The Relevance of Human Rights to Health Status in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

Abstract

Australian indigenous people have been, and in many instances continue to be, deprived of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Dispossession of their land, territories, and resources have prevented Australian indigenous peoples from realizing their rights to development in accordance with their needs and interests. This alienation and enforced impoverishment have contributed significantly to the poor health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. While there have been some major improvements in health during the past 20 years, mortality rates are still far too high and life expectancy too low. Australian indigenous peoples have a fundamental right to expect improvements in their health status similar to that achieved in other countries throughout the world.