Abstract
This paper is about human rights and activism. It draws on the work of
theorist Henri Lefebvre to argue for a right to the city, and explores a spatial
regulation of public space. Human rights associated with protest, or activism in
urban spaces, include the rights to free speech, movement and association. This
paper will interrogate legislation that runs contrary to these rights, in particular the
APEC Meeting (Police Powers) Act 2007 (NSW). It examines the experiences of
an excluded person under the Act, and asks what qualities are being prioritised in
dominant, conservative visions of the city. It calls for an inclusive, diverse and
creative public space to challenge urban dystopias.
theorist Henri Lefebvre to argue for a right to the city, and explores a spatial
regulation of public space. Human rights associated with protest, or activism in
urban spaces, include the rights to free speech, movement and association. This
paper will interrogate legislation that runs contrary to these rights, in particular the
APEC Meeting (Police Powers) Act 2007 (NSW). It examines the experiences of
an excluded person under the Act, and asks what qualities are being prioritised in
dominant, conservative visions of the city. It calls for an inclusive, diverse and
creative public space to challenge urban dystopias.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Activating Human Rights and Peace |
| Subtitle of host publication | Universal Responsibility Conference 2008 Conference Proceedings |
| Editors | Dr. Rob Garbutt |
| Place of Publication | Lismore |
| Publisher | Southern Cross University |
| Pages | 316-325 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-0-9804980-5-9 |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |