UN on the case

The "plight" of indigenous Australians is to be investigated by the UN's Committee on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination:

It has been four years since the then-reconciliation minister, Philip Ruddock, was questioned by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

At the time, Australia became one of the first western nations to be asked to explain its race policies.

David Cooper, from Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation, says deaths in custody and police harassment will be among the key points raised.

"The Palm Island issue has brought out one of the reactions that seems to be happening more frequently in this country and that's a really heavy-handed response from the police and authorities," he said.

Les Malezer, from the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action (FAIRA), says he expects the committee to find Australia is in breach of its international obligations.

"It well may be that some action might occur within the United Nations to get Australia to correct the laws in Australia."

If the Committee's attitude is anything like that of the European Network for Indigenous Australian Rights, things aren't looking good for Australia.