Care and compassion needed in the face of rising racism

19 April 2020

Media reports over the weekend of two international students being physically assaulted in Melbourne’s CBD and told to “go back to China” are the latest distressing incident of racism in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic – and an urgent reminder of the need for unity and respect in the months ahead.

“No matter your background, your language or the colour of your skin, no one should be made to feel like they don’t belong in the place they call home,” says Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Kristen Hilton. “The racist behaviour being reported is not just against our shared values, it’s also against the law.”

This latest incident in Victoria coincides with reports of racism from other parts of the country. This week, federal Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan called for kindness and respect during these difficult times, while a survey coordinated by community group Asian Australian Alliance received 178 reports of racism directed towards people from Asian backgrounds in the last fortnight – roughly 12 reports every day.

“We know that many people are under pressure at the moment, but that can never be an excuse for dehumanising other members of our community,” says Commissioner Hilton. “Racism has a toxic and divisive impact on our society – it stops people from being able to participate fully in society and can leave them feeling isolated and unsafe.”

Through our enquiries and complaints services, we are receiving frequent reports of racism being experienced in the community. We heard from a woman with Asian heritage whose neighbours threatened violence if she didn’t keep out of their way. Another woman was abused while shopping at her local supermarket – as she picked up some hand sanitiser, a staff member remarked “All you Asians take everything”. We also heard from a doctor at one of Melbourne’s busiest hospitals who was abused so aggressively while getting the train to work that he no longer feels safe taking public transport. He’s having to rely on friends and family to drive him to his allocated shifts.

“Care and compassion are what we need right now,” says Commissioner Hilton. “It’s heartening to hear stories of solidarity and care emerging from the community – individuals and groups going out of their way to make sure that those most at risk are receiving a little extra care and support. That’s the kind of unity that will help us weather the uncertain times ahead.”

If you’ve experienced racism or another type of discrimination, contact our enquiries team via live chat – they can help you understand your rights under Victoria’s anti-discrimination laws and how you can make a complaint if you choose to. If you’d rather speak to someone directly, you can request a call back – and if they can’t answer your query, they’ll try to help you find someone who can.

Media contact

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Phone: 1300 292 153
Email: enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au
Post: PO Box 18011, Melbourne VIC 3000

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