Jennifer Robinson to speak on human rights at UOW

The University of Wollongong (UOW) will host internationally recognized human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson for the inaugural Future of Rights Centre Annual Public Lecture on Thursday, February 26. The event, occurring during Orientation Week, provides an opportunity for students and the wider community to engage with Robinson’s expertise.

Professor Trish Mundy, Interim Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Society and Business, highlighted Robinson’s South Coast origins and subsequent global impact, noting her appearances before international courts. She emphasized the lecture’s value in demonstrating how international advocacy translates into real-world change and accountability.

Robinson’s Career and Advocacy

Jennifer Robinson is known for her work representing 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.

Lecture Details and Topics

Robinson’s lecture, titled Human Rights Advocacy in the Asia-Pacific and Beyond, will address international law, media freedom, and climate justice. It will also reflect on cases and causes that have shaped her career, including addressing violence against women and defending freedom of expression. The Future of Rights Centre, which organizes the annual event, focuses on how understandings of rights inform future challenges at local, regional, and global levels.

Future of Rights Centre and Robinson’s Perspective

Robinson stated the importance of institutions like UOW’s Future of Rights Centre for fostering public debate and supporting human rights advocacy. She believes such centers are critical for research, advocacy, and inspiring future generations of advocates.

Event Information

The public lecture will be held from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm in the Early Start Building, Room G08. Copies of Robinson’s book How Many More Women will be available for purchase after the lecture.