Australian Human Rights Commission Submission to the UN Committee On The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination, 30 October 2017 38. The Commission refers to the recent parliamentary inquiry into strengthening multiculturalism and the resulting report of the Select Committee on Strengthening Multiculturalism.34 Noting the social and economic value of a multilingual Australia, and the role of interfaith and intercultural understanding in promoting social cohesion, the Select Committee has recommended the development of an intercultural and multicultural education curriculum including ‘compulsory language education’ and ‘comprehensive intercultural education’ for primary and secondary school students.35 Recommendation 8: That the Australian Government strengthen public education about multiculturalism, including through the national school curriculum. (c) Human rights education in the public service 39. The Commission considers that human rights education for public servants could be improved, especially for those officials in the administration of justice and with legislative responsibilities to develop statements of compatibility with human rights for newly proposed legislation. 40. The Commission also notes that Australia’s activities for the World Program for Human Rights Education are uncoordinated and not systematic. Recommendation 9: That the Australian Government support human rights education for all areas of the public sector, particularly in the administration of justice and places of detention, including targeted initiatives for public officials. (d) National Anti-Racism Strategy 41. Education initiatives such as the National Anti-Racism Partnership and Strategy (the Strategy), coordinated by the Commission, play a vital role in supporting the maintenance of racial tolerance. The aim of the Strategy is to promote a clear understanding in the Australian community of what racism is, and how it can be prevented and reduced.36 42. The Commission conducted an evaluation of the Strategy in 2015 and concluded that it has been effective in raising awareness of racism and how best to respond to it.37 43. A key component of the Strategy is a national anti-racism campaign, Racism. It Stops with Me.38 The campaign now has more than 360 organisational supporters, from across local and state governments, business, education, sporting organisations, the arts and civil society. 44. The Commission commends the Australian Government’s commitment to support the Strategy and the Racism. It Stops with Me campaign. 39 45. The Commission notes that the Select Committee on Strengthening Multiculturalism has recommended that the Australian Government continue to provide ongoing support for the Strategy, through continuing to fund activities that raise public awareness and empower individuals and communities to 11