Fed: ATSIC says Aust defiance on UN sends message to region

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2000
Fed: ATSIC says Aust defiance on UN sends message to region

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission says Australia's defiant stance
on its United Nations human rights obligations could infect other countries in the region.

ATSIC chairman GEOFF CLARK says Australia's decision to veto nearly all visits by UN
human rights investigators and scale down its participation in UN inquiries is sending
a dangerous message to the region.

Mr CLARK's told the Nine Network that countries like China and Indonesia will have
some joy in the decision.

He says they could refuse to comply with a UN ruling, saying there's a double standard
-- with Australia already having decided it's above the law.

The government's decision appears to have been prompted by critical findings about
Australia's treatment of Aborigines and asylum seekers.

AAP RTV kmh/rt

KEYWORD: UN AUST CLARK (CANBERRA)

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