Les Malezer wins the 2008 Human Rights Medal

Les Malezer has won the 2008 Human Rights Medal, awarded for a person’s committment to issues of human rights, social justice and equality. Les Malezer was awarded the medal at the Australian Human Rights Commission’s annual Human Rights Medals and Awards Ceremony in Sydney on 10 December 2008. He was awarded the medal for his ability to overcome significant barriers to improve the access to human rights and justice for Indigenous people worldwide.

Les Malezer is the Chairperson of the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action (FAIRA). For the past decade he has been a delegate to the United Nations forums on Indigenous Issues. Les Malezer is national coordinator for the Indigenous Peoples Organisations and Chairperson for the Pacific Region Indigenous Peoples Caucus at the UN and, since mid-2006, has presided as the Chairperson of the Global Indigenous Peoples Caucus to the UN.

The theme for this year’s awards is ‘Dignity and justice for all of us’ in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Further awards presented at the ceremony included an award for Damien Carrick and Anita Barraud from ABC Radio National, for their series on the impact of the Northern Territory Intervention, and Kristie Parker, editor of the Koori Mail, for her coverage of the National Apology.

• Further information:
  • View information: Australian Human Rights Commission 
  • View website: Australian Human Rights Commission
  • Bonanza field of human rights advocates leads to hotly contested awards
    View media release: Australian Human Rights Commission (10 December 2008)