Globalisation may signal the end of an era where human
rights abuses are discouraged. China
will host the Olympic Games while human rights in the country are abused on a
daily basis. Ironically, Australia,
under the Howard Government, established stronger economic relations with China, which
was formally recognised as a child-slave-labour capital.
Change is occurring fast, though one may question as to
whether this is for the better. One may and should also question whether human
rights hold the same relevance as they once did. Africans are the primary
suppliers of diamonds and suffer under the worst conditions of poverty the
human race has ever known. This happens despite Nelson Mandela being free and
the African National Congress being well established.
In other countries, governments are rejecting Western
institutions that have exploited them. South America
has seen its first Indigenous Presidency with Eva Morales following Venezuelan
President Hugo Chavez in his defiance of Western imperialism. On the other
hand, Cuban President Fidel Castro’s resignation following a 40-year
dictatorship has delighted Western establishments that say it will allow for
the development of democracy.
The rejection of Western supremacy in countries building
independence outside of economic relations with the West shows that the world
is changing. However, the perception that Aboriginals have superior human
rights to Indigenous people in other countries, and the same opportunities
offered to other Australian citizens, is a lie perpetuated by certain media
forces.
The past decade has seen the media vindicate the actions of
one of the most racist governments ever to be elected by the people of Australia. Yet
the removal of the Howard Government and election of Kevin Rudd places Australia at a
crossroads in its approach to Indigenous issues. Kevin Rudd, if he chooses, can
right the many wrongs inflicted upon Aboriginal people by governments since the
country was colonised.
Under a Labor Government the Australian public appears to
once again be on the side of the Aborigine. Rudd’s popularity has soared since
he said sorry to the Stolen Generations. He made the commitment before the
election, appealing for voters to change the relationship with the Aboriginal
community from dictatorship to partnership.
Mr Rudd convinced some Australians to shed racist attitudes
by asking them to embrace empathy, understand the Indigenous struggle and take
responsibility for Australia’s
past treatment of Aboriginals. In contrast, John
Howard boosted his popularity by appealing to the darker sides of human nature
and entrenching self-interest, indifference and racism.
Support for the apology shows governments can change the
attitudes of people to the benefit of Aboriginal Australia. A compensation fund
for the Stolen Generations is something that can win popular support if our
leaders advocate its merits.
At present, the Government is refusing to consider
compensation for the Stolen Generations. In contrast, Australians mistreated by
the Department of Immigration under the Howard Government are receiving
compensation, including high-profile detainee Cornelia Rau who will be paid $2
million for her 10-month incarceration in Australian detention centres. When
will Aboriginal Australians see the same justice?
Source:
South Sydney Herald March 2008 – www.southsydneyherald.com.au