Our Pacific Calling Partnership team is back from Saibai and Boigu islands in the Torres Strait and we wanted you to know about the important Statement of Solidarity signed between Pacific Elders and Saibai and Boigu leaders during our visit.

On 13 April 2023 we commenced the first session of our Legal Empowerment Course. In this session we discussed the Australian Legal System and the Three Branches of Power (Legislative, Judicial and Executive).

Sixteen newly arrived humanitarian entrants from Afghanistan, Iran, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh benefited from the session. The topic was presented by two legal experts from DLA Piper.

The Edmund Rice Centre applauds the joint signing of a Statement of Solidarity by Pacific Elders' Voice Chair and former President of Kiribati His Excellency Anote Tong together with Saibai Boigu Elders and community leaders for the Torres Strait. 

The Pacific Elders' Voice is a group of former Presidents, Prime Ministers and high-level officials from across the Pacific.

The Statement of Solidarity is the result of a week-long visit by His Excellency Anote Tong to Saibai and Boigu islands in the Torres Strait, which occurred following an invitation extended to the Pacific Elders' Voice by Saibai and Boigu Traditional Owners.

Last week, following a powerful campaign by the Vanuatu government together with grassroots Pacific Islander climate activists, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution seeking an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice on climate change, human rights and intergenerational equity.

The Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education acknowledges and mourns the passing of a great Gumatj man, great thinker, and significant cultural leader Dr. Yunupingu. His leadership and contribution to the Yolngu community, other First Nations communities and Australia as whole has been felt by past, present and in future generations to come. Vale Dr Yunupingu.