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.
HREOC 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.
A plain-language community guide will be developed for African communities, as well as the broader Australian community.
This project began in February 2008 when the Steering Committee for the project met for the first time. A final report and community guide 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
