Australia violated rights of asylum seekers held in Nauru, UN watchdog says
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Australia violated rights of asylum seekers held in Nauru, UN watchdog says

Al Jazeera  

The Australian government violated a human rights treaty by detaining a group of asylum seekers, many of them minors, on the remote Pacific island of Nauru, even after they were granted refugee status, a United Nations watchdog has ruled. The UN Human Rights Committee said Australia violated two provisions of the legally binding 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – one on arbitrary detention and one protecting the right to challenge their detention in court. “A state party cannot escape its human rights responsibility when outsourcing asylum processing to another state,” committee member Mahjoub El Haiba said in a statement on Friday following Thursday’s ruling. The UN watchdog’s ruling covers two cases involving 25 refugees and asylum seekers who endured years of arbitrary detention in Nauru. “It has been the Australian government’s consistent position that Australia does not exercise effective control over regional processing centres,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs.

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History of this topic

Trump’s extremist border policies are part of a global authoritarian moment
1 month, 1 week ago

Trump’s extremist border policies are part of a global authoritarian moment

Al Jazeera  

Successive government in the US, the UK and Australia have embraced and exchanged brutal migration policies for years. Shortly after, in 2001, the Australian government introduced the so-called Pacific Solution, which saw Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea incorporated into an elaborate architecture of offshore detention. When the Australian government moved the last person out of the Nauru …

Rights groups slam Australian plan to transfer criminals to Nauru
1 month, 1 week ago

Rights groups slam Australian plan to transfer criminals to Nauru

Raw Story  

by Laura CHUNG Rights groups on Monday denounced an Australian plan to send three violent foreign criminals -- including a murderer -- to live on the tiny Pacific nation of Nauru. Canberra said Sunday it had paid an undisclosed sum to Nauru -- population about 13,000 -- in return for it issuing 30-year visas to the trio, who lost their …

Australia asked to pay compensation for violating rights of asylum seekers in Nauru camps
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Australia asked to pay compensation for violating rights of asylum seekers in Nauru camps

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Australia violated the human rights …

80 people freed from Australian migrant centers since High Court outlawed indefinite detention
1 year, 4 months ago

80 people freed from Australian migrant centers since High Court outlawed indefinite detention

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Eighty people, including convicted criminals considered dangerous, have …

80 people freed from Australian migrant centers since High Court outlawed indefinite detention
1 year, 4 months ago

80 people freed from Australian migrant centers since High Court outlawed indefinite detention

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — Eighty people, including convicted criminals considered dangerous, have been released from Australian migrant detention centers since the High Court ruled last week that their indefinite detention was unconstitutional, the immigration minister said Monday. The court overturned a 2004 High Court precedent set in the case of a Palestinian man, Ahmed Al-Kateb, that found stateless people could be …

Government confirms asylum seekers held in indefinite detention will be released, as wrongly detained man re-enters community
1 year, 4 months ago

Government confirms asylum seekers held in indefinite detention will be released, as wrongly detained man re-enters community

ABC  

A stateless Rohingya man who was being held in immigration detention indefinitely has re-entered the community, and dozens of other asylum seekers will soon follow, the federal government has confirmed. Key points: The federal government has confirmed dozens held in immigration detention will be released A Rohingya man at the centre of the High Court case has been released into …

End Days for Australia’s Nauru Detention Center?
1 year, 8 months ago

End Days for Australia’s Nauru Detention Center?

The Diplomat  

The Australian government was expected to begin the process of removing all remaining asylum seekers from the island of Nauru by the end of June, more than a decade after the offshore processing on the tiny Pacific Island was restarted. As Human Rights Watch noted, “few other countries go to such lengths to deliberately inflict suffering on people seeking safety …

UN condemns arbitrary detention of Iranian refugee in Australia
2 years ago

UN condemns arbitrary detention of Iranian refugee in Australia

Al Jazeera  

UN says Australia, which has detained Ahwaz asylum seeker Mr A since 2017, is breaching international law. The UN Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declared the man’s imprisonment to be “de facto”, “indefinite” and in breach of international law. The group also “strongly condemned Australia’s detention of Mr A, not only because of the nature of the …

New Zealand to take 450 refugees from Australian detention
3 years ago

New Zealand to take 450 refugees from Australian detention

Al Jazeera  

Refugees who tried to get to Australia by boat have spent years on remote islands or held in immigration detention, damaging their mental health. New Zealand has announced it will take in 450 asylum seekers and refugees held in Australia or its offshore detention centre in Nauru under Australia’s hardline immigration policy, nine years after its first offer was rejected. …

