http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/18610852/detaining-of-refugees-inhumane-un/

Australia has been accused of almost 150 violations of international law by a United Nations committee for its "inhumane" indefinite detention of 46 refugees.

The United Nations Human Rights Committee has called for the mainly Tamil refugees to be freed and labelled their detention "cruel, inhumane and degrading".

The complaint was lodged three years ago by Professor Ben Saul from the University of Sydney's Centre for International Law.

He says the findings are embarrassing and will damage Australia's international reputation.

"We frequently criticise the human rights performance of other countries and yet we don't have our house in order," Professor Saul told AAP on Thursday.

The detainees were given refugee status, but were deemed a security threat and held in detention for at least two and a half years.

They say they've been unable to challenge the legality of their detention in Australian courts.

The UN body said their detention was arbitrary and broke the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Australia has 180 days to respond to the findings.

The federal government told the committee releasing classified details would compromise the assessment system and national security.

However it did explain the refugees posed one or more of three specific risks.

These were the threat of fomenting violence in Australia, providing a safe haven for organisations to prepare attacks against their homeland's government, and of raising funds in Australia for foreign terrorists.

Prof Saul is hopeful the findings will be enough to shift the government's position on indefinite detention.

"I think now it's really beyond doubt that these are very serious and numerous violations of international law," he said.

Amnesty International said Australia's policy of indefinite detention of refugees had become "an international embarrassment" and a stain on its legal system.

Meanwhile, the immigration department on Thursday released a three-minute subtitled video of asylum seekers on Papua New Guinea's Manus Island warning others not to take boat journeys to Australia.

Their faces are blurred out but their voices are clear as they describe their ordeals.

"Please, I'm asking people, it's a big mistake, please don't take this journey," one man says.

Another man describes how people smugglers promised him $10,000 on arrival in Australia.

He said they took him and other refugees to a small hut in a jungle.

There they were locked up with no proper food or water, and had to go to the toilet in plastic bags.

Immigration Minister Tony Burke said the men interviewed were offered no incentive and were not prompted or told what to say.

Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young described the video as "hostage-style".

Maqqa wrote on Aug 22^nd, 2013 at 11:30pm:

http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/18610852/detaining-of-refugees-inhumane-un/ Australia has been accused of almost 150 violations of international law by a United Nations committee for its "inhumane" indefinite detention of 46 refugees. The United Nations Human Rights Committee has called for the mainly Tamil refugees to be freed and labelled their detention "cruel, inhumane and degrading". The complaint was lodged three years ago by Professor Ben Saul from the University of Sydney's Centre for International Law. He says the findings are embarrassing and will damage Australia's international reputation. "We frequently criticise the human rights performance of other countries and yet we don't have our house in order," Professor Saul told AAP on Thursday. The detainees were given refugee status, but were deemed a security threat and held in detention for at least two and a half years. They say they've been unable to challenge the legality of their detention in Australian courts. The UN body said their detention was arbitrary and broke the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Australia has 180 days to respond to the findings. The federal government told the committee releasing classified details would compromise the assessment system and national security. However it did explain the refugees posed one or more of three specific risks. These were the threat of fomenting violence in Australia, providing a safe haven for organisations to prepare attacks against their homeland's government, and of raising funds in Australia for foreign terrorists. Prof Saul is hopeful the findings will be enough to shift the government's position on indefinite detention. "I think now it's really beyond doubt that these are very serious and numerous violations of international law," he said. Amnesty International said Australia's policy of indefinite detention of refugees had become "an international embarrassment" and a stain on its legal system. Meanwhile, the immigration department on Thursday released a three-minute subtitled video of asylum seekers on Papua New Guinea's Manus Island warning others not to take boat journeys to Australia. Their faces are blurred out but their voices are clear as they describe their ordeals. "Please, I'm asking people, it's a big mistake, please don't take this journey," one man says. Another man describes how people smugglers promised him $10,000 on arrival in Australia. He said they took him and other refugees to a small hut in a jungle. There they were locked up with no proper food or water, and had to go to the toilet in plastic bags. Immigration Minister Tony Burke said the men interviewed were offered no incentive and were not prompted or told what to say. Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young described the video as "hostage-style".

