Racism alive and well down under

2001-12-03 09:13

Canberra, Australia - Racism remains a problem in Australia and is making life a misery for many immigrants and Aborigines, the government's human rights watchdog said on Monday.

Releasing a report from a six-month study of racism in Australia, Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner William Jonas said the marginalisation felt by some segments of the population was striking.

"It is clear that racism is still alive and well in Australian society. People spoke of the covert and systemic racism they experience in employment, education and in the delivery of government services," he said.

The report, titled "I Want Respect and Equality," was prepared by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission from six months of community consultations with people from non-English speaking backgrounds and indigenous Australians.

Jonas said people spoke of the prejudice they experience in employment, education and government services.

"Everywhere we went, from the capital cities to rural and regional areas, I was struck by the sense of marginalisation felt by indigenous people and people from non-English backgrounds who do not fit the stereotype of typical Australians," Jonas said.

However, he said most participants in the study believed Australians were opposed to racism and suggested education was the key to combating prejudice.

The survey was conducted by HREOC as part of its contribution to the United Nations' World Conference Against Racism.

The report recommended a number of changes across industry and education to recognise the contributions of migrants, and called on the federal government to issue an apology to Aborigines for past injustices. - Sapa/AP

- SAPA