A/HRC/17/10
elements of Australia’s Human Rights Framework. Following the nation-wide human rights
consultation, it was apparent that there are societal divisions remaining regarding a charter
or a bill of rights. The Framework will include a requirement that each new piece of
legislation introduced into the Parliament be accompanied by a statement assessing its
compatibility with Australia’s international human rights obligations. It also includes a new
Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights. Another initiative is harmonizing and
consolidating federal anti-discrimination laws, as well as protecting against discrimination
on the basis of sexual orientation or gender status. Finally, human rights education is a key
element of the Framework, and the Government is also preparing a new national human
rights action plan.
34.
The delegation addressed questions about the rights of Indigenous Australians. The
Australian Government was pleased to announce its support for the Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples in April 2009 and stated that ILO Convention 169 (1989) has
been identified as a priority Convention for consideration.
35.
The delegation referred to the establishment of a new national representative body
for Indigenous Australians, the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples. It noted that
in addition to the apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008, the Australian Government
has made a commitment to pursue constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.
36.
The delegation acknowledged that many indigenous people in Australia face
significant disadvantages and challenges in enjoying their human rights. The ‘Closing the
Gap’ agenda aims to reduce significantly the gap in life expectancy within a generation,
halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five by 2018, and halve the
gap in reading writing and numeracy for Indigenous children by 2018, among other clear
and specific targets. Already, a range of actions has been taken to achieve these targets.
37.
The delegation noted that in relation to the Northern Territory Emergency Response,
the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 was fully reinstated by legislation passed in June 2010,
following extensive consultation with Indigenous peoples.
38.
Viet Nam stated that it noted Australia’s commitments to promote and protect
human rights. It expressed concern with regard to issues of development disparities,
reported discrimination and human rights violation against women and children, human
trafficking, as well as the lack of respect and protection for migrants and people from
diverse communities, and stated in this regard that further efforts should be made towards
achieving a better human rights record. Viet Nam made recommendations.
39.
Botswana noted with satisfaction the many achievements outlined in the national
report, such as the establishment of the National Congress of Australia’s First People which
will become operational during this year and the adoption of an ambitious human rights
framework. Botswana noted the enactment of the Fair Work Act in 2009 as a progressive
measure towards addressing issues of gender equality. Botswana made recommendations.
40.
Slovenia commended Australia for its “Closing the Gap” initiative to overcome
indigenous disadvantage. It noted that the Northern Territory Emergency Response,
discriminating against the rights of Aboriginal people, was in breach of Australia’s human
rights obligations. It noted the reinstatement of the Racial Discrimination Act. Slovenia
noted that the closure of Christmas Island detention centre for asylum-seekers had been
recommended by human rights bodies. Slovenia made recommendations.
41.
Bolivia appreciated the Government’s significant acknowledgement of the historic
and present discrimination of indigenous peoples in their territory and the will shown to
improve their living conditions. Bolivia made recommendations.
42.
Brazil commended Australia’s decision to set up specific targets to address the
poorer living conditions of the indigenous population. It stated that incidents of racial
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