Miriam Tonkin
13 September 2007, 08:37PM

I support this statement.

Belinda
13 September 2007, 08:05PM

It’s time to recognise this issue and take some action, accept the mistakes of the past and move on.

anna crossley
13 September 2007, 07:33PM

We must support & learn from the indigenous people of the world.
Their knowledge & understanding of the world is irreplaceable - once its gone its gone for good.

Peta
13 September 2007, 07:26PM

It scares me that Australia could be putting off its support of this declaration. It is times like these that i feel ashamed to be an Australian. i hope that the government can swiftly support this declaration and begin to work meaningfully towards recognising and supporting our indigenous people.

Steve Bellew
13 September 2007, 06:47PM

Another example of our current leadership shirking responsibility in the international arena. Please show some integrity.

Lee Mercieca
13 September 2007, 06:42PM

Government for the people means listening to the people and acting on their behalf. Australians want to be part of this UN Declaration. We are tired of being marginalized by myopic Government opinions.

Olivier
13 September 2007, 06:41PM

Prime Ministers Howard & Harper,
Please remember that your national steward roles include the responsibilty to provide reasonable care to the most needy citizens of your countries.
Noblesse Oblige.

Robin France
13 September 2007, 06:39PM

Mr Howard
Your government condemns the Mugabe regime for its human rights record, quite rightly, and yet you stall on recognising the rights of our own indigenous people. Until we recognise their fundamental rights, we cannot expect anyone else in the world to put any value on human rights. This should not be negotiable- it should be a given.

Aida Jenkins
13 September 2007, 06:34PM

Sadly the Australian government is only motivated by self interest. It is up to ordinary Australians to show some humanity towards indigenous people by getting our government to sign the Un Declaration on the human rights of indigenous people through this petition.

Jennifer Strauss
13 September 2007, 06:23PM

No ‘sieiar’: some Australians are more equal than others, and it’s time to acknowledge and remedy this in the case of our Indigenous peoples. Holding up the Convention on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples shames Australia.

Ruth Badcock
13 September 2007, 06:01PM

Australia has been, and should be again, a powerful advocate for social justice in the world arena.  Here is an opportunity to say and to do what Australians believe in—a fair go for all.

john fox
13 September 2007, 05:30PM

Australia is a country I like feeling proud of, and often do.  When it drags its heels on affirming important matters of principle like this it becomes much more difficult.  Please do the right thing quickly on this.

Hans Eekers
13 September 2007, 05:20PM

Who gives us, white people, the right to ignore the rights of Indigenous (and other) People. We pretent to be civilised and human. Let’s act accordingly and treat everybody and everything in an equal way and with respect.

Sue Burrows
13 September 2007, 04:55PM

Mr Howard
I request that your Government take responsibility for the well-being of all Indigenous People by supporting the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples.

Daryl C
13 September 2007, 03:38PM

Mr Howard,

PLease make this a priority. It is long averdue. Justice to all!

Michele D
13 September 2007, 03:35PM

Do the right thing ...Mr Howard. The rest of the world must look in horror as “Australia” fails to do the right thing yet again. I’m thinking Tampa, Jumpimg into the Iraq debacle at the drop of a hat (Bush’s...)and now failing to acknowledge the rights of our own special indigenous people. Neglect for a century is appauling but to lack the insight to realise how vitally important this Declaration is, to the indigenous groups around the planet is shameful. If this Declaration would gaurantee Mr Howard another few thousand votes I’m sure it would be a no-brainer, but sadly for the people who this matters to, many wont be in a position to vote. Please start to do something for social justice for the right reasons - its better to be late than never..

Karen Dupleix
13 September 2007, 03:21PM

The Australian Government must when it has the opportunity stand up for the human rights of all indigenous peopleThe evidence of poor health and education outcomes for our aboriginal people is shameful. To stand against the UN Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples makes the Governments actions in the NT smell of hypocrisy and rank opportunism.It is time for the Government of Australia to take a principled stand and support this Declaration.

SANDRA
13 September 2007, 02:53PM

This presents an opportunity to demonstrate that Australia has not lost its once-famous commitment to human rights.  Surely it can’t be too hard for us to adopt the Declaration.

Richard Lawton
13 September 2007, 02:51PM

I am embarrassed that my own nation has failed to ratify this declaration. It should be among the first to do so. Failure to do so smacks of self-interest and a lack of care for our indigenous people. Please, Mr Howard, take immediate action to ratify the Declaration.

Naomi
13 September 2007, 02:23PM

You call yourself a Christian John Howard - what would Jesus Christ do? You are a fraud John Howard, of the most shameful and destructive kind.