Australia to stop detaining asylum seekers in PNG
3 years, 5 months ago

Australia to stop detaining asylum seekers in PNG

Al Jazeera  

Papua New Guinea says it will provide asylum seekers who wish to stay a path to citizenship, but rights group accuse Canberra of ‘dumping’ refugees. Australia will stop detaining asylum seekers in Papua New Guinea at the end of December, the two countries have announced, as the Australian government shuts one of two controversial detention centres it set up in …

Two refugees to sue Australia over continued detention
3 years, 7 months ago

Two refugees to sue Australia over continued detention

Al Jazeera  

Then-immigration minister Scott Morrison broke the law when he put children into offshore detention system, lawyers say. You’re like a hostage without any rights.” This was mostly what their childhood was like, he says, and all they got was “detention, frustration and misery.” The spokesperson from the Department of Home Affairs insisted “dedicated services” were available to support the health …

China tells UN Australia's offshore detention centres violate human rights, don't have adequate conditions
4 years ago

China tells UN Australia's offshore detention centres violate human rights, don't have adequate conditions

ABC  

China says it is "deeply concerned" by the Australian government's operation of offshore detention centres, and called for the sites to be closed immediately. Key points: China says the human rights of those in offshore detention centres have been violated It has also called on Australia to investigate "serious war crimes" committed by soldiers overseas China has been accused of …

People fleeing from the effects of climate change can claim asylum: UN rights panel
5 years, 2 months ago

People fleeing from the effects of climate change can claim asylum: UN rights panel

Firstpost  

The ruling is not legal as yet but it can be cited by people whose right to life is endangered by the climate crisis. A U.N. human rights panel has ruled for the first time that people fleeing the effects of climate change may be entitled to claim asylum, even as it dismissed an individual plaintiff’s case against his deportation …

Australia’s offshore refugee policy has failed
6 years, 1 month ago

Australia’s offshore refugee policy has failed

Al Jazeera  

Such policies may seem like a quick win with some domestic constituencies, but they are not wins in the long run. I felt desperate because, despite overwhelming evidence of the abuse, for years Australian authorities continued to claim – with no evidence – that the policy of sending asylum seekers to remote offshore locations is the only way to save …

Australia to move child refugees on Nauru to the US
6 years, 1 month ago

Australia to move child refugees on Nauru to the US

Al Jazeera  

Nauru is one of two camps where refugees and asylum seekers were put by Australian government. “Every asylum seeker child has now been removed from Nauru or has had their claim processed and has a clear path off the island,” Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday. Horrid conditions In 2017, Australia closed its Manus detention centre and tried …

Australia faces increased pressure over remote detention policy
6 years, 3 months ago

Australia faces increased pressure over remote detention policy

Al Jazeera  

UNHCR and Australian doctors criticise policy as more details of trauma of detainees on remote Pacific islands emerge. The Australian government, under pressure for its harsh migrant detention policy, has received a double blow as the United Nations and a leading doctors’ group again criticised its harsh treatment of refugees held on remote Pacific islands. The regional office of the …

Pressure mounts on Australia over child refugees held in Nauru
6 years, 5 months ago

Pressure mounts on Australia over child refugees held in Nauru

Al Jazeera  

Hundreds of people marched to the Australian parliament on Tuesday to demand the government suspend its policy of sending asylum seekers and refugees to remote Pacific territories, and bring children already detained on Manus Island to Australia. About 500 protesters representing 30 different groups from around rural Australia, including high school students, took part in the rally, amid mounting concern …

Refugees held by Australia languish in a world beyond suffering and suicide
6 years, 9 months ago

Refugees held by Australia languish in a world beyond suffering and suicide

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Kurdish journalist, filmmaker and human rights activist Behrouz Boochani has been held on Manus Island for over four years under Australia’s border protection policy. According to his friend, Salim set foot on Australian soil after 19 July 2013; this date marks the implementation of a policy that involves exiling people to Manus Island and Nauru. Video Ad Feedback …

UN official visiting Nauru detention centre concerned about 'shocking' mental health situation
6 years, 11 months ago

UN official visiting Nauru detention centre concerned about 'shocking' mental health situation

ABC  

A senior United Nations official has demanded the Federal Government reconsider its offshore processing policy as concerns about detainees' mental health grows. Key points: UNHCR says mental health situation on Nauru is particularly shocking Cites family separation as a major issue, gives example of catatonic 14yo girl separated from her mother UN is urging Australian Government to rethink its offshore …

