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.
It is a not-for-profit
organisation, incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act in November 2003, and has been classified as a public
benevolent organisation and deductible gift recipient by the Australian Tax Office. It is co-located with the Edmund Rice
Centre at Flemington NSW and is a beneficiary of the Centre’s support.
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.
