Australian rock band midnight Oil are to receive a prestigious human rights award, from the Sydney Peace Foundation. The foundation announced that the ‘Australian human rights trailblazers’ will be awarded its Gold Medal for Human Rights.
Set to take place on November 26, the band will be recognised for their ongoing commitment to “environmental activism, their humanity and their drive to promote justice through both their music and their actions.”
“The Gold Medal for Human Rights is an occasional Award given to those who show commitment to the pursuit of human rights over an extended period – and with a powerful, far-reaching impact,” Sydney Peace Foundation Chair Archie Law said.
“The Sydney Peace Foundation is delighted to announce Midnight Oil as the first band to win the Medal that has also been conferred on the likes of Nelson Mandela, co-author of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Stéphane Hessel, and former UN Climate Chief Christiana Figueres.”
Peter Garrett added: “The struggle for peace – and its partner justice – is universal and has occupied the centre of our music and activism for decades now.
“Today real peace means reaching a lasting settlement with the First Nations people of this country and includes taking immediate action to protect our seriously threatened environment for once and for all.”
The live-streamed event will feature a performance from Jessica Mauboy, as well as appearances from Garrett, Martin Rotsey, Jim Moginie and Rob Hirst in conversation.