Open Letter to Prime Minister Howard and Prime Minister Harper
10 September 2007, 07:00AM
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
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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.
Mark Briggs
13 September 2007, 11:18AM
Why the indecision on behalf of the Australian Government? This is a ‘no brainer’. It is about recognising the rights and values of indigenous people.
David Bradford
13 September 2007, 11:17AM
Faced with the absolutely incontrovertible evidence of the poor health outcomes, marginalisation and disempowerment of Indigenous people around the world and especially in Australia which has the very worst health record for any Indigenous people in any developed country, it is inconceivable how Canada and Australia can still refuse to support the Declaration.
lollybear
13 September 2007, 12:53AM
Maybe if Australia had a Bill of Rights then the government would truly have to respect ALL Australians.
Peta Anne Molloy
12 September 2007, 12:55PM
I support the statements in this letter. Justice demands that the sufferings and dispossession of the original inhabitants of our countries are acknowledged. Recognition and support are not handouts. This is restitution.
R Taylor
12 September 2007, 11:53AM
ALL OF US BELONG TO THE HUMAN RACE
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