Rights and racism
As members of the international community of Indigenous peoples, we can use the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) to insist our human rights are respected and upheld.
The Declaration is a set of universal standards for the “survival, dignity and well-being of the Indigenous peoples of the world” and addresses things like racism and our fundamental freedoms as Indigenous peoples.
Unfortunately, during your cancer journey your human rights may be breached, and you may encounter racism from people within health systems or the systems themselves.
It is important to know that in Australia, racism is against the law, and you are empowered to address any form of racism committed against you. Racism can have detrimental impacts your health and wellbeing and hinder your fight against cancer.
In this section, we will provide you with information to help you address racism and places you can contact for support if you ever encounter racism on your cancer journey.