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April 23, 2024

UN official slams Australia’s boat policy

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New High Commissioner of the United Nations (UN) for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein of Jordan. (AFP)
New High Commissioner of the United Nations (UN) for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein of Jordan. (AFP)

The United Nations’ top human rights official believes Australia’s policy of offshore processing of asylum seekers and turning back boats is leading to a chain of human rights violations.

The incoming UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein mentioned Australia in his maiden speech in Geneva.

He says they are concerned about the human rights situation of migrants around the world.

“I must emphasise that the detention of asylum seekers and migrants should only be applied as a last resort, in exceptional circumstances, for the shortest possible duration and according to procedural safeguards,” he said in his speech.

“Australia’s policy of offshore processing for asylum seekers arriving by sea, and its interception and turning back of vessels, is leading to a chain of human rights violations, including arbitrary detention and possible torture following return to home countries.

He thinks it could also lead to the resettlement of migrants in countries that are not adequately equipped.

The speech covers a range of other issues including Syria and Iraq.

Mr Al Hussein, who is from Jordan, replaces South African Navi Pillay as commissioner.


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2 COMMENTS

  1. He should concern himself more with the high rate of ‘honour’ killings of women in his own country, Jordan, and stop attacking Australia for defending our sovereign borders.

  2. The United Nations (UN) for Human Rights would have Us believe that granting asylum to whoever wants it is one of their highest priorities. Obviously the UN doesn’t consider it to be all that important. What gives their phony scheme away? The fact that the UN hasn’t offered to pay for the cost of granting that asylum. And of course Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein is still pretending that these are genuine refugees, despite the fact that they have managed to travel half way around the world before suddenly realizing they are running for their lives. I noticed Morocco hasn’t offered to take them in yet. Well Mr Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, this is a great opportunity for you to prove your sincerity by letting Morocco take them in. To put it simply, “It’s time for you to either put up or shut up”.

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