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Australia to support UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

27 March 2009, 12:06PM

Amnesty International welcomes news that the Australian Government will make good on its election commitment to officially support the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Amnesty International has campaigned vigorously for Australia to endorse the Declaration, which sets minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples.

When the Declaration was adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2007 only four countries opposed it: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA.

Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, is expected to make a formal statement in Parliament on the matter on 3 April.

"We have been consistent in our calls on the Australian Government to endorse this document and we are delighted that it will now be formally supported," said Amnesty International Australia’s Indigenous Rights Coordinator, Rodney Dillon. "The text of the Minister's statement to Parliament has not yet been made public, but we hope that it will be unequivocal and not contain qualifications that reduce its impact."

"Although the Declaration is not legally binding, supporting it places additional responsibilities on the Australian Government and we look forward to seeing how its principles are implemented in policy and programs. The Declaration outlines that particular attention should be paid to the rights and special needs of Indigenous elders, women, youth, children and persons with disabilities in its implementation," said Rodney Dillon.

Earlier this month, Amnesty International presented the UN with a detailed report setting out its concerns about Australia’s failure to comply with some of the country's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

That report said that adopting the principles set out in UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples would be of great assistance to Australia in its attempts to bridge the gap between the enjoyment of human rights by Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

"The Declaration reaffirms the rights of all Indigenous peoples, including rights to security, consultation, participation in decision-making and freedom from discrimination, both as a collective and as individuals," said Rodney Dillon.

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Comments

Comments are submitted by members of the public and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Amnesty International Australia. If you find a comment objectionable please contact the web editor.

5

Pier Dossena
3 April 2009, 11:41PM Notify the web editor

Let’s join those who believe that a fairer world is possible.
Pier

4

Rita Schaffer
3 April 2009, 10:06PM Notify the web editor

The 1967 Referendum had a pivotal role in changing the destiny of Aboriginals.Up until 1967 each State made their own law for Aboriginals, which lead to different laws in each state. With the removal of Section 127, Aboriginal people would be included in the national census, which meant they would have the same citizen rights as other Australians. It is imperative that such transforming historical events are not a one off incident but keep on occuring for Aboriginal people.

3

janelle irvine
2 April 2009, 04:05PM Notify the web editor

Please sign up, be counted and most importantly act on the rights of our original people, so we are all equally treated and respected

2

GrahamW
2 April 2009, 02:52PM Notify the web editor

Australian government stand up and take a life affirming position for your people for all the world to see.

1

N.T.
1 April 2009, 11:51AM Notify the web editor

DECLARATION

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