Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights

Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights

Indigenous peoples' human rights refer to the collective and individual rights that are specifically recognized and protected for Indigenous communities and individuals. These rights are based on the understanding that Indigenous peoples have distinct cultures, histories, languages, and ways of life that should be respected and protected.

Welcome to new Castan Centre Academic Members

We are excited to welcome a group of outstanding new academics whose expertise will enrich the Castan Centre’s research, teaching, and public engagement across a diverse range of human rights and social justice issues.
3 June, 2026
Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter

Keynote announced: Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter

The Castan Centre is honoured to welcome Commissioner Sue‑Anne Hunter as keynote speaker for the 2026 Castan Centre Conference.
17 May, 2026
Understanding Victoria's Statewide Treaty Bill banner with a pink and black stylised background.

Understanding Victoria's Statewide Treaty Bill

View the recording of our webinar on the Statewide Treaty Bill 2025 (Vic), presented by the Australian Association of Constitutional Law in collaboration with the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law.
29 October, 2025
Paula Gerber with her book, Sex, Gender & Identity: Trans Rights in Australia.

Professor Paula Gerber featured on ABC Conversations

The Castan Centre is proud to celebrate member Professor Paula Gerber, recently featured on ABC Conversations, sharing her journey from construction law to becoming one of Australia’s leading voices in human rights scholarship and advocacy.
7 October, 2025
A headshot of each of the eight new members is featured here.

Welcome to new Castan Centre Academic Members

The Castan Centre appoints eight new academic members from Monash Law.
12 June, 2025

Indigenous politicians are calling for the UN’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to be implemented. What is it and what would it mean?

Indigenous politicians are calling for the UNs Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to be implemented. What is it and what would it mean?
29 January, 2024

After the Voice defeat, we can never again allow politics to suspend the cause of Indigenous justice

A hundred days on from the unsuccessful referendum, it’s time to rebuild momentum for the rights of First Nations people.
23 January, 2024

Statement from the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law on the Outcome of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice Referendum

16 October, 2023
Uluru at sunset.

The Voice: It’s a Marriage Proposal not a Divorce Petition

Professor Paula Gerber compares the Indigenous Voice to Parliament to a marriage proposal - an invitation to deepen the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, not divide it.
12 October, 2023

Research Group Convenor

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Research Group Members

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'Ask Us First' by students in the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Voice to Parliament Clinic

Launched on Thursday 14 September, 'Ask Us First' is an impact initiative and educational resource produced by students, on the upcoming constitutional vote.

Talking about the Voice: A conversation without the noise

Watch the video recording or listen to the ABC broadcast of our recent panel discussion, explaining the issues surrounding the Voice to Parliament and the 2023 referendum.

Uluru Statement from the Heart Sixth Anniversary

On National Sorry Day 2023 and the sixth anniversary of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law re-commits itself to working towards First Nations Justice through Voice, Treaty and Truth.

Mabo+30: Contemporary Perspectives on Justice for First Nations

Thirty years after the Mabo No 2 decision, prospects of recognition of legal relations between First Nations and the 'Settler' State have reignited. Our panel in 2022 considers debates around sovereignty, land justice, and enfranchisement.

The Australian Constitution and Voice, Treaty, Truth

In association with Monash Law and the Australian Association of Constitutional Law this special forum in 2021 explores the relationships between the Australian Constitution and Voice, Treaty and Truth.

Closing the Gap

Presented by the William Cooper Institute and Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, this 2021 seminar discusses the Closing the Gap targets and the progress being made to date.

Castan Centre and King & Wood Mallesons Annual Lecture

The 2020 keynote address by Professor Megan Davis, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous and Professor of Law at UNSW, and member of the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Human Rights Leaders in Conversation with Professor the Hon. Kevin H Bell AM KC

A 2020 series by Professor the Hon. Kevin H Bell AM KC, past Director of the Castan Centre. Professor Bell speaks with Professor Mick Dodson AM the Northern Territory Treaty Commissioner on Treaties, truth-telling and land right.

Use of Force in Detention and Other Closed Environments

This 2020 report launch addresses growing concern especially since the COVID19 pandemic, of Indigenous persons in closed environments being at increased risk of harm.

Educational Resources and Legal Analysis

First Nations Voice to Parliament Resources

The Castan Centre affirms its commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a First Nations Voice to Parliament. Together with Monash University, we look ‘forward to a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians walk together toward a fair and truthful relationship and celebrate a vibrant and prosperous future’.

Our researchers have compiled educational information and legal analysis to help you stay informed.

Learn more