The 2025 Red Cross Oration

In a world increasingly defined by protracted crises and mass displacement, the urgent need to protect the safety, dignity and rights of vulnerable populations has never been more pressing. This year’s Red Cross Oration will tackle the challenges faced by individuals displaced by violence, the protection of human dignity under extreme circumstances, and the evolving role of global institutions in ensuring that these crises are met with meaningful solutions.

Hear from two globally recognised experts who are at the forefront of the fight to protect vulnerable populations in conflict. With experience in the courtroom, on the ground in crisis zones, and at the policy table, they will explore the complex challenges of safeguarding human dignity and holding perpetrators accountable in times of war.

This event is presented by the University of Tasmania and Australian Red Cross as part of the Island of Ideas public talks series.

The experts

Professor Kim Thuy Seelinger is the Director of the Center for Human Rights, Gender and Migration at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri and the former Special Adviser on Sexual Violence in Conflict to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. She is a leading voice in international criminal law and survivor-centred justice. Her work has shaped how sexual violence crimes are prosecuted and how global frameworks for protection are applied in practice.

Katrina Elliot Myerson is a humanitarian protection specialist with more than a decade of field experience across conflict and displacement settings. Her work with international organisations – including the International Committee of the Red Cross and Australian Red Cross - has focused on navigating and improving humanitarian access to vulnerable populations, working with communities to reduce the devastating impacts of conflict, and engaging armed actors to foster compliance with international humanitarian law. She brings deep insight into the everyday dilemmas of providing principled protection in volatile environments.

Attend online

Prefer to attend online? Secure your tickets here.

Pre-event refreshments

Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.

Parking

Free parking is available at the venue.

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Find out more

Want to learn more about the University of Tasmania's Island of Ideas public talks series? Catch-up on past events, register for upcoming talks or get in touch with us via our Island of Ideas webpage.