Commissioner's Harmony Day message: stand against racism

For Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Harmony Day on 21 March is an opportunity to take a stand against racism wherever we encounter it.

“Today marks the 50th anniversary of the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination,” said Race Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane.

“Although the majority of Australians welcome multiculturalism and reject racism, there’s still work to do,” Dr Soutphommasane said.

“One in five Australians say they have experienced race-hate talk such as verbal abuse or racial slurs, and more than one in 20 people say they have been physically attacked because of their race.

"Racism takes many forms. It can be the result of ignorance as well as hatred. Racism doesn’t always need to be violent or overt, either. Sometimes it can be subtle and insidious, delivered as ‘just a joke’.

“Let's recognise that racism is as much about impact as it is about intent,” Dr Soutphommasane said.

“One of the most powerful things we can do to counter racism is to take a stand against it, wherever it occurs.”

Dr Soutphommasane said if we see or hear racism, we can offer our support to the person experiencing it.

“We can also report the incident, and we can start a conversation with the people involved. It’s not always easy, but it’s powerful.”

Dr Soutphommasane said more information about how to take a stand against racism is available on the Racism. It stops with Me website.

Since 2012, more than 390 organisations across Australia have supported the Racism. It Stops With Me campaign.

The NSW Department of Justice, Tasmania's Department of Justice, and Queensland’s Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services are among the state government departments who have pledged support for the anti-racism campaign.

Other recent supporters include the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Essendon Football Club, Charles Sturt University, and the Australian Psychological Society.

Watch the Race Discrimination Commissioner's Harmony Day message on YouTube