Celebrating 60 years of Human Rights

Three Murdoch University students shared in the first place prize of $1000 for their winning entries in the Murdoch University Amnesty International Human Rights Prize.

The competition was held in celebration of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60th Anniversary.

Fourth year Bachelor of Laws student Daniel Chan and his partner Philip Walker, an OnTrack program student, were awarded $500 for their web-based submission, Hope, and third year Environmental Science student Christine Jung also received $500 for her solo piano piece, Insontis.

Upon presenting the prizes, Murdoch’s Vice Chancellor Professor John Yovich said the competition was well received throughout the campus and community as indicated by the many staff and students who entered the competition.

“Encouraging student engagement within a social justice context is embedded in Murdoch University’s teaching and learning philosophy. The University is delighted to support human rights where possible and looks forward to this inspirational idea becoming an annual awareness raising initiative,” Professor Yovich said.

Martin Gwyn-Fawke, Amnesty International activist and Murdoch University staff member, instigated the social justice and advocacy competition to raise awareness among students and staff at the University as well as the wider Murdoch and Rockingham communities.

“The awareness raising campaign began with Library exhibits at both the South Street and Rockingham campus libraries, where the displays generated enormous interest in the issue of Human Rights among students and other visitors to the libraries,” Mr Gwyn-Fawke said.

“The submissions for this competition were so diverse and of such high quality that the judging panel decided to split the prize between two very creative entries.

“The idea behind offering a prize was to create a broader awareness of the fundamental rights which comprise the UN Universal Declaration which some of us take for granted, but far too many others, both in Australia and internationally, strive a lifetime for.

“These events would not have been such a success without the valuable support of Professor Andrew Taggart and his Faculty of Arts and Education.”

Daniel and Phillip’s entry, an interactive website which utilises the 30 articles comprising the Declaration, and Christine’s solo piano piece, Insontis, have now been combined in a beautiful sensory composition.

Christine composed her piece to depict the innocence and simplicity of so many lives around the world in different countries and cultures, and how injustice can affect people to make them feel hopeless and afraid.

The combined entries can be viewed here.