Amnesty International has warned that detention conditions on Christmas Island are deteriorating rapidly and asylum seekers there, as well as in other detention centres around the country, are at grave risk of self-harm and mental illness.
An Amnesty International delegation has just returned from an inspection tour of Christmas Island, the Curtin detention centre in Western Australia, and detention facilities in Darwin.
“Morale within Australia’s detention facilities is quickly getting worse, leading to rising incidences of self-harm and attempted suicide,” said Dr Graham Thom, Refugee Campaign Coordinator for Amnesty International Australia.
From 2 – 9 October 2010 Amnesty International visited the Northern Immigration Detention Centre and the APODs (alternative places of detention) in Darwin, the Curtin Immigration Detention Centre, and detention facilities on Christmas Island. The visit was organised in cooperation with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. While visiting the centres Amnesty International had the opportunity to meet with detained asylum seekers on both an individual and group basis. The organisation also met with staff and service providers.
On the 3rd of November 2010 from 1-2pm Graham Thom will report on his trip in more detail. There will also be time to ask him questions. Activists are invited to come to the NSW action centre (Level 1, 79 Myrtle Street, Chippendale) or to dial in (dial in number is 1800 153 721 and the PIN is 261 358).
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