HARDA

Welcome to HARDA.

HARDA represents the collected views, issues and concerns of the refugees and migrants from the Horn of Africa countries (Eritrea, Ethiopia, the Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda and Djibouti) who have settled in Australia over the past decade.

HARDA strives to preserve the culture of its member countries while facilitating their integration into the mainstream of the wider Australian community. Priorities include the alleviation of poverty, the pursuit of social justice, equity and relief programs in Australia and internationally.

Members and volunteers pursue an active advocacy role for Horn of Africa communities in Australia, particularly on youth issues, anti-discrimination, education, settlement, housing, employment and community capacity building.
The agency has been prominent in encouraging successive Australian Governments to play an active role with the international community in helping the resolution of the problems of the Horn of Africa countries and actively supporting refugee resettlement programs.

HARDA has been consistent in its efforts to combat racism wherever we have identified it and has formed alliances with other non-government and government agencies to address the issue of domestic violence in Horn of Africa communities.

The agency has established a productive relationship with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and with numerous agencies at local, state and national levels. These include centres and societies which represent the Horn of Africa countries, STARTTS, the University of New South Wales, the Edmund Rice Centre, the Refugee Council of Australia, the NSW Community Relations Commission, the National Council of Churches and the Migrant Resource Centres.