Amnesty International Australia detention facilities visit 2012 findings and recommendations

Read the full text

PDFAmnesty International Australia detention facilities visit 2012 findings and recommendations

23 February 2012The initial findings of Amnesty International’s recent detention centre visits, reiterate the organisation’s long held position that the indefinite and prolonged detention of asylum seekers in Australia is a failed policy that contravenes human rights standards.

The most serious and damaging conditions faced by asylum seekers in immigration detention are the length of time and the indefinite nature of their imprisonment. Among the asylum seekers who had been in detention for extended periods, self harm and attempted suicides were talked about as a fact of life. The use of sleeping pills and other medication was also widespread.

The Christmas Island Northwest Point Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) is overwhelmingly and unacceptably prison-like. The facility is too harsh to house people who have not committed a crime. Adding to the restrictive environment is the new behaviour management regime in the White compound.

Publication typeReport
Publisher TypeNon government organisation
CoverageAustralia
Permanent URLhttp://apo.org.au/node/28318
Views610

Related Topics

Detention centres

Immigration

Mental health

State government

International

Health

Social Policy

Justice

Related content

Most viewed: This week

1
Web and Information Coordinator - Australian Policy Online (Position number: 29499)
2
Evidence-free policy making? The case of income management
3
Legal and governance models for shared services in local government
4
Can nations measure well-being?
5
Six provocations for big data

Noticeboard

Australian Community Sector Survey
03 May 2012

Strengthen our voice - take part in the Australian Community Sector Survey

There's just under two weeks to go for Victoria's community sector organisations to help us provide an authentic snapshot of the state of demand for services in the state.

Indigenous Health Bulletin turns 30
03 April 2012

The Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin turns 30 on Sunday, 1 April.

The Australian Indigenous Health Bulletin started life in April 1982 as a hard-copy publication. It is now a peer-reviewed electronic journal published by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet.

Women's Health Victoria survey now open
08 March 2012

Women's Health Victoria (WHV) is a statewide women's health promotion, information and advocacy organisation, working with policy makers and health professionals to influence and inform health policy and service delivery.

The online survey is open to anyone who has used WHV's services, resources, or websites in the past 12 months. It covers: WHV publications, professional training, The Index database of gendered statistics, WHV Clearinghouse, BreaCan Service (supporting people diagnosed with breast or gynaecological cancer), capacity building, member services, and more.

Topics

APO