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Youth

The search is on for Australia’s Gen Z human rights heroes

10 July 2025 < 1 min read

Australia’s peak human rights body is calling for nominations for the 2025 Australian Young People’s Human Rights Award.

The Australian Human Rights Commission is encouraging people to nominate young human rights defenders and advocates aged 25 and under who strive to improve the lives of people across the country.

‘The awards showcase people and organisations who work day in and day out to improve the lives of others, in healthcare, education, law, the arts, the environment and beyond,’ President Hugh de Kretser said.

’There are thousands of people and organisations across Australia who are doing great things to make our society fairer, more inclusive and respectful. These awards help to recognise their important work.’

Gabriel Osborne received the last Young People’s Award for his advocacy on behalf of survivors of institutional abuse and gay conversion practices. Gabriel set up Flying Free, a not-for-profit organisation supporting survivors seeking justice and working towards systemic reform nationally.

Previous winners include Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts (2019), Caroline Cecile Fletcher (2022) and Chanel Contos (2021).

In addition to the Young People’s Award, champions of social justice are also recognised across 4 other categories:

  • Human Rights Medal
  • Media & Creative Industries Award
  • Community Award
  • Law Award

Nominations are free and can be anonymous. The Commission will announce the finalists on Monday 8 October.

The finalists will be celebrated and award recipients announced at a gala ceremony and reception in Sydney on Friday 12 December. The awards night also marks International Human Rights Day.

Nominators whose nominees are chosen as finalists will receive one complimentary ticket to the awards ceremony.

The Commission has run the Australian Human Rights Awards annually since 1987.

Find out more about the awards, previous finalists and how to nominate at http://www.humanrights.gov.au/aus-human-rights-awards

Contact [email protected] / 0457 281 897

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