Amnesty International leaders from the Asia Pacific region gathered at the Prime Minister's Sydney residence, Kirribilli House today to protest against the Australian Government's detention of children and people recognised as refugees on Nauru.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, the leaders of Amnesty International in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand called for the children's release.
112 children are currently detained by Australia in Nauru. These children are not covered by the recent Family Court decision that found the detention of asylum seeker children in Australia was probably unlawful.
Amnesty International Philippines Director, Jessica Soto said that detaining children and dividing families was unacceptable by international human rights standards.
"We have come to Prime Minister Howard's home to encourage him to reflect on the way his government's policies are denying refugees a home and disrupting the families of asylum seekers," Ms Soto said.
"The Prime Minister believes very strongly in the family unit. We urge him to remove the children and their families from detention on Nauru."
Amnesty International Thailand Director, Srirak Plipat said that Australia's stance on detention of children was particularly disappointing considering Australia's commitment to human rights.
"Australia has traditionally set a good example to those countries in our region where human rights freedoms are denied. We urge the Australian government to live up to this tradition and show leadership for the region on these human rights standards," Mr Plipat said.
Amnesty International Australian President, Russell Thirgood said the principles applying to the recent Family Court decision should also apply to the children on Nauru.
"The Court found that the detention of children in Australia was probably unlawful, but the children detained by Australia on Nauru are not covered by the courts," Mr Thirgood said.
"This situation is both cruel and unfair. The only way to fix it is to bring Australian law and policies in line with the international standards relating to refugees and asylum seekers."
Click Here for the Letter sent to the PM
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