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On Saturday 29 July 2000 the then Human Rights Commissioner, Mr Chris Sidoti, assisted by a consultant, Dr Mary Crock, Senior Lecturer in Law at Sydney University, visited the Curtin Immigration Reception and Processing Centre outside Derby in the Kimberley region of WA. They made observations and obtained information about accommodation, programs and services, and particulars about the…

"We reaffirm our commitment to continue our struggle to eliminate all forms of violence and torture against children and to create a world that protects and fulfils the rights of all children." [1]

ChilOut was established in July 2001 by a group of concerned parents and citizens who felt compelled to advocate and act on behalf of children and their parents living in Australia's immigration detention centres (IDC).

1. Save the Children Save the Children is the world's largest independent child development organisation, with 32 member countries and programs in over 100 countries. Save the Children works for:

As organisations with a strong commitment to social justice, and in particular to the education of young people, the Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Parramatta, and the Edmund Rice Centre, are most appreciative of the opportunity to make a submission to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission’s Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention.

1. The provisions made by Australia to implement its international human rights obligations regarding child asylum seekers, including unaccompanied minors.

Artwork Submitted to the Inquiry The following poems and drawings were submitted to the inquiry. Click on the images below to view larger versions. 1. Drawings provided by a child who has been in detention at Port Hedland IRPC for 22 months. 2. Two poems and a drawing provided by the mother of a child at Woomera IRPC Click here to read: Just for Australian Kind People (1) and Just for…

Click on the links below to access submissions relating to specific issues raised by the Inquiry and submissions from individuals/ organisations attending public hearings.

4. The Impact of Detention on the well being of children and additional measures and safeguards required in detention facilities (Terms of Reference 4 & 5)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that around half of the 50 million displaced persons in the world are children. Around 10 million of these children are under the care of UNHCR. Approximately 100,000 separated children roam Western Europe.(1) During 1999 alone, more than 20,000 separated children applied for asylum in Western Europe, North America or Australia…

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) requires Australia to protect children's rights to cultural identity, language and religion. The most effective way of ensuring enjoyment of these rights is to encourage and allow refugee and asylum-seeking children to participate in cultural and religious activities in the community. The Australian community is well equipped to respond to this need…

Two Assistant Commissioners have been appointed to assist the Inquiry. Prof Thomas and Dr Sullivan will assist the Inquiry in providing advice in their respective fields of expertise and will assist with public hearings.

Staff in the Social Policy and Advocacy Research Centre, and the Youth Studies Flagship at the Australian Catholic University welcome the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's initiative in establishing an inquiry into children in Australia's immigration detention centres.