The Australian Human Rights Commission will undertake further anti-racism work to support communities in Australia affected by the war in Gaza and the Middle East, supported by a $2 million grant from the Commonwealth.
The grant responds to an increase in racism targeting Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, and Jewish communities within Australia since the outbreak of the conflict.
Australian Human Rights Commission President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM said: “We have heard from many people within the Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and Jewish communities who feel anxious about the shocking increase in racism we have seen associated with the conflict.
“The Commission has longstanding relationships with these communities, and has engaged with and supported them since the conflict began. This grant will enable us to increase our support and develop new programs to address racism targeting all affected communities.
“The initiatives we develop will be supported by principles the Commission has already established for a National Anti-Racism Framework. We will consult with all affected communities in the development of these initiatives.”
Under the grant, the Commission will deliver a targeted communications program using community engagement, digital resources, and social media.
The grant is part of a package of measures that the Federal Government announced in October, to support all communities affected by the conflict.
