Celebrating 40 Years of Human Rights Progress
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Human Rights Awards, the premier event celebrating individuals and organisations advancing human rights in Australia. The awards will culminate on International Human Rights Day, 10th December, in Sydney.
Presented by the Australian Human Rights Commission, the awards mark the 40th anniversary of the Commission, highlighting decades of progress in human rights advocacy. Australians are encouraged to nominate those making significant contributions in sectors such as healthcare, education, law, the arts, and the environment.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has been recognising outstanding achievements with these awards since 1987. This year, the ceremony will shine a national spotlight on those protecting and advancing human rights.
Hugh de Kretser, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, stated, "These awards highlight the people and organisations leading positive change in Australia – those improving lives every day in healthcare, education, law, the arts, the environment and beyond."
Categories and Nomination Details
Nominations can be submitted across five categories: Human Rights Medal, Law Award, Media & Creative Industries Award, Community Award, and Young People's Award (25 years and under). Submissions are free and can be made anonymously, with independent panels of experts assessing the entries.
Finalists will be announced in October, and nominators of successful finalists will receive a complimentary ticket to the awards ceremony. The Australian Human Rights Commission invites all Australians to participate in acknowledging the work of those committed to human rights.
In addition to acknowledging current efforts, the awards ceremony will reflect on the Commission's 40-year history of promoting and protecting human rights. This milestone underscores the importance of continued advocacy and recognition.
Those interested in nominating can find further information on how to nominate and details of previous finalists on the Australian Human Rights Commission's website. Potential nominators can also contact the Commission directly for assistance.
