<2024. 3. 24.>
Hello! My name is Ji-Hyeon an Sejong Glabal High School student from Korea.
It’s a great fortune to connect with Australia’s in this program.
My hometown is Iksan, a small city in North Jeolla Province. Iksan has many
historical sites, including Mireuksaji Temple Site and the ancient fortress of
Geumseong. The city has a special train station. If the Korean Peninsula were to
be unified, it would become the starting point for trains heading all the way to
London. Also Iksan, along with Jeonju, is a cultural center in Jeollabuk-do. Both
cities preserve traditional Korean culture and history, attracting many tourists to
experience their rich heritage. Therefore, visiting Iksan offers the opportunity to
participate in various cultural festivals such as the Seodong Festival and the
Chrysanthemum Festival.
<2024. 5. 11.>
AUSTRALIA’S
ANIMAL DIVERSITY
Commonwealth of Australia is famous for its high
animal diversity. Australia’s unique geographic
isolation has allowed for the evolution of distinct
animal species over millennia. This isolation has
resulted in a high level of endemism, with many
species found nowhere else on Earth. Additionally, its
diverse range of landscapes and climates, from lush
forests to dry deserts and coastal regions, provides a
wide variety of habitats. This enables a rich diversity
of flora and fauna to thrive and develop diverse
survival strategies. The Australian government and
local organizations are committed to preserving this
unique biodiversity through conservation programs
aimed at protecting special regional ecosystems.
AUSTRALIA’S FOREST FIRE
& CLIMATE CHANGE
The Australian forest fire, which started in September
2019 and continued until February of the following
year, caused huge damage, including burning 14% of
the country’s forests, which is equivalent to the area
of the Korean Peninsula.
Also, wildfires in Australia have a very negative
impact on animal diversity. Wildfires destroy animal
habitats and change ecosystems, and many animals
lose their lives or lose their habitat. Unusual species
in Australia, in particular, may have low resistance to
wildfires, exposing them to greater risk of survival.
Wildfires can also make it difficult for wild animals to
move, making it difficult to evacuate. This can reduce
the population of animals and reduce genetic
diversity. Therefore, in Australia, efforts are needed
to protect animal ecosystems with a focus on forest
fire prevention and response.
Climate change was one of the reasons that made
Australia’s wildfire so serious. This climate change is
not just Australia‘s problem, it’s all of us. The forest
fires in Australia have been extinguished, but climate
change is ongoing.
Here‘s what we can do in our daily lives to prevent
climate change.
1. Energy Saving & Recycling ; Pay attention to
recycling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
saving energy, reduce waste and reduce unnecessary
resource consumption
2. Join the carbon point system ;
What is carbon point system?
The system introduced by the government to expand civic awareness and
participation in greenhouse gas reduction and low-carbon green growth,
and if 1 million households participate in this movement, the effect of
saving the power produced by one nuclear power plant. In the case of
energy conservation, the Ministry of Environment and local governments
select the reduction amount, and participate in eco-friendly activities with
incentives paid through this.
3. Use of public transportation ; Minimize the use of
fossil fuels by using public transportation rather than
private cars
4. Changes in eating habits ; Reduce methane emissions
from livestock by adjusting dietary habits with
vegetarian or semi-vegetarian diets
the amount of methane emitted by livestock is very huge. watch this
5. Purchasing eco-friendly products; reduce greenhouse
gas emissions in the production and consumption
process by choosing environmentally friendly products
6. Participation in campaigns for the earth, including
planting trees
Most importantly, in addition to the above actions, we
should have the attitude of global citizens who recognize
that climate change is a problem for all of us and a global
problem and strive to actively solve it.
<2024. 6. 1.>
Australia is a multicultural society where diverse races and cultures coexist.
However, the issue of racism has been a persistent problem from the past to the
present, necessitating ongoing exploration of solutions to address racial
discrimination.
