Erika Feller AO (OL 1966)

Erika has had a distinguished 40-year career in international law, humanitarian protection, and diplomacy. She served with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for 26 years, including seven as one of its two Assistant High Commissioners, overseeing the organisation’s global protection responsibilities. Throughout her career, she has visited refugee situations worldwide, led key multilateral discussions, and shaped protection policy. She previously served as UNHCR’s Representative in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei and was the Regional Coordinator for refugee status determination across Southeast Asia. Before joining UNHCR, she spent 14 years with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs, holding three international diplomatic postings.

A widely recognised authority on refugee matters, Erika is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of International Affairs, a Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Melbourne, and a Professorial Fellow at the University, where she played a key role in establishing the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness. In 2021, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her distinguished service to the international community, the protection of human rights, and refugee law.

Lauriston was privileged to welcome Erika back to the School in March 2025 as a panelist at our International Women’s Day Breakfast. Her insights and experiences deeply inspired our students, staff, and community, and we are incredibly grateful for her generosity in sharing her wisdom and for her ongoing connection with Lauriston.