MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE ABORIGINAL LEGAL SERVICE OF WA, 17 August 2009
MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE ABORIGINAL LEGAL SERVICE OF WA, 17 August 2009
Aboriginal leaders and representatives from key Indigenous organisations will gather in Perth tomorrow to meet with Professor S James Anaya, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous Peoples.
Professor Anaya, who was invited to Australia by the Federal Government will meet with members of Parliament, Aboriginal organisation representatives, representatives from the mining sector and Government, during his time in Perth (18-19 August 2009).
Host of the Perth leg of Professor Anaya’s visit is the National Native Title Council (NNTC) and Mr. Brian Wyatt, NNTC Chairperson, says the visit provides a wonderful opportunity for Indigenous people to raise concerns about human rights.
“This is the first time that the Australian Government has invited the Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Rights to visit the country and we welcome the time that he is able to spend in Perth.
“Unfortunately the Special Rapporteur’s time is limited, but there are a number of concerns that the NNTC wishes to raise with him, including land rights, and the Native Title Act. Other issues that may be raised include racial discrimination, health and education as well as women’s rights”, said Mr Wyatt.
In partnership with NNTC, The Aboriginal Legal Service of WA (ALSWA) will host two forums tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday 18 August) at its Head Office in Perth. ALSWA is proud to be associated with such an important event.
ALSWA QUOTE
The mandate of the Special Rapporteur is to protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, and to manage and formulate recommendations to reports of alleged violations of human rights by Indigenous peoples. Prof Anaya will provide a report to the United Nations Human Rights Council at the end of his Australian tour.