Yes.  100% correct.


As you have just quoted:

They say they've been unable to challenge the legality of their detention in Australian courts.

The UN body said their detention was arbitrary and broke the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

- which is exactly what the Liberal Party wants to do too:

As part of the toughened policy, a Coalition government will scrap the right of asylum seekers to appeal to the courts...Opposition immigration spokesman Scott Morrison said the Coalition would return to a ''non-statutory'' process, in which a single caseworker would decide the fate of asylum seekers.


http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/tony-abbott-evokes-john-howard-in-slamming-doors-on-asylum-seekers-20130815-2rzzy.html#ixzz2chqUwcPW

I assume that you will now be voting Green like other right-minded people?

Not possible maqqa. Getup and all the lefties have been too quiet. All must be good.

Yawn!

All the solutions proposed in the last few years have been deemed inhumane. Nothing new there.

SOB

http://spotofborg.com/files/persecution5.jpg

Listen...

I hate Rudd just as much as the next guy but please...

would anyone listen to anything the brow beating UN had to say?

there's supposed to be human atrocities in Syria and other places around the world,, but oh no...

instead, the UN is worried about Australia where everyone gets treated like kings...

pahlease...  give me a break...  ::)

if you quote anything the UN says you lose credibility...

Maqqa's obsession with personalising everything is pathetic.

This isn't about Rudd. It's about successive Australian governments, both Liberal and Labor, who have pursued increasingly inhumane refugee policies.

This issue is Australia's shame internationally and the UN is just doing its job in pointing this out.

Maqqa wrote on Aug 22^nd, 2013 at 11:30pm:

Meanwhile, the immigration department on Thursday released a three-minute subtitled video of asylum seekers on Papua New Guinea's Manus Island warning others not to take boat journeys to Australia. Their faces are blurred out but their voices are clear as they describe their ordeals. "Please, I'm asking people, it's a big mistake, please don't take this journey," one man says. Another man describes how people smugglers promised him $10,000 on arrival in Australia.

this is the worst thing I have ever seen... one of our govt depts making videos of these people to undo what they should never have done in the first place.


this is the dregs of a govt completely unraveling..

its a shocker I am ashamed we would stoop to what pirates and kidnappers stoop too..

APPALLING LABOR APPALLING.

Peter Freedman wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 8:56am:

Maqqa's obsession with personalising everything is pathetic. This isn't about Rudd. It's about successive Australian governments, both Liberal and Labor, who have pursued increasingly inhumane refugee policies. This issue is Australia's shame internationally and the UN is just doing its job in pointing this out.

I disagree entirely when Labor took over there were 5 people on Nauru. and certainly no CHILDREN.... as has been pointed out by many LABOR people on here.. almost 65% of those people ended up in this country.. the rest went to countries that wanted them  even NZ......there was and always will be troublemakers they are not what i would call a true refugee...

what they put up with in our detention centres was nothing to what they would have put up with in MALAYSIA for instance....

everything they get is free even legalaid... its a joke.. because it isnt enough..I dont get free legalaid..and neither do you.

Australia has been in CONSTANT violation of human rights and the UN Convention on the Status of Refugees began the day the Keating Government introduced mandatory detention ( ... albeit, with legal rights)

Australia's reputation plummeted FURTHER, with the Howard Government's off shore "FINAL SOLUTION" - as a means to REMOVE all legal rights

The "race to the bottom" on the human rights and treatment of refugees went into reverse under the FIRST Rudd Government - deteriorated under the Gillard Government - and took a side-step under the SECOND Rudd Government

Criticism from the UN is hardly anything NEW

progressiveslol wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 12:36am:

Getup and all the lefties have been too quiet. All must be good.

http://www.thepunch.com.au/images/uploads/getup.jpg



The day Australia closed its door

The Australian Government's recently announced asylum seeker policy will see anyone, who arrives by boat, sent to Papua New Guinea for processing and resettlement – regardless of whether they're found to have a legitimate claim for asylum.