PAST
White Australia Policy_
In the early 20th century, Australia implemented the White Australia Policy. This
policy, in effect from 1901 to 1973, was enacted as Australia transitioned from a
British colony to a federated nation, aiming to establish Australia as an Englishspeaking
country similar to those in the Anglo-cultural sphere. The policy sought
to restrict the immigration of non-European individuals, making it difficult for
many Asians and other non-Europeans to immigrate to Australia.
Indigenous Discrimination_
Since the British settlement in Australia in 1778, Indigenous Australians, including
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, have experienced forced
dispossession of their lands and the disruption of their traditional ways of life by
the British colonizers. During the early colonial period, violence and massacres
against Indigenous peoples were frequent as part of colonial expansion and
resource acquisition efforts. Indigenous Australians endured ongoing oppression
and discrimination for an extended period, often being subjected to forced
displacement and assimilation policies.
CURRENT
Racial Discrimination: Targeting Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Immigrants_
Racial discrimination against Asian, African, and Middle Eastern immigrants is
prevalent within Australia. Particularly, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic
in China in 2019, incidents of racial discrimination against Asian Australians
escalated, with instances of verbal and physical attacks in public spaces. In
response, social media campaigns such as 'Stop Asian Hate' gained traction, and
anti-racism movements emerged within various communities.
Ongoing Indigenous Issues_
Structural discrimination against Indigenous Australians remains a significant
problem in Australia. Indigenous peoples exhibit lower levels of education and
higher unemployment rates compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Many
Indigenous individuals do not complete higher education, and they often face
discrimination in the job market. Additionally, the life expectancy of Indigenous
Australians is approximately 10 years shorter than that of non-Indigenous
Australians. These issues stem from higher rates of disease, mental health issues,
and lower access to healthcare compared to non-Indigenous populations.
Example_
Sydney Racial Assault Incident (2012)_
In 2012, an incident occurred in Sydney where an Indian international student was
assaulted in a public place. The assault was perceived as racially motivated
violence, sparking significant outrage within the local community.
Melbourne Tram Racial Discrimination Incident (2019)_
In 2019, a man on a tram in Melbourne verbally assaulted and racially abused a
Chinese-Australian woman. The incident garnered global attention as it spread
through social media, sparking outrage among many people.
Brisbane Assault on Somali Woman (2021)_
In 2021, a Somali woman in Brisbane was subjected to racial slurs and physical
violence in a public place. The incident sparked significant backlash from the local
community and human rights organizations.
AUSTRALIA’S LEGAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSE
TO RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Racial Discrimination Act_
The Racial Discrimination Act, enacted in 1975, prohibits discrimination based on
race, skin color, descent, or ethnic origin. It was established to reduce racial
discrimination and promote a fair society.
+) Key Provisions
Section 9 : General Prohibition of Racially Discriminatory Acts. Prohibits
individuals from discriminating against others based on race, skin color, descent,
or ethnic origin.
Section 18C : Prohibition of Offense, Insult, and Intimidation in Public Places.
Prohibits offensive, insulting, or threatening behavior towards a particular race or
ethnicity in public places. This includes speech or actions that incite hatred
towards a specific racial or ethnic group.
Race Discrimination Commission_
The commission is an institution established to prevent racial discrimination and
protect human rights. The Australian Human Rights Commission addresses issues
related to racial discrimination and performs tasks such as receiving and
investigating reports of racial discrimination.
Multicultural Policy_
Multicultural policy refers to a series of policies and programs aimed at encouraging
the coexistence of people from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds and ensuring
equal opportunities for all members of society. It aims to enhance diversity and
inclusivity within Australian society and facilitate the participation of all citizens in
the community.
The Australian government conducts various education programs and campaigns to
address racial discrimination and promote multiculturalism. The aim is to prevent
racial discrimination, enhance social.
Example_
Education Programs_
1. Racism. No Way : Developed to prevent racial discrimination and promote
multicultural education within schools. It educates about the negative impacts of
racism and provides various resources and activities to prevent it.
