Colonel William Roy Hodgson: A Soldier of Principle, Peace, and Pugnacity for Human Rights

Abstract

Colonel William Roy Hodgson was Australia’s representative on the Human Rights Commission and member of the drafting committee for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, 75 years on, his contribution has largely been forgotten. This paper seeks to rediscover his legacy. He was a survivor of the World War One battle at Gallipoli, a dedicated and hard-working member of Australia’s fledgling External Affairs Department during World War Two and a passional advocate for enforceable human rights as a necessary part of ongoing peace.