This report explores how racism affects young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds in Victoria, Australia. Despite the state’s rich cultural diversity, many young people face racism in their daily lives. This includes direct and indirect discrimination in places like schools, public transport, sports clubs, workplaces, and even interactions with police.
Racism can harm young people’s mental health, self-esteem, and sense of belonging. It can also affect their access to education, employment, and housing. The report explains that racism is not just about individual behaviour—it can be built into systems and institutions, making it harder to challenge.
CMY has worked for over 25 years to support multicultural youth and fight racism. They believe that tackling racism requires action from everyone—government, schools, businesses, communities, and young people themselves.
The report includes real stories from young people who have experienced racism. These stories show how racism can be subtle, ignored, or even accepted as normal. It also highlights how media and police practices can reinforce negative stereotypes and mistrust.
Finally, the report offers clear recommendations for the Victorian Government. These include:
- Teaching anti-racism and cultural understanding in schools.
- Supporting multicultural events and media created by young people.
- Training for sports clubs, teachers, and police to improve cultural awareness.
- Creating fairer job opportunities and collecting better data on racism.
