The Government’s review of long-term detention cases
Lea L. 13 March 2008, 03:51PM
Amnesty International welcomes Immigration Minister Chris Evan’s move to review all long-term detention cases of anyone held for more than two years. The Minister plans to examine 61 cases by the end of April, which includes a 64-year-old British man, held in detention for six years and a 46-year-old Indian man who has been detained for five years and 10 months.
Immigration Minister Chris Evans criticises the previous government’s refugee policy, saying it did not respond "seriously enough" to the Ombudsman’s concerns on the 61 cases. The new Minister wants to work closely with the Ombudsman, rather than just to "ignore his recommendations".
The Immigration Minister recognises it will be a difficult task, but he wants to find a solution for the asylum seekers in Australia. The Ombudsman welcomes the opportunity to discuss the cases with the Minister.
Amnesty International supports the Rudd Government’s willingness to finding solutions to detention within Australia. There nevertheless remains the need to look at its mandatory detention policy as a whole. The Senator is adamant that the Government has no plans to abolish the policy of mandatory detention of asylum seekers who arrive in Australia without proper documentation. Amnesty International and others believe Australia’s mandatory detention regime is a clear violation of international law.
The Government has raised the possibility of establishing a system of complementary protection that would provide a separate visa category for those who require protection but do not fit the criteria for refugee status. This could possibly prevent problems related to long-term detainees. Amnesty International Australia would welcome any initiative to introduce complementary detention.
For further information see the article Govt reviews long-term detention cases, ABC News
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This blog entry was created by Lea L. and does not necessarily represent the position or opinion of Amnesty International Australia.
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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.
Sophie Wood
15 March 2008, 09:49AM
I agree that the the implementation of the mandatory detention policy in Australia should be subjected to review. Nobody could dispute that there have been numerous and repeated breaches of human rights made in the treatment of asylum seekers, and, in particular, children, inside these camps. The suggestions made by HREOC in its recent inquiry into children kept in immigration detention should be acted upon.
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