Open Letter to Prime Minister Howard and Prime Minister Harper
The Honourable John Howard MP
Prime Minister of Australia
Prime Minister of Canada
Dear Prime Minister Howard and Prime Minister Harper,
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples:
It is time for Canada and Australia to end the opposition
This week the United Nations is set to take a long overdue step when it votes on the adoption of a new Declaration recognising the fundamental rights of Indigenous peoples. Amnesty International members throughout Australia and Canada call on you to make it clear that your governments are prepared to join the world in supporting its adoption.
In Australia, in Canada and around the world, Indigenous peoples are universally among the most marginalised and persecuted people on the planet. There is no question that concerted international attention is needed if these grave abuses are to be addressed. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will be central to these efforts.
It has taken more than two decades to get this far. In June 2006, the first major hurdle was cleared when the new UN Human Rights Council adopted the Declaration. However, Australia and Canada joined forces with other governments and were instrumental in later blocking its adoption at the UN General Assembly.
Today an overwhelming majority of the world's nations have indicated they support the Declaration and are prepared to vote for its adoption. At long last there may be an international human rights instrument which delivers minimum human rights standards for Indigenous peoples. Canada and Australia should be among the global champions of this Declaration.
At this significant point in history, it is our hope and expectation that your governments will no longer stand in opposition to the Declaration. Indigenous peoples need your support, and certainly deserve no less.
Interim National Director
Amnesty International Australia
Beatrice Vaugrante
Amnesty International Canada
Comments
Miriam Tonkin | Posted on 13 September 2007, 08:37PM | Report comment
I support this statement.
Belinda | Posted on 13 September 2007, 08:05PM | Report comment
It’s time to recognise this issue and take some action, accept the mistakes of the past and move on.
anna crossley | Posted on 13 September 2007, 07:33PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 07:26PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 06:47PM | Report comment
Another example of our current leadership shirking responsibility in the international arena. Please show some integrity.
Lee Mercieca | Posted on 13 September 2007, 06:42PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 06:41PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 06:39PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 06:34PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 06:23PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 06:01PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 05:30PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 05:20PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 04:55PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 03:38PM | Report comment
Mr Howard,
PLease make this a priority. It is long averdue. Justice to all!
Michele D | Posted on 13 September 2007, 03:35PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 03:21PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 02:53PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 02:51PM | Report comment
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 | Posted on 13 September 2007, 02:23PM | Report comment
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.