The locals feel their voices are being ignored, contradicting the nation’s values and the United Nations’ declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples.
This international law states that indigenous communities must give their free, prior and informed consent before any hazardous materials can be stored or disposed of in their territories. The indigenous communities have stood firm, expressing their informed and unanimous opposition to the plan.
Aboriginal communities have received some support, with opposition voices demanding the proposal be abandoned and an apology issued to the indigenous communities. They are now urging the government to respect the rights of traditional owners, provide them with veto power over dump proposals, and amend the existing legislation that is seen as discriminatory.
