Elaine Pearson

Biography
Publications

Elaine Pearson is Asia director at Human Rights Watch. Based in Sydney, Pearson works to build Human Rights Watch’s profile in Australia and regularly briefs journalists and policy makers. Pearson writes frequently for numerous publications, and her articles have appeared in the Guardian, Wall Street Journal, The Australian, and Human Rights Quarterly. From 2007 to 2012 she was the Deputy Director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia Division based in New York.

Prior to joining Human Rights Watch, Pearson worked for the United Nations and various non-governmental organisations in Asia and London. She has specialised expertise in human trafficking and migration. Pearson holds degrees in law and arts from Australia’s Murdoch University and obtained her Master’s degree in public policy at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.

Albanese should raise human rights concerns with Modi
Albanese should raise human rights concerns with Modi
Australia must not to repeat the mistake of allowing the promise of trade to override a need to stand up for values.
ASEAN governments need to act on Myanmar
ASEAN governments need to act on Myanmar
The execution of four opposition activists by the junta needs urgent action from governments of all stripes.
Five urgent issues for Indonesia’s president
Five urgent issues for Indonesia’s president
Joko Widodo’s Australian visit is an opportunity to call out the worsening human rights situation in Indonesia.
Silencing women’s voices in Saudi Arabia
Silencing women’s voices in Saudi Arabia
Universal rights aren’t guaranteed. A few rights are granted by the monarchy. The world should speak up for Saudi women.
The chance to urge religious freedom in Indonesia
The chance to urge religious freedom in Indonesia
On his trip to Jakarta, Scott Morrison should raise the disturbing trend to repress religious minorities in Indonesia.
Australia’s shameful silence on Liu Xiaobo
Australia’s shameful silence on Liu Xiaobo
Liu was one of thousands of political prisoners in China. Australia should not let his death pass without challenging Beijing on his mistreatment.
Onus on Turnbull to remember Sri Lanka’s Victims
Onus on Turnbull to remember Sri Lanka’s Victims
Sri Lanka has made no tangible progress in setting up courts to bring to trial those responsible for serious wartime violations.
A five-point human rights agenda for DFAT
Tough road for Asia's women activists
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