Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness launched

A new centre which will focus on the plight and rights of stateless people was officially launched at Melbourne Law School on Monday 26 March.

The Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness was established thanks to the generosity, vision and commitment of MLS alumnus Peter McMullin and his wife Ruth, in their largest philanthropic donation to date.

Led by Professor Michelle Foster, the Centre will focus on research, teaching and engagement activities aimed at reducing statelessness and protecting the rights of stateless people, with a particular focus on Australia and the Asia Pacific.

The launch was marked by a public event featuring a panel discussion led by Professor Foster, and included virtual messages from the Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, and the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi.

Leading experts spoke at the launch of the Centre. From left to right: Professor Kim Rubenstein, Australian National University; Ms Erika Feller, Professorial Fellow, Melbourne School of Government, and former Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, UNHCR; Dr Fernand de Varennes RP, Doyen, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues; and Professor Michelle Foster, Director of the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness.

A video message from the head of the UNHCR, Filippo Grandi.

Attendees at the launch.

Mr Peter McMullin.

From left to right: Professor Carolyn Evans, Ms Erika Feller, Mr Peter McMullin, Professor Michelle Foster, Mrs Ruth McMullin, Professor Kim Rubenstein, Professor Pip Nicholson, Dr Fernand de Varennes RP.

An audio recording of the panel discussion is available here.

Image credits: Ryuhei Tsukamoto