issues in Australian Government and foreign policy

Issues in Australian Government and Foreign Policy

‘States should not concern themselves with human rights, only with their own security and the preservation of peace.’


In concerning themselves with security and the preservation of peace, states must concern themselves with issues such as human rights. The preservation of peace is an extremely important issue, particularly in these times of uncertain international security and must be addressed by states in a manner that keeps human rights issues in mind. The Tampa episode of 2001 is a prime example of the decisions that must be made when the issues of human rights and national security come together. If a nation must decide between its stance on human rights and its security, which will prevail? With regards to Australia and the human rights records of some of our neighbours, we must take into account the so-called, ‘Asian Culture’ and the view in some parts of South and East Asia; community good is valued over the go...