficking laws between the United States-Mexico and China-Vietnam

Online guide by Christina T. Le, Judicial Law Clerk to the U.S. Immigration Court in Houston. The guide was published in 2007 (and updated in 2021 by Christina T. Le with assistance from Cathleen S. Creeganon) on New York University's Globalex website. It provides background information to human trafficking and looks at the efforts of the international community to address the problem. An overview is given of trafficking between the US and Mexico and between China and Vietnam, including statistics and details of legislation.

Human rights: 800 years of human rights in the United Kingdom explored using original documents from the National Archives

Online exhibition created by the National Archives, last updated in 2008. Provides free access to a large collection of primary source materials relating to human rights in the UK from 1215 to 1945. Users may browse a timeline, view supporting images and read background information. There is also a glossary of terms. Topics include Magna Carta; the Peasants' Revolt; women's rights; and trade unions.

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