A Charles Darwin University (CDU) alumnus has received top honours at the Australian Human Rights Commission’s awards gala, using his acceptance speech to push for nationalised human rights legislation.
Ramnik Singh Walia won in the Community category at the Australian Human Rights Awards. The accolade represents the country’s most prestigious recognition for outstanding leadership in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Reflecting on his extensive work and advocacy for older Australians, people with disability, and First Nations communities, Mr Walia said the award came at a critical time for Australia.
“This recognition comes at a moment when Australia must renew its commitment to human rights – not only to safeguard those whose rights are vulnerable, but to remind all who hold power of their duty to protect dignity, fairness, and justice for everyone,” he said.
“It has been 77 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted. How is it that the country that played a role in bringing this Declaration to fruition still does not have a national or federal human rights Act?”
Mr Walia – who completed a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care and Community Services) at CDU – is widely regarded as a leading voice in the senior and disability rights space and respected across the NT and throughout Australia for advocacy that delivers real, lasting change.
His work, particularly in remote and regional communities, has helped set a benchmark for community-led, rights-based advocacy, inspiring fellow advocates nationwide to push for inclusion, dignity, and systemic reform.
Mr Walia attributed his award not just to his own efforts, but the communities he serves.
“This award is not about one person,” he said.
“It belongs to the communities who spoke up, the Elders who guided us, and everyone who believes that human rights are not granted, they are defended.”
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Charles Darwin University acknowledges all First Nations people across the lands on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders both past and present.
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