Australian Human Rights Commission Submission to the UN Committee On The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination, 30 October 2017 committees, including the concluding observations of the Committee in relation to Australia’s 18th to 20th periodic report under CERD. Recommendation 5: That the Australian Government fulfil its commitment to ratify Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) by December 2017 and commence its progressive implementation immediately thereafter. Recommendation 6: That the Australian Government consider ratification of the Convention on Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and other international instruments relating to issues of racial discrimination. Recommendation 7: That the Australian Government incorporate more comprehensive human rights education (including in relation to racial discrimination and CERD) in the national school curriculum. Recommendation 8: That the Australian Government strengthen public education about multiculturalism, including through the national school curriculum. 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. Recommendation 10: That the Australian Government continue to support the anti-racism and other educative work of the Commission, including the National Anti-Racism Partnership and Strategy. Racial discrimination in Australia Recommendation 11: That the Australian Government recognise the importance of maintaining effective legal protections against racial discrimination and hatred in setting a standard for public conduct in a multicultural society. Recommendation 12: That the Australian Government continue to support a policy of multiculturalism as a means of promoting social cohesion, cultural harmony and national unity. Recommendation 13: That the Australian Parliament consider further public recognition of Australian multiculturalism, including periodic public statements affirming parliamentarians’ support of a multicultural Australia. Recommendation 14: That the Australian Government strengthen the policy machinery of Australian multiculturalism, including through the re-establishment of an Office of Multicultural Affairs. 40