Australian Human Rights Lawyer Jennifer Robinson to Receive 2026 Sydney Peace Prize
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.
A distinguished international human rights lawyer, barrister, author and advocate, Jennifer Robinson is acclaimed for her work in key human rights and media freedom cases, and advocacy for the rights of marginalised communities.
The Sydney Peace Prize jury selected Jennifer Robinson “for her commitment to international law and her dedication to upholding and promoting human rights including free speech, press freedom, and gender and climate justice”.
Jennifer Robinson has fearlessly defended human rights in some of the most significant legal cases worldwide, challenging the persecution of journalists, protesters, and human rights defenders, including her representation of Julian Assange working to secure his freedom in 2024.
She has fought extensively for human rights in West Papua, advocates for quality public education in Australia and plays a leading role in climate justice litigation, achieving a landmark ruling on climate change from the International Court of Justice to hold countries accountable for climate harm under international law.
A consistent advocate for women’s rights, Jennifer Robinson has spoken out against the silencing of women by the legal system – a topic she explores in her co-authored book How Many More Women? and the newly released documentary Silenced.
Jennifer Robinson, on accepting the 2026 Sydney Peace Prize nomination, said: “It 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.
“This 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 represent – 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 – and encourage others to join in this effort.
“I 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’s possible for them – because you can’t be what you can’t see. My sincere thanks to the Sydney Peace Foundation for this extraordinary honour and for championing the cause of peace and human rights.”
City of Sydney Lord Mayor and Sydney Peace Foundation Patron, Clover Moore said: “Jennifer Robinson’s 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 remains one of our strongest tools for building a fairer world and that principled advocacy can change the course of history.
“As Australia’s only international award for peace, the Sydney Peace Prize recognises those who make a profound contribution to justice and equality, and this year’s 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.”
Melanie Morrison, Executive Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation, said: “Jennifer 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.”
The Sydney Peace Prize is Australia’s international prize for peace. The Prize recognises leading global voices that promote peace, justice and nonviolence. Laureates include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Joseph Stiglitz, Vandana Shiva, Patrick Dodson, Naomi Klein, Judge Navi Pillay and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
For over two decades, the Sydney Peace Prize has been awarded with the generous support of the City of Sydney and a broad coalition of donors and partners.