The Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan has met with members of the Muslim community in the ACT about their experiences of discrimination, Islamophobia and hate speech and their right to safely practice their religion.

The gathering at the Canberra Islamic Centre last night, is part of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s consultations with Australian-Muslims, announced after the deadly attacks on places of worship in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Commissioner Tan told the Canberra gathering he wants to identify community strengths, concerns and priorities and hear about ideas for change. “These national consultations are an opportunity to ensure that the voices of Australian-Muslim communities are centered in national discussions about Islamophobia, racism and related intolerances in Australia…The conversations will help develop supports for Muslim communities and inform the Commission’s work in promoting social cohesion,” Commissioner Tan said.

Source: Australian Human Rights Commission