Australia: the impact of indefinite detention: the case to change Australia’s mandatory detention regime

In this report Amnesty International focuses on Australia’s mandatory detention policy, and in particular on how it has allowed for prolonged and indefinite detention. The policy is considered to be inconsistent with Australia’s international human rights obligations. In particular it violates the right to liberty and security of persons due to its lack of a case by case examination of the necessity and appropriateness of detention, consideration of a reasonable alternative to detention or access to independent review or an effective remedy. The report provides an overview of the international human rights and refugee law obligations that apply to Australia’s detention of asylum-seekers and refugees and makes clear that Australia’s policy does not accord with international law and standards.