Cultural diversity

“An estimated 214 million people currently live outside their country of origin, many having moved for a variety of reasons in which the search for protection and the search for opportunity are inextricably entwined… While for some migration is a positive and empowering experience, far too many migrants have to endure human rights violations, discrimination, and exploitation… Yet, migrants contribute to economic growth and human development in both home and host countries and enrich societies through cultural diversity, fostering understanding and respect among peoples, cultures and societies.”

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Every single country from around the world was represented in Australia’s population in 2020. source

In 2016, there were over 300 separately identified languages spoken in Australian homes. source

At least 82.4 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes. Among them are nearly 26.4 million refugees, around half of whom are under the age of 18. source

Does Australia have more refugees and asylum seekers than other countries? source

7 in 10 teenagers have experienced racism source

60% of Australian Torres strait islander people and 43% general community agree that Australia is a racist country. source

What You Say Matters has heaps of information on taking a stand against racism, including how to become involved with the “Racism. It stops with me.” campaign.

Australian Human Rights Commission – asylum seekers and refugees:  Australia has obligations to protect the human rights of all asylum seekers who arrive in Australia. Also a section on race discrimination.

Settlement and Multicultural Affairs:  Read and watch personal stories from refugees and community members who are supporting them.

The UN Refugee Agency: What does UNHCR stand for?  What does it do?  Current news and stories of courage from across the world.

Racism, No Way!: Anti-racism information for students and Australian Schools.

Current Refugee Welcome Zones: There are currently 161 welcome zones in Australia.

Refugee Council of Australia: Good facts for students from this national body that works with and advocates for refugee communities.

10 signs of casual racism.

Black Lives Matter movement in Australia. 

Check out our YouTube playlist for some short videos on cultural diversity.

Where children sleep around the world, a photo book showing the different bedrooms of children around the glob.

The Cultural Atlas: Comprehensive information on the cultural background of Australia’s migrant populations.

Poster of Top Languages Spoken in Tasmania.

Photo-essay: Children with their most prized possessions.

Hussain’s Journey: Stunning multi-media journalism  documenting the journey of a Pakistani family to freedom. Sub-titled.

Everyday Racism: A mobile app to challenge your understanding of racism.

The Incident: Crimewatch style video that reveals the consequences of racism and how low level bullying can escalate.

Test your knowledge of refugees and asylum seekers with this interactive quiz.

Seeking Asylum: Interactive story of a child’s flight out of Afghanistan via people smuggles, fake passports, and journeys by planes and flimsy boats.

Racism on a Bus: Infographic/poster showing what to do if you witness racism on a bus.

UNHCR’s video channel: Can you imagine walking for days through jungles and mountains, crossing dangerous seas and being exhausted, cold and hungry or sick? Refugee stories from around the world.

And then I was a refugee: App from Australian Red Cross. Walk in the shoes of a Somalian villager forced to leave their home and make life or death decisions.

5 ways you can help refugees: Easy things you can do to make your local community an even more welcoming, more inclusive place to live.

Refugee Council of Australia: Ways you can advocate for refugees and asylum seekers.

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre: Ideas or taking action on refugee issues.

Let’s Fight Racism: United Nations page that has many suggestions on how to fight racism.

Become a supporter of the Racism. It Stops With Me Campaign.

MAP (Multicultural Access Point): a website provides information for all new arrivals, including skilled migrants, family migrants, refugees and former humanitarian entrants.

Equal Opportunity Tasmania: Report racism to the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner. Free talks for schools on legal rights and responsibilities of discrimination.

Migrant Resource Centre (Hobart) and Migrant Resource Centre (Launceston): Support refugees and migrants and provides cross-cultural training for organisations and schools (at a cost).

Multicultural Council of Tasmania: Advocacy, networking, information and support for Tasmanians from different cultural background. Run Harmony Week in Tasmania.

Amnesty International (Tasmania): Amnesty Tas have a very active Refugee Rights Group which might provide speakers.

Australian Red Cross: In Search of Safety provides workshops about asylum seekers for schools in Tasmania.

Other learning resources

A Fairer World has posters, classroom activities, books, DVDs and web links on global issues such as cultural diversity. Contact us for a complete list of resources available free or on loan to members.

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