Australians demand end to Manus Island and Nauru refugee centres
7 years ago

Australians demand end to Manus Island and Nauru refugee centres

Al Jazeera  

Rallies across Australia call for end to government’s policy on detention centres and to allow refugees in the country. Melbourne, Australia – Thousands of Australians marched in major cities across the country to protest the government’s treatment of refugees while demanding an end to its controversial policy of processing asylum seekers overseas. “It’s shameful and damning, the fact that this …

We can criticise Australia’s policy of detaining refugees on Pacific islands – but the UK is no better
7 years, 3 months ago

We can criticise Australia’s policy of detaining refugees on Pacific islands – but the UK is no better

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Aussies are famous for their hospitality, …

Australia's human rights record under scrutiny ahead of expected election to UN committee
7 years, 5 months ago

Australia's human rights record under scrutiny ahead of expected election to UN committee

ABC  

A coalition of community and human rights groups is set to deliver a damning picture of what it calls "Australia's backward slide" on human rights when it delivers its report to an expert panel of the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva today. Key points: Australia is seeking a seat on the UN Human Rights Committee A coalition of …

Why Australia’s detention centres on Nauru and Manus Island are still open
7 years, 7 months ago

Why Australia’s detention centres on Nauru and Manus Island are still open

Al Jazeera  

I’ve been making films for more than 20 years and this is the hardest film I have ever made. One year ago, on August 17, 2016, Papua New Guinea and Australia announced they would close the Manus Island offshore detention centre, after PNG’s Supreme Court had ruled the centre was illegal and in breach of fundamental human rights. by Eva …

Australia to pay $53m to Manus Island asylum seekers
7 years, 9 months ago

Australia to pay $53m to Manus Island asylum seekers

Al Jazeera  

Government says settlement with 1,905 Manus detainees, who sued over ‘hostile conditions’, is ‘not admission of guilt’. The Australian government has agreed to pay 70 million Australian dollars to more than 1,900 asylum seekers who sued over their treatment at the Manus Island detention centre on Papua New Guinea. “The people detained on Manus Island have endured extremely hostile conditions …

PNG: Asylum seekers fear for safety ahead of relocation
7 years, 10 months ago

PNG: Asylum seekers fear for safety ahead of relocation

Al Jazeera  

Human rights groups and asylum seekers fear violence as PNG prepares for the closure of the detention centre. Asylum seekers and human rights groups say Papua New Guinea’s decision to relocate hundreds of people held in an Australian-run detention centre at Manus Island to a remote town will expose them to violence and inadequate medical care. PNG Immigration officials told …

Government can detain asylum seekers brought to Australia for medical reasons, High Court finds
7 years, 10 months ago

Government can detain asylum seekers brought to Australia for medical reasons, High Court finds

ABC  

The Federal Government continues to have the power to detain people brought to Australia from offshore detention for medical and other reasons, the High Court has ruled. Their lawyers argued under the constitution the Government's detention powers extended only to those seeking entry with a visa or in the process of being expelled or deported. Legal aid vows to keep …

Australian leader vague on fate of asylum seekers
7 years, 11 months ago

Australian leader vague on fate of asylum seekers

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — The future of hundreds of asylum seekers languishing at an Australian-run detention center in Papua New Guinea remained in doubt on Saturday, with the leaders of both countries declining to provide details about what will happen to the men if a deal to resettle them in the United States falls through. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said during …

Federal Government urged to find solution for all asylum seekers on Manus Island, Nauru: UNHCR
8 years, 4 months ago

Federal Government urged to find solution for all asylum seekers on Manus Island, Nauru: UNHCR

ABC  

The United Nations refugee agency says the Federal Government must find a solution for all asylum seekers held on Manus Island and Nauru, and not just those recognised as refugees. Key points: The US and Australia have agreed to a one-off refugee resettlement deal for people on Manus Island, Nauru UNHCR will endorse the arrangement, but has called on both …

UN human rights investigator to visit Australia's immigration detention centres
8 years, 4 months ago

UN human rights investigator to visit Australia's immigration detention centres

ABC  

Australia's immigration laws are set to come under the microscope as the United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights of migrants arrives in Australia today. "This is an opportunity for me to understand how Australia manages its overall migration policies, and their impact on the human rights of migrants," he said. "The act prevents me from fully and freely …

Refugee, asylum seeker ban won't break international obligations, Peter Dutton says
8 years, 4 months ago

