An independent expert has found aspects of Australia's asylum-seeker policies have breached the United Nations Convention Against Torture.
Australian media says a report addressing concerns about Australia's detention camp in Papua New Guinea, as well as amendments to maritime laws, is due to be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council today.
A sign on a fence orders guards to carry hooked knives used to cut the rope of people who attempt to hang themselves. Photo: AAP
It was prepared by the UN special rapporteur on torture, Juan Mendez.
The director of legal advocacy at the Human Rights Law Centre, Daniel Webb, says the report finds the detention of asylum seekers and conditions at the centre on Manus Island violate the convention.
Mr Webb says the torture convention prohibits subjecting people to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the report confirms Australia is failing to meet this basic standard.
The Manus Island detention centre has been the focus of ongoing detainee protests, including a fatal beating of an asylum seeker.
In February, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Canberra to reconsider its refugee policy.
