Topic: Elimination of Xenophobia and Racism
Country: Australia
Delegate Name: Riley Wilson
School: Grand Rapids City High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Australia position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
Xenophobia is defined as "attitudes, prejudices and behavior that reject, exclude and often vilify persons, based on the perception that they are outsiders or foreigners to the community, society or national identity". Racism is defined as "the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race". Racism and Xenophobia are, without a doubt, and international issue that needs to be addressed by this council. The rate of hate crimes has increased in many countries such as the United States according to the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. Hate crimes marginalize groups of people and can have detrimental effects on the country's society. Australia would like to make the elimination of xenophobia and racism a clear priority of this council.
Australia is one of the most diverse countries in the United Nations, with more than 22.2% of citizens having been born in different countries, according to the Australian Census Bureau, and that number is continually increasing. Over 100,000 people have migrated to Australia last year alone, and tens of thousands of migrants are being given visas through our Humanitarian Program. Not only that, but according to a study by Australian academic Professor Sue Richardson, those who come to this country tend to be very well off economically, and have great success getting jobs. Unlike countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, political parties who's platform focused on racism and xenophobia have been rejected by the Australian people, showing our acceptance of all cultures within our society. Unfortunately, the same level of acceptance is not shared in all UN countries, and that is why the elimination of racism and xenophobia is very much a top priority internationally.
Australia is in support of moves made by this council pertaining to the elimination of xenophobia and racism. An international coalition focusing on education on foreign cultures and the elimination of divisions within societies. Australia would also like to encourage this council to distance itself from any movements or people who would do damage to this coalition. Australia also feels that their societal success in bringing people together should be a model for the way the UN should encourage the elimination of racism and xenophobia.
