National Conference On Racism In A Global Context Final Recommendations
(Authorised by the Conference Steering Committee)
The delegates of the National Conference on Racism in a Global Context met at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia on November 9-11, 2007 on the Beeliar Boodjar part of the traditional lands of the Nyungar people.
The delegates call for immediate action to begin to eliminate racism in Australia in three areas: we call for efforts to promote Indigenous self-determination (as defined in international treaties and covenants1), to address issues of race representation in the media, and to respond to the needs expressed by new and established community voices in Australian society.
Promoting Indigenous Self-Determination
1. The delegates of the National Conference on Racism in a Global Context call upon whichever party forms government after November 24, 2007 to hold, within 100 days of the first sitting of the new Parliament, a meeting in the Great Hall of Parliament House between the Prime Minister and representatives of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples2 with a view to starting negotiations on the proposed form of the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the preamble, and in the body, of the Australian Constitution.
Eliminating Racism in the Media
2. The delegates call on all Australian media organisations to implement Codes of Conduct designed to eliminate racism in their content and to support this process through appropriate training of their staff.
Responding to the voices of new and established communities
3. The delegates undertake to move rapidly to publish a full set of recommendations to address matters raised by Indigenous communities, and by African Australians and other communities who experience racism.
Notes
1 - Article 3 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations Organisation on 13 September 2007 states:
Indigenous peoples have the right of self determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
2 - We use the term "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples" to refer to them as Indigenous peoples in the sense used in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, this term might refer to nations, tribes, clans, kinship groups or other groupings.
NCRGC was hosted by Murdoch University's Centre for Social and Community Research and the Australian Academy of Race Relations. The views expressed in the draft or final resolutions are not necessarily those of Murdoch University.
Steering Committee
- Professor David Malcolm, Chair of the Advisory Board, Australian Academy of Race Relations
- Mr. Tom Calma, Race Discrimination Commissioner, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
- Mr. Ellis Griffiths, Executive Officer, Office of Multicultural Interests
- Ms. Yvonne Henderson, Equal Opportunity Commissioner for Western Australia
For general enquiries contact :
- Professor Craig McGarty, Director CSCR - 0437 136 849; c.mcgarty@murdoch.edu.au
- Dr. Casta Tungaraza, Director of the Australian Academy of Race Relations, & Equal Opportunity and Social Justice Manager, Murdoch University - 93602639 (W); 0413 772269 (mobile); c.tungaraza@murdoch.edu.au
Background, Themes & Aims
In November this year, Murdoch University and partners hosted a National Conference on Racism in a Global Context. Following on from the United Nations World Conference against Racism (WCAR) held in Durban South Africa, this unique three day conference brought together a range of internationally respected academics and researchers, local and national government representatives, NGOs, Indigenous leaders, and groups and individuals from the community to review the themes and issues raised at WCAR, and to explore experiences and effects of racism. In line with the goals of the Durban conference, participants worked together to develop practical solutions for the community, organisations, and government to advance the fight against racism in Australia and promote positive racial and cultural relations.
The conference aimed to inform and encourage broad thought and debate about racism and discrimination, and to spark positive action. Conference sessions were grouped around three key thematic areas (contexts, narratives, experiences and strategies and solutions). It included a series of keynote addresses, individual presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. The thematic areas were intended to provide a general framework and to guide the overall direction of the conference towards promoting strategic and applied outcomes.
If you need any further information about the conference and associated events and activities, or have any problems with this website, please contact Girish Lala at the Centre for Social and Community research, Murdoch University by email (ncrgc@murdoch.edu.au) or telephone ((61-8) 9360 6969)
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