Indigenous Peoples – Australia Program

Participating in DTP trainings has kept me up to date with developments in Indigenous human rights and mechanisms, and I was able to transfer this knowledge onto my colleagues and networks. The courses taught me how to advocate effectively on the rights of Indigenous peoples and has made a positive impact, as my community have learnt more about their rights.

About the program

DTP has recently renewed its partnership with Oxfam Australia (OA) to promote and advance the realisation of Indigenous Peoples rights in Australia.

DTP’s first Indigenous peoples’ rights program with Australian Indigenous community advocates was in 1990, in Alice Springs at the request of Indigenous leaders. They wanted to build their knowledge of international human rights standards, and accountability mechanisms.

From 2004, DTP reengaged more strategically in Indigenous peoples’ rights advocacy capacity building in partnership with OA. This included support for DTP’s Asia-Pacific Regional Indigenous Peoples' programs in Australia. These programs linked Indigenous rights advocates in Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

With the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), DTP worked with Oxfam Australia, Amnesty International and Fred Hollows Foundation to develop and deliver programs in Australia with Indigenous community advocates. Programs were held in Western Australia, Victoria, Northern Territory and Queensland.

There were specific programs to prepare delegates for participation in the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), on the Right to Health and for Indigenous youth advocates.

DTP and OA are now working with our alumni to develop and implement a capacity building strategy.  In February 2023 DTP and OA, supported by the Swiss Embassy in Australia, hosted a roundtable with leaders from a number of key organisations to inform this strategy.

Last activity

Key Issues

  • Racism
  • Health
  • Incarceration
  • Land Rights
  • Recognition / Treaty / Sovereignty
  • Free Prior and Informed Consent

Partners

     

Links and resources

A quick-reference guide from DTP to help human rights advocates identify the international law instruments and assistance available to Indigenous Peoples depending on their circumstances.
This animation video from AIPP introduces the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for indigenous peoples.
A guide for community advocates from Oxfam Australia and DTP.

Past programs and events

Featured Alumni

Featured Trainers