On Wednesday, 13 February 2008, a defining moment in Australia’s history took place. The Prime Minister formally apologised on behalf of the Australian Parliament for the laws and polices of past governments which resulted in profound grief, suffering and loss for Indigenous Australians. The apology was broadcast live and watched across the nation in schools, communities, work places and on screens erected in public places. In so doing, Australians showed their support to those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, now known as the Stolen Generations, who, as children, were removed from their families and communities. The National Apology heralds a new partnership with Indigenous peoples based on respect, cooperation and mutual responsibility. These principles are also core principles underlying the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Australia recognises the importance of the Declaration for Indigenous peoples globally.

(Source: Australia’s Statement to the UN Human Rights Council)