Policy Committees - Racism, Reconciliation and Multiculturalism

FECCA believes that Government policies and programs need to be developed in line with the fundamental principles of human rights and social justice. There needs to be a proactive, consistent and ongoing focus on the prevention of social tension and divisions along the lines of race. In that way, an environment is created in which community relations are characterised by respect for difference.

The root of racism and xenophobia lies in ignorance and the lack of understanding of difference, whether this is physical, cultural, religious or linguistic difference. It is the role of responsible government and political and community leaders to work together to firstly acknowledge the existence of overt and covert racism, and to work towards eliminating it. Appropriate and adequate Government policies and programs must not only be established, but also enforced and monitored, including educational programs. This will result in a greater community understanding of cultural diversity, and therefore greater respect for and appreciation of diversity in all its forms.

The FECCA Racism, Reconciliation and Multiculturalism Committee was formed in May 2004. Like all other FECCA committees, it’s brief includes:

• policy development – including revising policy to reflect changing circumstances (eg. new legislation or demographic changes)
• providing comment on the policies and programs of other organisations, particularly government agencies, when invited to do so
• contributing to submissions
• building alliances with other organisations with a similar focus, especially other peak Indigenous organisations, and
• community consultation about issues relating to racism, reconciliation, and multiculturalism.

Links to relevant sites:
Please note: Links to other Web sites are for information only and do not constitute endorsement of material at these sites, or any associated organisation, product or service.

	Indigenous Portal
	Executive Council of Australian Jewry
	Australian Federation of Islamic Councils
	Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
	Australians for National Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR)
	Australians for National Title and Reconciliation Vic (ANTaR Vic)
	Brotherhood of St. Laurence
	Reconciliation Australia
	Australian Indigenous Health Infonet
	Australian Multicultural Foundation
	Council for a Multicultural Australia
	Racial Respect