For the Prime Minister of Australia:

Dear Scott Morrison,

I am writing to you because I am concerned about Australia’s refugee policy and human rights record. 1/20

Australia appeared before the United Nations Human Rights Council for its Universal Periodic Review in Geneva on January 20, 2021. More than 40 nations questioned Australia’s policies toward asylum seekers and refugees. 2/20

The 2021 Human Rights Watch concluded: “It is disappointing to see Australia doubling down on policies that have caused immense harm to asylum seekers and are repeatedly condemned by the United Nations and other governments. 3/20

While Australia has abandoned its responsibilities, it’s good to see the rest of the world has not.”

Since the year 2000, there have been dozens of deaths in Australia's immigration detentions and more than 20 suicides. 4/20

One man publicly set himself on fire at Nauru to protest how he was being treated. Several more have committed suicide after release. 5/20

Countless inquiries, including the government’s own doctors, report systematic abuse, violence and medical neglect of people seeking asylum in Australia. Despite all these calls, Australia continues to punish highly vulnerable people. 6/20

The cost is their lives, the Australian taxpayers and the sense of itself as a humane, decent country.

Since it is not an offence to arrive in Australia unauthorised or via any means to seek asylum why do you consider these people as “illegal”? 7/20

Can you please specify what offence do they commit? Do you believe it is right to detain adults and children who have not committed any offence? Do you believe Australia’s policy of indefinite mandatory detention of asylum seekers is humane, decent or fair? 8/20

How much does it cost Australia each year to pursue its current policy?

Today, there is a humane, legal and evidence based guide available to renew Australia’s refugee policy. 9/20

The Andrew and Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law at the University of NSW Sydney is the world’s leading research centre dedicated to the study of international refugee law. 10/20

The Centre was founded in 2013 by former refugees Andrew and Renata Kaldor who are now honorary doctorates. 11/20