About Community Partnerships for Human Rights
The Australian Human Rights Commission established its Education and Partnerships Section as part of the Race Discrimination Unit in 2007.
Our work aims to help Muslim communities and individuals explore human rights issues in their everyday life, as well as provide information and strategies to deal with discrimination and harassment.
We also work with the broader Australian community to build awareness, understanding and engagement with Muslim communities.
In 2006 the Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs endorsed the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security. As part of the National Action Plan, the Commission has been funded to undertake a range of projects.
To deliver these projects, we have established the Community Partnerships for Human Rights (CPHR) program. The program aims to increase social inclusion and to counter discrimination and intolerance towards Muslim Australian communities.
The Commission will work closely with Muslim communities, their organisations and representatives, along with a number of key partners, including peak bodies, community groups and government agencies.
The CPHR program builds on the significant work the Commission has done in this area in recent years.
Since 2002 the Commission has consulted closely with Muslim organisations and communities, as well as the police, the education sector, legal networks and government agencies, to listen and respond to concerns about the rise in prejudice, harassment and discrimination encountered by Muslim Australians.
These projects include:
- Ismaع – Listen, a national series of national consultations on eliminating prejudice against Arab and Muslim Australians
- Muslim Women’s Project, whichengaged Muslim Australian women in discussions about human rights and responsibilities.
- Unlocking Doors, a dialogue between Muslim communities and police about responding to racial or religious hatred and abuse.
