28 Feb 2018

UN reiterates concern with Pacific detention of asylum seekers

7:39 am on 28 February 2018

A UN group says the detention of migrants and asylum seekers should be seen as a very last resort, used for the shortest period and only if justified.

Manus Island refugees protest at West Lorengau Haus.

Manus Island refugees protest at West Lorengau Haus. Photo: supplied

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has issued a new deliberation on the issue amid concern over the increasing use of detention of migrants, including in the Pacific.

The group has reaffirmed the absolute prohibition of arbitrary detention and the universal human right to seek asylum.

It said irregular entry and stay in a country by migrants should not be treated as a criminal offence.

The Nauru protest at OPC1 on Tuesday 9-8-17.

The Nauru protest at OPC1 on Tuesday 9-8-17. Photo: Refugee Action Coalition

The Working Group also said migrants have the right to bring proceedings before a court to challenge the legality of their detention, and to obtain appropriate remedies if their challenge is successful.

The deliberation has been issued to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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