Login
Human Rights Law Centre appoints new CEO
The Human Rights Law Centre has named international human rights expert Caitlin Reiger as its incoming chief executive.
Jerome Doraisamy
The news follows the recent departure of former HRLC executive director Hugh de Kretser.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Most recently, Ms Reiger served as the director of strategic policy and research at the Yoorrook Justice Commission, after supporting the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria in the design of the commission and its mandate.
She is a transitional justice and human rights specialist, HRLC said in a statement, who has worked closely with civil society and victims’ groups, governments, UN agencies, judiciaries and the legal profession.
Ms Reiger has also held senior roles within the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the International Centre for Transitional Justice, and co-founded the Judicial System Monitoring Program in Timor Leste. Recently, she led MyJustice, a British Council program supporting access to justice in Myanmar.
She will join HRLC in November 2022.
HRLC board member Professor Robynne Quiggin said: “We’re delighted to announce that Caitlin Reiger will be leading the work of the Human Rights Law Centre.
“She brings with her a wealth of experience, particularly in rights-based legal empowerment and social change.
“We are at a pivotal time for securing a more just future for Australia and the Human Rights Law Centre’s role in this has never been more important. We look forward to working with Caitlin to continue our work to advance, protect and promote human rights.”
Speaking about her appointment, Ms Reiger said that HRLC has “the well-earned reputation of being one of Australia’s leading human rights organisations”.
“The centre’s work upholds strong, principled human rights to ensure people are treated fairly. I’ve dedicated my career to those same values.
“Under my leadership, the Human Rights Law Centre will advocate for systemic change to address inequality and make sure communities have the power to address injustice,” she proclaimed.
“Significant new human rights issues will confront us in the coming years. We will take a stand when human rights need defending, and continue to advocate for laws, policies and practices that advance human rights.
“The Human Rights Law Centre’s combination of collaborative legal action and strategic advocacy is a proven model globally for impact and I’m honored to build on this work to achieve positive change for a fairer, more just society.”
