The theme of the Social Justice report for 2011 relates directly to the Commissioner’s priorities concerning the relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within their communities and giving full effect to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the Declaration). This is also in line with the Australian Human Rights Commission’s priority of tackling violence, harassment and bullying.

The relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is explored through the lens of lateral violence. Firstly, the report introduces the concept of lateral violence and its relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Second, the report explores how a human rights framework, particularly the Declaration, can assist both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and governments address lateral violence.