The Torres Strait 8
With rising seas endangering their low‑lying islands, eight Torres Strait Islanders lodged a UN case to protect their culture and way of life.
About this finalist
- Year: 2020
- Level: Finalist
- Award category: Human Rights Hero
About the 2020 nomination
The Torres Strait Islands are low-lying islands exposed to sea level rise impacts - they are among the most vulnerable regions to climate change in Australia. Increasing storms, heatwaves and erosion are threatening the Islanders way of life. A group of eight Torres Strait Islanders have taken a formal complaint against Australia to the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations to protect their Indigenous heritage. The case is the first of its kind in the world.
About the Human Rights Awards
The Australian Human Rights Awards is an inspirational showcase of the best in all of us. The Awards honour and celebrate diverse human rights heroes and significant achievements in protecting and promoting human rights in Australia.