Mohamed Semra Awarded the Liberty Victoria Young Voltaire Human Rights Award

Liberty Victoria is delighted to announce that Mohamed Semra is the 2021 Liberty Victoria Young Voltaire Human Rights Award recipient.

The Young Voltaire Human Rights Award honours a person or group no older than 30 at the date of their nomination for an outstanding contribution to or action on free speech, human rights or civil liberties, with particular emphasis on progressing freedom, respect, equality and dignity. It celebrates those who speak out, write, campaign, whistle-blow, take action or stand against authoritarianism.

In 2015, Mohamed, a school captain, was one of six students evicted from an Apple store, who were racially profiled as thieves based solely on the colour of their skin.  The incident made international headlines after the encounter was filmed and made public. Mohamed and his classmates spoke out about the incident, which highlighted the injustice in which Mohamed and his friends were treated.  Apple later apologised for the way in which Mohamed and his friends were treated.

Since then, Mohamed has continued to be an active human rights advocate and involved in social justice and community activities.

In 2019, he established Endeavour Youth Australia (EYA), which aims to identify and invest in diverse leaders. With EYA he has supported hundreds of young people to build their confidence, learn active citizenship and leadership skills. He has advocated for increased cultural awareness amongst leaders. Mohamed actively works to ensure that we have future decision-makers that represent and reflect the people that they are serving.

Mohamed is an exceptional advocate for young people and a worthy recipient of the Young Voltaire Human Rights Award.

The Liberty Victoria Voltaire Human Rights Awards will be in Melbourne on Thursday 29 July 2021 at 7pm.  The awards will be online with a webinar including a live Question and Answer session. 

Bookings for the free event can be made here

Julia Kretzenbacher, President of Liberty Victoria, said:

“Mohamed Semra the 2021 Young Voltaire Human Rights Award recipient is an outstanding example of a young person who is actively working to further human rights, by helping and training young people to become future leaders. Mohamed’s work will ensure that we have future decision-makers that represent and reflect the people that they are serving.”

“With Endeavour Youth Australia Mohamed Semra has supported hundreds of young people to build their confidence, learn active citizenship and leadership skills. Mohammed is a powerful advocate for diversity in leadership and the benefits it brings to the whole society.”

“Liberty Victoria is proud to award Mohamed Semra with the Young Voltaire Human Rights Award for his continued human rights advocacy and leadership.”

Mohamed Semra, Liberty Victoria Young Voltaire Human Rights Award Recipient said:

“Given the right impetus our youth can be champions of change and the leaders of tomorrow. Through the provision of training, mentorship and opportunity anyone can achieve great things.”

“It is an honour to receive such a prestigious award. I am a product of my environment and owe so much to those who have mentored and supported me on my journey in advocacy”

Contact: Julia Kretzenbacher, President of Liberty Victoria

Ph: 03 9670 6422
Email: info@libertyvictoria.org.au
www: https://libertyvictoria.org.au
Facebook: libertyvictoria
Twitter: @LibertyVic