PIAC welcomes the release of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s recommendations for how Australia should implement the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT), published on 29 June.
The release of ‘Implementing OPCAT in Australia’ is the final step in the Commission’s consultation process with civil society, inspectorate and monitoring bodies, and a number of state and territory governments and independent agencies.
PIAC Senior Solicitor, Jane Leibowitz said that this was a critical move towards the implementation of OPCAT in Australia.
‘We urgently need action on this issue. Since the Australian government ratified OPCAT in 2017, not enough has been done to ensure compliance,’ said Senior Solicitor, Jane Leibowitz.
‘The Australian government must act now to fulfil its commitment and protect people held in all forms of detention, including detained asylum seekers.’
The Australian Human Rights Commission’s report is available here.