Bernadette Zaydan

Bernadette Zaydan is an Australian lawyer with a diverse practice in human rights, commercial, public, and regulatory law. She’s particularly passionate about the intersection of law and human rights.

Bernadette Zaydan's recent articles

Australia’s selective justice on international law is indefensible

Australia’s selective justice on international law is indefensible

Australia has pledged to uphold humanitarian law and protect aid workers. But in the face of an ICJ ruling on Gaza, its own anti-terror and accountability laws remain selectively unenforced.

Antisemitism, free speech and a dangerous redefinition: How one envoy is rewriting the rules

Antisemitism, free speech and a dangerous redefinition: How one envoy is rewriting the rules

The recent synagogue fire in Melbourne is being used as a blueprint for sweeping changes to Australian law.

Does Israel have a right to exist? The impact of Statehood

Does Israel have a right to exist? The impact of Statehood

Last month, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur, was asked: “Do you believe Israel has a right to exist?”

Why Israel and the IDF meet the criteria for proscription under Australian Anti-Terror laws

Why Israel and the IDF meet the criteria for proscription under Australian Anti-Terror laws

If Australian anti-terror laws are to be considered principled and fair, they must apply equally to all organisations that meet the criteria, including state military forces where appropriate.

Equality under the law: the differing treatment of Hezbollah and Israel in Australia

Equality under the law: the differing treatment of Hezbollah and Israel in Australia

Last week the federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was asked by a journalist about the process for making Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based political and militant group, a ‘proscribed terrorist organisation’. As is usually the case for a politician caught out because they don’t know the answer, he became aggressive and sought to belittle the journalist.