Two First Nations sisters from Western Australia have made an passionate plea to the United Nations about the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Australia.
Proud Noongar advocates Amber Ugle-Hayward and Lily Hayward spoke at the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York this week about the ongoing crisis facing First Nations women.
"Domestic violence is an ongoing crisis for far too many Aboriginal women in Australia," Mr Ugle-Hayward said.
"It's not just statistics, it's the lived experience of our mothers, sisters, aunties and daughters.
"In Australia, Indigenous people make up less than four per cent of the population, yet Aboriginal women are 32 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than non-Indigenous women.
"And yet, we continue to be let down by systems that fail to protect us by underfunded services and a justice system that far too often ignores us."
According to the National Homicide Monitoring Program data on murdered First Nations women and children from 1989–1990 to 2022–2023, 476 women were recorded as victims of homicide (murder and manslaughter) and 158 children were recorded as victims of homicide.
Figures released by the Australian Institute of Criminology in 2024, found First Nations women are eight times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be murdered.
First Nations women will also experience more sexual violence, hospitalisation and significant health impacts from domestic violence than non-Indigenous women.
Ms Ugle-Hayward said so many First Nations women have been let down by "systems' that failed to protect them and a judiciary that often ignores their pleas for help.
The 25-year-old said she knew of Indigenous women who stayed silent about domestic violence, fearing their children would be taken away.
She implored the UNPFII and the Albanese government to act.
"I call on the international community and the Australian government, states and territories, in line with Article 22.2 of UNDRIP, (United Nations Declaration of Rights for Indigenous People) to recommend and ensure we fund Aboriginal-led frontline services, shelters, legal aid and community organisations," she said.
"How will we ensure our sisters, daughters, aunties and grandmothers are safe in their homes?
"We need to stand with our women, believing them, protecting them, and making sure that we do everything we can do to ensure that they are not alone."
Ms Lily Hayward said her 34-year-old aunt, Rebecca Hayward, has never been found despite going missing on 1 January 2017 north of Alice Springs.
Despite extensive efforts from the family, Rebecca has never been found, and the case remains unresolved.
She is just one of dozens of First Nations women that vanish each year.
"That evening, she went for a walk and never returned," Lilly Hayward told the UN.
"The police response was slow and negligent. There has been no justice."
In late 2024, a senate inquiry into missing and murdered First Nations women and children called for a review of policing practices, as well as a First Nations role at the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission and changes to the way the media reports on First Nations deaths.
The recommendations are based on hearings held across the country over the last 18 months, which heard testimony from experts, survivors, and countless people directly impacted by racism, sexism and misogyny in seeking justice for their loved ones.
However, Ms Hayward believes more needs to be done to protect First Nations women and children.
"Australia heard a Senate inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, yet failed to respond," she said.
"We implore Australia, the UN and the international community to uphold UNDRIP and General Recommendation 39, so that Indigenous women and children may live in a world that is free, safe and secure.
"My aunt was denied these rights".
Aboriginal Family Law Services was awarded funding through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's First Nations International Fellowships and Partnerships Grants Program to allow Ms Ugle-Hayward and Ms Hayward to represent their community and engage in global discussions on Indigenous rights.
