Friday, 19 March 2010
Harmony Day – an annual reminder that everybody belongs
Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, encourages all Australians to celebrate our nation’s rich cultural and religious diversity this Sunday – and, indeed, every day of the year.
Harmony Day is celebrated annually on 21 March to coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
“It promotes the simple, but important, notion that everyone belongs and recognises the most important of human rights principles, that is: all rights belong to all humans no matter their nationality, culture, race, or any other characteristics which define them as human beings,” Commissioner Innes said.
“Australia needs strong moral leadership from our politicians, and other community leaders, in acknowledging that significant pockets of racism do exist within our society, and to make it clear that this is simply not acceptable.
“Proper resources are urgently required to combat racism and to build community resilience. This includes resources for communities, researchers and education programs to explain why racism is toxic to any society; as well as adequate resources for agencies that police, monitor and advise on racism.”
Mr Innes said that the Australian Human Rights Commission would be releasing a number of reports around social inclusion and human rights in 2010. One such report deals with the major issues faced by African Australian communities. The report, which draws upon national consultations, will be released in May or June this year.
“As new forms of racism emerge, new understandings of racism are required so that we can work together to present a united front against racism and combat discrimination wherever it exists,” Commissioner Innes said.
“Cyber-racism is one of these new forms. We have heard a lot about cyber bullying but very little attention has been paid to cyber bullying with racist undertones. At the end of April, the Commission will be bringing together regulators, internet industry companies, social networking companies, youth organisations, and social marketing experts in the hope that their shared expertise will help in the identification of innovative ways of preventing this form of racism from spreading through our community.”
Commissioner Innes encourages all people to recognise that acceptance and respect of diversity is an essential part of being Australian. He urges everyone to embrace the 2010 theme of Harmony Day – ‘Express Yourself’ - by celebrating the diversity and richness of Australian society through action, performance, fashion and food.
Media contact: Shyamla Eswaran 02 9284 9656 or 0430 366 529
