About this winner
- Year: 2002
- Level: Winner
- Award category: Media award
About the 2002 nomination
Russell Skelton's series of articles address the gap between Australia's immigration policy and its implementation. The judges described the articles as "powerful, informative and empathetic".
The lead report, Tales from Behind the Fence , was the first detailed account of conditions at Woomera based on evidence from those who worked inside. Other articles tackled the alleged persecution of non-Muslims in detention; the conflicted role of the Immigration Minister, who acts as official guardian to a group of unaccompanied minors from Afghanistan, and; the trial of the first person charged with people smuggling under legislation passed in 2001.
About the Human Rights Awards
The Australian Human Rights Awards is an inspirational showcase of the best in all of us. The Awards honour and celebrate diverse human rights heroes and significant achievements in protecting and promoting human rights in Australia.