Australia rejects U.N. criticism of ‘human rights violations’

Australia Tuesday rejected United Nations criticism that its treatment of asylum-seekers was “leading to a chain of human rights violations” with Canberra saying abuses in Syria and Iraq were worse. New U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Zeid al-Hussein used his inaugural speech Monday to slam Australia’s offshore processing of asylum-seekers and turning back of boats. He said it was leading to “a chain of human rights violations, including arbitrary detention and possible torture following return to home countries”.

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

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Zeid al-Hussein

Under Canberra’s hardline immigration policy, boatpeople arriving in Australia since July 2013 - including children - have been sent to camps on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea and the remote Pacific state of Nauru. They are resettled in those countries if their refugee claims are approved. Australia has also worked to stem the flow of asylum-seekers through a military-led operation to turn boats back to countries such as Indonesia, where many begin the dangerous sea crossing. Immigration Minister Scott Morrison rejected the U.N. allegations and said he “would be pleased to meet to discuss these matters as I do on a regular basis with the UNHCR”.

The most flagrant abuse of human rights I am aware of is the beheading and crucifying of people in Syria and Iraq where Australia is seeking to relieve the humanitarian crisis.

Australian Immigration Minister, Scott Morrison

Asia-Pacific