The United Nations has accused Australia of a “clear breach” of its obligations under the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (Opcat).
The New South Wales government has refused inspectors entry into any facilities in the state and Queensland has blocked access to mental health wards.
Opcat was ratified by the federal government in 2017. This is the first time inspectors have visited Australia.
Under its mandate, the subcommittee on the prevention of torture (SPT) is able to make unannounced visits to all detention facilities and conduct private interviews with people deprived of their liberty without witnesses.
“State parties have an obligation to both receive the SPT in their territory and allow it to exercise its mandate in full,” delegation head, Aisha Shujune Muhammad, said. Muhammad added it was “concerning that four years after it ratified” it appeared Australia has “done little to ensure consistent implementation of Opcat obligations”.
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