Confidentiality of Asylum Seeker Submissions
Legal orders were issued today by the Human Rights Commissioner, Sev Ozdowski, to ensure that asylum-seekers and other individuals who wish to make submissions to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention can do so in a safe and confidential manner.
"I am keen to hear from asylum-seekers - especially children - about their first hand experiences of our immigration detention system, but they need to feel safe in giving evidence. The directions that I am issuing today ensure that legal protection is given to individuals who want to give evidence but may be reluctant to publish their name," said Dr Ozdowski.
Amongst other things, the directions will provide anonymity to asylum-seekers or other individuals who request it.
To assist people wishing to make submissions, the Commission has also posted a list of "Frequently Asked Questions," about the Inquiry on its website. They may be found at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/children_detention/faq.html
Information about the Inquiry has been published in many languages, including Arabic and Farsi, to encourage submissions from asylum-seekers of all nationalities.
There are less than two weeks left for individuals, organisations and government departments to make submissions. The Commission has received approximately 70 submissions and expects many more prior to the deadline of May 3. Public hearings for the Inquiry will begin at the end of May.
For information about the Inquiry, including a copy of the Commissioner's orders and the reasons behind those orders, go to: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/children_detention/
Media contact: Janine
MacDonald (02) 9284 9880 or 0408 469 347
