23 May 2007 - An Indigenous rights organisation has called for a human rights investigation into the Commonwealth's new 99-year lease agreements.

The Foundation of Aboriginal and Islander Research Action says the leases have come under scrutiny at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues being held in New York.

Chairman Les Malezer says Federal Government representatives have been at the meeting promoting recent amendments to the Land Rights Act, allowing traditional owners to lease land to the Government for 99 years.

He says the agreement has been offered in return for basic services and that is not right.

Mr Malezer is calling for the Commonwealth to allow an independent human rights investigator to assess the situation.

"What we hope will happen is that the Government will realise that there are international expectations, international standards in relations to Indigenous people and our lands," he said.

Source: ABC