HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Learn more about Human Rights in Australia and Abroad
The UNAAWA Human Rights Committee aims to provide a forum for discussion and organise events to foster greater understanding and awareness of human rights issues of local and global interest. Committee attendees have the chance to network with other passionate individuals, participate in the organisation of UNAAWA events like International Human Rights Day and Harmony Week, and connect with guest speakers and related organisations in the WA community. The Committee believes that through local participation and conversation, change can be achieved to ensure every person’s basic human rights are upheld and understood across Australia. Participation is open to all UNAAWA members.
MEET THE COMMITTEE
Human Rights Committee Convenor
Ciana Martinus
Ciana Martinus is a Senior Cyber Security Consultant with KPMG Australia, formally based in Perth now in Sydney. Ciana is an accomplished cybersecurity professional with experience in system architecture, c-sweet cybersecurity services such as vCISO, resiliency and digital transformation. She works with clients in the areas of defence, Critical Infrastructure, finance and business sectors with complex supply chains. Additionally, her interest in research gained during completing double masters in international law and international relations (2023), she has published in academic journals as a part of her Research Assistant role for the School of Engineering and School of Social Sciences at UWA. Beyond her professional experiences, Ciana demonstrates a deep commitment to effecting positive change serving as the Convenor of the Human Rights Committee at the UN Association of WA. Ciana is also a former Japanese Tutor and a gold medalist in karate at major international competitions.
Human Rights Committee Member
Anuththara Kuruppu
Anuththara is completing a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) at the University of Western Australia and hopes to pursue further legal studies. Her engagement in the fields of law and international relations have provided her with a variety of experiences in diplomacy, public sector and legal services. She has also completed studies in the Netherlands where she researched the mechanisms of the ICC in protecting human rights through international law.
Anuththara has gained valuable insights through her work in the not-for profit fields, and also volunteers within the community legal sector to enhance equitable access to legal rights. She currently serves as a youth advisory councillor and works to enhance advocacy for young people in her community.
She was born in Sri Lanka and is particularly interested in the protection of rights and freedoms for communities in small island developing states. Anuththara hopes to also enhance rights-awareness, and the achievement of sustainable development goals within her local community.
Human Rights Committee Member
Lorena Ríos
Lawyer with extensive experience in conflict resolution. Specialist and Master's degree in Human Rights. She worked for 5 years in the private sector at the Arbitration and Conciliation Center of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, and was President of the National Conciliation Network in the school environment. Subsequently, she worked for 12 years in the public sector in the Judicial Branch, in the criminal jurisdiction, in various Judicial Offices, serving as Assistant Magistrate at the Superior Court of Bogotá, Colombia, and finally as a Criminal Judge of the Republic of Colombia.
Her professional training has been complemented with various diplomas in Project Management, Executive Coaching, Refugee Rights, among others. Throughout her life, she has volunteered for various social causes in international organizations such as YMCA, where she supported a project for children in vulnerable conditions. Over the past two years, she has served as an International Observer for the Organization of American States (OAS-USA) in the presidential elections of Paraguay, Peru, and Ecuador. Currently, she is pursuing English studies in Australia and supports the Pregnancy Problem House Foundation in Perth, Western Australia, which provides assistance and support to pregnant women in difficult situations.
Human Rights Committee Member
Matthew Knight
Matthew is a dedicated human rights professional and media expert with over 15 years experience producing impactful campaigns that support fundamental freedoms and community development. As a member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, he leverages his expertise to promote and protect human rights globally.
As Managing Director of Park House, Mathew has led campaigns for government and the private sector, including the Department for Child Protection, the Department of Health, the Department of Communities, the Department of Veterans' Affairs, BHP Billiton, and Downer. His work addresses issues such as domestic violence, child protection, gender equality, and Aboriginal well-being.
Mathew holds a Bachelor of Media in Screen & Sound Production and Marketing Management. His projects, including the Foster Care Video Series and the International Women’s Day Video Series, align with the United Nations' goals of promoting human rights and gender equality. Currently, Mathew is pursuing a Master of International Law at the University of Western Australia to deepen his understanding of the legal frameworks supporting human rights initiatives.
Beyond his professional work, Mathew served as a business advisor to the Noongar Institute of W.A.'s board of directors, supporting Aboriginal education and empowerment and represented the Western Australian media community in the White Ribbon Violence Against Women campaign.