Nominations now open for Australia’s premier event honouring human rights champions
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Human Rights Awards.
Presented by the Australian Human Rights Commission, all Australians are invited to nominate individuals and organisations which are working hard to advance human rights in their communities.
In 2026 the Awards also mark the 40th anniversary of the Australian Human Rights Commission, highlighting 4 decades of progress in promoting and protecting human rights.
‘These awards highlight the people and organisations leading positive change in Australia - those improving lives every day in healthcare, education, law, the arts, the environment and beyond,’ President Hugh de Kretser said.
‘There are so many doing vital work to build a fairer, more inclusive society. These Awards recognise their impact and help share their stories.’
The Awards also bring together Australia’s human rights community and shine a national spotlight on those protecting and advancing human rights.
Nominations can be made across 5 categories:
- Human Rights Medal
- Law Award
- Media & Creative Industries Award
- Community Award
- Young People’s Award (25 years and under)
Nominations are free and can be anonymous. Nominations are assessed by independent panels of experts. The category finalists will be announced in October.
Nominators whose nominees are selected as finalists will receive one complimentary ticket to the awards ceremony.
On International Human Rights Day, 10 December, we will celebrate those finalists and announce Award winners at a special event in Sydney.
The Commission has presented the Australian Human Rights Awards annually since 1987.
Find out more about the awards, previous finalists and how to nominate.
Media contact
Email: media@humanrights.gov.au or phone: 0457 281 897