2. Harmony Day : An event held annually on March 21st. It celebrates the harmony
among people from diverse cultural backgrounds and conducts activities opposing
racial discrimination.
Campaigns
1. Racism. It Stops With Me : A campaign initiated to raise awareness about racism
and how to address it. It highlights the negative impacts of racism and provides
guidance on how to respond when witnessing discrimination in real life. It
encourages individuals and organizations to participate in the campaign and urges
them to pledge opposition to racism through a commitment to anti-racism.
2. Harmony Week : A nationwide event held for a week to emphasize Australia's
multicultural identity and celebrate diversity and inclusivity. It features cultural
events, workshops, and forums to provide opportunities for understanding and
respecting each other's cultures.
<2024. 7. 7.>
Australia and New Zealand maintain a relationship
similar to that between South Korea and Japan, given their
geographical proximity and closely ongoing interactions.
This report aims to analyze and explore the commonalities
and differences between the relationships of South Korea
and Japan, and that of Australia and New Zealand.
COMMONALITIES:
1. Geographical Proximity:
- Both South Korea and Japan, as well as both New Zealand and Australia, are
geographically close to each other.
- Geographical proximity plays a crucial role in mutual exchange and consequent cooperation.
2. Economic Interdependence:
- Both pairs of relationships have significant economic interdependence. South
Korea and Japan maintain close economic ties in East Asia, sometimes even it the world, such as trade, technological cooperation, and tourism.
- Similarly, New Zealand and Australia have strong economic bonds in trade,
tourism, and labor movement.
3. Regional and International Cooperation:
- Both pairs of countries cooperate on regional and international stages. South
Korea and Japan play important roles in East Asia and collaborate in various
international organizations such as Kyoto Protocol.
- New Zealand and Australia also interdependently in the South Pacific region
and work together in international organizations for mutual benefits.
DIFFERENCES:
1. Historical Background:
- South Korea and Japan: Their relationship has been complex and sometimes
tense mainly because of historical conflicts, especially since the colonial period.
- New Zealand and Australia: They share a relatively peaceful history and
maintain a primarily cooperative relationship.
2. Cultural Differences:
- South Korea and Japan: They have different languages and cultures, which can
sometimes lead to misunderstandings and inevitable conflicts.
- New Zealand and Australia: They both use English as their official language and share many cultural similarities, which facilitates better communication.
3. Political Relations:
- South Korea and Japan: They occasionally experience political conflicts, often
stemming from historical issues or territorial disputes; Island Dock-do.
- New Zealand and Australia: They maintain a very stable political relationship
and often share the same stance on major international issues.
4. Security Cooperation:
- South Korea and Japan: Although they strengthen security cooperation through a triangular alliance with the United States, historical conflicts can sometimes even hinder smooth cooperation.
- New Zealand and Australia: They practice a strong military exercises through
the ANZUS treaty and work closely on security issues.
*ANZUS: Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty
Conclusion:
While the relationships between South Korea and Japan, and New Zealand and
Australia share commonalities in geographical proximity and economic
interdependence, they exhibit significant differences in historical background,
cultural differences, political relations, and security cooperation. Notably, the
relationship between South Korea and Japan often faces challenges in maintaining
stability due to historical conflicts that have persisted over time. However, these
factors all play important roles in shaping and developing each relationship. After all, in modern society, no country can survive alone, making it essential to maintain an attitude of mutual attitude to uphold international peace.
<2024. 7. 11.>
Australia and Korea's government systems have some similarities and differences.
Both countries are democratic and operate their governments through
representatives elected by the people, but the methods and structures vary.
SIMILARITIES:
1. Democracy: Both Australia and Korea have adopted democratic systems. This
means that citizens elect government representatives through elections, and the
government reflects the people's opinions.
2. Parliamentary System: Both countries have a parliament that legislates and
checks the government's power.
3. Elections: Regular elections are held to elect leaders and representatives at
various levels.
