Australia is considered a world leader in providing access to hepatitis C cures. But, there remain significant gaps when it comes to hepatitis C prevention and treatment services for marginalised populations. A major factor contributing to these gaps is the systematic stigma and discrimination towards people who use drugs. Many of the experts believe that achieving hepatitis C elimination in Australia will require legal reforms.
Access to good health is a basic human right. This World Hepatitis Day, the Kirby Institute, in partnership with the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, is hosting a special seminar that brings together experts from legal, health and community backgrounds to discuss strategies to ensure that people who use drugs have equal, discrimination-free access to health care.
Hosted by:
Scientia Professor Gregory Dore Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney
Mr Jonathon Hunyor Public Interest Advocacy Centre
Presentations:
The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG Patron, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney
Professor Andrea Durbach UNSW Law & Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW Sydney
Dr Janani Shanthosh The George Institute & Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW Sydney
Associate Professor Kate Seear Faculty of Law, Monash University and Springvale Monash Legal Service
Ms Annie Madden AO Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney
Following our lineup of presentations, we are excited to host a panel discussion on the topic of harm reduction for people who are incarcerated. We will be joined by speakers from across many sectors who will share their thoughts and experiences.
Facilitated by:
Scientia Professor Carla Treloar Director, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney
Panellists:
Ms Colette McGrath Justice and Forensic Mental Health Network
Professor Andrew Lloyd AM Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney
Associate Professor Kate Seear Faculty of Law, Monash University and Springvale Monash Legal Service
Ms Annie Madden AO Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney
Assistant Commissioner Luke Grant Corrective Services NSW
Mr Stuart Loveday Hepatitis NSW
Adam Community member
RSVPs are essential. Please RSVP by 19 July 2019 https://kiwhd19.eventbrite.com.au
Michael Kirby is a highly distinguished Australian jurist and legal scholar who served as a Justice of the High Court of Australia from 1996 to 2009. He has been recognised internationally for his contributions to human rights and social justice and is affectionately known as the ‘Great Dissenter’ for his well-reasoned, independent, and sometimes controversial opinions.
He was a member of the World Health Organisation’s Global Commission on AIDS and since retiring from the High Court, has continued his work in various international roles, including as a Commissioner on the UNDP Global Commission on HIV and the Law, and as a member of the UNAIDS Reference Group on HIV and Human Rights. He has been awarded the Australian Human Rights Medal, was named a laureate of the UNESCO Prize for Human Rights Education and received the Gruber Justice Prize for his work on sexual orientation discrimination and international human rights law, including laws relating to privacy and HIV/AIDS. He is also a public speaker, commentator, and author.
