20 March 2004
A day to reaffirm our resolve to fight racism
Acting Race Discrimination Commissioner Dr William Jonas said the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March) is an important occasion to reaffirm our commitment and resolve to fight racism and inequality through tolerance, understanding and respect.
“This is a time to celebrate our achievements in creating what is a relatively harmonious and culturally diverse society, but also to recognise that racism is still a serious problem and constant threat to Australia’s harmony,” said Dr Jonas.
The Commissioner said that in these tumultuous times we cannot take the community harmony we enjoy for granted.
“We need to treat all people as valued human beings and show them the respect they deserve regardless of their race, colour, descent, national origin or ethnic origin,” Dr Jonas said.
On March 21 we celebrate ‘Harmony Day’, one of our largest national multicultural events which highlights the importance of the community living together. But March 21 is also the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - a time to reflect on the fact that much work remains to be done to eliminate and prevent racial discrimination, both in Australia and throughout the world.
“As Acting Race Discrimination Commissioner it is my job to identify and denounce racial discrimination where and when it occurs. It’s also my role to conduct research and develop programs to combat the prejudices that lead to racial discrimination,” Dr Jonas said.
The Commissioner currently does this through a range of educational programs such as:
- Isma - a national project to listen to what Australian Arabs and Muslims have to say about their experiences of prejudice and discrimination and to help develop and coordinate strategies between communities and government agencies that will help to eliminate this discrimination and vilification.
- Publication of Face the Facts, a booklet which addresses some of the prevailing myths about immigration, refugees and asylum seekers and Indigenous peoples by presenting the facts in a straightforward manner.
“Each and every one of us has an important role to play in promoting equality in our political, economic, social or cultural field,” Dr Jonas said.
Last updated 19 March 2004.
