Australia, International Law and Armed Conflict: What are our obligations?

Parliamentarians are making decisions today that will define Australia’s compliance with international law in years ahead. From sanctions and arms exports to humanitarian aid and recognition of states, choices made now carry real legal and political consequences.

Join us in person for a discussion on Australia's role and responsibilities under international law during armed conflicts and environmental crisis.

Adjunct Professor Chris Sidoti is a leading human rights advocate and legal expert. He served as Australian Human Rights Commissioner (1995-2000), Australian Law Reform Commissioner (1992-1995) and was the founding Director of the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (1987-1992). Internationally, he was a member of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (2017-2019) and currently is a Commissioner on the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel.

Professor Emily Crawford is an internationally recognised expert in international law at Sydney Law School, specialising in international humanitarian and criminal law. In 2023, she was awarded the Max Plank-Cambridge Prize for International Law for her outstanding research contributions.

Leanne Smith will chair the event. She is an international human rights lawyer and is currently Chief Executive of the Australian Human Rights Commission. Leanne has worked in various roles in Australia and for the United Nations, where she led work on protection of civilians, conflict-related sexual violence, protection of women and children, community engagement and peacebuilding.

Location: Harold Lobb Concert Hall, Laman Street & Auckland Street, Newcastle

After the lecture, we will be sharing a light supper with Commissioner Sidoti and Professor Crawford. This will be held, subject to renovations being completed, in the bar and foyer area of the Harold Lobb Concert Hall. (If the renovations are not completed, we will advise of a replacement venue).

This event is co-hosted by the International Commission of Jurists, Amnesty International, the ANU Law School and the Newcastle Institute. All welcome. A prayer space has been allocated for those who need to pray.
Any monies received in excess of costs for this series of lectures will be donated equally to Médecins Sans Frontières, UNICEF and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights.
Any questions, please call or text 0448 269 092.

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Host or Publisher Association for the Promotion of International Law