John Cain Lunch (November): Australia’s role in progressing international human rights, with Mark Dreyfus
Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP
Special Envoy for International Human Rights and federal Member for Isaacs
Australia has a proud record of leadership on human rights. In 1948, H.V. “Doc” Evatt presided over the UN General Assembly as it adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Australians have helped shape the global rights system ever since.
But today, the rules Evatt helped write are under strain, as the international human rights system faces mounting political pressure and financial constraints.
In 2025, the Australian Government appointed the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP as Special Envoy for International Human Rights, with a mandate to renew Australia’s tradition as a global rights champion. In this month’s John Cain lunch, Mr Dreyfus will discuss how the Government is responding to current challenges, and what lies ahead for international human rights.
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The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP is Australia’s Special Envoy for International Human Rights and the federal Member for Isaacs.
As Special Envoy, Mr Dreyfus is renewing Australia’s tradition as a global champion for human rights – a role Australia has played since it was an original signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
In particular, Mr Dreyfus holds a special advocacy role for the abolition of the death penalty, as well as for the rights and protections of children, older persons, people living with a disability and LGBTQIA+ individuals – all issues on which Australia has a long record of international leadership.
Mr Dreyfus is one of the most accomplished and widely respected parliamentarians of recent decades. He has served as Attorney-General and Cabinet Secretary in two governments, and before entering parliament was a prominent barrister for twenty years.