Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Australia has obligations to protect the human rights of all asylum seekers who arrive in Australia
Human Rights Commissioner's Foreword:
Everyone has the right to seek asylum and be free from persecution, regardless of how or in what country they arrive. It is not illegal to seek asylum. This fundamental right is protected in international law by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Refugee Convention.
The Commission continues to play an active role in protecting and raising awareness of this essential human right. For decades, the Commission has worked in Australian law, policy and practice relating to asylum seekers, refugees and immigration detention. This includes investigating complaints, conducting inquiries and reporting on immigration detention.
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Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Commission commends High Court ruling on indefinite immigration detention
The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed yesterday’s High Court ruling which determined that Australia’s system of indefinite immigration detention is unlawful. The landmark decision overturns almost two decades of the practice by Australian authorities in finding it is unlawful to hold a...
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Joint Statement on the use of hotel APODs
This Statement provides guidance on the short-term use of hotel APODs, including access to open‑air exercise, access to meaningful programs and activities, and the need to ensure medical and welfare services are of the same standard as those provided in other immigration detention facilities.
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Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Immigration detention and human rights
The human rights of people who are in immigration detention are of special concern to the Commission. Liberty is a fundamental human right, recognised in major human rights instruments to which Australia is a party.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