What MPs hear from the community now is of huge influence, and there's so much we need to fight for now. Email your MP using the tool on the right - or click here to give them a call.

https://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/refugees/the-day-australia-closed-the-door/the-day-australia-closed-its-door

Here's what's at stake in coming weeks:
•Will the Government pay for this policy by reducing Australia's foreign aid?
•Will we address the inhumane conditions asylum seeker children and families are being held in?
•Will the Government increase Australia's humanitarian intake of approved refugees?

http://www.thepunch.com.au/images/uploads/getup.jpg


Current Campaign Actions

Refugees & asylum seekers

As seen on The Project - the government may have put Australia's detention centres offshore and out of sight, but that doesn't mean that these detainees are out of our mind. For the first time, hear the first-hand stories of children Manus' forgotten children. Click here to see the TV ads that have been created using real drawings done by children detained on Manus Island, and excerpts from real phone interviews with asylum seekers currently in detention - and help their message get out by chipping in to put this ad on the air.

https://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/refugees/out-of-sight-in-our-minds/out-of-sight-in-our-minds


https://d68ej2dhhub09.cloudfront.net/image_2051_full.jpg

I wonder what the UN says about the liberals policy .... care to put that up Gumpy?

Macca and the UN are correct. Labor policy in this area is atrocious.

That is what they get for their Me Too decisions on Liberals miserable position.

John Smith wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 11:03am:

I wonder what the UN says about the liberals policy .... care to put that up Gumpy?

Being the drownings of all on board that occur when the boat sinks pointed to Indonesia - instead of Australia ?

A MASSIVE difference in - and far more humane - policy

buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 11:14am:

John Smith wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:03am: I wonder what the UN says about the liberals policy .... care to put that up Gumpy? Being the drownings of all on board that occur when the boat sinks pointed to Indonesia - instead of Australia ? A MASSIVE difference in - and far more humane - policy

REALLY YOU HAVE THE LINK WHERE THE UN SAYS THAT???...


YOU SEE IF RUDD HADNT CHANGED THE PACIFIC SOLUTION THESE PEOPLE WOULD NEVER HAVE TRIED THE PEOPLE SMUGGLERS IN THE FIRST PLACE... SO HOW YOU CAN BLAME INDONESIA.. [VERY CONVENIENT] I DONT KNOW.


what on earth would you know about humane????


whats humane about getting asylum seekers to make videos telling people not to come here because of rudds stuff up...
faces blurred of course..

we look like terrorists.... they do that... >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(


what next??? I dread to think.. >:( >:( >:( >:(

Screw the UN, the agenda of that useless bunch 0f articles is World Domination with them as the centre of the universe.

Now those unfortunates in Syria have been killed and maimed with nerve gas, let's see what the UN does.

Save you the bother, they'll do nothing as per usual. They're good with advice but on the ground useless.

They have presided over more genocides than I care to remember.

Africa, Europe, name a continent and you'll a place where the UN troops stood by whilst butchers plied their trade.

Rawanda, Bosnia, Middle East etc. etc.

UN go home!

cods wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 11:20am:

buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:14am: John Smith wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:03am: I wonder what the UN says about the liberals policy .... care to put that up Gumpy? Being the drownings of all on board that occur when the boat sinks pointed to Indonesia - instead of Australia ? A MASSIVE difference in - and far more humane - policy REALLY YOU HAVE THE LINK WHERE THE UN SAYS THAT???...

