 INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE & THE MIRRAR FIGHTThe protection of Kakadu World Heritage Area is vital for everyone concerned about indigenous land rights and environmental preservation. The Mirrar struggle is symbolic of the worldwide movement for social justice and ecological sustainability. International outrage over the proposal to build the Jabiluka uranium mine in Kakadu has sparked action around the globe. These include the numerous demonstrations in America, Europe and Asia: a resolution of support from the European Parliament; the decision of the World Heritage Bureau to send a special mission to Kakadu; and the recent International Nuclear Free Future Award to Mirrar Senior Traditional Owner Yvonne Margarula. Public opinion in Australia is clearly opposed to developments in Kakadu. A recent poll found that nearly 70% of Australians were opposed to the Jabiluka Uranium Mine. Already thousands of Australian's have travelled to the far north of Australia to stand with the Mirrar in opposing the development. It is likely that this year a national election will be held and the issue of Jabiluka will be prominent during the election. Support for the Mirrar may even decide the Government. Yet despite this overwhelming support, the Mirrar face very powerful opposition in Australia. Recently was have seen the rise of a racist (neo fascist) political party in Australia called "One Nation". This party is currently supported by around 15% of the electorate. The Government has reacted to One Nation's rise by adopting many of this group's racist policies. As a result, the native title rights of Aboriginal people are being systematically destroyed. Aboriginal people in Australia are currently under attack in a manner not seen the "dark days" of the 1960's when Aboriginal people were unable to vote or enjoy freedom of movement. The Jabiluka Uranium Mine has become another way that the Government can prove to Australia's racist element that they have Aboriginal people "under control". This is why we desperately need international support. We need the international community to condemn the Australian government and its policies of modern genocide. We need your help. The Mirrar are 28 people fighting the might of the Australian Government and huge mining corporations. So far, we have prevented the mine from being approved for nearly 18 years. However, with construction just beginning, we are now facing our toughest battle of all. If we are to continue fighting we need your financial and political support. You can help by pressuring the Australian Prime Minister, Mr John Howard, and the Opposition Leader, Mr Kim Beazley. They can be contacted at Parliament House, Canberra, 2600, Australia. You can also greatly assist the Mirrar struggle by making donations to Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation, PO Box 245, Jabiru, NT 0886. Thank you for your support. Press conference, Ben Elton on Jabiluka ... Australian Aboriginal Clan Leader brings U-Mine resistance to Britain ... Who is Yvonne Margarula of the Mirrar? ... The history of Uranium Mining on Mirrar land ... Mining at Jabiluka - People's comments ... |
