The Australian government put up a video advert asking Victorians to be kind to South Sudanese migrants’ children.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission, a government department, released the 60 second advert urging people not to treat the school going children badly due unfair stereotypes.
The video – released just before school season began – shows a South Sudanese father and mother preparing their two sons to go to school.
It noted that African families had survived wars back in their countries, and were terrified by them.
Locals have however complained of the existence of gangs made up of Africans. They accuse the gangs of terrorizing them, even in their homes.
The advert took note of this, but urged locals not to hate all Africans because of a few wrong characters in the society. It said the police were dealing with that.
“Hundreds of these Australian families have survived a dreadful war and seen millions killed. But they’re just as frightened now. Why? Because some people in our community are spreading hate and fear and it’s these innocent kids who are coping it. Yes, some kids have fallen through the cracks and the police are dealing with that. But don’t hate the majority of good people because a few have strayed. That’s not the Aussie way, these are beautiful people. So, when you see one of these kids come to school, look out for them. Give them a wave and a smile. Let’s make the start of the year a good one for everyone,” the video’s script read.
Over 6 million South Sudanese nationals have been displaced by the war in their country, with more than 2.5 million living outside the East African country.
The war which began in December 2013 sparked by a political feud between President Salva Kiir and his then deputy Riek Machar has killed tens of thousands in that period, as peace remains elusive.
Last year, the U.N. ranked South Sudan as Africa’s biggest refugee crisis, coming third worldwide after Syria and Afghanistan.
