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Failure to implement the Genocide Convention Education and the abolition of Bilingual Education Programs in the Northern Territory Redressing Indigenous disadvantage

In the period 1910 to 1970 between 1 in 3 and 1 in 10 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families. The effects of such removal were, for most victims, negative, multiple and profoundly disabling. The policies and practices underlying the removal of Aboriginal children from their families were discriminatory and genocidal in intent. Further, the treatment of many removed children after their removal involved breaches of fiduciary duty and duty of care, as well as criminal actions.

The issue of whether Australia's 'treatment ' of Indigenous people meets its international human rights obligations has been the subject of an ongoing dialogue taking place between Australia, Non-Government Organisations and UN treaty committees throught 1999 and 2000.

The report was made possible through the assistance of many people and organisations. The roll-call follows, but up-front I wish to acknowledge the people within my office responsible for preparing Indigenous Deaths in Custody 1989-1996: Paul Castley, Malcolm Langford and Sharon Payne, working directly with Len Wilder. Malcolm Langford deserves special thanks for his work on the methodology, the statistical chapters and the production of the report.

‘The use of the word implemented…seems entirely inappropriate as I understand the meaning of the word. The facts are that… a number of those recommendations ...have not been implemented.’

1.1 This Report uses findings of coronial inquests as a means of auditing the implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

Departments of Corrective Services use the Australian National Classification of Offences to record offences for which prisoners are sentenced or remanded. [4:39]

Paul Blackmore’s photographs illustrate this report. They depict an inspired local initiative. Five years ago the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody drew attention to the appalling conditions in police lock-ups in rural Australia. The cells in Murgon, three hours north-west of Brisbane, were typical - dirty, disgusting, depressing. Detective Sergeant Ryan and Senior Sergeant McReight got together in 1991, put chalkboards in the cells and started what has become the Murgon Watch-house Art Project. The results have been excellent. Vandalism has almost disappeared.

Chapter 2. Indigenous Deaths in Custody Chapter 3. Comparison: Indigenous and non-Indigenous Deaths in Custody Chapter 4. Arrest and Imprisonment Rates and Most Serious Offence

Chapter 2. Indigenous Deaths in Custody Chapter 3. Comparison: Indigenous and non-Indigenous Deaths in Custody Chapter 4. Arrest and Imprisonment Rates and Most Serious Offence

Chapter 2. Indigenous Deaths in Custody Chapter 3. Comparison: Indigenous and non-Indigenous Deaths in Custody Chapter 4. Arrest and Imprisonment Rates and Most Serious Offence

Chapter 5. Introduction Chapter 6. Police Practices Chapter 7. Imprisonment and Courts Chapter 8. Custodial Conditions Chapter 9. Juveniles Chapter 10. Post-Death Investigations Appendix: Government Implementation

Explore a report prepared for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission in relation to Indigenous deaths in custody and police practices.

Chapter 5. Introduction Chapter 6. Police Practices Chapter 7. Imprisonment and Courts Chapter 8. Custodial Conditions Chapter 9. Juveniles Chapter 10. Post-Death Investigations Appendix: Government Implementation

8.1 The profiles indicate a growing awareness by custodial and medical staff of issues concerning the proper treatment of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous prisoners. However, implementation of the recommendations is uneven. Some recommendations have not been implemented in any jurisdiction.

Explore a report prepared for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission into the deaths in custody of Indigenous juveniles.

Explore a report for the Office of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner in relation to Indigenous deaths in custody.

Explore an appendix of government-implemented abbreviations in relation to a report in to Indigenous Deaths in Custody.

One is irresistibly reminded of the likening of bureaucratic activity to  the sex life of elephants: much trumpeting, a lot of activity at high level  and no outcome for three years.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) is considered a useful starting point for research in international human rights law. Many other treaties and conventions have been agreed to since then. There have also been many human rights issues raised around the world.