By Kacey Teerman, Indigenous Rights Campaigner, Amnesty International Australia
I’m writing from Wurundjeri Country where conversations about truth, Treaty and justice have been led by Elders and community for decades. The work that’s brought us to this moment in Victoria has been tireless, carried forward by generations of Aboriginal leaders who have never stopped pushing for self-determination.
At Amnesty, we’re proud to stand alongside First Nations peoples in that call for justice.
We support Treaty and self-determination, as recognised under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which affirms the right of Indigenous peoples to freely determine their political status and to pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
Right now, Victoria is taking an important step forward.
The Treaty legislation has passed the Lower House and is expected to go before the Upper House later this month. This progress is the result of decades of advocacy, courage and vision from Aboriginal communities who have led the way in shaping a more just and self-determined future.
Treaty isn’t just symbolic, it’s a practical expression of self-determination
When communities have control over decisions and resources, the outcomes speak for themselves. We see stronger, safer, more connected communities and better results across the board.
In our work on youth justice, the data is clear: when First Nations communities lead the solutions, fewer children end up in the justice system. That’s what self-determination looks like in action – a future where every child grows up strong in culture and community, not in custody.
We remain committed to walking with communities as Victoria continues on its path toward Treaty and to amplifying the voices of Elders and Aboriginal leaders who have laid the groundwork for generations to come.
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all – and we can only do it with your support.
Act now or learn more about our Indigenous Justice campaigns.
