The Commission for Children and Young People and Koorie Youth Council are jointly concerned about experiences of racism and the impact on the wellbeing of Aboriginal children and young people at this time.
This concern doesn’t sit in isolation. Aboriginal children and young people continue to navigate systemic pressures and barriers to feeling safe and supported in everyday life.
We call on the broader community to show care and support to Aboriginal children and young people, and to the families and communities that love them.
Every child and young person has the right to feel safe and live free from discrimination. These rights are not conditional and belong to Aboriginal children and young people as fully as anyone else.
Our organisations will keep working together to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities, now and into the future.
We encourage Aboriginal children, young people, and families to access culturally safe supports during this time. We also call on services and institutions to ensure these supports are visible, accessible, and connected.
'Aboriginal children and young people are strong when connected with their culture, identity and community. They should never have to navigate racism as a price of growing up. They have a right to feel safe, respected and valued. Adults and institutions have a responsibility to make that a reality.'
Dallas Widdicombe
Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People'KYC feels deeply the escalating harm being directed towards our young people, and the growing reality that too many young mob are being made to feel unsafe in their own communities. This is unacceptable. Now, more than ever, we need the whole community to stand up with Aboriginal children and young people: to reject racism and harm, to create spaces where young mob feel safe, valued and protected, and to check in on one another with care, strength and solidarity.'
Bonnie Dukakis
CEO of Koorie Youth Council