As an inquest handed down findings into a death three years ago, more families were left bereaved, prompting fresh calls for reforms
“When will we have peace?”
That was the Greens senator and Gunnai Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung woman Lidia Thorpe’s anguished question on Friday after the news that three Aboriginal people had died in custody in the space of a week.
Related: David Dungay: manslaughter or assault charges over death in custody are ‘viable’, barrister says
Governments must go beyond the empty gestures of the past, and to make sure that the legacy of every single person who has died in custody is honoured by ending this injustice for good.#BlackLivesMatter #StopBlackDeathsinCustody@GuardianAus https://t.co/ez8m1o3n64
How is it possible that our people are still dying in custody and not a single person or institution has been held to account?
Solutions for keeping our people safe have been known for 30 years, since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. For 30 years, governments have failed to act on these recommendations – inaction that has cost the lives of over 450 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
In Victoria, Aboriginal people are imprisoned at rates 12 times higher than the rest of the population. We are dying ten years younger. This system is killing our people and it has to stop. I stand with our community in grief and solidarity, and will continue to fight for safety and justice for our people.
This tragic story is one of many that will be heard in the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission. The truth will be painful and confronting but it needs to be heard.
Related: After the protests: solutions to end black deaths in custody
In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 800-273-8255 or chat for support. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis text line counselor. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org
Continue reading…This post was originally published on Human rights | The Guardian.