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Australia, Human Rights, Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A comment on the current human rights issues faced by Australia in the processing of refugees and asylum seekers By Gillian Triggs, published in Issue 3 2013, Volume 2 of the International Advocate It is clear that Australia is currently facing challenges with respect to asylum seekers and refugees, particularly those who arrive by boat…

In an opinion piece published by The Canberra Times, Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay criticises the Federal Government proposed amendments to the Migration Act. She argues the proposed changes that remove procedural fairness in deportation decisions risk violating human rights, undermine the rule of law, and cause serious harm.

In an opinion piece published in The Mandarin, Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay decries Australia’s ongoing failures in torture protection. The piece was published on the 1989 anniversary of Australia signing up to the UN Convention Against Torture.

Lorraine Finlay, Human Rights Commissioner   As we approach international Human Rights Day on 10 December – which this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights – the ongoing fallout from the NZYQ High Court decision continues to highlight both the importance and complexity of promoting and protecting human rights. The passing of the Migration Amendment (Bridging…

In an opinion piece published in The Guardian, Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay Commissioner Finlay describes the harrowing experiences faced by many women in immigration detention and calls for urgent reform to address these human rights failures. It follows the release of the AHRC report into the issue.

Learn about the right to seek asylum from persecution.

NEXT year is the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, signed reluctantly by King John at the ­demand of his rebellious barons in 1215. Buried in the middle of this foundational document of English constitutional law — setting out the single measure for wine and ale and the rights of widows on the death of their husband — are these words: “No freeman is to be taken or imprisoned or disseised…

As Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman writes for The Guardian Australia, the language used when speaking about those seeking our protection matters. He writes that Australia must take action against discrimination and racism – starting from the top.

Learn about the benefits of treating asylum seekers well.

As with any agreement, there are certain requirements that OPCAT signatories need to fulfill, and Australia has been given longer than any other country to meet our OPCAT commitments. Today – 20 January 2023 – is our extended compliance deadline, and Australia has failed to deliver on our promises.

The former and current ministers for immigration and border security, Chris Bowen and Scott Morrison, agree on one thing: that asylum seeker children are not detained to deter people smuggling. Rather, it appears that patrol boats and naval frigates, commanded by a three star general, and a refusal to allow refugees to settle here, have reduced the number of boats reaching Australia. Why…