Accountability in crisis: the rise of impunity as a challenge to human rights |

On 11-12 October 2023, the Australian Human Rights Institute at UNSW Sydney will host its biennial conference, Accountability in crisis: the rise of impunity as a challenge to human rights. It is an important event, as the lack of accountability of perpetrators of harm in the dementia and aged care system in Australia is appalling, as was found in the recent research project I was involved in with Associate Professor Linda Steele.

The event will bring together academics, journalists, politicians, activists, and business leaders to explore how rising authoritarianism, prolonged global conflict, climate change, economic instability and the proliferation of digital media have triggered an erosion of the human rights principles and practice and declining trust in democratic institutions.

Some sessions are in person attendance only, but there are at least two sessions you can register to attend online. Concession or student tickets are free.

The conference will consider how government, business, media and civil society operate to both undermine and bolster accountability.

For full session and speaker information click here for the full conference webpage.
Register here

Session 1 | The rise of impunity as a challenge to democracy (ONLINE)

Weds 11 October 2023, 9.30am-10.30am (AEDT)

The opening session will canvass the key conference theme of the elevation of impunity over accountability and the consequences for national democratic institutions and global stability. Full session info here.Speakers: Jeremy Heimans, Chris Sidoti, Lenore Taylor, Saffron Zomer.

Session 2 | The decline of accountability and the erosion of rights (ONLINE)

Weds 11 October 2023, 11am-12pm (AEDT)

This session will feature human rights practitioners, media and business representatives examining the decline of accountability and the methods employed to protect human rights both in Australia and globally. Full session info here.Speakers: Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, Justine Nolan, Brynn O’Brien, Lizzie O’Shea, Siobhan Toohill, Christopher Warren.

Session 3 | Restoring public trust in democratic institutions and reinforcing rights (Meers Hall, Art Gallery of NSW)

Weds 11 October 2023, 6pm-7.30pm (AEDT)

This session of the conference will consider innovative approaches to reclaiming accountability as a fundamental safeguard of democratic governance. Full session info.Speakers: Ed Coper, Andrea Durbach, Helen Haines MP, Simon Holmes à Court, Natasha Mitchell, Shireen Morris.

Session 4 | Workshop (UNSW Council Chambers, Kensington)

Thurs 12 October 2023, 3pm-5pm (AEDT)

The workshop will examine the topics of accountability, impunity, and the protection of human rights. Open to all conference participants, it will include opening comments from speakers, breakout groups and a plenary session to discuss interventions and conclusions. Full session info.Speakers: Rawan Arraf, Jolyon Ford, Allison Henry, Ben Newell.

Closing session / 2023 Hal Wootten Lecture (UNSW Law & Justice)

Thurs 12 October 2023

The conference will close with the 2023 Hal Wootten Lecture, delivered by Attorney-General, the Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC, MP, who will address the conference theme of democracy and accountability in government. Tickets to the Hal Wootten Lecture will be managed by UNSW Law & Justice and made available in August. This event will be free.