The Human Rights Law Centre strongly condemns the neo-Nazi violence towards First Nations people and the racial vilification of migrant and refugee communities on 31 August.  

The Human Rights Law Centre rejects racism, hate speech and violence in all forms. The Centre respects and seeks to protect the right to peaceful assembly. International human rights law is clear this cannot be used for any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that incites discrimination, hostility or violence.

The rallies, organised by neo-Nazi groups and promoted by white supremacists, sought to sow fear, division and hate across Australia.  

The cowardly, unprovoked, violent hate crimes by an armed and racist contingent on Camp Sovereignty against First Nations people in Melbourne must be investigated and condemned by political leaders. Questions must also be asked of Victoria Police as to why they were unable to prevent or stop the attack. 

Every person should live a life free from violence, discrimination and vilification regardless of their race, gender, religion, sexuality, disability, or ethnicity. 

While a vocal minority of people marched on the streets espousing hate, the Australian Government announced a $400 million dollar plan for the mass deportation of migrants and refugees to Nauru, and proposed new laws to strip people of basic legal rights and protections in the process.

The Human Rights Law Centre stands with First Nations, migrant and refugee communities in the ongoing fight against systemic racism. 

We call on our political leaders to stop implementing racist policies and the media to stop platforming far-right figureheads which fuel and legitimise neo-Nazi groups to promote fear, division and hate on our streets.  

Governments across Australia must uphold and respect First Nations, migrant, and refugee communities, and advance policies which promote and protect all people’s human rights in Australia no matter who they are, or where they come from.