The Declaration covers all areas of human rights as they relate to Indigenous peoples. This includes the fundamental and foundational human rights of Indigenous peoples which can be categorised into four key principles:
- self-determination
- participation in decision-making
- respect for and protection of culture
- equality and non-discrimination
These four principles provide guidance on how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, governments, civil society and the private sector can apply the Declaration to help fully realise the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
