International Engagement with Indigenous Rights
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Recognising that Indigenous peoples are among the most marginalised and vulnerable peoples in the world, there are a number of international instruments and bodies that advise on Indigenous issues.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) cover all areas of human rights as they related to Indigenous peoples. It was endorsed by Australia in April 2009.
Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) provides the United Nations Human Rights Council with expertise and advise on issues related to Indigenous peoples.
The Australian Human Rights Commission's engagement in EMRIP:
- Joint Statement on Item 3: World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (2012)
- Statement on Item 6: UNDRIP (2012)
- Statement on Item 4: Follow-up ton Indigenous peoples and the right to participate in decision-making (2012)
- Statement on Item 3: The right to participate in decision-making (2011)
- Statement on Item 4: The right to participate in decision-making (2011)
- Statement on Item 4: UNDRIP (2011)
- Statement on Item 3: The right to participate in decision-making (2010)
- Statement on Item 4: UNDRIP (2010)
- Statement on Item 3: The right to participate in decision-making (2008)
United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues was established in 2000 to advise the United Nations Economic and Social Council on Indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.
The Australian Human Rights Commission's engagement in the Forum:
- Statement on Item 8: Measures taken to implement UNDRIP (2017)
- Joint Intervention on Item 3(a): Economic and Social Development (2011)
- Intervention on Item 4(a): Implementation of UNDRIP (2011)
- Roundtable Discussion on Indigenous Peoples and the private section (2008)
Special Rapporteur
The Special Rapporteur on the situation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous people is an appointed position by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner to promote good practices, make recommendations and proposals, and report and address issues regarding the rights of Indigenous peoples.
Other mechanisms
There are also various conferences, forums and events globally held on the rights of Indigenous peoples, including the United Nations World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.
The Commission engages with these and other international human rights mechanisms, such as the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, to share information, promote good practice and advocate for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Australian Human Rights Commission's goal is to see the international human rights commitments made by the Australian Government reflected in our national laws, policies and programs. We share our experiences at the international level with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around the country and provide them with support to advocate for positive change.
Continue exploring Indigenous rights across the following pages:
- The UN System and human rights protections: an introduction to the United Nations core treaties and chartered bodies.
- International scrutiny of Indigenous rights in Australia: links to United Nations documents, Commission submissions to United Nations bodies and information about Australia’s performance in meeting its international human rights commitments
- UN recognition of Indigenous rights: an overview of the United Nations system and the special bodies and mechanisms focused on Indigenous human rights.
- International reports, studies and conferences on Indigenous rights: organised by particular topics of interest.
- How to progress Indigenous rights at the international level: information on United Nations funds set up to help Indigenous peoples participate in UN activities, including links to organisations representing Indigenous peoples outside Australia.