Human Rights Council - 24th Regular Session
Item 3
Australian statement on Indigenous Peoples
(World Conference on Indigenous Peoples)
17 September 2013
Australia held a general election on 7 September 2013, and the previous government has continued in its caretaker role between the election and the appointment of the new government. During the caretaker period the government is governed by caretaker conventions which are aimed at avoiding committing an incoming government to a particular position.
In the meantime, Australia acknowledges the work of the UN and its fora focussed on Indigenous peoples, including the report of the sixth session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Australia has been an active participant in these fora, and has been engaged in the preparations for the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, including co-sponsoring the resolution initiating the World Conference during the 65th session of the General Assembly.
The World Conference will provide an opportunity for Indigenous peoples, civil society and States to share their experiences and best practices on advancing the situation of Indigenous peoples.
A particular focus for Australia will be on practical changes to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples. Against this background, broad participation by Indigenous representative groups and civil society organisations will enable all perspectives to be considered at the World Conference.
Domestically, Australia is committed to better engagement with Australia’s Indigenous peoples to ensure policies and programs achieve real, positive change in their lives.
We look forward to the World Conference supporting the improvement of the lives of Indigenous Peoples globally.