Statement by: David Hamer, Adviser, Australian Mission to the UN

As delivered

Thank you Chair. 

Before I commence, I acknowledge that we meet here today on the traditional lands of the Lenape people.
Australia welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s report on mobile Indigenous Peoples. We are concerned by the report’s findings that mobile Indigenous Peoples experience systematic marginalisation and discrimination and are routinely denied access to political participation and the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Australia recognises that we have further work to do to ensure that Indigenous Australians can fully participate in decision-making processes that affect them.

We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations to strengthen Indigenous Rights. And we are committed to working in genuine partnership with Indigenous Australians to enable the self-determination and aspirations of all Indigenous communities, including through a formal commitment to partnership and shared decision-making by all levels of government in Australia under the National Agreement to Closing the Gap.

In April 2023, Australia appointed its inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People. This is the first time the Australian Government has had dedicated First Nations representation in our international engagement – embedding a First Nations approach to our foreign policy.

We acknowledge that Indigenous Peoples have the knowledge, expertise, and leadership necessary to help solve some of our most critical global challenges including climate change and supporting global progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achieving its Goals.

Australia would welcome the Special Rapporteur’s views on how mobile Indigenous Peoples can further benefit from the enhanced mechanisms for participation in relevant UN fora to ensure the full breadth of diversity across communities is reflected?

In 2023, Australia worked closely with Mexico and Guatemala on the resolution which introduced mandated participation of Indigenous Peoples in certain UN Human Rights Council dialogues. In September this year, Indigenous Peoples participated in their own right for the first time in a Human Rights Council regular session. We want to expand that participation.

To close, we would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his work on the mandate.