Jessica Evans
 Jessica Evans |
Fulbright Postgraduate Award
Media Profile
“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 the way that I live my life, my career choice and my intense interest in human rights law.”
Jessica Evans is a graduate of Murdoch University with first class honours in Law and a Bachelor in Politics and International Studies. She is currently the Principal Policy Adviser to the Attorney General of Western Australia. Through her Fulbright Award, Jessica will undertake a Master in Laws at Columbia University specialising in human rights and constitutional law, incorporating an internship with a non-governmental human rights group.
Jessica will investigate how human rights awareness can be enhanced in Western Australia, Australia and the Asia Pacific Region. “The United States has a constitutionally entrenched Bill of Rights and extensive experience in critically assessing its impacts,” Jessica stated. “I am looking forward to analysing the potential impact of Western Australia enacting a Human Rights Act, Australia enacting a Bill of Rights and the creation of an Asia Pacific regional body to enhance awareness and protection of human rights locally, nationally and in our region.”
In addition, Jessica aims to take advantage of the summer internships offered with non-government or inter-government human rights groups. “This experience would enable me to learn first hand the role of such organisations in enhancing human rights protection.”
Jessica anticipates that this study will provide her with exceptional knowledge of international human rights law, an understanding of the role that she can play in protecting human rights and various skills to enable her to fulfill this role to the highest standard.
On her return Jessica would like to address human rights issues in Australia, and build on her experience as Principal Policy Adviser to the Attorney General. “I would like to assist Government implementationof human rights reforms and raise awareness of the importance of human rights in our community.”
During her studies Jessica has been recognised with a wide range of honours including the Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor’s Commendation for Academic Excellence and a High Distinction for a Western Australian Parliamentary Internship. 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.
Jessica is active in her profession and community with membership 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.