The Sydney Peace Foundation is honoured to announce that Jennifer Robinson has accepted the nomination for the 2026 Sydney Peace Prize, in recognition of her outstanding global contribution to human rights, justice, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.<\/p>\n
A distinguished international human rights lawyer, barrister, author and advocate,\u00a0Jennifer\u00a0Robinson\u00a0is acclaimed\u00a0for her\u00a0work in key human rights and media freedom cases,\u00a0and advocacy for the rights of marginalised communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Sydney Peace Prize jury selected Jennifer Robinson\u00a0\u201cfor her commitment to international law and her dedication to upholding and promoting human rights including free speech, press freedom, and gender and climate justice\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Jennifer\u00a0Robinson has\u00a0fearlessly\u00a0defended\u00a0human rights\u00a0in some of the most significant legal cases worldwide,\u00a0challenging\u00a0the persecution of journalists, protesters, and human rights defenders,\u00a0including\u00a0her representation of Julian Assange\u00a0working to secure\u00a0his\u00a0freedom\u00a0in 2024.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
She\u00a0has\u00a0fought\u00a0extensively\u00a0for human rights in West Papua, advocates\u00a0for\u00a0quality public education in Australia\u00a0and\u00a0plays\u00a0a leading role in climate justice litigation,\u00a0achieving\u00a0a landmark\u00a0ruling on\u00a0climate\u00a0change\u00a0from\u00a0the International Court of Justice\u00a0to\u00a0hold countries accountable\u00a0for climate harm\u00a0under international law.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
A consistent advocate for women\u2019s rights,\u00a0Jennifer\u00a0Robinson\u00a0has\u00a0spoken out\u00a0against\u00a0the silencing of women by the legal system\u00a0\u2013 a topic\u00a0she\u00a0explores\u00a0in her co-authored book\u00a0How Many More Women?\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0newly released\u00a0documentary\u00a0Silenced.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Jennifer Robinson,\u00a0on accepting the\u00a02026\u00a0Sydney Peace Prize nomination, said:\u00a0\u201cIt is a profound and unexpected honour to receive the Sydney Peace Prize and to be recognised alongside Laureates who have inspired and shaped my practice as a human rights lawyer.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis recognition comes at a time when the international rule of law and human rights are under attack. International peace and security are under threat, not just from wars and war crimes, but also because of the climate crisis. In honouring me, you are also honouring the courageous clients and causes I have had the privilege to\u00a0represent\u00a0\u2013 individuals and movements who speak truth to power, challenge injustice, defend human rights and demand action on climate. I hope that this recognition will encourage them to continue \u2013 and encourage others to join in this effort.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI also hope this recognition will inspire young women from our public education system, and from rural and regional areas like where I come from, about what\u2019s possible for them \u2013 because you can\u2019t be what you can\u2019t see.\u00a0\u00a0My sincere thanks to the Sydney Peace Foundation for this extraordinary honour and for championing the cause of peace and human rights.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
City of Sydney Lord Mayor and Sydney Peace Foundation Patron,\u00a0Clover Moore said:\u00a0\u201cJennifer Robinson\u2019s fearless defence of human rights and international law shows that even in the face of powerful opposition, justice can prevail. From defending press freedom in one of the most significant free speech cases of our time to advancing climate justice on the world stage, Jennifer has consistently stood with those whose voices are too often silenced. At a time when democratic norms and international law are under increasing pressure, her work offers both clarity and hope that the rule of law\u00a0remains\u00a0one of our strongest tools for building a fairer world and that principled advocacy can change the course of history.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAs Australia\u2019s only international award for peace, the Sydney Peace Prize recognises those who make a profound contribution to justice and equality, and this year\u2019s laureate exemplifies that mission in every sense. The City of Sydney is honoured to join with the Sydney Peace Foundation in recognising her remarkable contribution to human rights and gender justice.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melanie Morrison,\u00a0Executive\u00a0Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation, said:\u00a0\u201cJennifer Robinson demonstrates the power of international law in advancing peace with justice. Through her many and varied human rights achievements, her deeply compassionate advocacy for justice, and her commitment to holding powerful institutions and individuals to account, she exemplifies the values at the heart of the Sydney Peace Prize.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n