Refugee, asylum seeker ban won't break international obligations, Peter Dutton says

ABC  

Australia will not be breaking its international obligations by banning refugees and asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru from ever coming to the country, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says. Key points: The UN's Article 31 states that signatories "shall not impose penalties on account of their illegal entry … on refugees" Mr Dutton says the legislation meets the obligations …

Amnesty International says Nauru refugee policy breaks international human rights laws
8 years, 5 months ago

Amnesty International says Nauru refugee policy breaks international human rights laws

ABC  

Australia's policy of holding refugees on Nauru indefinitely amounts to a systematic violation of human rights and possibly constitutes torture, international human rights organisation Amnesty has said in a damning report. Key points: Amnesty International releases damning report about conditions on Nauru Police accused of failing to act on abuse cases Australian Government says it provides support to refugees The …

'I Felt Like I Was A Slave'; Report Slams Conditions For Refugees On Nauru
8 years, 5 months ago

'I Felt Like I Was A Slave'; Report Slams Conditions For Refugees On Nauru

NPR  

'I Felt Like I Was A Slave'; Report Slams Conditions For Refugees On Nauru Enlarge this image toggle caption DigitalGlobe/ScapeWare3d/DigitalGlobe/Getty Images DigitalGlobe/ScapeWare3d/DigitalGlobe/Getty Images A newly released report describes disintegrating mental health among dozens of the more than 1,100 people being held by Australia on the Pacific island nation of Nauru. The Amnesty report characterizes the overall scale of the mental …

UN slams Nauru's treatment of asylum seeker, refugee children
8 years, 5 months ago

UN slams Nauru's treatment of asylum seeker, refugee children

ABC  

The Nauruan Government's treatment of asylum seeker and refugee children has been heavily criticised by the United Nations, which has called for action on a number of fronts. Key points: UN report outlines life-threatening conditions, inhuman treatment, and self-harm by young children Nauruan Government urged to implement more than 100 measures Report also criticises restrictions on media and other organisations …

Nauru: Australia’s Guantanamo Bay?
8 years, 6 months ago

Nauru: Australia’s Guantanamo Bay?

Al Jazeera  

In 2013, Australia’s government announced a tough new policy towards refugees travelling by boat to its shores. There, in Nauru and on Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island, they are still held in what Australia’s government calls “regional processing centres”. Nauru’s “detention centre” first opened in 2001, under a policy brought in by Australia’s conservative Liberal Party – the so-called “Pacific …

Nauru: A place of abuse and desperation
8 years, 6 months ago

Nauru: A place of abuse and desperation

Al Jazeera  

Following recent revelations, giving further details of conditions for asylum seekers in Australia’s offshore detention network, a former refugee prison camp employee, Natasha Blucher, has told Al Jazeera of her relief at seeing the publication of documents leaked from within the system, reporting on alleged human rights abuses against some 442 people who remain on Nauru as asylum seekers. “It …

Leaked documents reveal ‘abuse and mistreatment’ of refugees at Australian offshore detention centre
8 years, 7 months ago

Leaked documents reveal ‘abuse and mistreatment’ of refugees at Australian offshore detention centre

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Horrific accounts of sexual abuse, …

Nauru: Leak reveals children sexually abused at prison
8 years, 7 months ago

Nauru: Leak reveals children sexually abused at prison

Al Jazeera  

Thousands of abuse and assault cases outlined in documents leaked to the Guardian paint a grim picture of life in Nauru. More than 2,000 incidents, including sexual abuse, assault and attempted self-harm, were reported over two years at an Australian prison for asylum seekers in Nauru, more than half involving children, the Guardian has reported. Leaked documents published by the …

Australia deliberately ignores refugee abuse: report
8 years, 7 months ago

Australia deliberately ignores refugee abuse: report

Al Jazeera  

Two leading rights groups accuse Australia of ignoring abuse to deter people from trying to travel to the country. An estimated 1,200 men, women and children who sought refuge in Australia were transferred instead to Nauru as “part of an Australian government policy since 2012”, Al Jazeera’s Jonah Hull reported. The joint report – compiled by researchers from Amnesty International …

Rights groups: Australia ignoring abuse at refugee camps
8 years, 7 months ago

Rights groups: Australia ignoring abuse at refugee camps

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — Human rights groups accused Australia on Wednesday of deliberately ignoring the alleged abuse of asylum seekers being held at a remote Pacific island detention facility in a bid to deter future refugees from trying to reach the country by boat. A scathing joint report by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said detainees on the Pacific island nation …

