Jennifer Robinson To Receive The 2026 Sydney Peace Prize
At a time when international law and human rights are under assault, Australian human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson will be awarded the 2026 Sydney Peace Prize for “her unwavering commitment to international law and her dedication to upholding and promoting human rights, including free speech, press freedom, and gender and climate justice.”
On Thursday 12 November at Sydney Town Hall, Jennifer will accept the Prize from Lord Mayor Clover Moore and deliver her keynote address at the Sydney Peace Prize Lecture and Award Ceremony.
Jennifer is an internationally renowned barrister, author and human rights defender. She is acclaimed for her media freedom work worldwide, including helping to secure the release of Julian Assange in 2024 and pursuing accountability for unlawful actions against journalists, among them the killings of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and Lebanese journalist Issam Abdallah.
She has played a leading role in climate justice litigation, representing Vanuatu in landmark efforts to hold states accountable for climate harm under international law. She is also a long-standing advocate for human rights in West Papua and a strong supporter of Australia’s public education system – a cornerstone for a fair and equitable Australia.
A consistent advocate for women’s rights, Jennifer has spoken out against the silencing of women in legal systems worldwide, an issue she explores in her book How Many More Women? and her new documentary Silenced.
Jennifer Robinson said: “It is a profound honour to receive the Sydney Peace Prize. This recognition comes at a time when the international rule of law and human rights are under attack and when international peace and security is threatened by war and the climate crisis. In honouring me, you are honouring the courageous clients and causes I have had the privilege to represent – individuals and movements who speak truth to power, challenge injustice and unjust wars, 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.
“My sincere thanks to the Sydney Peace Foundation for this extraordinary honour and for championing the cause of peace, justice and human rights.”
Lord Mayor of Sydney and Patron of the Sydney Peace Foundation, Clover Moore, said: “Jennifer Robinson is an extraordinary Australian who has dedicated her career to standing up to the world’s most powerful institutions, defending human rights and giving a voice to those who have been silenced. From defending press freedom and advancing climate justice to fighting violence against women, Jen has shown remarkable courage, determination and compassion.”
“At a time of growing conflict, division and uncertainty, Jen gives us hope. Her achievements remind us that justice can prevail, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. I congratulate Jen on receiving the 2026 Sydney Peace Prize and thank her for her tireless work towards a fairer, more peaceful and just world.”
Executive Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation, Melanie Morrison, said: “We are proud to honour an Australian whose courageous advocacy for human rights, press freedom, gender and climate justice, and the rights of marginalised communities has reached every corner of the world. Jennifer’s work shows what it means to stand with people and communities – defending the truth and holding the powerful to account.”
At the Town Hall ceremony, author and presenter Benjamin Law will host a conversation with Jennifer and human rights advocate and proud Bundjalung Widubul Wiabul woman, Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, and Sarah Schwartz, legal director at the Human Rights Law Centre.
The Sydney Peace Prize is Australia’s international prize for peace, awarded by the Sydney Peace Foundation. Since 1998, the Prize has recognised leading global voices for peace with justice and nonviolence. Past laureates include Judge Navi Pillay, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Patrick Dodson, Naomi Klein, the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the #MeToo movement.
In 2026 we continue to recognise the critical importance of international law. Last year, the Sydney Peace Foundation recognised Judge Navi Pillay for “a lifetime of advocating for fundamental human rights and peace with justice”. This year Judge Pillay was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to “promote peace and international law”.
Sydney Peace Prize tickets and event details: 2026 Sydney Peace Prize Award Ceremony and Lecture
Media contact: Melanie Morrison, Executive Director
0401 996 451