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.

The Human Rights Law Centre has been 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at close range by police officer Zachary Rolfe in November 2019, in circumstances where all medical services had been withdrawn from the Yuendumu Community.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 with the findings due to be released in May 2025. 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. Aboriginal people have always had the answers to the problems their communities face. They must be listened to, and governments must act on community calls for change.