Many Aboriginal people living in the Northern Territory wake up to disadvantage and discrimination every day.

The Federal Government has made some big commitments to address Indigenous disadvantage but many of their policies are discriminatory, as the UN's human rights representative, James Anaya, said in August 2009.

"Aspects of the Government's initiatives to remedy situations of indigenous disadvantage ... raise concerns. Of particular concern is the Northern Territory Emergency Response, which by the Government's own account is an extraordinary measure ... These measures overtly discriminate against aboriginal peoples, infringe their right of self-determination and stigmatize already stigmatized communities." James Anaya, Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous people, 27 August 2009.

These policies make a mockery of Australia's endorsement in 2009 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Government even had to suspend the Racial Discrimination Act in the NT in order to allow these policies to operate — an outright admission that its policies are race-based.

We cannot continue to ignore this injustice any longer. It's time to let our MPs know we won't stand for racist laws in our country.

What can you do about it?

Sign up to become an ANTaR Advocate! Over the coming months you can help ANTaR convince the Federal and Northern Territory governments there is a better way than their current approach.

When you sign up to become an Advocate for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory, we'll keep you up-to-date with the latest news from the NT and we'll also let you know when we need you to stand up with us and take action.

Who is ANTaR?

We are a group of mainly non-Indigenous people dedicated to supporting Australia's First Peoples. By joining us as an Advocate you'll be supporting Aboriginal people and helping them to educate those who have the power to make change — our politicians in Canberra.

1. Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, James Anaya, as he concludes his visit to Australia: http://www.un.org.au/files/files/Press%20Release%20-%20Australia%20JA%20final.pdf