Discrimination occurs when a particular group of people is treated differently (especially unfairly), which results in unequal access to resources, power and opportunities.
Discrimination can be interpersonal (occurring between individuals) or institutional (when policies and procedures or laws disadvantage a specific group).
Supporting cultural diversity means accepting a diversity of values and ways of living within a human rights framework and with respect for the rule of law.
VicHealth works to reduce race-based discrimination and support diversity to improve health and wellbeing.
Discrimination on the grounds of culture, ethnicity and religion affects health and wellbeing, particularly mental health. Those most affected by race-based discrimination are Indigenous people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds, especially Muslim, Asian, Middle-Eastern and African backgrounds.