17 September 2009
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION WAS DISCRIMINATORY - UN RAPPORTEUR
The measures introduced by the Australian government in 2007 to combat alleged sexual abuse and neglect of children in remote aboriginal communities were condemned as discriminatory by the UN Special Rapporteur Professor James Anaya following his recent visit to Australia.
According to Professor Anaya the intervention "undermines the right of indigenous peoples to control their own destinies, their right to self-determination" and "overtly discriminates against Aboriginal peoples, infringing their right of self-determination and stigmatizes already stigmatized communities"
In welcoming the report ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) agreed that indigenous disadvantage must be addressed but in ways that allow for government to work in "partnership with Indigenous peoples' own institutions and decision making bodies, which are most familiar with local situations."
According to Professor Anaya the intervention "undermines the right of indigenous peoples to control their own destinies, their right to self-determination" and "overtly discriminates against Aboriginal peoples, infringing their right of self-determination and stigmatizes already stigmatized communities"
In welcoming the report ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) agreed that indigenous disadvantage must be addressed but in ways that allow for government to work in "partnership with Indigenous peoples' own institutions and decision making bodies, which are most familiar with local situations."
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