Professor Cephas Lumina

Professor Cephas Lumina is an extraordinary Zambian lawyer and human rights expert who has dedicated his life to using the law as a tool to ensure social and economic justice for all, but particularly for those who lack voice.

Professor Lumina holds a Bachelor of Laws (with Merit) from the University of Zambia, a Master of Laws in International Human Rights Law from the University of Essex and a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education in addition to a PhD in International Human Rights Law from Griffith University.

His doctoral thesis at Griffith Law School was entitled ‘Political Conditionality and its Implications for Human Rights: the Case of Zambia’.

He has had his voice heard, and counsel sought, at the highest level of global human rights protection and promotion - the United Nations (UN).

In 2016, the States parties to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child elected​ the Griffith alumnus for a four-year renewable term as a member of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, from 2017 to 2010. The Committee is made up of 18 independent experts and supervises the key UN treaty on children’s rights, which binds almost every country in the world.

In his capacity as a member of the Committee, he contributed to the development of the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy, ensuring the integration of a child rights perspective. He has since been nominated for re-election to the Committee.

In addition to this role, Professor Lumina was elected to the Steering Committee of the ETO Consortium as one of two representatives for Sub-Saharan Africa and the same year as a member of the Academic Advisory Group of Jubilee Debt Campaign UK.

An acclaimed author, Professor Lumina has published two books (co-authored) and several articles, book chapters and official reports on various areas of law, particularly on human rights and presented at numerous international conferences. He has featured in international news media (radio and television), including the BBC, Al Jazeera and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Currently, Professor Lumina divides his time between multiple roles as a Visiting Professor of Law at the University of Lusaka, Zambia; Member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child; and Principal Consultant of HURICON Ltd, a professional human rights and governance consulting services firm.

Despite his admirable achievements and influence, Professor Lumina remains an extremely humble and grateful man.

"It’s always felt great to be a Griffith University graduate but to be recognised as an Outstanding Alumnus of such a remarkable institution is an absolute honour.

"The Griffith environment – its staff, students, resources and more importantly, its diversity and opportunities I was afforded as a student, have helped lay the foundation for my accomplishments as an academic and international human rights expert.

"I am delighted to join an illustrious group of Griffith alumni. I hope this award will inspire current Griffith University students and alumni alike to continue striving to make our world a better place for all," Professor Lumina said.