Australia: Draconian laws in action undermine Australia’s human rights obligations
29 August 2006, 01:07PM
The first control order issued today under Australia's new anti-terror legislation heralds a regrettable period for Australia's human rights record said Amnesty International Australia.
"Control orders, such as Jack Thomas' at the very least impose severe restrictions on a persons liberty and at worst can amount to house arrest," said Katie Wood, Campaign Coordinator at Amnesty International Australia.
The terms of his control order restrict Mr Thomas from leaving his home between certain hours. In Australia, and other countries where control orders are part of the counter-terrorism arsenal, Amnesty International has concerns about the human rights implications.
"Control orders potentially violate a range of human rights including the rights to liberty and security, freedom from arbitrary detention, freedom of movement, freedom of religion, freedom of expression and association, and the right to be presumed innocent.
"We are extremely concerned that control orders may be unchallengeable as the evidence that they are based on may not be accessible to either the individual or their lawyer.
"A person may never know the reason he or she is the subject of an order and might never find out. In Australia, as in other countries, anti-terror legislation runs the risk of violating our human rights commitments as signatory to international declarations and covenants," said Ms Wood.
Under laws introduced by the Australian Government, the Australian Federal Police can seek from a court control orders on people who are considered to pose a terrorist risk to the community.
Control orders can impose conditions including compelling individuals to wear tracking devices, and restricting their travel and association, and communication via telephone and Internet.
Australia: Draconian laws in action undermine Australia’s human rights obligations
29 August 2006, 01:07PM
The first control order issued today under Australia's new anti-terror legislation heralds a regrettable period for Australia's human rights record said Amnesty International Australia.
"Control orders, such as Jack Thomas' at the very least impose severe restrictions on a persons liberty and at worst can amount to house arrest," said Katie Wood, Campaign Coordinator at Amnesty International Australia.
The terms of his control order restrict Mr Thomas from leaving his home between certain hours. In Australia, and other countries where control orders are part of the counter-terrorism arsenal, Amnesty International has concerns about the human rights implications.
"Control orders potentially violate a range of human rights including the rights to liberty and security, freedom from arbitrary detention, freedom of movement, freedom of religion, freedom of expression and association, and the right to be presumed innocent.
"We are extremely concerned that control orders may be unchallengeable as the evidence that they are based on may not be accessible to either the individual or their lawyer.
"A person may never know the reason he or she is the subject of an order and might never find out. In Australia, as in other countries, anti-terror legislation runs the risk of violating our human rights commitments as signatory to international declarations and covenants," said Ms Wood.
Under laws introduced by the Australian Government, the Australian Federal Police can seek from a court control orders on people who are considered to pose a terrorist risk to the community.
Control orders can impose conditions including compelling individuals to wear tracking devices, and restricting their travel and association, and communication via telephone and Internet.
Australia: Draconian laws in action undermine Australia’s human rights obligations
29 August 2006, 01:07PM
The first control order issued today under Australia's new anti-terror legislation heralds a regrettable period for Australia's human rights record said Amnesty International Australia.
"Control orders, such as Jack Thomas' at the very least impose severe restrictions on a persons liberty and at worst can amount to house arrest," said Katie Wood, Campaign Coordinator at Amnesty International Australia.
The terms of his control order restrict Mr Thomas from leaving his home between certain hours. In Australia, and other countries where control orders are part of the counter-terrorism arsenal, Amnesty International has concerns about the human rights implications.
"Control orders potentially violate a range of human rights including the rights to liberty and security, freedom from arbitrary detention, freedom of movement, freedom of religion, freedom of expression and association, and the right to be presumed innocent.
"We are extremely concerned that control orders may be unchallengeable as the evidence that they are based on may not be accessible to either the individual or their lawyer.
"A person may never know the reason he or she is the subject of an order and might never find out. In Australia, as in other countries, anti-terror legislation runs the risk of violating our human rights commitments as signatory to international declarations and covenants," said Ms Wood.
Under laws introduced by the Australian Government, the Australian Federal Police can seek from a court control orders on people who are considered to pose a terrorist risk to the community.
Control orders can impose conditions including compelling individuals to wear tracking devices, and restricting their travel and association, and communication via telephone and Internet.
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