The National Indigenous Working Group has expressed considerable concern about the news report that the Australian Government has politically manipulated the operations of the United Nations.

The Chairperson of NIWG, Mr Parry Agius, said the news of a whitewash of the UN investigation of mandatory sentencing laws, was very disturbing and caused major problems for the public.

"All Australians, not just Aboriginal people, should be concerned if the report is true" he said.

"According to the report the Australian Government has used political muscle to exert pressure at the highest levels to alter a human rights report on mandatory sentencing laws."

Mr Agius says the United Nations must be seen to be fair and independent, as befits an international institution which exists to protect the human rights of everybody, including the most vulnerable people such as Indigenous Peoples.

"For Aboriginal people in Australia, the disclosure has special significance at this time, because they are awaiting a report from a UN treaty body due next week" Mr Agius said

"The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) is reviewing Australia's race record, following two decisions last year that Australia's Native Title laws are in breach of the treaty.

"NIWG expects that important matters such as mandatory sentencing, the extinguishment of native title, and the separation of children, will all be considered by CERD.

"NIWG is aware that the Australian Government has approached individually the eighteen members of CERD over the past year in what appears to be heavy handed tactics to influence the CERD processes" he said.

"This is clearly a diplomatic offensive using Australia's important foreign networks to cover up racial discrimination.

"NIWG is alarmed by the reports that the High Commissioner on Human Rights and the Secretary General of the UN have also been approached to limit the criticisms of Australia's human rights record."

Mr Agius says that the Government brings shame upon Australia's record as a forthright advocate of universal human rights in modern history.

"There are many proud instances of the Australian Government and Australian citizens being to the forefront of human rights campaigns, ranging from Dr H V Evatt's leadership role in the creation of the UN to former PM, Malcolm Fraser's, fight for the abolition of Apartheid.

"NIWG urges CERD to continue its independent and expert role under the treaty and praises the UN's agenda to achieve real results in the worldwide campaign to eliminate acts of racial discrimination" Mr Agius said.

For further information contact: Parry Agius - 0419 814060 or (08) 82121244 (w)

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