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Immigration detention reforms a welcome step

29 July 2008, 02:00PM

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© AFP

Australia's immigration detention system has finally been brought into line with other Western democracies, following reforms announced today that will see asylum seekers detained as a last resort and for the shortest practicable time. The Government must now amend the Migration Act to ensure these principles are protected by legislation.

"Under these reforms the Government will have to argue the case for an asylum seeker to be detained. If the person doesn’t pose a risk they should be released into the community," said Amnesty International campaign coordinator Dr Graham Thom.

"This will help repair the harm done to our international reputation by previous policies where prolonged detention caused irreparable damage to both the physical and mental health of those detained."

While these changes are a major step towards Australia fulfilling its international obligations, Amnesty International is concerned about the Government’s emphasis on 'strong border security and firm deterrence of unauthorised arrivals.' Australia will not fulfill its international obligations if it retains a policy of deterring people legitimately fleeing persecution. The Refugee Convention recognises that not all asylum seekers will be able to access legitimate documents and should not be penalised for this.

"We call for an end to the policy of excising offshore territories, for the closure of Christmas Island detention centre, and for all asylum seekers to be treated equally in keeping with our international obligations," said Dr Thom.

"It is important that the government amend current legislation to clearly reflect Australia’s international obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention, as well as other significant human rights Conventions. Detention should only be used as a last resort. At present an asylum seeker can still be detained indefinitely without charge. We urge the government to take the next step and introduce legislative change to officially end mandatory detention and protect the rights of asylum seekers in Australia."

Comments

Comments are submitted by members of the public and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Amnesty International Australia. If you find a comment objectionable please contact the web editor.

1

sselvaretnam2008
9 August 2008, 09:57AM Notify the web editor

Kudos to the Rudd government to have come this far....the journey needs to continue to ensure human rights in its fullest to be aligned to our legislations."How would we (if we are refugeesnin Australia,would like to be treated?...)

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