It's the LibNat policy, Nana - not the UN's

( ... ditch those aluminium saucepans)

buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 11:37am:

cods wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:20am: buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:14am: John Smith wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:03am: I wonder what the UN says about the liberals policy .... care to put that up Gumpy? Being the drownings of all on board that occur when the boat sinks pointed to Indonesia - instead of Australia ? A MASSIVE difference in - and far more humane - policy REALLY YOU HAVE THE LINK WHERE THE UN SAYS THAT???... It's the LibNat policy, Nana - not the UN's ( ... ditch those aluminium saucepans)

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Vic wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 11:43am:

buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:37am: cods wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:20am: buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:14am: John Smith wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:03am: I wonder what the UN says about the liberals policy .... care to put that up Gumpy? Being the drownings of all on board that occur when the boat sinks pointed to Indonesia - instead of Australia ? A MASSIVE difference in - and far more humane - policy REALLY YOU HAVE THE LINK WHERE THE UN SAYS THAT???... It's the LibNat policy, Nana - not the UN's ( ... ditch those aluminium saucepans) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

LOL

Joan wants to know about a policy that isn’t even in place.

And Buzz has extracted the crystal ball from it’s date.

And Big chick think it’s hilarious.

Maroons…..

;D

red baron wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 11:31am:

Screw the UN, the agenda of that useless bunch 0f articles is World Domination with them as the centre of the universe. Now those unfortunates in Syria have been killed and maimed with nerve gas, let's see what the UN does. They're good with advice but on the ground useless.

The UN are an ADVISORY body made up of member nations

The UN is NOT an army, navy or airforce


"world domination" ?

You read WAY too many conspiracy theories !!

FriYAY wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 11:50am:

Vic wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:43am: buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:37am: cods wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:20am: buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:14am: John Smith wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:03am: I wonder what the UN says about the liberals policy .... care to put that up Gumpy? Being the drownings of all on board that occur when the boat sinks pointed to Indonesia - instead of Australia ? A MASSIVE difference in - and far more humane - policy REALLY YOU HAVE THE LINK WHERE THE UN SAYS THAT???... It's the LibNat policy, Nana - not the UN's ( ... ditch those aluminium saucepans) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D LOL Joan wants to know about a policy that isn’t even in place. And Buzz has extracted the crystal ball from it’s date. And Big chick think it’s hilarious. Maroons….. ;D

And biscuit eater falls for the lot and comments anyway - window licker  ::)

FriYAY wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 11:50am:

Joan wants to know about a policy that isn’t even in place.And Buzz has extracted the crystal ball from it’s date.And Big chick think it’s hilarious.Maroons…..

The word is Morons, you moron.

John Smith wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 12:04pm:

FriYAY wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:50am: Joan wants to know about a policy that isn’t even in place.And Buzz has extracted the crystal ball from it’s date.And Big chick think it’s hilarious.Maroons….. The word is Morons, you moron.

Well Joan I got suspended for calling some moron a moron, so I thought I’d write maroons. ;)

But it’s totally hilarious for me that this is all you had to come back with. ;D

In the interests of fairness I imagine your suspension will start as soon as your reply is seen. :o

Vic wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 12:00pm:

FriYAY wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:50am: Vic wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:43am: buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:37am: cods wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:20am: buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:14am: John Smith wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:03am: I wonder what the UN says about the liberals policy .... care to put that up Gumpy? Being the drownings of all on board that occur when the boat sinks pointed to Indonesia - instead of Australia ? A MASSIVE difference in - and far more humane - policy REALLY YOU HAVE THE LINK WHERE THE UN SAYS THAT???... It's the LibNat policy, Nana - not the UN's ( ... ditch those aluminium saucepans) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D LOL Joan wants to know about a policy that isn’t even in place. And Buzz has extracted the crystal ball from it’s date. And Big chick think it’s hilarious. Maroons….. ;D And biscuit eater falls for the lot and comments anyway - window licker  ::)

More personal abuse, oh my.

Between you and Joan you’ve just got the comebacks nailed!!

Pity neither of you could say much about the retardedness of your original comments.

::) ;D

The UNHRC will have little to say when the boats stop.
Do they have nothing to say on Syria or Egypt or do they just focus on western countries trying to protect their borders.

I think I might just be the most centrist person in the whole boat people debate.

I feel much the same about this topic as I did when Princess Diana died, I couldnt give a smack.

Release all refugees in detention………back to where they came from.

