Australian War Crimes Investigations

In 2016, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) commissioned the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force Afghanistan Inquiry, following allegations of possible war crimes committed by Australian special forces soldiers serving in Afghanistan from 2005 to 2016. The inquiry was conducted independently by a judge and Australian Army Reserve officer, Major General Hon Justice Paul Brereton, with the report released in November 2020. The report revealed multiple allegations of serious violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) by Australian special forces soldiers, including torture and murder. This talk will give an overview of the so-called ‘Brereton Report’, critically detailing the allegations and response, including the subsequent and ongoing investigations and charges.

Dr Melanie O’Brien is Visiting Professor at the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, University of Minnesota, USA, and President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS). Her work on forced marriage has been cited by the International Criminal Court, she has appeared before the ICC as an amica curia and been an expert consultant for several UN bodies. She received a 10-year service medal for volunteering with the Australian Red Cross, and was awarded the Filon Ktenidis Award for her work on justice and recognition for victims of genocide. Dr O’Brien has conducted research across six continents, is frequently interviewd by the global media, and was recently a Research Fellow at the Sydney Jewish Museum and a Visiting Fellow at the University of Loughborough. Dr O’Brien’s usual role is Associate Professor of International Law at the University of Western Australia. Dr O’Brien’s most recent book is From Discrimination to Death: Genocide Process through a Human Rights Lens.

Light lunch will be provided. Vegetarian option will be available.