Jane McAdam wins Human Rights Law award

UPDATED 10 December 2022

Kaldor Centre Director Jane McAdam AO was named the winner of the Law award in the 2022 Human Rights Awards.

The Australian Human Rights Commission’s annual awards recognise and celebrate human rights work across the nation. The Commission highlighted McAdam's outstanding contribution in the area of international refugee law, noting her pioneering legal research in the area of climate-related human displacement – helping to transform the understanding of these key human rights in Australia.

'I am truly honoured to be selected for this award, especially given the calibre of my fellow finalists,' McAdam said in accepting the award on 9 December. 'I would like to congratulate all of you for your outstanding and tireless work in such important fields where rights are too often trampled upon, overlooked or unseen. Right across Australia, there are thousands of people working day in, day out to ensure that human rights are safeguarded for all and that everyone has equal opportunities to fulfil their potential. I would like to thank everyone who is part of this important ecosystem, and express my gratitude to the Australian Human Rights Commission for honouring their contributions.'

McAdam's deep, evidence-based long-term thinking helps to develop real-world solutions to displacement. Most recently, she has advised the UNHCR on its global strategy for climate displacement; was consulted by the Biden Administration on new legal frameworks to address climate-related movement; and worked with Pacific governments and communities to draft the world’s first Regional Framework on Climate Mobility.

Mother and son Mahboba Rawi and Nawid Cina received the prestigious Human Rights Medal for their not-for-profit organisation Mahboba’s Promise, which supports women and children fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan. Other awards went to Caroline Cecile Fletcher (Young People’s Award) and Hotel Etico (Community Award). Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO, winner of the 2021 Human Rights Medal, delivered the annual Human Rights Day Oration at the ceremony.

The 2022 Awards received one of the highest-ever number of nominations, and 17 finalists were chosen across four award categories.

For more details, see the Commission's awards announcement.