Source: Conversation at the Crossroads
Bringing decades of human rights leadership to the conversation
Join guest speakers Kate Gilmore and Daniela Gavshon on 30 September
Kate Gilmore, former UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights and Daniela Gavshon, Australia director at Human Rights Watch, will join the distinguished panel of guests at the upcoming human rights forum.
Kate and Daniela will join human rights lawyer and Human Rights Law Centre CEO Caitlin Reiger and international human rights law scholar Emeritus Professor Spencer Zifcak.
With decades of experience working at the highest levels of international human rights advocacy, research and professional practice, the panel will bring unique perspectives and insights to the pressing challenges facing every facet of life today.
Whatever your particular concerns, be it war crimes or genocide, the unprecedented levels of human displacement or the sheer scale of humanitarian emergencies, the increasing recourse to deportations, the ill-treatent of refugees and asylum seekers, widespread violations of civil and political rights, or the deepening crisis of democracy, this is an event you and others in your networks will not want to miss.
Wednesday 30 September 2026, 6.30–8.30 pm
5.45 pm — Doors open 6.00 pm — Refreshments, informal conversation and networking
The Wheeler Centre 176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000
Book tickets to attend in person or online: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1637922
Moderated by Professor Emeritus Joseph Camilleri, the forum will explore how we can strengthen international cooperation, build a better informed and engaged citizenry, and reform the United Nations to deliver greater accountability and more effective action to prevent conflict and protect human dignity.
At a time when international law is under extraordinary pressure and millions of people are being displaced by conflict, violence and persecution, these are questions we cannot afford to ignore.
Join us on 30 September for an important and timely conversation about the future of human rights — and be part of the discussion.
117.8 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced at the end of December 2025, according to the UNHCR Global Trends Report. This means roughly 1 in every 70 people on Earth has been forced to leave their home due to conflict, violence, persecution and other human rights violations.
FEATURING
Kate Gilmore
Former UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Kate Gilmore is Co-Chair of WHO’s Human Rights Advisory Panel on Human Reproduction, Vice Chair of Interpeace and, until recently, chair of the Board of the International Planned Parenthood Federation. Having also held honorary appointments with the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, LSE and the University of Essex, she began her career in Melbourne, helping to set up the first Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA House).
Daniela Gavshon
Daniela is Australia Director at Human Rights Watch. Previously, she founded the Truth and Accountability program at the Justice and Equity Centre, leading human rights and war crimes investigations. She was also Solomon Islands Head of Office for the International Center for Transitional Justice and is Co-Chair of the International Bar Association’s War Crimes Committee and an adjunct lecturer at UNSW.
Caitlin Reiger
Human rights lawyer and CEO of the Human Rights Law Centre, with 25 years’ experience working globally on justice and accountability for human rights violations. From transitional justice in Timor-Leste, Sierra Leone, Cambodia and Colombia to her work with the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Caitlin has championed truth, reparations and institutional reform.
Spencer Zifcak
Emeritus Professor of Law at Australian Catholic University and leading scholar of international human rights and constitutional law. With academic roles at Oxford, New York University and the University of Bristol, Spencer has also held prominent positions with Liberty Victoria, the International Commission of Jurists and the Accountability Round Table. He is a respected voice on human rights, law and public policy.
Joseph Camilleri – Moderator
Professor Emeritus in International Relations at La Trobe University and Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. Author and editor of more than 35 books, Joe has spent decades exploring peace and security, geopolitics, governance and conflict resolution. Through Conversation at the Crossroads and SHAPE, he continues to bring people together around the challenges facing humanity and our planet.
What to expect
An engaging exploration of the some most critical challenges confronting each nation, the international community and the United Nations.
Plus:
Informal conversation and networking opportunity before the forum. Light refreshments for participants attending in person.
Tickets to attend in person or online are available. Places are limited so get in early!
In person: General Admission — $27, Concession — $18
Online: General Admission — $15, Concession — $10