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 African 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 Australian communities from a human rights perspective.
The Australian Human Rights Commission is undertaking a national research project with, Adult Multicultural Education Services (Victoria), the Australian Red Cross, the Diversity Health Institute, and the Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
The research will identify the human rights, social inclusion and discrimination issues faced by African Australian communities. The final report will also suggest solutions to issues raised and make recommendations to stakeholders to inform future policy, program and service design as well as public debate and education.
The project includes a special focus on issues faced by groups with greater vulnerabilities, such as African Muslim communities, African Muslim women and youth. It will also explore the impacts of gender.
We are consulting closely with African Australian communities, their community leaders, academics, experts, governments, non-government organisations and service providers. Four research papers are also being written as part of the project and will be made available with the final report.
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.
Call for submissions and Discussion paper – 16 March 2009
The Commission has launched a Discussion paper and a national call for submissions. National consultations will also take place until 30 June 2009.
- Media Release: Project aims to offer insight into experiences of African Australians (16 March 2009)
- Read the African Australians: A report on human rights and social inclusion issues Discussion paper
- Click here to find out how to be involved in the project
Project news
The African Australians project is community-led and driven. Throughout 2008, the Steering Committee was involved in detailed planning for the project and began implementation activities, some of which are mentioned below:
The Steering Committee planned a way to engage more community representatives in the project. A national Community Reference Group (CRG) was established.
In June - July 2008, community members of the Steering Committee and the Project Manager facilitated a number of CRG meetings across Australia, meeting with over 100 people. 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. Project methodology was refined in light of community advice received through the meetings.
The Steering Committee has, and will continue to, provide guidance to the authors writing background papers for the project:
- Demographic analysis – by Prof. Graeme Hugo, University of Adelaide.
- Australia’s migration policies – by Prof. Andrew Jakubowicz, University of Technology, Sydney.
- International and national human rights issues relating to refugees and immigrants – by Assoc. Prof. Simon Rice, Australian National University.
- Literature review – by Ann Wayne Reiner, post-graduate intern with the Commission.
In early 2009 Myriad Consultants were commissioned to work with the Steering Committee and CRG to undertake this project. Myriad Consultants are organising and facilitating the national consultation process and will prepare the final report.
This project was announced by National Race Discrimination Commissioner Tom Calma in a media release on 4 December 2007, and began in February 2008 when the project Steering Committee met for the first time. It is anticipated that a final report and plain language resource will be completed in late 2009.
Find out more in 
PDF or in 
Word about the project or send us an email to register your interest.
Media
- Project aims to offer insight into experiences of African Australians
(16 March 2009) - African Australian experiences put under the microscope for first time (4 December 2007)
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 April 1, 2009
