The United Nations has progressed a petition made by Norfolk Islanders alleging Australia breached their civil and political rights.
This comes after Canberra ended Norfolk Island's autonomy in 2016, claiming the island could no longer pay its way.
The Norfolk Island Council of Elders in March appealed the move to the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva.
On Monday, the Committee said it had registered the case and given Australia six months to respond to the claims.
Andre Nobbs, a spokesperson for the council, told Mackenzie Smith it was a victory for Norfolk Islanders.
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Photo: Norfolk Government