Australia’s support of Indigenous peoples through the United Nations

Mike Fordham from the Prime Minister’s Department and Emily Pugin from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade recently travelled to New York to represent the Australian Government at a meeting of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

The annual international meeting is the leading forum where world Indigenous peoples can discuss priorities and important issues with members of the United Nations and representatives from Non-Government Organisations.

Around 15 representatives from Australian Indigenous organisations also attended and participated in the forum. This included meeting with other Pacific nation representatives and making joint statements.

“Australia’s role there is very important and we are one of the key states that attend,” Mike said.

“Our Indigenous representatives are in a position to lend support to those Indigenous people of other nations who are not getting a good deal from their respective countries.”

Mike delivered three statements on behalf of the Australian Government. They were about making the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples more effective, about empowering Indigenous women and finally, Mike made a joint statement with the Australian Human Rights Commission on youth, suicide and self-harm.

“It is clear that like us, many countries suffer very high levels of self-harm and suicide.  However where we appear to be leading compared to other countries is in terms of our research, and the level of data analysis and evaluation that we’re undertaking,” Mike said.

“This is where members of the permanent forum were able to better understand and appreciate our efforts.”

A particular focus at the forum this year was on improving the effectiveness of the Permanent Forum to support Indigenous peoples.

“It’s about having more time for the permanent forum members to listen to the various Indigenous representatives on their own, to hold focussed discussions on certain themes and to discuss specific issues with country representatives directly.”

Australia also co-hosted a discussion on Indigenous people and disability with the ILO, along with a variety of other related side-meetings. Mike said it was a very busy and worthwhile two weeks.