Indigenous Human Rights: A NAIDOC Week Reflection

Jasmine Ruffilli
Jul 11
3 min read

Recognition Plaque on Gertrude St, Fitzroy

This week, O’Sullivan & Ruffilli acknowledge NAIDOC week, a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' history, culture, and achievements held annually in the first week of July. This year’s theme: ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’ celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead.

Indigenous Australian Human Rights

At our firm, we believe that the law should be a force for justice, equality, and truth. and we also extend this to the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Australia’s First Nations peoples have cared for this land for over 65,000 years. Through their enduring cultural strength, they continue with their commitment to overcome barriers to the full enjoyment of their human rights.

As legal practitioners, we have a responsibility to support and uphold the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including the right to self-determination, cultural identity, and equal access to justice. These rights are not just legal entitlements; they are foundational to reconciliation and to a more just and inclusive future for all Australians.

Indigenous Rights by Law

Established in 2007 and ratified (adopted) by Australia in 2009, the UN ‘Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples’ sets out a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the Indigenous peoples of the world.

There are 46 rules in the declaration, notably:

Indigenous peoples are free and equal to all others and have the right to be free from any kind of discrimination, including discrimination based on their Indigenous origin or identity (Article 2).
Indigenous people have the right to live in freedom, peace and security.
They must be free from genocide and other acts of violence including the removal of their children by force (Article 7).
Indigenous peoples have the right to practice and revitalise their cultural traditions and customs (Article 11).
Indigenous peoples shall not be removed from their land by force. Where they agree, they should be provided compensation, and, where possible, have the possibility to return (Article 10).
Indigenous peoples must not be discriminated against in matters connected with employment (Article 17).
Governments shall consult properly with Indigenous peoples before adopting laws and policies that may affect them. They must use the principles of free, prior and informed consent – which means giving Indigenous peoples all the facts needed to make decisions (Article 19).
Indigenous peoples have the right to own, use and control their lands, waters and other resources. Governments shall recognise and protect these lands, waters and resources (Article 26).

Incorporating the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and listening to the aspirations expressed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, we are reminded that genuine change must be shaped in partnership with First Nations voices.

This commitment is not symbolic. It is practical, ongoing, and rooted in the everyday work of ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are treated with fairness, respect, and legal equality in alignment with human rights for all people.

Archie Roach

Archie Roach’s powerful song "Took the Children Away" holds deep significance during NAIDOC Week, as it gives voice to the Stolen Generations and the lasting trauma of forced child removals. This year, the song continues to resonate as a call for truth-telling, healing, and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and resilience.

Listen to Archie Roach - Took the Children Away

Written about his wife, and her freeing of her pain when she passed, 'Nopun Kurongk'

Nopun means to 'go to', Kurongk is the word for a 'long Saltwater estuary' on their country, where she was raised before she was stolen.

Listen to Archie Roach - Nopun Kurongk

O’Sullivan & Ruffilli pay our respects to the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the traditional owners of the land on which we operate and pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us on +61 3 94163463 or email: email@osullivanandruffilli.com.au

#NAIDOC2025 #TheNextGeneration #StrengthVisionLegacy #ArchieRoach #TookTheChildrenAway #StolenGenerations #TruthTelling #BlakVoices #IndigenousHistory #AboriginalMusic #TorresStraitIslanderVoices #CulturalLegacy #FirstNationsVoices #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #KeepOurFireBurning #Reconciliation #SocialJustice #FirstNationsRights #IndigenousJustice #HumanRightsLaw #CulturalLegacy #AboriginalAndTorresStraitIslanderPeoples #VoiceTreatyTruth #RespectAndRecognition