The rights stuff

A Rhodes scholar plans to battle injustice in the Asian region.

Those who fear that the expression ‘human rights’ has become an empty brand exploited by politicians and pop stars can take solace in the existence of Jennifer Robinson.

Robinson, the latest Rhodes scholarship winner from ANU, is living proof that some young people are intent on improving the lot of their fellow humans, even if it involves a lot of hard work and some emotional trauma.

In 2002, Robinson worked as a volunteer at the Institute for Advocacy and Study of Human Rights (Elsham), a human rights organisation in West Papua, Indonesia, until her stay was cut short by the first Bali bombings. She helped prepare the first case to be heard before Indonesia’s permanent Human Rights Court, which involved allegations of murder and brutality against Indonesian police stemming from an incident in December, 2000.

“There was an attack on the local police station, and the police accused the guerrilla organisation OPM. The police went out to find who had done it, targeting student boarding houses where people of highland descent were known to live. Almost 100 men and women were rounded up. 

“Without questioning any suspects, the police shot at them, killing one man on the spot, and took others to the police station where they were beaten terribly. Two men died and two more were left permanently disabled from the beating they received in prison. They were held for several days, without charge, before being released.”

Robinson met with the victims in her role as an advocate, listening to their stories and helping to raise awareness about the importance of the case. She is still haunted by some of the experiences conveyed to her.

“I didn’t realise until afterwards just how much working with the victims had affected me. At the time you just did it because it needed to be done. There was so much going on. It was a really tough time.”

The case came to a head last September when the court acquitted the policemen involved, an outcome Robinson says was disappointing.

“I wasn’t overly surprised after the East Timor verdicts, but I was frustrated for the sake of the victims.”

Undeterred by the experience, Robinson will study for a Bachelor of Civil Law, focusing on international human rights, labour, and employment policy, when she goes to Oxford University later this year. She is currently finishing a double degree at ANU in Law and Asian Studies.

“I was shocked, because the other candidates were extremely impressive, and I didn’t expect that I would ever become a Rhodes scholar,” she said.

“I’m honoured to be awarded the scholarship, but it also places a great onus on you to go forward to do great things and give back to the community.”

She said despite being undecided about whether to return to the field or work as a barrister after graduation, both law and Asian studies would play a part in her future career.

“Human rights is definitely my interest area, but the combination with Asia is important, both now and in the future. Asia does not yet have a regional human rights system and there is a lot to be done there.”

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ANU Reporter
Autumn 2006