PNG Supreme Court adjourns resettlement decision for refugees on Manus Island
8 years, 8 months ago

PNG Supreme Court adjourns resettlement decision for refugees on Manus Island

ABC  

A court case involving five refugees at the Australian-run detention centre on Manus Island has been adjourned until next week. Ben Lomai, the lawyer representing the refugees, said the case was based on a Supreme Court ruling in April that found the Manus facility was unlawful and unconstitutional. ABC's FactCheck investigates Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has said April's ruling would …

There is increasing evidence that Australia is torturing refugees, medical experts claim
8 years, 8 months ago

There is increasing evidence that Australia is torturing refugees, medical experts claim

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. …

Refugee sets herself on fire at Australia’s Nauru camp
8 years, 10 months ago

Refugee sets herself on fire at Australia’s Nauru camp

Al Jazeera  

Australian minister accuses refugee advocates of inciting self-harm after second incident of self-immolation in a week. However, the top UN body for refugees said such incidents in the camps, which hold asylum seekers fleeing violence and hardship in the Middle East, Afghanistan and South Asia, were a result of Australia’s tough offshore detention polices. ‘Political protest’ Last week, a 23-year-old …

Iranian refugee dies after setting himself on fire on Nauru
8 years, 10 months ago

Iranian refugee dies after setting himself on fire on Nauru

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — An Iranian refugee who set himself on fire at Australia’s immigration detention camp on the Pacific island nation of Nauru died of his injuries on Friday, officials said. Australia refuses to accept asylum seekers who try to reach its shores by boat and pays Nauru and Papua New Guinea to hold them in detention camps instead. The divisive …

Australia’s refugee camp in Papua New Guinea to close
8 years, 10 months ago

Australia’s refugee camp in Papua New Guinea to close

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — The fate of hundreds of asylum seekers being held in a detention center in Papua New Guinea was in limbo on Wednesday as the country’s prime minister announced the facility would close in response to a court ruling that Australia’s detention of the men on the island nation is illegal. Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said …

Papua New Guinea to close Australian refugee centre
8 years, 10 months ago

Papua New Guinea to close Australian refugee centre

Al Jazeera  

PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s announcement comes after the country’s supreme court ruled the camp was illegal. Papua New Guinea has said it will close a refugee detention centre after the island nation’s Supreme Court ruled that Australia’s detention of asylum seekers there was illegal. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said in a statement on Wednesday that the facility on the …

PNG top court says Australia asylum camp is illegal
8 years, 11 months ago

PNG top court says Australia asylum camp is illegal

Al Jazeera  

Papua New Guinea’s Supreme Court has ruled that detention of asylum seekers on Manus Island is illegal and must stop. Papua New Guinea’s Supreme Court has ruled that Australia’s practice of detaining asylum seekers on the country’s northern Manus Island is illegal and must stop. In their 34-page finding the court ordered the Australian and Papua New Guinean governments to …

Australia court: Imprisoning refugees offshore is legal
9 years, 1 month ago

Australia court: Imprisoning refugees offshore is legal

Al Jazeera  

High Court rules in favour of government’s policy to detain asylum-seekers in offshore prisons, sparking an outcry. Australia’s High Court has ruled that the government’s offshore detention of refugees is legal, sparking an outcry from the UN and human rights groups. The legal case was brought by a Bangladeshi woman whose lawyers said her imprisonment on Nauru had been “funded, …

A tragic day for both asylum seekers and the law
9 years, 1 month ago

A tragic day for both asylum seekers and the law

ABC  

What Australia designed on Nauru is a sophisticated work-around: a way to wash its hands of responsibility for these asylum seekers. But it boils down to this: who is detaining the asylum seekers on Nauru; and, to the extent that Australia is involved in that, is it legal? I think these actions are worth reciting: designating Nauru as a "regional …

Human Rights Watch urges Australian Government to rethink 'abusive' policies on asylum seekers, refugees
9 years, 1 month ago

Human Rights Watch urges Australian Government to rethink 'abusive' policies on asylum seekers, refugees

ABC  

The Australian Government has been urged to rethink its "abusive" policies on asylum seekers and refugees, with an international human rights organisation highlighting its "failure to respect international standards". Key points: Human Rights Watch says Australia's treatment of asylum seekers, refugees taking 'heavy human toll' Criticises boat turn-backs, mandatory detention, sexual assault allegations within centres Immigration Department yet to comment; …

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