How Does Mabo Relate to Human Rights and Empathy?

 

Mabo's film release celebrated the 20th year anniversary since  the history making decision. The High Court’s judgement in the Mabo case resulted in the introduction of the doctrine of native title into Australian law, removing the myth of 'Terra Nullius' and establishing a legal framework for native title claims by Indigenous Australians. The judgement ruled that  the common law as it existed violated international human rights norms and denied the historical reality of Indigenous people's dispossession.  The Mabo case sought recognition of the Meriam people’s rights to this land. The film's interpretation of the case sought to make the Australian public aware and  empathise   with it's indigenous population and the inter generational trauma and lack of rights that dictated all aspects of their lives. It aimed to seek empathy and a better understanding of the country's indigenous people and the rights they are entitled to as the true custodians of the land.