[Greens-Media] SENATOR KERRY NETTLE: Floating extra-judicial prisons proposal a new low in already poor human rights record

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

Floating extra-judicial prisons proposal a new low in already poor human
rights record

3.8.2006

Australian Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today accused the federal
government of bringing Australia's human rights record to a new low by
planning to hold asylum seekers and suspected illegal fishermen in
privately owned floating prisons without access to legal protection.

"Australia should not have private floating prisons with deck mounted
machine guns and in our northern waters. The idea is appalling" said
Senator Nettle.

"This policy harks back to Australia's penal history, when we should be
at the forefront of compassionate and human solutions to border issues.

"The proposal appears to allow customs officials to detain without
charge or access to legal support for a month in prison cells on board a
private ship. This would amount to a breach of human rights.

"The Customs Minister must explain how these proposals are consistent
with our domestic and international human rights obligations.

"It is particularly disturbing that private vessels may be involved in
intercepting asylum seekers.  A recent Senate Inquiry heard of the great
concern that intercepting and turning around asylum seekers at sea to
contravened fundamental aspects of the Refugee Convention and
international law.  

"The privatisation of immigration detention has proved a disaster.  The
privatisation of customs operations is equally fraught.

"There may be difficulties in policing our northern waters but the
solutions must not include compromising human rights.

"If this proposal goes ahead we will see more human tragedies
perpetrated on this government's watch."

Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146