Is Australia engaged in torturing asylum seekers? A cautionary tale for Europe
- PMID: 27334705
- DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2015-103326
Is Australia engaged in torturing asylum seekers? A cautionary tale for Europe
Abstract
Australian immigration detention has been identified as perpetuating ongoing human rights violations. Concern has been heightened by the assessment of clinicians involved and by the United Nations that this treatment may in fact constitute torture. We discuss the allegations of torture within immigration detention, and the reasons why healthcare providers have an ethical duty to report them. Finally, we will discuss the protective power of ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment as a means of providing transparency and ethical guidance.
Keywords: Prisoners; Right to Healthcare; Torture and Genocide.
Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/
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