Reconciliation and Social Justice Library

Indigenous Social Justice Strategies and Recommendations - (ii) An Indigenous international watch organisation

There is no adequate body specifically charged with or adequately resourced to keep Australia in touch with overseas developments. The existence of `international' units within government (such as exist in ATSIC or the Department of Foreign Affairs) is not sufficient. To be effective, and to maintain credibility, both amongst Indigenous Australians and overseas, Australian international Indigenous work must not only be independent, but be seen to be independent.

I note that in the performance of my functions of monitoring the exercise and enjoyment of human rights by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 provides that I may consult with organisations of indigenous peoples in other countries and international organisations and agencies 5 and must have regard to relevant international human rights instruments. 6 However, given the breadth of the functions for which I am responsible, and the resources available to me, by no objective standard can it be considered that my Office is in a position to stay in touch with international developments in a comprehensive fashion, or to a degree adequate to provide the much needed information.

What is needed is a body with the independence, mandate and resources to function as a genuine "Australian Indigenous international watch organisation". Its purposes would be to maintain ongoing overseas contacts, to prepare regular published reports on Indigenous rights and conditions world-wide, to have a programme of conferences in Australia and to assist Australian speakers to reach overseas events. My Office may be the appropriate body to take this on. However, to do so, it would have to receive official recognition as having this function, and be provided with an adequate level of resources specifically directed to its international activities. Alternatively, a specific international Indigenous watch organisation could be established with the functions I have outlined.