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Multicultural - Townsville City Council - Queensland Government

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Integration<br />

global trends<br />

Article one in the United Nations Educational,<br />

Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO),<br />

Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity,<br />

adopted in November 2001, states ‘cultural<br />

diversity is the common heritage of humanity and<br />

should be recognised and affirmed for the benefit<br />

of present and future generations.’<br />

Article four in the UNESCO states ‘the defence of<br />

cultural diversity implies a commitment to human<br />

rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular<br />

the rights of persons belonging to minorities and<br />

those of indigenous peoples.’<br />

australian government<br />

The People of Australia – Australia’s <strong>Multicultural</strong><br />

Policy is the Australian <strong>Government</strong>’s policy<br />

statement on multiculturalism. This policy was<br />

adopted in 2011 in acknowledgement that<br />

Australia is a multicultural nation.<br />

Since 1945, seven million people have migrated<br />

to Australia. Today, one in four of Australia’s 22<br />

million people were born overseas, 44 per cent<br />

were born overseas or have a parent who was, and<br />

four million speak a language other than English.<br />

identify with more than 270 ancestries. The policy<br />

is underpinned by the following principles.<br />

>> The Australian <strong>Government</strong> celebrates and<br />

values the benefits of cultural diversity for<br />

all Australians, within the broader aims of<br />

national unity, community harmony and<br />

maintenance of our democratic values.<br />

>> The Australian <strong>Government</strong> is committed<br />

to a just, inclusive and socially cohesive<br />

society where everyone can participate in<br />

the opportunities that Australia offers and<br />

where government services are responsive to<br />

the needs of Australians from culturally and<br />

linguistically diverse backgrounds.<br />

>> The Australian <strong>Government</strong> welcomes the<br />

economic, trade and investment benefits<br />

which arise from our successful multicultural<br />

nation.<br />

>> The Australian <strong>Government</strong> will act to<br />

promote understanding and acceptance while<br />

responding to expressions of intolerance<br />

and discrimination with strength, and where<br />

necessary, the force of law.<br />

Australians speak over 260 languages and<br />

6 <strong>Multicultural</strong> Strategic Action Plan 2011-2014

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