“The desire to work toward a more just world, together with the recognition that this privileged position that I have been granted brings with it moral obligations and responsibilities, has been central to my career choice and my intense interest in human rights law.” Jessica Evans
Jessica Evans, a 2002 graduate of Murdoch University with first class honours in Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Studies, is currently the Principal Policy Adviser to the Attorney General of Western Australia. She has recently been awarded one of the prestigious Fulbright Postgraduate Awards which is aimed at promoting mutual understanding through educational exchange.
During her studies at Murdoch University, Jessica was recognised with a wide range of honours, including the Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor’s Commendation for Academic Excellence. She was also the editor of Carpe Diem, the Journal of the Murdoch Student Law Society and undertook an international exchange program studying Law at Hull University in the United Kingdom.
At the end of July 2006, Jessica will use her Fulbright Award to undertake a Master of Laws at Columbia University in New York specialising in human rights and constitutional law. Jessica will investigate how human rights awareness can be enhanced in Western Australia, Australia and the Asia Pacific Region. “My proposed study will provide me with exceptional knowledge of international human rights law, an understanding of the role that I can play in protecting human rights, and various skills to enable me to fulfil this role to the highest standard.” Jessica also plans to take advantage of the summer internships offered with non-government or inter-government human rights groups.
On her return, Jessica would like to address human rights issues in Australia. “I would like to assist Government implementation of human right reforms and raise awareness of the importance of human rights in our community.”
In 2004 Jessica worked in a remote community in Vanuatu with Australian Volunteers International and Youth Challenge Australia. This enhanced her interest in international human rights law and the question of whether human rights are culturally relative. Jessica is a member of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law, Law Society of Western Australia, Women Lawyers, Amnesty International Legal Team, CASE for Refugees, CARAD (Coalition for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees), Youth Challenge International and World Vision Australia.
