GENEVA - UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk today lauded Australia's first formal treaty with Indigenous Peoples -- passed by legislators in Victoria state -- in an historic step toward self-determination for the country's First Peoples.
"This is a very significant occasion for all Australians. It represents a major step toward justice and equality. It addresses the continued exclusion of and discrimination against the country's First Peoples - the result of colonisation," he said.
The state-wide treaty provides for a democratically-elected and permanent First Peoples Assembly, the Gellung Warl, which will also include a truth-telling body, called Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna, and an accountability body, known as Nginma Ngainga Wara.
This move follows the call for constitutional recognition and a voice for First Peoples made by Indigenous leaders in 2017 in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
"The state of Victoria is leading an initiative with the potential to be truly transformative, ensuring the First Peoples have a direct voice in advising and shaping laws, policies and practices that affect their lives, in line with Australia's international human rights obligations," said Türk. "It is now time to press forward with implementing the treaty and its accompanying legislation, to deliver real change in the lives of First Peoples of Victoria."
"I hope this inspires other leaders in Australia and beyond to adopt similar measures to recognise Indigenous Peoples through inclusive governance and innovative mechanisms for participation and reconciliation - all of which ultimately promote a society built on mutual respect and human rights for all."
About a quarter of Australia's population lives in the state of Victoria.
