Triggs (pictured) received the honorary degree last week (26 September). It acknowledged her work in the protection of human rights and the development of international law as an academic, barrister, law dean and president of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

“Professor Triggs is an outstanding role model for our graduates through her work across the academe, the practising profession and government,” said Macquarie University vice chancellor Professor S. Bruce Dowton.

“Her service to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms is exemplary.”

Triggs seamlessly blended an academic career with international commercial legal practice, and has worked with governments and international organisations on human rights law and Worth Trade Organisations law, disputed continental shelf and other territorial claims.

As the president of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Triggs has focused on applying human rights treaties in Australian law, and has worked in the Asia-Pacific region on practical ways of implementing human rights.

Triggs received the Allied Recruitment Solutions Lasting Legacy Award at the 2012 Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards, the same day Australia won a seat on the United Nations Security Council.