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Castan Centre for Human Rights Law

The Castan Centre is a renowned academic centre contributing to a world where human rights are respected and protected, allowing people to pursue their lives in freedom and with dignity. We have over 20 years of experience in human rights research, education, training, consultancy, reporting and submissions for the betterment of our communities, both locally and globally.

Educational Resources and Legal Analysis

First Nations Voice to Parliament Resources

The Castan Centre affirms its commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a First Nations Voice to Parliament. Together with Monash University, we look ‘forward to a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians walk together toward a fair and truthful relationship and celebrate a vibrant and prosperous future’.

Our researchers have compiled educational information and legal analysis to help you stay informed.

Learn more

Official blog

The blog showcases our research analysing current human rights issues and features our academics, early career researchers and HDR students.

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Your donation will support the translation of human rights research into impact on society with the goal of systemic change by improving law reform and practice in Australia and beyond.

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News

“For with them our futures rest”: Reflections on the Voice to Parliament from a lifetime advocating for the self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

Reflecting on a lifetime on advocating for self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, Adjunct Professor Muriel Bamblett reflects on the upcoming referendum on a First Nations Voice.
3 October, 2023

Monash University researcher’s contribution to Australian Book Review’s Indigenous Issue

Two weeks out from the historic Voice to Parliament referendum, Professor Russell has collaborated with Castan Centre Director Professor Melissa Castan on an essay addressing the many myths and misinformation that have been propagated about the Voice
2 October, 2023

Talking about the Voice: A conversation without the noise

Watch the video recording or listen to the ABC broadcast of our recent panel discussion, explaining the issues surrounding the Voice to Parliament and the upcoming referendum.
28 September, 2023

Understanding The Voice to Parliament

Join Monash HASS and Castan Centre Director Professor Melissa Castan to find out more about the Voice to Parliament.
26 September, 2023

'Ask Us First' by students in the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Voice to Parliament Clinic

‘Ask Us First’ is a student-led video project created by Monash Law students in the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Voice to Parliament Clinic 2023.
14 September, 2023

Melbourne Walk for Yes

The Walk for Yes is a chance to show the whole country how positive and unifying this referendum is.
11 September, 2023

A Legal Community Event on Indigenous Truth-Telling

Director Professor Melissa Castan will speak with Commissioner Kevin Bell and Dr Jeremie Bracka at this event about Truth, Voice and Treaty in Victoria.
7 September, 2023

History is Calling: A Voice to Parliament Event

You’re invited to join the once in a generation 'History is Calling: A Voice to Parliament Event' on 18 September at our Clayton Campus.
1 September, 2023

‘The referendum to entrench it in the Constitution is unequivocally in the national interest’

An edited extract from the book Time to Listen: An Indigenous Voice to Parliament, by Melissa Castan and Professor Lynette Russell.
1 September, 2023

Watch now

The Annual Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Conference

Our annual conference featured leading researchers, practitioners and advocates for a human rights health check on reproductive rights, the prevention of torture, the federal human rights framework, and climate activism.

Thank you to everyone who participated. If you missed the conference, all of the session video recordings are available to watch now.

Conference website