International Review of Indigenous issues in 2000: Australia
7. Conclusion
The issue of whether Australia's 'treatment ' of Indigenous people meets its international human rights obligations has been the subject of an ongoing dialogue taking place between Australia, Non-Government Organisations and UN treaty committees throught 1999 and 2000.
While this discourse has elevated the overall level of understanding within the community and within government of the meaning of equality in relation to Indigenous people, it has not resulted in fundamental changes to the way in which Indigenous issues are approached within the domestic political process. The old paternal patterns, enshrined in the welfare model, have not given way to a rights based approach to Indigenous issues. The inevitable consequences of these patterns continue to take effect. The Native Title Act continues to privilege non-Indigenous interests over Indigenous interests. Aboriginal people continue to live on the margins of society occupying the lowest socio-economic echelon.
Yet, despite this persisting discrimination, it is my conviction that over time the dialogue on equality and human rights will produce tangible results for Indigenous people. The upcoming World Conference Against Racism in Durban this year will bring international focus upon the issue of racism and the various ways in which it manifests throughout the world. The right to racial equality, while universal in character, takes on particular forms and the dialogue generated by treaty committees around these universal standards, recognises the specific historical forces which underly discrimination against Indigenous people. Overcoming these forces liberates not only Indigenous people but has an enduring impact on all humanity.
