I am an indigenous Australian and want to know whether I have rights in international law.
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Answer by Kate Dodgson, Brisbane 4000 Qld
- In 2007 the United Nations adopted a non-binding Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).
- This Declaration contains 46 articles outlining the rights that Indigenous people around the world have under international law.
- Australia was one of only four countries that voted against its adoption.
- In 2009 the Australian government reversed this decision and adopted the Declaration.
- The Declaration establishes minimum standards for the survival, dignity, well-being and rights of the world's indigenous peoples.
- It contains individual and collective rights including rights to
- education,
- health,
- employment,
- language, and
- cultural identity.
- The UNDRIP also prohibits discrimination against indigenous people.