A Just Australia  13 May 2004 

Human Rights Commission finds cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment

The Human Rights Commission's Report of the Inquiry into Children in Detention - "A Last Resort?" was tabled in Federal Parliament today.

The Inquiry, which commenced in November 2001, has made three key findings and five recommendations, and comprehensively corroborates the concerns that we have all been raising. It's been a very grim period, and for 151 children, it continues.

"Cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment" of children is not something Australia can be proud of. 92% of the children who came by boat and went
through the incarceration in Woomera, Curtin, Pt Hedland and later Baxter, were found to be legitimate refugees. We have denied them their rights to
protection and care that we promised to provide all children.

The full report, and a useful summary, is available on the Human Rights Commission website, at www.hreoc.gov.au.