http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/17850919

Background paper on the value of a benchmarking framework to the reduction of indigenous disadvantage in the law and justice area

The Australian legal and political system increasingly operates in an international context. Consequently, policy development and program implementation at the national level must take account of international standards and practices. This is especially the case in the area of human rights, and for settler societies such as Australia the human rights of Indigenous people are a particular focus. The recognition that Indigenous peoples often suffer significant disadvantage, poverty and distress has been significant in focusing attention on the human rights situation of such peoples. This situation is characteristically evident in the area of law and justice. However, international human rights standards provide guidance in respect of the rights of Indigenous peoples with reference to law and justice matters. This guidance addresses the disadvantage experienced in the interaction of Indigenous peoples with the law and justice systems of nation states, including the obstacles they face in maintaining and applying their own laws and customs, at least in relation to their own internal affairs.

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