2017-12-15
The government's ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment is welcome but the inspection regime must include Australia's offshore detention system, Greens Justice Spokesperson Nick McKim says.
"The government's decision to ratify OPCAT is an important and welcome human rights decision," Senator McKim said.
"It has the potential to improve conditions in, and oversight of, prisons and places of detention across Australia."
"Given the mistreatment and deliberate harm caused to people in Australia's care on Manus Island and Nauru, the protocol must provide for independent inspection of offshore detention centres."
"Australia's offshore detention centres on Manus Island and Nauru are legally and morally this government's responsibility, and they need to be held accountable for them."