DIFFERENCES:
1. Form of Government:
- Australia: Australia operates a parliamentary system based on a constitutional
monarchy. The head of state is the British monarch, represented by the Governor General.
The head of government is the Prime Minister, who is the leader of the
majority party in parliament and leads the executive branch.
- Korea: Korea has adopted a presidential system. The President, elected by direct
popular vote, is both the head of state and the head of government. The President is
the chief executive, forming and leading the cabinet and running the country.
2. Parliament Structure:
- Australia: Australia has a bicameral system. The Parliament consists of the Senate
(Upper House) and the House of Representatives (Lower House). Senators represent
states and territories, while members of the House represent constituencies based
on population.
- Korea: Korea has a unicameral system. The National Assembly is the sole
legislative body, and its members are elected directly by the people.
3. Election Methods:
- Australia: Australia uses various election methods, including preferential voting. In
the House of Representatives elections, voters rank candidates in order of
preference.
- Korea: Korea uses a combination of first-past-the-post and proportional
representation. In legislative elections, both constituency representatives and
proportional representatives are elected.
4. Head of State:
- Australia: The head of state is the British monarch, who has a ceremonial role. Real
power is vested in the Prime Minister and the cabinet.
- Korea: The head of state is the President, who wields substantial executive power.
The President forms the cabinet and runs the government.
CONCLUSION
These similarities and differences stem from each country's historical background
and political development. Australia maintains a parliamentary democracy and
monarchy rooted in its colonial experience with Britain, while Korea has developed a
presidential system since its independence.
<2024. 8. 8.>
Australia's refugee immigration policy is designed with consideration for
international standards as well as Australia's internal political and social factors. As a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, Australia bears international
responsibility for accepting refugees and providing humanitarian protection.
However, this policy faces various international and domestic challenges and
controversies.
AUSTRALIA’S REFUGEE IMMIGRATION POLICY
1. Compliance with the UN Refugee Convention:
- Australia is a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol, bearing international responsibility for refugee protection.
2. Humanitarian Program:
- Australia accepts a certain number of refugees annually through its humanitarian program. This program includes refugees recommended by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and those invited by families within Australia.
- Australia's humanitarian program is divided into various categories, including
refugee visas, protection visas, and special humanitarian visas.
POLICY CHALLENGES AND CRITICISM
1. Offshore Processing:
- Through the 'Operation Sovereign Borders' policy, Australia strictly intercepts
illegal maritime arrivals. Under this policy, refugees found at sea are sent to offshore processing centers (in Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea) rather than to the Australian mainland.
- This policy has raised humanitarian concerns from refugee protection
organizations and the international community. Reports have highlighted various human rights issues, including poor conditions, long waiting periods, and mental
health problems in these processing centers.
2. Third-Country Resettlement Program*:
- Australia collaborates with countries like the United States and Cambodia to
resettle refugees from offshore processing centers in third countries. This program has also received mixed reactions from the international community.
3 Political Controversy:
- Australia's refugee policy is a major point of contention in domestic politics.
Some argue that strict refugee policies are necessary for national security and to
prevent illegal immigration, while others criticize the policies for failing to meet
humanitarian responsibilities.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND SUPPORT
1. Regional Cooperation:
- Australia collaborates with countries like Indonesia and Malaysia in the AsiaPacific region to address refugee issues. This cooperation includes various programs and training to ensure the safe movement and protection of refugees.
2. International Aid:
- Australia provides financial support to international refugee organizations and
NGOs, contributing to the global resolution of refugee issues.
Australia's refugee policy continues to evolve amid international criticism and
domestic political pressure. While Australia strives to fulfill its international
responsibility for refugee protection, its strict border control policies remain a focal point of debate. Balancing international standards and domestic demands will require ongoing efforts in Australia's refugee policy.
<2024. 9. 10.>
<2024. 10. 2.>
Hello lee ji hyeon! I’m kellen from Rwanda! What’s more interested thing about Mireuksaji Temple Site than the other sites?And i would like to know what caused Australian forest fire in 2019??
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