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International Review of Indigenous issues in 2000: Australia

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7. Conclusion

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.

While this discourse
has elevated the overall level of understanding within the community and
within government of the meaning of equality in relation to Indigenous
people, it has not resulted in fundamental changes to the way in which
Indigenous issues are approached within the domestic political process.
The old paternal patterns, enshrined in the welfare model, have not given
way to a rights based approach to Indigenous issues. The inevitable consequences
of these patterns continue to take effect. The Native Title Act continues
to privilege non-Indigenous interests over Indigenous interests. Aboriginal
people continue to live on the margins of society occupying the lowest
socio-economic echelon.

Yet, despite this
persisting discrimination, it is my conviction that over time the dialogue
on equality and human rights will produce tangible results for Indigenous
people. The upcoming World Conference Against Racism in Durban this year
will bring international focus upon the issue of racism and the various
ways in which it manifests throughout the world. The right to racial equality,
while universal in character, takes on particular forms and the dialogue
generated by treaty committees around these universal standards, recognises
the specific historical forces which underly discrimination against Indigenous
people. Overcoming these forces liberates not only Indigenous people but
has an enduring impact on all humanity.

Last updated 2 December 2001.