Thousands of Australians demonstrate to recognize Aboriginal people in the constitution

Thousands of Australians have manifested themselves this Sunday in cities across the country to benefit recognition of indigenous peoples in the constitution through an advisory body, an issue that will be resolved in a referendum within a month.

The most attended marches were those of Melbournewith tens of thousands of participants, and those of Sydney, with approximately 30,000 demonstrators. Large demonstrations have also been held in cities such as Canberra, Perth And Darwinincluding when there is less than a month to go before the October 14 referendum The yes vote seems to be losing steam in the polls.

In the referendum, Australians will have to answer the question: “A bill to amend the Constitution to recognize First Nations by establishing the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Do you approve of this amendment?” marking the option “yes” or “no”.

With this initiative, the aim is to create an organization composed of members elected by the indigenous communities, called “The Voice”, to provide independent advice to the executive and parliament on matters related to these indigenous peoples, to give them greater participation in the struggle. decision.

To effect a change in the constitution, the referendum, backed by Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, needs more than 50% of the vote across the entire Australian territory and must reach a majority in at least four of the six states that make up the constitution exists. country.

Aboriginal people, who represent 3.8% of Australia’s population of more than 26 million, have been victims of continued abuse since colonization, dispossessed of their land and systematically discriminated against by institutions, organizations and society at large.