African Australians: A Report on the Human Rights and Social Inclusion Issues
African communities are new and emerging communities in Australia and individuals face a myriad of issues when they arrive and settle in the country.
Many of these are human rights issues, including support and protection for humanitarian entrants, adequate housing, employment, education, access to health services, freedom from discrimination, cultural expression, freedom of religion and belief, and the opportunity to develop their own Australian identity.
Responding to the needs of these communities presents a unique challenge for many service providers and policy-makers. However, there has been no national report that looks at the issues facing African communities from a human rights perspective.
The Australian Human Rights Commission will undertake a national research project with the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Adult Multicultural Education Services (Victoria), the Australian Red Cross and the Diversity Health Institute.
The research, which will include a demographic analysis, will identify the human rights and discrimination issues faced by African communities. The project will include a special focus on issues faced by vulnerable groups such as African Muslims, African Muslim women and youth.
We will consult closely with African communities, their community leaders, academics, experts, non-government organisations and service providers.
Findings from the research will support governments in refining policies and planning services to meet the specific needs of these communities. It will also provide a solid research base for universities, non-government organisations and other groups.
In April- May 2008 the steering committee planned a way to engage more community representatives in the project. In June- July 2008, community members of the steering committee and the Project Manager facilitated a number of Community Reference Group meetings across Australia. The groups were well received and community members were able to share their views and hear from others. Several participants indicated their support for the Commission leading this important project.
This project began in February 2008 when the Steering Committee for the project met for the first time. A final report and plain language resource will be completed in 2009.
Find out more in 
PDF [18 KB] or in 
Word [36 KB] about the project or send us an email to register your interest.
Media
Photo gallery
- Welcome African Refugees- New and Emerging Communities - Multicultural Morning Tea, 10 December 2007, Alexandria Town Hall
Sponsored by Redfern Legal Centre and South Sydney Community Aid Coop Ltd Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre
- Steering Committee Meeting, 8 May 2008
Page updated November 11, 2008
