Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

13 September

13 September marks the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the UN General Assembly in 2007. The anniversary invites learning about the rights of Indigenous peoples and what respect for those rights can mean in everyday decisions.

What the Declaration covers

The Declaration addresses both individual and collective rights. Its provisions concern self-determination, participation in decisions, culture, language, education, lands, territories and resources, among other matters. These are connected aspects of peoples’ lives rather than separate topics to be addressed only on commemorative days.

The original text is the best place to begin. It describes standards for relationships between Indigenous peoples and states and makes clear the importance of Indigenous peoples’ own institutions, knowledge and priorities. Short summaries can introduce it, but should not replace reading the relevant articles.

The dates to distinguish

The UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on 13 September 2007. Australia initially voted against it, then made a formal statement of support on 3 April 2009. The Australian Human Rights Commission and National Congress publication records both dates.

This carousel entry marks the global adoption anniversary. It is separate from International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on 9 August and Human Rights Day on 10 December. Giving each date a clear purpose helps avoid treating different milestones as interchangeable.

Understanding its place in Australia

The Declaration is a human-rights declaration, not a treaty that automatically changes every domestic law. Its significance should be explained accurately rather than suggesting that adoption by the UN itself settled land claims or created a complete Australian legal remedy.

For readers in Australia, it provides a framework for considering how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participate in decisions affecting their lives. First Nations organisations use its principles in discussions about governance, culture and Country. The Masig Statement is one example of a Torres Strait-led document that refers directly to it.

Ways to mark the anniversary

Read a small group of articles and discuss their practical implications. Schools might consider language and education; workplaces might examine decision-making and procurement; community organisations might reflect on who sets priorities and whose knowledge is respected.

Start with listening and an honest assessment of existing practice. Avoid treating a brief consultation or symbolic display as proof that all responsibilities have been met. Where a decision affects particular people or Country, learn from the relevant rights holders and community organisations rather than assuming one person can speak for everyone.

Sources and further reading

The resources below provide historical records, community or institutional perspectives, and further learning. Linked material may include historical language, names or images of people who have died.

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. United Nations. The adopted resolution and full text, dated 13 September 2007.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Declaration booklet. National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and Australian Human Rights Commission. The Declaration and the distinction between UN adoption and Australian support.
Declaration booklet

About the Declaration. Australian Human Rights Commission. An introduction to the rights and their significance in Australia.
About the Declaration

The Masig Statement. Torres Strait Island Regional Council. A Torres Strait-led example of the Declaration’s relevance to self-determination.
The Masig Statement

Related learning and resources

Use the reading links above as a starting point for further learning. Any future products or learning resources linked to this anniversary will be selected for their relevance and the quality of their information.