Justice for Kumanjayi Walker

 

KEY PROJECT | Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Rights

The Human Rights Law Centre is supporting the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency in the coronial inquest into the police-shooting death of Warlpiri and Luritja teenager Kumanjayi Walker.

 
 
 

In 2022, the Human Rights Law Centre began supporting the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) in their intervention in the coronial inquest into the police-shooting death of Warlpiri and Luritja teenager Kumanjayi Walker.

Kumanjayi Walker was killed after being shot three times at close range by police officer Zachary Rolfe in November 2019, in circumstances where all medical services had been withdrawn from the Yuendumu Community.

The coronial inquest into his death began in September 2022 and is ongoing. The Human Rights Law Centre is assisting NAAJA to highlight systemic injustices experienced by Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory, including systemic racism in policing. Together, we are calling for:

  • an end to discriminatory policing and excessive use of force by police;

  • independent and more robust police accountability mechanisms;

  • community-led alternatives to police; and

  • community-controlled health services.

The Human Rights Law Centre stands behind Kumanjayi’s loved ones, the Yuendumu community and North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) in their calls for truth and accountability through the coronial process. Aboriginal communities and organisations have always had the answers. They must be listened to, and governments must act on community calls for change.

 
Key ProjectRachel RichmondAboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples' Rights