UNITED NATIONS THIRD COMMITTEE: INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE: SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Statement by Mr. David Hamer, Adviser, Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations
13 October 2025
Thank you Chair.
I acknowledge Indigenous Peoples joining us and pay my respects to you, and to your elders past, present and emerging.
Australia continues to support the Special Rapporteur’s mandate and welcomes the Interim report.
We value the knowledge and skills of Indigenous Peoples in addressing international security challenges.
We recognise that Indigenous Australians were our first diplomats, peacemakers, and peacebuilders.
This year, together, Papua New Guinea and Australia are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Torres Strait Treaty entering into force.
This landmark Treaty allows communities to continue their way of life across borders for traditional activities and to help preserve their ties across the Torres Strait, acknowledging the importance of cultural continuity.
This creative solution reflects the thousands of years of engagement and cultural connection that exist between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Further, as a member of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, Australia is advancing discussions on how Indigenous People can strengthen peacebuilding efforts through taking an inclusive approach.
Australia asks, how can the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples globally address international security issues?
Special Rapporteur, we look forward to welcoming you to Australia in 2026 to continue this dialogue.
Thank you.