FriYAY wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 12:12pm:

John Smith wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 12:04pm: FriYAY wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:50am: Joan wants to know about a policy that isn’t even in place.And Buzz has extracted the crystal ball from it’s date.And Big chick think it’s hilarious.Maroons….. The word is Morons, you moron. Well Joan I got suspended for calling some moron a moron, so I thought I’d write maroons. ;) but you still called us morons ... you just spelt it wrongly ... if they want to suspend you for it they still can But it’s totally hilarious for me that this is all you had to come back with. ;D there was nothing to come back for .... you haven't explained what the UN says about the libs. refugee policy. Having a rant about nothing does not constitute a reply In the interests of fairness I imagine your suspension will start as soon as your reply is seen. :o maybe you could help the process along and report it?

Quote:

UN - Rudd is inhumane

Wrong! Mr Rudd heads up the Australian Labor Party - the 'progressive and enlightened' party.

FriYAY wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 12:12pm:

John Smith wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 12:04pm: FriYAY wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:50am: Joan wants to know about a policy that isn’t even in place.And Buzz has extracted the crystal ball from it’s date.And Big chick think it’s hilarious.Maroons….. The word is Morons, you moron. I got suspended for calling some moron a moron

I DOUBT it

Longweekend58 would get suspended two or three times a DAY !

FriYAY wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 12:16pm:

Vic wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 12:00pm: FriYAY wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:50am: Vic wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:43am: buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:37am: cods wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:20am: buzzanddidj wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:14am: John Smith wrote on Aug 23rd, 2013 at 11:03am: I wonder what the UN says about the liberals policy .... care to put that up Gumpy? Being the drownings of all on board that occur when the boat sinks pointed to Indonesia - instead of Australia ? A MASSIVE difference in - and far more humane - policy REALLY YOU HAVE THE LINK WHERE THE UN SAYS THAT???... It's the LibNat policy, Nana - not the UN's ( ... ditch those aluminium saucepans) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D LOL Joan wants to know about a policy that isn’t even in place. And Buzz has extracted the crystal ball from it’s date. And Big chick think it’s hilarious. Maroons….. ;D And biscuit eater falls for the lot and comments anyway - window licker  ::) More personal abuse, oh my. Between you and Joan you’ve just got the comebacks nailed!! Pity neither of you could say much about the retardedness of your original comments. ::) ;D

Lol - emoticons are comments now?  You must be the the bright hayseed in your country town - good on you Billy Bob! (listen to them banjos.....) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Verge wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2013 at 12:28pm:

I think I might just be the most centrist person in the whole boat people debate. I feel much the same about this topic as I did when Princess Diana died, I couldnt give a smack.

I am sure she would feel the same about you if you got smashed in a car wreck.... and or drowned at sea.... must make you feel real good.

Oh save me your hysteria cods. You don't care if they die at sea, you don't care if they die in their own country. You just don't want them here.

Sorry if I'm honest by saying I don't give a crap about the topic because for me it's not important.

I will say this, they have more balls than most getting on a boat I wouldn't crayfish on the Murray in, come across the seas and risk everything. More balls than a pommy overstaying their visa and never going home that's for sure.

Oh save me your hysteria cods. You don't care if they die at sea, you don't care if they die in their own country. You just don't want them here.

Sorry if I'm honest by saying I don't give a crap about the topic because for me it's not important.

I will say this, they have more balls than most getting on a boat I would crayfish on the Murray in, come across the seas and risk everything. More balls than a pommy overstaying their visa and never going home that's for sure.

The United Nations is a Zionist load of crud

As far as Rudd being inhumane, I neither know nor care what goes on in the scrambled eggs he uses for a brain

Far as I'm concerned, Rudd is a priggish, effeminate little biotch who is unaware really of the rights or existence of anything else on the planet

He's the worst case of self-absorption I've ever witnessed, and that's saying something

Even the corrupt grubs in his own party ratted on him

and he ratted on them

And that's why Australians are kicking them to the kerb in a few days

The United Nations can go masturbate itself.  It's just a breeding ground for psychopaths imo