[Greens-Media] Government sidelines Indigenous Rights in climate
negotiations
Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)
Tim.Norton at aph.gov.au
Wed Dec 10 17:47:39 EST 2008
Government sidelines Indigenous Rights in climate negotiations
Wednesday 10th December 2008
The Australian Greens today deplored the Australian Government's
approach to Indigenous rights during climate change negotiations this
week.
"Mr Rudd should be explaining to the Australian people how on one hand
he has made an election promise to endorse the UN Declaration of
Indigenous Rights, whilst on the other hand acting to cut out any
practical application of those rights in the negotiations currently
underway at the UN Climate Conference in Poznan," said Senator Rachel
Siewert.
United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand opposed the inclusion
of recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities
in a decision on REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest
Degradation). Whilst aiming to include REDD in the future climate
agreement, the Australian Government opposed protecting the rights of
those Indigenous peoples who will be directly affected by REDD measures.
"This is completely unacceptable behaviour from a Government that only
this year delivered a moving apology to the Stolen Generations. We are
talking about forests that have been sustainably managed by Indigenous
peoples for thousands of years. This move will see their rights trampled
on in the fight against climate change."
"This Government's action at the Climate Conference has just repeated
the Howard agenda."
"This is yet another in the list of ALP broken election promises - we
are still waiting for Australian ratification of the UN Declaration of
Indigenous Rights. The Rudd Government needs to stand up and show
recognition for the work of Indigenous peoples, particularly in
environmental management," she concluded.
Senator Siewert also congratulated Indigenous Rights advocate Les
Malezer on his receipt of the 2008 Human Rights Medal, pointing to his
valuable work on the UN Declaration of Indigenous Rights.
For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180
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