Last week on April 3, marked the 16th anniversary of Australia formally endorsing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) – two years after its adoption by the United Nations (UN).
This day was a milestone moment in the recognition of Indigenous rights.
What is the United Nations (UN)?
The UN is a global organisation made up of 193 countries, working together to uphold peace, dignity and human rights across the world. It’s where nations come together to agree on standards that protect people, especially those whose rights are most at risk.
UNDRIP is one of those standards.
The Declaration
UNDRIP matters to our campaign and all our work in Indigenous Rights. When Australia locks up children as young as 10 years old, holds them in adult watch houses, or suspends human rights protections to punish kids, it violates the very standards set by UNDRIP.
We’re fighting for a youth justice system that respects Indigenous Rights, invests in Indigenous-led solutions and upholds the dignity of every child.
“UNDRIP is an incredible document — a set of standards that Indigenous people in this country worked tirelessly to shape.
I see every day the harm that happens when those standards aren’t implemented. Whether it’s children locked in adult watch houses or communities ignored in decisions that affect them, the cost of inaction is too high.
It’s time we took UNDRIP seriously and made its promises real here in this country.”
– Kacey Teerman, Gomeroi woman and Amnesty International Indigenous Rights Campaigner
“It’s time we took UNDRIP seriously and made its promises real here in this country.”
Kacey Teerman, Gomeroi woman and Amnesty International Indigenous Rights Campaigner
“UNDRIP is important as it is an instrument that sets out the rights of First Nations peoples in this country, and if embedded properly into Government policy and decision-making, it would go a long way towards closing the gaps in health, education and justice outcomes for mob.”
– Rach McPhail, Gomeroi woman, Indigenous Rights Campaign Organiser
“…if embedded properly into Government policy and decision-making, it [UNDRIP] would go a long way towards closing the gaps in health, education and justice outcomes for mob.”
Rach McPhail, Gomeroi woman, Indigenous Rights Campaign Organiser
“I’ve spent my whole life fighting for justice for our people, and UNDRIP is one of the most powerful tools we have.
It sets the international standard for how governments should treat Indigenous peoples — with respect, dignity, and self-determination. Australia can’t keep picking and choosing when to care about human rights.
It’s time to implement UNDRIP in full.”
– Uncle Rodney Dillon, Palawa Elder, Indigenous Rights Advisor
“Australia can’t keep picking and choosing when to care about human rights. It’s time to implement UNDRIP in full.”
Uncle Rodney Dillon, Palawa Elder, Indigenous Rights Advisor
Here’s the declaration in full, with commentary from prominent Indigenous activists and human rights lawyers that we shared on the 10th anniversary of UNDRIP in 2017.
A warning to First Nations readers that this booklet may have pictures or names of people who are now deceased.
We have new tools and resources coming soon to help bring these rights to life in your community. In the meantime, learn more about what being a First Nations Ally means, or download our First Nations Ally Guide.
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 work on Indigenous Justice.
