International law, human rights and environment research network current research activities
Laurie Berg is researching the rights of migrants in Australia, especially temporary and unauthorised migrant workers. In particular, she is interested in how Australia deals with its human rights obligations in relation to this largely invisible minority, and the challenges of human rights law itself as a source of empowerment for many non-citizens. The general approach of Laurie's research is that grassroots collaboration between migrants and Australian-based unions, NGOs and other civil society groups is required to more effectively give migrant workers a voice within the broader community.
Roberto Buonamano has general research interests in legal philosophy and history, political philosophy and international legal theory, and a specific interest in the theory and history of human rights. He has published a book entitled, 'Rights and Subjectivity: A Pre-history of Human Rights'. His current research projects include a book on the topic, The state of Exception and the International Rule of Law, and a journal article on the topic, The Problem of Subjectivity and the Critique of Human Rights after Foucault.
Jennifer Burn's main research area is human trafficking slavery. Her work focuses on the human rights implications and legal and social responses to this emerging and continually challenging issue. Her other research areas include migration, citizenship and social justice issues and the law. Since 2003 Jennifer has been Director of Anti-Slavery Australia. Anti-Slavery Australia is dedicated to eliminating all forms of trafficking and slavery through direct service and advocacy programs. The centre's focus has been to review the relationship between the criminal justice system and the operation of immigration law, with emphasis on the trafficking visa framework and associated social support infrastructure administered by the Office for Women.
Jamila Hussain's current research is focused on the migration and integration of Muslim communities in Australia. She is currently engaged in a research project on 'Voices' which influence Muslim youth. This includes voices accessed through international media and the internet. She is also a member of the Australian Human Rights committee considering Intersections between the Law and Religion. A focus of this committee has been Islamic alternative dispute resolution and its applicability in western societies. Jamila has also conducted recent research into the facilities for Muslim women in mosques and Islamic organisations in NSW, the education and training of imams in Australia and the position of women converts to Islam in Australia.
Sophie Riley's research interests centre on two streams: the regulation of invasive alien species (eg cane toads/rabbits); and how to enhance teaching and learning for international students. On enhancing teaching and learning, Sophie with Grace Li, has written the first bi-lingual corporate law text published in Australia. Sophie and Grace are conducting further research on pedagogical approaches to enhance the learning skills for international students, based on their empirical observations and their experience. Sophie is also currently engaged in research on invasive alien species focusing on harm and liability attributable to the deleterious impacts of these species, and how regulatory regimes can be funded. Download research poster.
