The residents of Norfolk Island have presented a petition to the United Nations accusing Australia of trying to recolonise their island.
Norfolk Island Photo: Supplied
A human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson delivered the petition on Monday in a last-ditch attempt to help Norfolk retain its status as an autonomous territory
This comes after Australia ended the island's limited self-government in July last year.
After a transitional phase, the island is set to become a regional council under the auspices of New South Wales.
Mr Robertson says Australia's actions are internationally embarrassing as it coincides with its campaign to win a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Australia's Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government, Paul Fletcher, says the experimental form of self-government on Norfolk established in 1979 has not worked very well.