Sitting ‘round the table of rights-based reconciliation: a health perspective

Abstract

For the reconciliation process to be successful, professionals working in the domain of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health promotion must remember that it is not only which programs are carried out, but how they are carried out. The 'how' involves protocols that are based on fundamental human rights, not the least of which is the right to the highest attainable standard of health. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, these basic human rights are indissolubly linked to the right to self determination and the right to development. Four human rights principles of engagement are necessary for the process of reconciliation to be successful. These are: no discrimination; progressive realisation; effective participation; and effective remedies. This paper outlines these principles and presents two frameworks that have been developed to redress Indigenous disadvantage: the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission's Integrated Capacity Building Framework for Sustainable Development and the Council of Australian Governments' Framework for Reporting on Indigenous Disadvantage. The former, in particular, emphasises the effective participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in achieving improved health outcomes, while the latter provides a reporting framework on a holistic and whole-of-government basis for service delivery and seven strategic areas for immediate action. The adequacy of research, data collection, benchmarks and monitoring as they relate to ensuring human rights compliance is also discussed. While broad frameworks such as these offer potential in local communities, it is critically important to understand and observe local protocols in their implementation. (author abstract)