After numerous allegations of torture and ill-treatment, especially of indigenous people in Australian prisons, the state wants to improve and cooperate. However, the state of New South Wales is now denying a UN mission access to a detention center.
Australia barred United Nations inspectors from a detention center during their first anti-torture mission to the country. The authorities in the Australian state of New South Wales gave the reason for the lack of “prior approval”. “They were denied access to the cells because they did not have prior authorization,” a state government spokesman said.
Australia has repeatedly faced allegations of human rights violations – particularly against indigenous people – for its treatment of detainees in prisons, juvenile detention centers and immigration camps. The country signed the UN Volunteer Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) in 2017, committing to implement reforms to protect prisoners and have facilities inspected.
But Australia’s implementation has been patchy, said former prison inspector Steven Caruana, who currently helps monitor compliance with UN commitments. Some states, such as New South Wales, have been delaying prison reforms to secure more money from the federal government, he said. He described Australia’s compliance with OPCAT as “fragmented”.
Lorraine Finlay, the Australian government’s human rights officer, said New South Wales has been slow to move forward with reforms. The UN visit “met with resistance” from the government there. Meanwhile, neighboring Queensland said it would work with the inspectors but would not allow them to visit inpatient units at psychiatric facilities.
Australia has until January 2023 to meet its commitments. If the deadline is not met, there will be no sanctions, but the country could be put on a list of countries with serious human rights problems.
