Yoorrook commission reveals genocide of indigenous Australians by British colonists
- A recent inquiry by the Yoorrook Justice Commission concluded that British colonial actions against Indigenous peoples in Victoria amounted to genocide.
- The report detailed a range of atrocities, including mass killings, cultural erasure, and economic discrimination that marginalized First Peoples.
- The findings demand systemic changes and recognition of historical injustices to ensure better futures for Indigenous Australians.
In Australia, a disturbing historical account was presented by the Yoorrook Justice Commission concerning the impact of British colonization on the Indigenous people of Victoria. The commission's final report, released recently, indicated that within 20 years of the first settlers' arrival in the 1830s, around 75% of the Indigenous population had been decimated, largely due to violence and diseases. The report describes systematic actions, including massacres, cultural erasure, and environmental degradation, aimed at destroying the foundations of Aboriginal life. This coordinated destruction manifested in an array of atrocities including child abduction and economic exclusion, creating a legacy of systemic injustice that persists today. The commission, which took four years to compile its findings, emphasized the need for acknowledgment of these historical injustices. Among its comprehensive recommendations was the establishment of a permanent First Peoples Assembly endowed with decision-making authority, aimed at ensuring the voices of Indigenous Australians are heard in contemporary governance. The report also called for tailored programs to address the ongoing health disparities faced by Aboriginal communities and improvements in educational systems to better incorporate Indigenous knowledge and history. Moreover, the commission highlighted the importance of financial compensation and treaty frameworks to rectify past injustices arising from colonial practices that marginalized Indigenous people. Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged the report and its findings, outlining the government's intent to reflect on its recommendations. The striking nature of the findings has garnered significant public attention, urging broader discourse on reconciliation and reparations for Indigenous populations across the state. Healthy community dialogue, enhanced political representation, and accountability measures were also stressed as crucial steps towards meaningful change. The acknowledgment of genocide by a formal commission has led to profound calls for reflection and action, not only within Australia but also raising questions about the responsibilities of former colonial powers regarding their historical actions against Indigenous populations.