B4-0078/98

Resolution on the protection of the aboriginal people of Australia

The European Parliament,

- recalling the provisions on the rights of indigenous peoples set out in the Vienna Declaration and adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights, which stress the protection of indigenous peoples' economic, social and cultural well-being, including their distinct identities and cultures,

- recalling the principles of Agenda 21 and of the Convention on Biological Diversity,

- having regard to its numerous resolutions on the rights of indigenous peoples, in particular those of 9 February 1994 on action required internationally to provide effective protection for indigenous peoples ((OJ C 61, 28.2.1994, p. 69.)) and 19 January 1995 on the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples ((OJ C 43, 20.2.1995, p. 85.)),

A. mindful of the objection of the Australian Government to a human rights clause in the cooperation agreement between Australia and the European Union,

B. concerned about the recent decision of the Australian Government to consider the development of the Jabiluka uranium project, which is located in an area surrounded by the World Heritage Kakadu National Park,

C. having regard to the motion of the Australian Senate of 20 October 1997 calling on the Australian Government not to proceed with the project,

D. aware that the Jabiluka site, as well as the nearby Ranger uranium mining operations, are located on legally recognized aboriginal territory,

E. whereas the sites are of significance for the cultural heritage of the aboriginal people,

F. noting that the project evaluation by Environment Australia has resulted in concerns regarding its impacts on wilderness and world heritage values, as well as concerning radioactive tailings,

G. concerned about the impact of the existing mining facilities at Roxby Downs, Ranger and the currently planned Jabiluka project on the health of the aboriginal people,

H. whereas Australia is exporting uranium to the European Union,

1. Calls on the Australian Government to respect the status of the Kakadu National Park as a World Heritage site;

2. Calls on the Australian Government to respect the land rights of the aboriginal people as well as the provisions on indigenous peoples set out in the Vienna Declaration;

3. Calls, therefore, on the Australian Government not to proceed with the project;

4. Calls on the Commission to have an independent study drawn up into the uranium imports of the European Union, analysing the impact of uranium mining and processing on health and the environment, on the rights of indigenous peoples, and the waste produced by the mining operations in the respective country of origin;

5. Calls on the Member States, as a first step, to ban all imports of uranium from mines where the land rights of indigenous peoples are being compromised;

6. Calls on its Subcommittee on Human Rights to monitor the case closely;

7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States, the Australian Government, the Australian Senate, the Northern Aboriginal Land Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency.