Jess Stone
Recognised for championing children’s voices in shaping the laws, institutions and systems designed to protect and support them.
About this finalist
- Year: 2026
- Level: Finalist
- Award category: Young People's Award
About the 2026 nomination
Jess Stone is a 20-year-old Brisbane-based human rights advocate and lived-experience consultant working to make sure children are heard, safe and involved in decisions that affect their lives.
Jess leads NAPCAN Youth Speak Out, a national youth advisory group and contributes to international efforts to prevent technology-facilitated child abuse and exploitation. Her advocacy focuses on online harms, including child sexual abuse material, and promotes responses that recognise affected children as rights-holders and victim-survivors.
She has advised governments, child safety organisations and researchers across Australia, contributing to stronger protections for children and young people. Internationally, Jess was one of 12 young people selected to advise the United Nations Human Rights Office on the Global Alliance for Human Rights. Through her work with SDSN Youth, she also supports young people around the world to advance human rights and sustainable development.
Drawing on lived experience, Jess brings an important perspective to policy discussions, helping create systems that better protect children and uphold their rights.
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.