Report released on inquiry into the application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Australia

THE Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs has today published its report on its inquiry into the application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Australia.

The report makes six recommendations, including that the Commonwealth Government ensure that its policies and legislation on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people be consistent with the Articles of UNDRIP.

To realise this, the committee makes further recommendations to:

• Amend parliamentary human rights scrutiny processes to formally include consideration of UNDRIP;
• Develop a National Action Plan, in consultation with First Peoples, to outline a coordinated approach to implementing UNDRIP across all Australian jurisdictions;
• Improve education on Australian history, civics, and human rights; and
• Establish an independent process of truth-telling and agreement-making.

Committee Chair Senator Patrick Dodson said, "At the heart of this report is a call for all Australian governments and civil society to engage with the rights of First Peoples through UNDRIP.

"The committee heard clear evidence about how the enhanced application of UNDRIP offers a blueprint for a renewed relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Australian nation that strengthens our democracy and improves the wellbeing of First Peoples."

Through the course of the inquiry the Committee received evidence from a range of domestic and international experts, as well as many Indigenous representatives, including from Canada, New Zealand, Finland and Norway.

For more information about this committee and its report, visit the inquiry webpage.

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