The Australian Government and the Australian Red Cross have signed an agreement for the humanitarian organisation to assess and monitor the conditions of people in immigration detention.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said that Red Cross will provide independent scrutiny to ensure people in detention are being treated fairly and reasonably within the law.
‘The impartial scrutiny that Red Cross brings to immigration detention is an important factor in ensuring the Rudd Government’s key immigration detention values are independently monitored and verified,’ Senator Evans said.
‘The Government’s values state that people in immigration detention are treated fairly and reasonably within the law and that detention will ensure the inherent dignity of the human person.’
The agreement formalizes Red Cross’ continuing observer role as well as well-established arrangements for liaison, communication and consultation between Red Cross and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Under the agreement, Red Cross will also provide a range of services and assistance to people in immigration detention including:
* international tracing and messaging services for detainees to contact family members in their home countries
* country of origin news
* disaster information and inquiries
* emotional support.
‘Red Cross is an internationally respected humanitarian organization with an on-the-ground presence around the globe,’ Senator Evans said.
‘People know and trust Red Cross and the independent role it plays in assisting people in need.
‘The Rudd Government is committed to open and humane immigration detention policies, while maintaining strong border security.
‘Under this agreement, Red Cross will play a key role in delivering this commitment.’
The agreement with Red Cross complements the oversight arrangements provided by the Commonwealth Ombudsman and the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Source: Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
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