Right to self-determination: Public sector guidance sheet
Australian Government - Attorney-General's Department

Disclaimer
This material is provided to persons who have a role in Commonwealth legislation, policy and programs as general guidance only and is not to be relied upon as legal advice. Commonwealth agencies subject to the Legal Services Directions 2005 requiring legal advice in relation to matters raised in this Guidance Sheet must seek that advice in accordance with the Directions.

What is the right to self-determination?
While there is no universally accepted agreement as to the content of the right to self-determination, it is agreed that at a minimum, it entails the entitlement of peoples to have control over their destiny and to be treated respectfully. This includes peoples being free to pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

Where does the right to self-determination come from?
Australia is a party to seven core international human rights treaties. The right to self-determination is contained in article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and article 1 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

This right is also contained in Article 3 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration does not create legally binding obligations, but informs the way governments engage with and protect the rights of Indigenous people.