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.
Latest News
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Women in immigration detention at serious risk of harassment and violence
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Explainer: Commission does not support the Migration Amendment Bill
The Australian Government has introduced new migration laws into Parliament to expand search and seizure powers in immigration detention centres. The Commission does not support the Migration Amendment (Prohibiting Items in Immigration Detention Facilities) Bill 2024
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Submission on the Migration Amendment Bill 2024
The Australian Human Rights Commission has made a submission to the Parliamentary Committee that is considering the Migration Amendment Bill 2024.
Top Projects
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