The University of Wollongong (UOW) will welcome internationally renowned human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson for the inaugural Future of Rights Centre Annual Public Lecture on Thursday 26 February. Held during Orientation Week, the lecture gives students and the wider community an opportunity to engage with one of the world's most prominent human rights practitioners.
"Jennifer Robinson's began her education on the South Coast and has gone on to appear before the world's highest courts. Her career trajectory shows the impact of human rights law in driving real change and that global influence can grow from local beginnings," said Professor Trish Mundy, Interim Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Society and Business.
"Having her speak at UOW gives our students and community the opportunity to hear firsthand how international advocacy plays out in courtrooms and communities around the world and the importance of human rights law in providing accountability mechanisms and upholding the rule of law."
Robinson is best-known for defending WikiLeaks and Julian Assange, securing political asylum for West Papuan independence leader Benny Wenda, representing actress Amber Heard in defamation proceedings in the United Kingdom, and acting for Vanuatu and the Marshall Islands in climate change proceedings before the International Court of Justice.
Julian Assange and Jennifer Robinson
Her lecture, Human Rights Advocacy in the Asia-Pacific and Beyond, will explore international law, media freedom and climate justice and reflect on the cases and causes that have shaped her career, including her work addressing violence against women and defending freedom of expression. It is the first lecture in what will be an annual event organised by the Future of Rights Centre, which brings together researchers examining how past and present understandings of rights inform future challenges at local, regional and global levels.
Robinson said institutions like UOW's Future of Rights Centre are important for sustaining meaningful public debate:
"The framework of rights remains powerful for pursuing injustice. Centres like the Future of Rights Centre are critical for research and advocacy and inspiring the next generation of human rights advocates and change-makers," she said.
The public lecture will take place from 4 pm to 5.30 pm in the Early Start Building, Room G08. Copies of Robinson's book How Many More Women will be available following the lecture.
