The inspiring contributions from FASS staff and students were celebrated yesterday at the biennial UTS Human Rights Awards.
The UTS Human Rights Awards were established in 1999 and reflect UTS’s commitment to social justice, equality and human rights.
Chancellor’s Post Doctoral Research Fellow Lucy Fiske was awarded the Jo Wilton Memorial Award for Women for her part in the research project, Making Transitional Justice Work for Women: Rights, Resilience and Responses to Violence against Women in Northern Uganda, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Women are disproportionately impacted by violence and civil war, including rape and other sexual violence. Lucy was an integral part of this research project investigating the efficacy of transitional justice for women after mass violence.
A collaboration with ActionAid and University of Sydney, the team travelled to urban and remote communities to listen to the experiences of over 300 women affected by violence. Over 150 key people in local and national justice systems were also interviewed.
The results have produced reports, policy briefs, journal articles and a two-day global symposium, amplifying the views of these women most affected.
Associate Professor Nina Burridge was awarded a high commendation in the same category for her sustained dedication to promoting and improving opportunities and access to education for women in Afghanistan.
Fifth year combined journalism/law student Sayed Rahmatullah Hussainizada was awarded the Elizabeth Hastings Memorial Award for Student Community Contribution. A refugee himself, the award recognised Sayed’s dedication to building the capacity of those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to help them reach their full potential.
The Afghan Fajar Association Incorporated, established by Sayed and his father, relies on Sayed’s volunteer work to secure funding and enable the delivery of much-needed programs each year. These include a leadership program and camp for migrant youth, a Dari language school, a learn-to-swim program, settlement support services for new arrivals, and community engagement events to help create a more vibrant and connected multicultural Australia.
Journalism/International Studies student Sarah Yahya received a Commendation in the same student category for her commitment to increasing the awareness and inclusion of marginalised people and communities.