Albie Sachs to deliver Wootten Lecture

Human Rights campaigner and former Justice of South Africa's Constitutional Court, Albie Sachs, will deliver the 2010 Hal Wootten Lecture at UNSW on Tuesday, 14 September.

The lecture is titled A man called Henri: truth, reconciliation, justice and gross violations of the past.

An iconic figure in the struggle against apartheid, Sachs went on to play a key role in South Africa's road to reconciliation. While in exile, he survived an assassination attempt by South African security agents, losing an arm and the sight of an eye. After returning to South Africa he participated in the drafting of its new constitution and Bill of Rights and was one of the first judges appointed to the Constitutional Court of South Africa by Nelson Mandela.

In his lecture, Albie Sachs will reflect on the role of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the different meanings of truth in a complex society and the place of restorative justice in the contemporary world.

Before the lecture, UNSW will confer on Sachs an Honorary Doctorate of Laws, the first Australian institution to do so.

What: The 2010 Hal Wootten LectureWhen: Tuesday, 14 September 2010, 6.15pm for 6.30pm start Where: The Law Theatre, Faculty of Law building, UNSW Kensington campus

Book LaunchUNSW's Australian Human Rights Centre is also hosting a special event: Albie Sachs in conversation with Bob Debus, on Wednesday, 15 September, during which Sachs will launch his book, The Strange Alchemy of Life and Law.

The evening will begin at 5.30pm at the Sydney offices of Freehills, Level 38, MLC Centre, 19 Martin Place. Cost: $25.00 or $55.00 including a copy of the book. Register at www.ahrcentre.org/ahrcevents.html.

For more information: call (02) 9385 1803 or email ahrcentre@unsw.edu.au

Media contact: Steve Offner, UNSW Media Office | 02 9385 8107 | 0424 580 208 |