The Australian Human Rights Commission has awarded the Human Rights Business Award to global insurance giant
Allianz, for the company’s commitment to supporting refugee employment and education.
The insurer was recognized for its “Sustainable Employment Program” in partnership with Settlement Services International. The initiative provides refugees and migrants with permanent employment opportunities. Allianz also offers education scholarships for refugees.
“Australia’s refugees are far from a homogenous group; they come from enormously diverse backgrounds and bring with them a wealth of skills and life experiences,” said
Niran Peiris, Allianz Australia’s managing director. “However there are often barriers that many highly skilled refugees face when trying to seek suitable employment, including language and cultural differences, a lack of recognition by employers for their experience and education, and quite often unconscious bias.”
Allianz said 18 participants have already benefitted from the programme. They come from different cultural backgrounds and disciplines, including business, accounting and finance, data science, audit and customer service.
“The Sustainable Employment Program isn’t about placing participants in a program. These people are our colleagues and friends, we know their backgrounds, their stories and their experience; and yes these are highly qualified individuals who have brought with them a wealth of experience and are valued members of our team at Allianz,” said Allianz’s chief risk officer, Lori Callahan.
“I’m incredibly excited to be a part of such a life changing initiative that is not only good for business but the wider community we serve.”
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