pathways, May 09
As we begin, we acknowledge the traditional custodians on whose ancestral lands we are meeting today. We recognise the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to country, and pay respect to the cultural authority and traditions with which they have gifted this place.
(see acknowledgement of country below)
Australia signs the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
National Reconciliation Week
Acknowledgement of Country
AUSTRALIA SIGNS
The signing was cause for rejoicing, according to Australia priest Kevin Dance CP who represents the international Passionist community at the United Nations in New York.
Australia was one of only four countries - with the United States, Canada and New Zealand - that voted against the non-binding declaration in the UN General Assembly on
September 13, 2007. The declaration outlines the rights of the world's estimated 370 million indigenous people, outlawing discrimination against them.
Fr Dance said that while the decision did not attract much attention in New York, it was hailed within the secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
From May 18-29, an estimated 2000 indigenous representatives from all regions of the world will gather for the eighth session of the forum at the UN headquarters in New York. They will be joined by State representatives and others from civil society, academia, UN system bodies and other inter-governmental organisations.
"I am certain that Australia's decision to join with the vast majority of other nations will receive much positive comment," Fr Dance said.
"It is clear from here that Australia has shown a desire to play a more constructive role and to exercise some moral leadership within the multilateral institution that is the United
Nations - whether in the climate change negotiations in Bonn, or in seeking a seat on the Security Council or in deciding to support the indigenous peoples' declaration.
"It is my hope that Australia's decision will offer some encouragement and challenge to the remaining three nations that voted against the declaration to similarly shift their position."
On the day of the signing, the Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said the landmark document which took more than 20 years to formulate "reflects and pays homage to the unique place of Indigenous peoples and their entitlement to all human rights as recognised in international law". She acknowledged that Australia was taking another step "to
make sure the flawed policies of the past will never be re-visited".
"Today we celebrate the great privilege all Australians have to live alongside the custodians of the oldest continuing cultures in human history," she said in Canberra at Parliament House.
"We recognise the right of Indigenous Australians to practice, revitalise and sustain their cultural, religious and spiritual traditions and customs.
"We celebrate the vital positive contribution of indigenous culture to Australia.
"And we honour Indigenous Australians who so generously share their culture, knowledge and traditions. We pay tribute to them, to their ancestors and the generations to come."
Australia's Professor Michael Dodson, speaking on behalf of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, said that it was easy to take articles of the declaration out of context and to raise anxieties.
"All of its parts make this document one. It has to be approached in this way.
"No state need be concerned of its content but should embrace it as a framework for public policy, law and practice in partnerships of good faith with Indigenous peoples within their territories.
"Some may question the practicality of the decision by the Australian Government today in supporting the declaration.
"The fact of the existence of human rights standards is not the source of Indigenous disadvantage. Human rights do not dispossess Indigenous peoples, they do not marginalise
them, they do not cause their poverty, and they do not cause the gaps in life expectancy and life outcomes.
"It is the denial of rights that is a large contributor to these things.
"The value of human rights is not in their existence; it is in their implementation.
"That is the challenge for the world with this declaration. The standards are set. It is up to us to meet them."
Prof Dodson who is the Pacific community nominated member and forum rapporteur concluded, "This announcement today from the Government of Australia represents another
piece in the jigsaw puzzle that began with the apology to the stolen generations last year. This is another piece to build the full puzzle. To close the gaps. To continue the healing."
The permanent forum was established by the UN Economic and Social Council in 2000 with a mandate to "discuss indigenous issues within the mandate of the Council relating to
economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights".
The forum is composed of 16 independent experts, functioning in their personal capacities. Eight of the members are nominated by governments and eight directly by indigenous
organisations in their regions.
SOME RELEVANT LINKS
"Given this government's commitment to re-engage Australia with the vision, work and function of the United Nations, we request that Australia undertake the deep dialogue that will enable us to give meaningful acceptance of and support to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples," CRA President, Father Mark Raper SJ, said. (CRA media release, April 14, 2008)
INDIGENOUS RIGHTS CALL FOR DEEP DIALOGUE
Josephites ask for Australia to ratify the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has links to several other
pathway articles on the topic
Advances in recognition since the signing of the declaration (from the UN)
National Reconciliation Week: SEE THE PERSON
person not the stereotype.
The national reconciliation website provides information and events being held around Australia during the week.
These can be ordered online or by mail (Abbey Candles, 695 Jamberoo Mountain Road, Jamberoo NSW 2533; telephone 02 4236 0011)
Acknowledgement of Country
The Social Justice Committee of CLRI(NSW) has prepared seven versions of acknowledgement of country for use by religious and their ministry
colleagues. An example is given both at the top and bottom of this page. Click here for access to all of them or a printed sheet is available from
CLRI(NSW) Executive Director Sharon Price RSM PO Box 259, Rosebery NSW 1445, tele 02 9663 2199 or email
clrinsw@ozemail.com.auThe printed sheet also includes a map of New South Wales which show the various Aboriginal nations.
Before I begin I wish to acknowledge the _____ people, the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which this forum is taking place. I
acknowledge too, elders past and present, and Aboriginal people here today. In so doing I recognise my personal obligation to work towards the
achievement of justice, human rights and reconciliation with Australia's Indigenous peoples.
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