United Nations Radio

A UN expert on the rights of indigenous people has called on Australia to close the gap of "indigenous disadvantage".

James Anaya, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, just concluded an 11-day visit to the country.

indigenous person from Australia

He said that despite strides in improving the situation of indigenous people in Australia, historical forces of racism continue to make an impact today. They cause disparities between indigenous and non-indigenous populations that are especially severe in terms of life expectancy, basic health, education, unemployment, incarceration and access to basic services.

Mr. Anaya also expressed concern with some government initiatives like the Northern Territory Emergency Response, which imposes income management, compulsory leases and community-wide bans on alcohol consumption and pornography. These measures, he says, overtly discriminate against aboriginal peoples and stigmatize already stigmatized communities.

Bissera Kostova, United Nations.
duration: 1'05"