Racism stops Australian-Sudanese young people from enjoying new life, according to a new report

17/12/2008

Racism against young Australian-Sudanese people prevents them from moving freely in the community and limits their access to services, employment and education, according to a report launched today by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

Commission Chief Executive Officer, Dr Helen Szoke said the government, police and service providers have allocated significant resources to meet the needs of the Australian-Sudanese community and enable their full participation in community life– but more needs to be done.

The report Rights of Passage: Experiences of Australian-Sudanese young people, is the result of more than 200 interviews with young people, consultations with more than 30 community and government workers as well as written submissions.

The report makes 37 recommendations including the provision of information and education resources to assist young people to deal with racism, the provision of low-cost and accessible recreation and meeting places, ongoing education and training of police, teachers and public bodies about human rights and responsibilities.

“This report highlights the young people’s desire to find acceptance and fair treatment as Australians, while experiencing race-based barriers ranging from the subtle and systemic to blatant and hostile,” Dr Szoke said.

“In order for real change to take place, young Australian-Sudanese people need to have a direct and genuine involvement in developing the programs designed to support them,” she said.

The young people interviewed told the Commission about racial abuse in the streets, their concerns about the way they were treated by police and portrayed by the media as well as their struggles with navigating the education system.

Australian-Sudanese young people reported verbal or physical racist attacks while walking down the street, waiting for public transport or when on buses or trains. The behaviour included racial abuse, threats and throwing of wine bottles and eggs.

Dr Szoke said the Commission had consulted with Victoria Police, City of Greater Dandenong and several government departments in the preparation of the report and looked forward to working closely with them in addressing the recommendations of the report.

Dr Helen Szoke is available for interview and comment.
Media contact Janeen Lynch 0419 33 77 34

Rights of Passage : The experiences of Australian-Sudanese young people