The Know Your Rights (KYR) Youth Program commenced in July 2025 and was funded by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI).
The project aimed to deliver a tailored human rights education program for young people (12-24-years-old) from refugee-like and asylum seeker backgrounds to empower them backgrounds through education, leadership development, advocacy, and community engagement. The program has developed from consultations we undertook with young people in 2023 and from the findings of the 2023-24 Parliamentary Inquiry into support for children and young people who have been directly or indirectly exposed to trauma associated with migration to Australia due to humanitarian crises. It was also a result of the Parliamentary Committee report – Pathways to Thriving: Enhancing support for humanitarian children and young people in Western Australia that ASeTTS, along with other service providers, experts, and people with lived experience made formal submissions, and participated in hearings and small focus groups to explore key issues.
The program was facilitated by our Children and Youth team, Sarah Mulenga (Youth Worker), Sheena Swashanti (Clinical Lead) and who were also supported by our Social Work Student Placement Travis Campbell. It followed a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and youth-centred approach, providing opportunities for young people to learn about human rights, civic participation, leadership, advocacy, social inclusion, and pathways to support. Young people were actively involved in co-designing the program content to ensure the workshops reflected their lived experiences and priorities.
The project successfully engaged 55 young people, including 25 participants aged 16–25 years and 30 participants aged 12–15 years, from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and culturally and racially marginalised (CaRM) communities. Workshops were delivered in partnership with WA Police, Legal Aid WA, the Equal Opportunity Commission, Youth Affairs Council WA, the City of Cockburn, community leaders, and government representatives, providing participants with direct access to information, services, and positive role models.
Workshops and topics
The program consisted of eight workshops delivered across two age groups young people aged 16–24 years and 12–15 years. The key workshop topics included:
Human Rights and Responsibilities Participants explored human rights principles and their relevance in everyday life.
Racism, Sexism, Harassment and Bullying Participants discussed discrimination, reporting pathways, and support services.
Advocacy, Civic Engagement and Leadership Participants developed communication, advocacy, and leadership skills while learning about community participation.
Social Inclusion and Respect for Diversity Participants explored cultural identity, respect, dignity, inclusion, and community belonging.
Additional specialist workshops were delivered in collaboration with WA Police, Legal Aid WA and the Equal Opportunity Commission, providing direct access to information, services, and support pathways.
1. WA Police – Safety, Law and Human Rights
Participants explored the legal consequences of criminal behaviour, personal safety, community responsibility, and positive engagement with law enforcement.
2. Legal Aid WA – Legal Rights and Support
Participants learned about legal protections, accessing legal advice, and available support services for young people.
3. Global Human Rights Workshop
Presented by a former ASeTTS CEO, this session examined the history of human rights, international treaties, and personal responsibilities within society.
4. Equal Opportunity Commission – Advocacy and Discrimination
Participants explored discrimination laws, anti-racism strategies, complaint processes, advocacy skills, and active bystander approaches.
5. Civic Engagement and Leadership
Hon. Ayor Makur shared personal experiences and encouraged youth participation in civic and political processes, highlighting pathways for leadership and community involvement.
6. Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
Participants engaged in practical activities, including role plays and reflective exercises, to strengthen communication skills, leadership capability, and emotional awareness. This session was presented by Senior Community Development Coordinator, David Ajak Ajang from ASeTTS.
Finding a Voice Through Rights Education
Through workshops on discrimination, advocacy, and legal rights, the young person gained an understanding of reporting pathways and support services.
“I have learnt a lot new things. Being part of the team was really helpful and also at the same time I was having fun. There was on time where I got some girl was bullying and being racist to me just because I brought my culture food in the school. And I was really sad. And I feel sometimes why people want to be racist is because they want to be powerful. Don’t listen to them and ignore them because they wanted to make you feel bad so like the more you listen the more power they have.”
— Participant, Know Your Rights Program
“The workshop gave me confidence to speak up for myself and others. Before, I didn’t know where to go for help or what my rights were. Now I know there are services and people who can support me, and I feel more confident standing up against racism and unfair treatment.”
