On Human Rights Day, we stand united against racism and hate

Today the world commemorates the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. Adopted in the aftermath of World War II, this declaration marked the first time nations collectively committed to universally protect the inalienable rights of every human being, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. 

UDHR is the foundation of international human rights law as well as the standard by which we measure compliance with human rights principles. It includes the basis of refugee protection in Article 14 which states that “everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.”

Yet, seventy-seven years on, Human Rights Day is observed in a world of growing instability and turbulence. Politics of fear and division are emboldening those who seek to undermine the very principles the declaration enshrines, with chilling glorification of some of the darkest periods in human history. 

This year, global crises around the world have played out in real time, shaping not only headlines but the everyday realities of the individuals and families arriving at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), forced to flee conflict and persecution. 

In recent months, we have been shaken by images of hostility and intolerance directed at both migrants and First Nations people at the so-called marches for Australia around the country. Our communities have witnessed a resurgence of racism and extremist rhetoric.  For people who have escaped war, torture or persecution, these hostile displays are terrifying and some have felt too unsafe to leave their homes. 

Against this backdrop, the ASRC will continue to amplify a positive vision of inclusive and welcoming communities, grounded in compassion, dignity and shared humanity. We will continue to challenge discriminatory laws, defend people facing deportation and call out racism in all its forms. 

We know the dominant community sentiment is one of compassion and fairness, not fear. Hate and division have no place in our neighbourhoods, our workplaces, or our politics. We believe diversity is our strength and migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum enrich society in countless ways. Apart from First Nations people, every family has come here from somewhere else. That’s what makes us a proudly multicultural country.

The challenges Australia faces today, like cost-of-living crisis, housing pressures and insecure work, require real solutions, not scapegoating. Blaming migrants distracts from the deeper structural problems created by concentrated power and wealth, and allows politicians to avoid addressing the inequalities that affect everyone. 

Demand for our frontline support has surged. We have seen a dramatic rise in the number of people coming to us from places like Gaza, Syria, Sudan and Afghanistan, many facing multiple crises at once: risk of homelessness, food insecurity, legal limbo and deep isolation. The ASRC’s wrap-around model – lawyers, nurses, caseworkers, foodbank and housing teams all working side by side – remains a lifeline for thousands in need of support that no-one else is providing.

In recent weeks, the truth about Australia’s offshore detention system has begun to surface. Allegations of corruption, money laundering, bikie involvement, secret multibillion-dollar deals and the misuse of taxpayer funds have shaken the country. A Senate inquiry is now underway and organisations like the ASRC continue to demand transparency, accountability and justice for those harmed by the system.

On this Human Rights Day, we reaffirm the values and relevance of human rights, and encourage collective action to defend them. Upholding human rights for all means standing against racism, hate and fear, and choosing welcome, fairness and unity. Together, we can build a future we can all be proud of, one where every person has the right to safety, dignity and a life free from fear. 

If you are able, please make a donation today to support the ASRC’s advocacy and frontline human rights work. Your support today will have an immediate impact.