The fact sheet is designed to support individual and organisational conversations about the importance of keeping the focus of IDERD on mobilising against all forms and manifestations of racial discrimination and injustice. The fact sheet describes how ‘Harmony Week’ is an example of the way language can be used to reframe anti-racism, and operates to reinforce inequality and maintain the status quo.

In contrast, having proactive, open discussions about racism demonstrates a commitment to tackling racism when it occurs and preventing it in the future. A nuanced approach to discussing racism in the context of IDERD enables the development of more advanced racial awareness, and provides the space to strategise for change.

We hope this fact sheet assists you in taking the opportunity IDERD presents to meaningfully acknowledge Australia’s deep-seated issues with race and racism, question the various ways racism shapes our society, and redouble our commitment to anti-racism.

A PDF version of the fact sheet is available to download below.

Download an accessible Word version of the fact sheet here (opens in new window). 

The Fact Sheet is also available in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese via this page (opens in new window) of the Australian Human Rights Commission's website.

Link to Antiracist Baby picture book. 

Follow Antiracist Baby's nine easy steps for building a more equitable world.

With bold illustrations and thoughtful, yet playful, text, Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism.

Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.

This edition includes additional discussion prompts to help readers recognise and reflect on bias in their daily lives.

Link to Somebody's Land. 

Somebody’s Land is a picture book for young children that introduces First Nations history and the concept of ‘terra nullius’ to a young audience.

The book invites the reader to connect with First Nations culture, and to acknowledge the past and shared history.

Publication Details

Somebody's Land

Written by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing

Illustrated by David Hardy

Published by Allen and Unwin 2021

Link to Our Home, Our Heartbeat. 

Our Home, Our Heartbeat is a picture book that celebrates past and present Indigenous legends, as well as emerging generations. At its heart this picture book honours the oldest continuous culture on earth.

Publication Details:

Our Home, Our Heartbeat

Text copyright © Adam Briggs 2020

Illustrations copyright © Kate Moon and Rachael Sarra 2020

Published by Bright Light, an imprint of Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing

Unit of study on Australian migration and multiculturalism (PDF, 5MB).

This unit is based on the Australian Curriculum: History depth study ‘The Globalising World’. It investigates a major global influence that has shaped Australian society during the twentieth century, namely migration experiences from 1945 to the present day.

The key aspects covered in the unit are the impacts of immigration and multiculturalism. Highlighted as learning threads throughout the unit are the impacts of changing immigration policies and the development of human rights and anti-racism movements.