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Reports

7 Jan 2026

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) sets out the global standards for the rights, dignity and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples. Adopted by the United Nations in 2007, it affirms Indigenous Peoples’ rights to culture, land, self-determination and participation in decision making. The Declaration guides governments, organisations and communities toward respectful and fair relationships.

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Summary

UNDRIP is a foundational human rights framework that recognises and protects the rights of Indigenous Peoples worldwide. It supports governments, organisations and communities to act in ways that respect Indigenous authority and cultural identity.

The resource provides:

  • A clear statement of Indigenous Peoples’ individual and collective rights.
  • Guidance on self-determination, land, culture, language and identity.
  • Standards for free, prior and informed consent.
  • Principles for participation in decisions that affect Indigenous communities.
  • A shared reference point for policy, law and practice.

UNDRIP is widely used to inform legislation, reconciliation work and organisational policies. It helps viewers understand international expectations and supports more respectful, rights-based engagement with Indigenous Peoples in Australia and globally.

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