The Howard Government’s resolution of a crisis on Nauru in 2005 points the way forward for dealing with the people currently held on Manus Island, writes Michael Gordon.

This report explains the circumstances that have led to millions of people around the world not being recognized as citizens, drawing on discussions with four stateless or formerly stateless minority groups.

After five years, the Australian government practice of offshore processing of asylum seekers on Manus Island is about to finish.

The Law Council of Australia considers that any regional responses to the flow of asylum seekers into and within the Asia-Pacific region must comply with the agreed standards set out in international legal instruments.

This report has drawn together the work of authors from multiple disciplines to explore the global phenomenon that is people smuggling. It has been developed to provide readers with a clear, concise and obtainable understanding of the issue and its complexity.