Human rights and international justice in a fractured world

Amid rising conflict, displacement, and democratic decline, this event asks what the future of human rights looks like. Dr Simon Adams, a leading advocate for atrocity prevention, will explore evolving human rights norms, the pressures on international justice, and Australia’s diplomatic role, drawing on decades of work in global conflict zones.

Join Dr Simon Adams as he examines the future of human rights and Australia’s role in global justice.

In an era marked by geopolitical upheaval, mass displacement, democratic backsliding, and new forms of digital authoritarianism, what does the future of human rights look like?

How can international justice systems – strained yet indispensable – adapt to protect vulnerable populations? And importantly, what role can Australia, as a middle power with a strong diplomatic history, play in defending human rights on the global stage?

Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr Simon Adams, one of the world’s leading human rights and atrocity‑prevention advocates. His talk will explore:

• How the meaning of human rights is evolving in the context of today’s global conflicts

• The shifting landscape of international justice and whether current mechanisms are fit for purpose

• The unique diplomatic and moral responsibilities of Australia as a middle power

• Lessons from Dr Adams’s decades of work across conflict zones, international tribunals, and global civil society movements

This event is part of our Dialogues Across Difference series, designed to foster informed and challenging conversations across ideological, disciplinary, and cultural divides.