Ombudsman paints a damning picture of immigration detention

2023-01-23

A new Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) report by the Commonwealth Ombudsman into immigration detention reveals the disturbing and inhumane reality for those being detained, the Greens say. 

"This report shows that people in immigration detention centers are being subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment, including physical restraint without proper justification or medical guidance," Greens Immigration spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“The report also highlights the use of firefighting equipment on Christmas Island as a technique to control the movement of people in detention and to clear them from particular areas, which is completely unacceptable and must be investigated immediately.”

"Labor must now take responsibility for inhumane conditions in its immigration detention centres, and take immediate action to investigate and fix these issues." 

"We cannot stand idly by as the basic human rights of those in detention are continually violated."

“This report is yet another argument for a Royal Commission into offshore and onshore immigration detention, and an end to mandatory immigration detention.”

The report can be read here.