In a country with more than half million refugees and more than two million illegal people escaping oppressive and tyrannical regimes, it isn't difficult to find gut-wrenching, heart-breaking and hopeful stories. This one embodies all.

Tora (not his real name) is a 44 year old Burmese ex political prisoner in hiding in Thailand. His youthful good looks compliment his sharp wit, inexhaustible sense of humour and powerful intellect.

Open Information Nights are held at Melaleuca from 5:30pm on the last Wednesday of each month and are a initiative of the community development team. The aim is to raise community awareness about refugee-related issues and provide an opportunity where information and experiences in relation to such issues can be shared and discussed.

The living memory video archive project consists of stories from East Timor's former political prisoners.  Documentary films and a photographic exhibition is being held at the NT Supreme Court, 1-5 December 2008 (see attachment)

Human Rights Week 2008 in the Northern Territory will be held from 8 to 12 December.  Numerous activities will be held throughout this week.  This week's events are about celebrating human rights, drawing attention to areas of concern, and bringing the community together to recognise and foster a culture of respect for human rights.  The events focus on many areas of human rights such as torture, the environment, the declaration of human rights, and local and international issues.