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Jennifer Robinson |
An abiding interest in human rights has inspired the latest Rhodes scholar from ANU to pursue a career addressing injustices in the Asian region.
Jennifer Robinson was one of five Australia-at-large Rhodes scholars chosen after a gruelling two-day selection process at University House in December. She is currently finishing a double degree 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 am 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.”
Ms Robinson has already demonstrated a desire to work with communities by volunteering for a human rights organisation in West Papua, Indonesia, in 2002. She worked in an advocacy role in the preparation of the first case to be heard before the Indonesian Human Rights Court, which involved allegations of murder and brutality against Indonesian police.
“I didn’t realise until afterwards about how much working with the victims had affected me,” she said.
“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 Ms Robinson said 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, Ms Robinson will study for a Bachelor of Civil Law, focusing on international human rights, labour, and employment policy, when she goes to Oxford later this year. 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 influence all her future career decisions.
“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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