Australia’s international obligations
Australia is obliged under international law to protect the human rights of all asylum seekers and refugees, regardless of how or where they arrive.
Immigration
Blanket bans would be unacceptable
During lockdown, many of us – myself included – have become even more reliant on our mobile phones. They have kept us in contact with parents, children and grandchildren, our colleagues and friends during this difficult time.
Use of force in immigration detention
The issue of the use of force in immigration detention has been raised in a range of complaints against the Department of Home Affairs received by the Commission. This report deals thematically with 14 complaints.
Inspection of Villawood Immigration Detention Centre Report
This report contains an overview of key observations and recommendations arising from the Australian Human Rights Commission’s inspection of the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre ("VIDC") in April 2017.
Inspection of Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre Report
This report contains an overview of key observations and recommendations arising from the Australian Human Rights Commission’s inspection of the Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre ("YHIDC") in May 2017.
Inspection of Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre
This report contains an overview of key observations and concerns arising from the Australian Human Rights Commission’s inspection of the Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre (MIDC) in March 2017.
Inspection of Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation Report (2017)
This report contains an overview of key observations and concerns arising from the Australian Human Rights Commission’s inspection of the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation (MITA) detention facility in March 2017.
Pathways to Protection: A human rights-based response to the flight of asylum seekers by sea
President’s introduction Australia’s policy of sending asylum seekers and refugees to Nauru and Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island for processing of their claims has been one of the most contentious aspects of Australia’s migration policies. Introduced in 2012, third country processing has been a key plank of successive Australian governments to deter asylum seekers from travelling to Australia by sea. Those who reach our shores are not permitted...
Expert reports from visits to immigration detention centres
The Commission visited various immigration detention centres as part of the Inquiry.
The Commission was accompanied by various independent consultants including paediatricians and child psychiatrists. The following are some of the reports prepared by these consultants after their visits to immigration detention centres.
These expert reports do not represent the views of the Commission.
Visit to Christmas Island from 1 – 8 March 2014:
Commission’s previous work on children in immigration detention
The Commission has long held serious concerns about the impact of Australia’s mandatory immigration detention system, particularly on children.
In 1999-2000 the numbers of children in detention began to significantly increase. In November 2001, when there were over 700 children in detention, Human Rights Commissioner Dr Sev Ozdowski announced an inquiry into children in immigration detention. The Inquiry published its report, A last resort? National Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention, in April 2004.