ADVOCACY
DR. KAY DANES IS A GLOBALLY RECOGNISED HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Danes has made significant contributions to humanity and left an indelible mark in humanitarian causes, corporate environments, and non-profit organisations alike. Her ability to navigate and excel in these varied sectors underscores her versatility, depth of knowledge, and the universal applicability of her human rights advocacy.
"Kay Danes has credibility, integrity and represents the epitome of the human spirit and personal courage that she has earned through personal experience” – Russell S. Treweek, Advocate for Child Protection (Australia).
Historic Contributions to Australia:
In 2021, Dr. Danes was part of a group of international military veterans, aid workers and intelligence operators covertly coordinating the security and evacuations of thousands of at-risk Mission Essential Afghans through Kabul international airport, and overland routes to neighbouring countries, when Afghanistan fell to the Taliban. Dr. Danes successfully rescued thousands. Then she appealed to the Australian Government for an historical change to its Immigration instrument, to expand resettlement opportunities for previously excluded Afghans working with Australian missions in Afghanistan. Hundres of those lives have since been saved, due to her selfless devotion to humanity. (News Link)
EXCEPTIONAL HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS SAVES
LIVES
Dr Kay Danes took the lead volunteer advocacy role as GAP Legal Services' humanitarian adviser. Her work included evacuating thousands of at-risk Afghans, including a group of female judges and their families, during the Afghanistan humanitarian crisis from May 2021 and throughout their resettlement in Australia (Sep 2024). (News Link)
Judges Susan Purdon-Sully, Robyn Tupman, Fleur Kingham and humanitarian Dr Kay Danes met face-to-face with one of the Afghan Judges they helped rescue from Afghanistan at a function in Brisbane celebrating the inaugural United Nation’s International Day of Women Judges.
(LinkedIn News Link
Dr Kay Danes' outstanding advocacy during the Afghan humanitarian crisis...
Legendary Media Personality Alan Jones AO, interviews Dr Kay Danes at 10:12 mins on Australian War Crimes Issues.
Sky News Host Laura Jayes interviews Dr Kay Danes on the Afghanistan Humanitarian Crisis
Dr Kay Danes advocating support for Afghans
‘Window of opportunity rapidly closing’ for govt to get Afghan aid workers to ‘safety’ (Jul, 7, 2021)
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Dr Kay Danes continues to advocate for Australian Defence Personnel against institutional abuse.
Dr Kay Danes Humanitarian
SHOW REEL
Dr Kay Danes OAM Resolute Ready International Ambassador
Dr Danes has extensive advocacy experience spanning four decades. She has held key leadership roles on numerous boards, including as the former President of Army Families (WA) Inc. In this position, Dr. Danes developed important well-being programs to connect and support Defence families posted to Western Australia. This resulted in a collaboration among Army, Navy, and Airforce families, known as ‘tri-service collaboration’.
Through her research and advocacy work, Dr Danes has made significant contributions to argue policy reforms that create fairer and more supportive work environments for Australian Defence Force personnel. Dr Danes played a pivotal role in developing an in-house training program called “Hostage—Survive with Dignity,” specifically designed for Australian Defence Force personnel deployed on overseas operations.
In addition to her advocacy work in Australia, Dr. Danes has actively participated in US Congressional forums and international conferences. She has also served as a human rights advisor for organizations such as the US Centre for Public Policy Analysis, GAP Veteran and Legal Services, and most recently as an International Ambassador for Resolute Ready, supporting Global Mental Health and Educational Initiatives for military and first responders.
Dr. Danes holds a PhD from the School of Law & Justice (Southern Cross University). She also has a Masters in Human Rights (Curtin University), along with various professional qualifications in Business, Security Operations, and Training Development. A former Adjunct Lecturer and External PHD (Law) Examiner (University of New England).
Dr Kay Danes co-authors LANDMARK justice advocacy submission to the International Criminal Court.
Submission to The Hague (15 June 2023): to ensure Australia’s legal system remains robust and accountable.
Why this case, why now?
Major General Paul Brereton, a judge and Australian Army reservist was tasked to investigate allegations of war crimes by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. While Brereton's report, released in 2020, claimed to have found evidence that Australian troops unlawfully killed Afghans, incredibly, he gave a “blanket exemption” to the higher command.
Arguably, the Australian Government needs to address the "shocking lack of accountability at the top of our Defence Force" to end Australia's impunity on the issue of command responsibility.
Senator Lambie with Dr Kolomeitz and Dr Kay Danes
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT SUBMISSION
Dr Kay Danes recognised among 'extraordinary' people in the Veteran community supporting those who served our great nation.
Veteran & Veteran Family Change Makers 2022/23
(Download story) Go to page 62...
Dr Kay Danes and Dr Glenn Kolomeitz team up to provide legal training to Australia's National War Memorial staff
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Introducing the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols I, II and III.
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What is International Humanitarian Law?
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How do International Human Rights Laws fit into Global Armed Conflicts?
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What is the Joint Prioritized Effects List (JPELs)?
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Do Rules of Engagement prevent War Crimes?
Providing comprehensive legal presentations to the Australian War Memorial (AWM) on international law, rules of engagement, JPELS (terrorist target lists) and war crimes. Enabling AWM staff to better understand elements of the Afghanistan campaign relevant to their exhibits.
'Dr Kay Danes and Glenn Kolomeitz... your work in this field is invaluable.' -- Katherine Plint HCM Legal (Connect)
Kay's human rights advocacy with the US Centre for Public Policy Analysis represented prominent human rights issues to US Congressional forums alongside Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA), Rep. Mark Green (R-WI), Rep. Dam Smith (D-WA) and US Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) to successfully advocate the release of 58 political prisoners in Laos.
