UN experts welcome Australia's endorsement of the UN Declaration on the RIghts of Indigenous Peoples

Posted by United Nations Office at Geneva
11 April 2009

Representatives of the three United Nations mechanisms with a specific mandate regarding the rights of indigenous peoples welcomed that Australia today joined the ranks of States endorsing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, James Anaya, the Chairperson-Rapporteur of the United Nations Expert Mechanism of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, John Henriksen, and the Chairperson of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz issued the following joint statement welcoming Australia’s support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples:

“The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly by an overwhelming majority of Member States in September 2007, with only four States voting against. We are pleased that Australia, as one of the four States originally voting against the adoption of the Declaration, today joins the ranks of States supporting the principles and rights enshrined in the Declaration.

The rights recognized in the Declaration constitute the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world. The Government of Australia’s endorsement of the Declaration is of crucial importance as it strengthens the international consensus on indigenous peoples’ rights. The main challenge for Member States is to ensure that the Declaration is implemented at national and regional levels, in consultation and cooperation with indigenous peoples, including through the adoption of appropriate policies and legislation. We all stand ready to contribute to the operationalization of the Declaration within our respective mandates.”