Call on Australia to improve transparency in all places of detention
Why hasn't Australia agreed to strengthen preventative mechanisms against torture?
The Optional Protocol in the Convention against Torture or OPCAT is an international law which provides for independent oversight in places of detentions. 73 countries have signed onto OPCAT and strengthened the safeguards for people deprived of their liberty. Yet despite a UN recommendation, Australia still hasn't ratified this law.
Ratification of this law would set up the National Preventative Mechanisms which will allow the UN to conduct independent and autonomous visits to places including prison lock-ups, prisons, detention centres and mental health institutions.
In November this year the Australian Government will be reviewed by the UN on its performance under the Convention Against Torture. Right now, in the lead up to the UN review, we have a small window of opportunity to put pressure on Minister Brandis to ratify the OPCAT.
Take action to strengthen Australia's human rights protections.
To: Senator the Hon George Brandis QC,
In November this year the Australian Government will be reviewed by the UN on its performance under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). I urge you to:
-- Act on the 2008 CAT review recommendations and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention in order to strengthen Australian mechanisms in the prevention against torture including unscheduled independent inspections of all places of detention;
-- Take this opportunity to provide more comprehensive human rights protection and fortify the safeguards for people deprived of their liberty;
-- Work with state and territory attorneys general to pass legislation required to set up the National Preventative Mechanisms.
[Your comments here]
Yours sincerely,
[Your name here]
