Australian Human Rights Institute
Interdisciplinary research that advances practical human rights solutions and empowers the next generation of defenders
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Research Institute
Challenge
Recent global challenges – climate change, armed conflicts, supply chain crises and rising inequality – threaten human rights, which are often viewed as obstacles rather than part of the solution. Limited, unpaid pathways into human rights discourage emerging talent, risking the loss of a generation of potential defenders committed to positive change.
Solution
The institute demonstrates how interdisciplinary research drives real-world impact by influencing government and industry policies, showing human rights advocacy is most effective when paired with rigorous evidence. Its Associates program unites 270 + researchers across all UNSW faculties. The Global Student Fellowship program provides paid placements with leading human rights and international development organisations.
Alumni have secured roles with organisations such as Human Rights Watch, UN Migration, the World Food Programme and the World Bank.
Target customers / end-users
• government
• business / non-government organisations
• students.
Progress
• AU $ 300k + in seed funding for 30 + human rights research projects
• 50 + students given paid human rights work experience
• 50 + industry partnerships and research collaborations, securing approx. AU $ 5m in grants and funding.
50 + active collaborations
Multidisciplinary team
Innovative research translation
Housing & Connected Communities
The Australian Human Rights Institute is where knowledge meets action. It prioritises applied, impactful and interdisciplinary research and empowers the next generation of human rights defenders by providing funded international fellowships for students to work with global human rights organisations.
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