MELBOURNE, Australia – In a significant development, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk lauded Australia's inaugural formal treaty with its Indigenous populations, describing it as a pivotal move toward the self-determination of the country’s First Peoples.

The treaty, which is yet to receive assent, marks a crucial step in acknowledging the constitutional rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This follows a longstanding demand highlighted in the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart. Passed by Victoria's legislators, the treaty introduces the Gellung Warl, a democratically-elected, permanent First Peoples Assembly. This body will encompass a truth-telling component and an accountability mechanism, fulfilling major aspirations of the Uluru Statement which advocated for a Makarrata Commission to oversee agreement-making and historical truth-telling between governments and First Nations.

Indigenous groups have voiced optimism about the treaty's long-term impact, celebrating it as a "treaty for generations." This enthusiasm reflects a collective hope for a transformative future that honors and involves the First Peoples in matters that directly affect their communities.

Australia's journey toward this treaty was not without its challenges. Despite efforts like the 2020 Closing the Gap Agreement, aimed at mitigating disparities faced by Indigenous communities, significant barriers remained. Notably, in 2023, a referendum intended to enhance the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples within the national government was rejected by 60 percent of voters. The failure underscored ongoing divisions and the complex path toward reconciling national policies with Indigenous aspirations.

Although the treaty's jurisdiction is currently limited to Victoria, Chief Türk expressed optimism about its wider implications. He commended the state for pioneering an initiative that could set a transformative precedent for others. Türk highlighted the treaty’s alignment with international human rights standards and its potential to foster inclusive governance and innovative participation mechanisms. He urged leaders within and beyond Australia to consider similar steps toward recognizing Indigenous Peoples, which he believes will cultivate a society founded on mutual respect and comprehensive human rights.

The global community watches as Australia takes these initial steps toward reconciling with its Indigenous populations, hoping this treaty paves the way for broader national and international policy shifts that respect and integrate Indigenous rights and voices.