Antinuclear

Australian government Intervention laws against Aborigines contravene human rights

The government has wilful deafness on such a fundamental issue, even after critical reports on the intervention by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur for Indigenous Peoples. 

Intervention laws face human rights hurdle BY: PATRICIA KARVELAS  The Australian May 04, 2012   THE National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples has threatened to use “domestic and international human rights forums” to humiliate the Gillard government over the next stage of its radical intervention into Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.

The new peak Aboriginal representative body, which is partly funded by
the federal government and has discussion meetings with Julia Gillard,
is becoming increasingly active in opposing Labor’s approach to
indigenous affairs.

Congress co-chair Jody Broun said the congress would use domestic and
international human rights forums “to apply further pressure”.

The congress is against the new intervention laws because they have
not been tested for human rights violations.

Ms Broun and co-chair Les Malezer said more Aboriginal people were
calling for the laws before parliament to be scrapped, most recently
the Yolngu Nations Assembly, which represents 8000 traditional owners
in west, central and east Arnhem Land……
“The government has wilful deafness on such a fundamental issue, even after critical reports on the intervention by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur for Indigenous Peoples. Compulsory income management remains offensive and
does not support local decision-making, governance or
self-determination.”

Ms Broun said she hoped the laws would not be rushed through under
cover of the budget. “There is very deep emotional damage and distrust
that continues in our communities since the first intervention,” Ms
Broun said.

“I welcome the support of eminent Australians such as former prime
minister Malcolm Fraser and many other individuals and organisations
who are joining the congress and our members in opposing these laws.”
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/intervention-laws-face-human-rights-hurdle/story-fn59niix-1226346277344

May 4, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | aboriginal issues, Northern Territory